Thank you for allowing me to participate in the Classic Car Event in Canberra. It was great fun and reminded me again of the resilience and ingenuity of some of the classic car owners.
For many, like this 1938 MG SA model, that has completed multiple Beijing to Paris Rallies, new replacement parts are no longer available. Despite this they successfully made repairs in places like the Gobi Desert by improvising on tools and parts.
Our club demonstrates this determination to “find a way” to a solution. We punch above our weight.
Your contribution to providing relief to the Nepalese disaster through our sister club RC Tripureswor has been heart-warming. We have now booked a container with DIK for early next year as a likely backup for goods yet to be specified, but likely to focus on warm clothing/bedding/education and medical.
Thank you also to Chris and others for their on-going work seeking ways to extend the opening hours of the Op Shop and through it our visibility in the community.
Our ever-hard-working Secretary has been busy on many fronts including obtaining Foundation Grants to assist the funding of the planned container of medical aid to Galkayo Hospital. This has suddenly become more difficult and expensive due to the Middle East Conflict.
Amongst her other accomplishments has been the ordering of the RORP trailer utilising the funds from another Foundation Grant. It will be ready in a few weeks.
The footy grannie is over, but one repeated thought uttered by experts was that the team that had more winning moments resulting from their players having more individual winning moments is the recipe for team success.
I ask you to see if you can find some more “winning moments” that will benefit our club through sharing the load of the numerous allied tasks that people like Lesley and others undertake? Don’t wait to be asked.
Moving Towards Spring, Extending our Support
As we head towards Spring, and eventually Summer, it feels like the weather and nature are welcoming us to come out of our hibernation and into a spring of opportunity!
Echoing Peter’s message, I am also warmed by the array of work that our club has been doing and the avenues we are exploring. With the arrival of Spring come more opportunities to get involved in a range of ways
One such upcoming event that mixes service, outdoor activity is the End Polio Walk with Us project. You can register to raise money for Rotary International Flagship project to End Polio NOW via the website. Register - Rotary Walk With Us | Rotary Walk With Us End Polio. Join us on Saturday 24th along the Maribyrnong.
We’re also getting the ‘Grill’ fired up to support the Maribyrnong River Flotilla and Parade. This is a great initiative to get people informed and engaged in preserving and improving the health of the river. Founded in 2022, the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association (MRWA) is a values-driven community-based organisation that advocates for the health of rivers and creeks in the Maribyrnong catchment and was a wonderful collaboration opportunity for our club. https://events.humanitix.com/maribyrnong-river-flotilla-and-parade
Like Peter, I am warmed by the support you as members have thrown behind our Nepal fundraiser. We can do so much more with projects like this by spreading the word and using our networks. I know through my own experience just sharing the flyer it has opened up a few conversations about what Rotary is and what we do. I am excited to know we are lining up a container in advance, offering us a chance to do more than just relief, but assist to rebuild.
Finally, Spring means spring cleaning, which always makes me think of trips to the opportunity shop. A huge thanks to those spreading the word and trying to recruit additional clubs and individuals to help keep our op shop a hub of activity. Bring your no-longer-needed clothes, household goods and bric-a-brac down to our club and help it find a new life. Know someone looking to help out and not sure where to start? Maybe the op shop could be a good fit for them!
As the weather worms and Peter returns, I’ll also be heading off for a month on the North Island, NZ. I hope everyone has a wonderful October, and I’ll be seeing you all again come our November meeting.
Following on from Mike Hamer's presentation to members regarding the South Pacific Pilot program, there are many opportunities for involvement beyond our meetings and events.
Donations in Kind: Nominate to serve on the Board.
Flemington Traders: Through our Op Shop, we have been active members of the Traders Association for many years. Unfortunately, we have not been able to field a representative this year. Lesley previously attended but is no longer able to commit.
Meetings are held bi-monthly and it is a great opportunity to be involved in the Racecourse Road/Pin Oak Cres strip. RYLA: people are needed to help drive participants to and bring them back from Camp Getaway.
