MADAM PRESIDENT:
  
The Rotary Moonee Valley Art Show proved to be a tremendous success, highlighted by the significant number of artworks sold during the Opening Gala event. This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication and collaborative effort of the Rotary Clubs of Essendon and Keilor East.
Congratulations are also extended to all the artists who received awards for their outstanding contributions.


 
 Drew and I had the privilege of attending the Phonse Tobin Awards evening, which was organised by the Rotary Club of North Melbourne and held at the Mercure Hotel. The event was also attended by the City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, His Honourable Nicholas Reece. Heartfelt congratulations are extended to the three award recipients, whose unwavering service and dedication to the community were rightfully recognised during the ceremony.
 
Due to the City of Melbourne Lord Mayor meeting with the Kensington residents, our Meet and Greet session lacked in numbers but certainly not in ideas!
There was discussion on holding these sessions quarterly and moving forward, it will be important to determine the most effective methods for communicating with Kensington and Flemington traders. For this session, invitations were distributed via email to Flemington traders and hand-delivered to traders in Kensington.
 
We were delighted to have Kerrie Hicks from Rotary Central Melbourne attend our Fellowship dinner at The Plough Hotel.  Kerrie's extensive experience, along with her honest approach ensured that the night was a resounding success for all volunteers.  
 
Melina
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FOOD AND FRIENDS:
This exciting and much need program is a partnership between MVCC - Djerring Hub and ourselves with support from LIFE Church, West Melbourne.
 
In preparation for the launch, all volunteers have now been thoroughly inducted and trained, both by our club and under the guidance of the LIFE Church community kitchen overseers.
 
The inaugural dinner will take place on Wednesday, 12th November, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Djerring Hub.
We strongly encourage all members to attend this important event and take the opportunity to connect with our local community.
 
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Victorian Seniors Awards 2025:
Congratulations to Past President Lesley who received a Council of the Ageing award at Government House last week.  this was in recognition of her many years of volunteer service through Rotary and other organisations.  The award recognised her commitment to literacy and education in the multicultural Fleming6ton community.
 
2024 recipient Peter Cribb was there to support Lesley along with Bev, Dulcie, Shradd, Beate and Bill and Lesley's family.
  
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Last week's meeting:
We gathered at The Plough and were delighted to have Kerrie Hicks from Rotary Central Melbourne as our guest speaker.  Kerrie has supported the District President Elect training for some years, speaking on leadership, coaching and challenges. 
 
As a former Victoria Police Detective, a United Nations Investigator and Team Leader, and a Board Director on various Not For Profit, Charity and Health Services boards. Kerrie has significant operational and strategic experience leading large community-focussed teams.  She also focusses on building peace through coaching and conversations.  
Members were enthralled by her presentation and had many questions.
 
 
Thank you Kerrie!    
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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FLEMINGTON MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL:
With magnificent weather, our team was ready early with the BBQ. Pin Oak Crescent was filled with so many people exploring the many booths, seeing the performances and enjoying eating such a wide range of foods in the sun.
Thanks to Anwar for bringing the trailer and to Karolina, John F, Drew, Shraddha, Hayden and Jess for coming along.
      
 
 
 
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RORP NEWS:
Peter continues to work with John Farmery and
Jean Turnbull on the new RORP9800 cell.
A call out has gathered offers of assistance from Essendon and Williamstown clubs.
 
He has had contact from several contractors for harvesting with playgrounds coming up very soon.
Peter has asked for all members to indicate their willingness to be on the harvest team, perhaps once every 6-8 weeks, weekdays mostly. 
Please email Peter to go on the list.
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Update from Lenka:  
 
Our sincere thanks to Carla and Scott Tatulaschwili, Tom and Max who have hosted Lenka since her arrival.  Lenka has now moved to be with Chris Richardson in Mangalore street, close to MAC.
 
In the last few weeks, she has had school holidays, been to an indoor climbing wall, the HiJinx Hotel for games and an arcade for Max's birthday.  Then she went to a basketball game, the pub for the AFL Grand Final and to the opening of the Kensington Aquatic Centre.
 
