08 March 2026

Mike's Message
Hello to all members and to our extended network of Bulletin subscribers,
 
For those who may not have been informed, the club has made a confirmed decision on Blackburn Hotel for our Wednesday meetings for the foreseeable future. The staff and management have been very supportive in making a few adjustments for service and it's been a very positive experience so far.
 
So, if you're receiving this and haven't attended a meeting for a while, send us a message and come on down to see how things are going.
 
On the subject of our broader network, we'll be putting a bit of extra work into our promotion and recruitment efforts shortly. While full Rotarian members are always wanted and welcomed, there are other ways you can help us without committing at that level:
• volunteer for one of our hands-on events,
• spread the word about what our club does,
• host a sign or a donation point at your place of business,
• help us raise funds by buying some raffle tickets or similar, or
• just join us for one of the social activities we host over the year.
Every bit of support we receive helps us do the work to serve our local and international communities and provide the much-needed assistance in all our areas of focus.
 
This Wednesday we'll get to hear about a fantastic maternal and child health program being delivered in Bangladesh from a Rotarian directly involved in the project, Jahangir Allam.
 
And of course, many of us will be travelling down to Hobart for the conference next weekend.
 
See you Wednesday,
Mike Finke
Clean Up Australia Day 2026

Peter Koens (left) representing the Rotary Club of Nunawading on Clean Up Australia Day at Blackburn Lake.

March 2026 Eastsider News

The latest issue of Eastsider News is now on-line. Click on the link to read the March 2026 issue.

Even better, subscribe (it’s free) and you will get automatically notified of each new edition. Subscriber numbers are growing rapidly because the community wants a voice.

There are some great stories, and  those who contributed are thanked. Read about environmental community projects, animal care, interesting locals and their achievements.

Rotarians have been involved in this Eastsider publication and all the following stories: 
Front page - Whitehorse Activity Centre Update. (a great result and congratulations to all those who helped bring about this result) 
P6, 7 - The 100 Year Project 
P9 - The Round - two years on.
P14- Wildlife Care in the Eastern suburbs - inspiring. 
P15- Maintaining high energy into 2026- KKA 
P16- Natural nature strips
P21- From Nhill to the mountains of Myanmar. 
P22, 23 - Meet the Locals - Nicole Ryan - funeral celebrant and End-of-Life Doula 
P24 - Jackson’s Glasses 
P29 - Hippo Cake-Crumbs on Your Roof?

Also have a look at the free Community listings, from page 33-35, and events from pages 36-37. 

Happy reading -and please get your friends to do so as well.

Tour of Metro Tunnel Project

Another punchy advertisement for our Metro Tunnel Excursion.

  • Come join us this Wednesday.
  • Learn and appreciate our new Metro rail project.
  • Appreciate world class public art experiences.
  • Open your eyes and appreciate what we now have in Melbourne.
  • A new way of getting around... a project that has prioritised artistry over pure functionality.
  • So much to see, so much to take in.

Meet at STATE LIBRARY STATION, which is diagonally opposite the Public library in Swanston Street on the corner of La Trobe St.

If you are coming in by train, you can transfer directly from Melbourne Central Station- underground to State Library station without touching off on your MYKI card.

Meet at 10:15am for a 10:30am start at street level.  Our visit to the five stations should take approximately 1½ hours.  Wear walking shoes and light jacket or umbrella because possible showers are predicted.

We have 12 booked in for the excursion at the moment.  We can have an unlimited number - bring a friend. Please contact Stuart via SMS (0417 573 828) if you are intending to join us.

Trivia Night - Saturday 30 May 2026

  • We need volunteers to door-knock local businesses for prizes, vouchers etc.
  • Also, volunteers to help set up Friday and Saturday afternoons
  • Prizes for raffles, silent auctions and table winners
  • Save the date and make up tables of 8
SPEAKERS
Mar 25, 2026
Interplast - recent updates
Apr 01, 2026
Vic Pol Legacy
Apr 08, 2026
City of Whitehorse
Apr 15, 2026
Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association
Apr 22, 2026 6:30 PM
General Discussion about AI
Apr 29, 2026
ANZAC Day
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Tour of Metro Tunnel Project
State Library Station
Mar 25, 2026
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
 
Chatworks Dementia Cafe - 25 March
Burwood Chatworks
Mar 25, 2026
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
 
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary working bee
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary
Apr 12, 2026
9:30 am – 11:30 am
 
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle - 2nd May
Bunnings
May 02, 2026
7:45 am – 4:00 pm
 
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary working bee
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary
May 09, 2026
9:30 am – 11:30 am
 
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary working bee
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary
May 24, 2026
9:30 am – 11:30 am
 
View entire list