RIMERN: Our club is a founding partner and refers several families each year.
A representative is needed to attend the monthly committee meetings via ZOOM.
Rotary Essendon: Comedy For a Cause.
Rotary Point Gellibrand: 40th Anniversary
Rotary Carlton: The club is having a Vocational Visit to the Queen Victoria Market hosted by Vic Market Operations Manager, IPDG Peter Shepheard. Visit starts at 2pm sharp with the opportunity for a Buffet Lunch at Graduate House first. RSVP to mterziovski@swin.edu.au
This month we met at the Riverside Golf Club in Ascot Vale as Community Group Leader Mike Hamer was addressing us. Many thanks to Loren, Tom and the team for looking after us so well.
We were delighted to welcome Jonathan Anazodo who was introduced to us at Donations in Kind, and Molly Short, RYLA candidate and former MAC student and op shop volunteer.
It was good to see Antonio and Elaine Mendoza and Barbara Ryan attending again.
Jeff reported on recent club activities including:
1. The container filled with playgrounds and books has left port for the Maldives.
2. The RORP trailer has been ordered – this is possible with a grant from the Rotary Foundation.
3. Fundraising continues for the Puntland medical container – Abdi brought 6 reps from the Somali community to see DiK last week and they were very impressed.
4. The Nepal fundraiser has raised $2700 so far. All members are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation. Through the RCFK Foundation. See Lesley.
8. End Polio Walk with Us project October. District 9800 has organised 2 walks with registration details on the district website. Lachie is organising a walk along the Maribyrnong for our members and dogs.
9. Lesley attended the MMVLLEN dinner with Peter from Essendon and Maria from Footscray.
The LLEN will be sending work experience students to the op shop.
The LLEN is now 25 years old and has had amazing success in helping young people make the transition from school to employment. Maribyrnong Mayor Mohammed Semra is one of the former students.
10. Donations in Kind - call for nominations to serve on the Board of DiK.
OP SHOP REPORT: Lesley McCarthy
August continued the positive trend in sales and connections.
The promotional fliers are having an impact with another 2 volunteers joining our team:
We were very pleased to welcome Nahla Khidhir back from her trip to Iran to visit her family. She reports that it is a very frightening place to be with bombs and gunfire close to her family.
The window and table displays are now focussed on items for the Spring Racing Carnival. Anyone with hats or fascinator collecting dust is encouraged to donate them to us, ditto appropriate clothing.
We still need more helpers on Friday and Saturday.
Could you find some time to work in the shop - even on a fortnightly basis?
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Introducing our Community Group Leader Mike Hamer is a member of the Rotary Club of Woodend and was President 2019-2020.
Recently retired, he is a leadership coach, a mental health counselor and has a master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy.
Mike shared with us a presentation around the changes to Rotary South Pacific with the current pilot program. HERE
Mike also called for the club to nominate some members to work with him, and representatives from our cluster clubs on how this could look for us working more closely together in the future. If you are interested in being on this working party, please speak with Jeff.
Almoner report:
The club has sent a card and our sympathies to Soraya Mohamud on the recent passing of her mother Faduma.
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YOUTH SERVICE:
Chris and Jo have been busy organising and coordinating the club's youth commitments.
Tilda, Hamish, Elise and Maya attended RYPEN on 4-6 September. Chris transported Hamish and Maya from MAC while Elisa and Tilda travelled in a bus organised by Jo Kwok at Rotary Brighton - many thanks Jo and Chris.
Tilda and Hamish have sent through their reflections on the weekend.
Tilda, Elise, Josephine Falzarano, Maya and Hamish.
Tilda McKirdy, Princes Hill SC:
The RYPEN 2026 Leadership Camp, sponsored by Rotary, was an amazing and very fun experience.
I met lots of different people from many places, including the city, the country, and New South Wales. It was really interesting getting to know people with different backgrounds and hearing about their experiences. Before going to camp, I was already very confident in my leadership skills, public speaking, and working with others. However, the camp taught me new ways to become an even better leader.