At the Royal Melbourne Show she saw a blacksmith demonstration, patted goats and went on rides. She had fun!!
 
Unfortunately, the next week she was ill and that spoilt her17th birthday.  
 
Her mum sent her a camera which she has been putting to very good use. She loves birds!!
 
She had to have some days off school as she was so unwell and coughing.  This she struggled with as she hates to miss school.
 
Carla and Scott have taken her to so many places and these holidays were no exception with trips to Teppanyaki, Luna Park and Phillip Island.
She was at the Moonee Valley Art Show and helped out with Malene on various tasks.
 
  Lenka is keen to travel to Sydney.  Does anyone have plans/or know of someone who could include Lenka in their travels?
As a year 11 student school finishes early and the summer holidays are almost 10 weeks for her.
 
 
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OP SHOP REPORT:
With the completion of the rectification works at the Child Care Centre, Plakkit have revamped the poster display wall.
 
The window displays are featuring Spring Racing Carnival outfits and hats and some Halloween items.  The displays change regularly and will soon focus on the coming festive season.
 
We have registered for the Great Garage Sale Trail on Saturdays 8th and 15th November and will use the opportunity to display some items on tables in the carpark.  
We would appreciate additional assistance on these days if members are available.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REMINDER: 8 Fridays until Christmas!!!!
RYDA
Our next date is Monday 24th November where we will be hosting year 11 students from Essendon Keilor College.
 
The venue is the same: the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Complex at 80 Northcorp Blv Broadmeadows - off Camp Road.  We need 6 Rotarians to assist on the day.
Time: 9.15am to 2.30pm.
Please advise Shraddha or your availability.
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FROM THE BOARD:
Are you seeing the same names over and over again?
Rotary is built on the ideals of service and friendship.  There are so many opportunities for you to participate and enjoy hands on service, fellowship and the joy of Doing Good in the World.  Where will you join in next?
REMINDER - Membership fees are now due.                         $$$$$$
If you are paying in 2, 6 monthly instalments, please advise the Treasurer.
The club has already paid your fees to RI, RDU and District!!!
$310 for the full year, $155 for 6 monthly.
Bendigo Bank BSB 633-000 Account number 151 262 821  
 
 
Rotary Christmas cakes are now available. $20 each.  see Lesley
 
 
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FOR YOUR CALENDAR:   
 
NOVEMBER:
Wednesday 5 : Breakfast meeting at Mama Bear.
Annual General Meeting.  RSVP Lesley

 
Saturday 8th & 15th November:
The Great Garage Sake Trail at the Op Shop. 10-4  RSVP Lesley/Deb/Fran
 
Wednesday 12: Food and Friends launch.  RSVP Melina
Cooking 12-3, serving 5-7 at Djerring Hub.
 
Monday 24th: Ryda for Essendon Keilor College at Melbourne Greyhounds Centre, Northcorp Blvd Broadmeadows.  9:30am to 2:30pm. 
RSVP Shraddha

Saturday 29: Bunnings Maribyrnong BBQ.  People needed 10-4. RSVP to advise Lesley.  

DECEMBER:
Wednesday 3:
breakfast - collection of personal hygiene items for "Its in the Bag".  RSVP Deb and Fran
 
Sunday 7th: Carols By Candlelight in Queens Park, Moonee Ponds.
4pm to 8:30pm. RSVP to Lesley.
 
Wednesday 17: District Governor Peter Shepheard to visit our club.  Christmas Party.  Riverside Golf Club, Newsom Street Ascot Vale. 6pm
 
RECENT PHOTO ACTIVITY:
  
 
Mel at the Phonse Tobin awards.             With Carla at the Art Show.
 
    
 
Food and Friends induction at Djerring Hub.
 
Multicultural Festival
 
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RIMERN:

The Annual General Meeting will be held via ZOOM on 9th November at 4pm.
 
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Anyone interested in attending this year's Paul Harris Breakfast please contact Lesley ASAP.  We plan to makeup a table.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3rd Sunday of each month at Kensington Town Hall. 10am to 3pm.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Moonee Valley Festival 21 February 2026