Welcome to the new Rotary year where we are inspired to see the Magic of Rotary.
Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick is just the second woman to take the office of RI President following PRIP Jennifer Jones.
She has a professional background is in the higher education, consulting, and entertainment industries. She received her doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has been recognized and awarded by The Rotary Foundation and numerous community and international organizations.
A Rotarian since 1991, Stephanie has participated in a variety of international service projects, has been an RI director and is a Rotary Foundation trustee.
AUGUST BREAKFAST:
A small group met at Mama Bear this week with Beate's partner Bill McHardy joining us.
We had some great discussions about coming events and had project reports.
The club has sponsored an outward bound Rotary Youth Exchange student for 2025. Jay Tatulaschwili is a Kensington student who has been accepted to exchange to Denmark. He will attend the RYE Orientation Camp this weekend 10-11 August with Maria Silber, the District RYE Chair from Footscray. Maria and Emanuel Tumino interviewed Jay and his parents last month and recommended him. Jay will attend our next evening meeting.
Lesley reported on a very successful tree planting day at Fairbairn Park. READ MORE
We have been invited to run a BBQ at the upcoming MVCC Youth Fest on Saturday 7 September. Anwar and the EAHA team will run the day with support from members.
Peter Cribb and John Sklenar will run a training day for Anwar's team top ensure all goes well. All members are asked to indicate their availability for the day: Festival runs from 12-5.
In discussions about support for the Kissala school in South Sudan, Peter and Shraddha will create an APP where donations can be made.
Shraddha reported on her recent trip to Nepal where she was able to visit the remote rural schools which are the focus of our Global Grant project. READ MORE
BREAKING NEWS: An email just in congratulating us on a successful application. Our project has been granted US$43,154.
Karolina, Jeff, Josie, Nina, Len and Geoff have all been unwell for some time but are hopefully on the mend. It was great to see Len able to join us this week.
PROJECT UPDATES: 1. Sri Lanka Stroke Project - the container is on its way. The first container shipped from RARE in South Australia has cleared port in Colombo.
2. Books to the Maldives - 10 pallets of books and stationery are on the way to Male.
3. Jarriban Hospital - this container will load on Tuesday 20 August. Help is needed.
This project will receive a grant from the District Foundation towards shipping.
4. Nepal Education and teacher training: Global Grant received.
5. RYDA - a grant application has been submitted to provide funding for transport. The initial program will run in October with students from MAC.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Tuesday 20 August: Loading of the Jarriban container at Donations in Kind. 10am
Wednesday 21 August: Dinner meeting at Hardimans Hotel. Guest speaker Boyd Maplestone from the MMVLLEN.
Wednesday 4 September: Breakfast at Mama Bear
Saturday 7 September: MVCC Youth Fest BBQ with EAHA. 11-5.30
Wednesday 18 September: DG Michael Lapina will visit our club.
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DONATIONS IN KIND OPEN DAY - Saturday 10 August:
What do 45 clubs from 4 districts, 200 plus attendees and representatives from Government, community organisations, health services and banks have in common?
It’s the 2024 Donations in Kind Open Day showcasing the Magic of Rotary in action.
In brilliant sunshine, people from across Victoria and as far away as Warragul, Mornington, Ballarat, Bendigo and Daylesford arrived at shed 39, 400 Somerville Road to be greeted by the aroma of cooking sausages and the welcoming greetings from Store Manager Colleen d’Offay and DiK Inc Secretary George de Souza.
Efforts throughout the week by volunteers showcased goods and opportunities for local and international projects.
The feature – the iron lung and associated Polio banners and promotional materials.
Many attendees had never heard of or seen such a machine – and were fascinated even dismayed at the sight.
The Rotary Club of Yarraville has put out a call for assistance on their BBQ this Saturday 17th. Plese contact Margaret if you can help. mbrett51@gmail.com
AWARD FOR MOONEE VALLEY'S FAVOURITE TREE: the lovely Lemon Scented Gum on the corner of Woods St & Maribyrnong Rd, Ascot Vale. (
MOONEE VALLEY COUNCIL NEWS;
Victorian local government lost a true champion this week in Sarah Carter – Councillor at Maribyrnong, former three-time Mayor, sparkling and warm friend of many, loved sister, daughter and partner, and tireless campaigner for children and her community.
The Neighbourhood Spirit Awards are Council’s opportunity to recognise community members who have contributed to their local neighbourhoods across Moonee Valley and can be for an individual or community group who live, work study of plan in Moonee Valley.
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Wednesday 18 September - District Governor visit to our club.
Please block this date in your diary now.
Governor of District 9800, operatic tenor Michael Lapiña began his professional
career in 1988 performing in musicals, touring extensively in Australia and Asia, and
being engaged with many of Australia’s leading opera houses to perform some of the
most coveted tenor roles in the operatic repertoire.
His Rotary career began in 2005 joining the Rotary Club of Central Melbourne Sunrise, a
breakfast Club that suited Michael’s corporate role as an Executive Coach & Project Director
at the National Australia Bank that was situated across the road from where Rotary met.
Transferring his membership to the Rotary Club of Wyndham in 2018, he juggles his professional opera career with being a Music Tutor at the prestigious Haileybury College, as well as his Rotary commitments, which has seen him hold several District Leadership roles, including Assistant Governor, Team Leader of the Group Vocational Exchange, Artistic Director of several District Conferences, and Artistic Consultant for the Next Generation Service Exchange sending aspiring young Opera professionals to Bayreuth, Germany annually. Recently, he has was invited to sing at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore.
Michael’s passion and success stems from the support of his wife, Niña, and his three adult
children, Mikey, Alex and Brianna – all of whom are Rotarians.
Somerville Road to be greeted by the aroma of cooking sausages and the welcoming greetings from Store Manager Colleen d’Offay and DiK Inc Secretary George de Souza.
The feature – the iron lung and associated Polio banners and promotional materials. 
Governor of District 9800, operatic tenor Michael Lapiña began his professional