One of the biggest things I learnt was the importance of stepping back and giving other people the opportunity to lead activities and share their ideas. I also learnt how to communicate with different personalities, work as part of a team, and encourage others to feel confident in themselves.
The camp showed me that leadership is not just about being confident and taking charge, but also about supporting others and helping them reach their potential.
Overall, RYPEN helped me develop new skills, meet amazing people, and make memories that I will never forget. Thank you so much rotary for this amazing experience, and I hope to be lucky enough to continue pursuing my future adventures and experiences with you!!
Hamish Mills, Mount Alexander College:
Something i got out of the weekend that really resonated with me was when we talked about comfort zones and how they progressively get smaller as your life goes on and also how they can affect your life and stop you from doing new things that could be good for you. We also did activities that helped us step outside of our comfort zone and make our comfort zones bigger when it comes to speaking up or speaking to others.
I met lots of new people that I have been communicating with, and I do plan on keeping in touch with lots of the people that were on the camp with me.
I learnt many new skills about leadership, like how when you are in a group of people and you are trying to do something depending on the situation you should listen to others for ideas, pitch your own ideas and to try different things. I learnt that speaking up is a good thing to do and that in a group people want to hear the ideas you have, I also learnt that you should speak up when you feel the need to no matter the situation, if you are in a group or you are speaking up for someone who needs help. I also learnt new ways to problem solve like setting goals and making a plan and thinking about things in order to solve any problems i may have.
I would definitely recommend the program to other students as it really helped me learn more about myself and become a better and stronger person.
Liam Marshall-Pearson and Ava McKirdy are confirmed as NYSF participants for January 2027. The club has sponsored both students in full.
NYSF is held in January 2027 when students are about to commence year 12.
Jo is coordinating our members to attend the next RYDA session on 4 November. This is with Rosehill College and is the final day of the program which was supported by a grant from MVCC. Please confirm your attendance with Jo.
RYLA: Lachlan Janetzki
Lachlan has been selected as a facilitator for RYLA this year, joining our former reps Zoe and Jules.
He recently attended a training day to plan for the program.
RYLA will be held from 29/11 to 5/12/2026 at Camp Getaway, Axedale near Kyneton.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE:
Shraddha shared a report from the Rotary Club of Tripureswor - our partner club in the Global Grant for education in NEPAL.READ
Abdi and Soraya are continuing their effort in fundraising to ship the hospital/medical container to Galkayo Hospital in Puntland/Somalia. Due to the Gulf War, costs to ship have escalated way beyond what we paid in 2024.
This means that the community must continue their efforts and shipping will be delayed until 2027.
Abdi has met with community leaders, and 6 senior leaders took a tour of Donations in Kind with Peter and him 2 weeks ago.
They were very impressed with what was available.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Earlier this year, our club together with several others made a contribution towards the funding of a Neo Natal Intensive Care bed {NICU} at RCH.
Approximately 30 Rotarians were treated to morning tea, a brief talk and a tour by the RCH Foundation. Whilst the hospital itself was established 104 years ago the Foundation is relatively new only commencing 1968. In that time $700m has been raised from philanthropy and of course the Good Friday Appeal which mostly covers the research programs. The tour entailed mostly the family areas and services such as schools, play areas and cinemas which cater to all abilities. Many of the clinical areas also have play areas even a meerkat enclosure or opening onto internal courtyards to entertain children during waiting times. RCH is also proactive in treatment of indigenous children. A world leading facility with some 6000 staff is something Melburnians treasure.
Chris and Jo joined Mandy Gosetti from Rotary Pascoe Vale, the lead club along with Helen from Keilor East and others on a tour.
While each club's contribution was small, many clubs helped raise the $7500 necessary.
Maribyrnong & Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network:
The MMVLLEN held its 25th birthday celebrations on September at the Hyatt.
Lesley attended along with Peter Condos from RC Essendon and Maria Silber from RC Footscray.
It was a fabulous evening and wonderful to hear from some of the young people who have participated in the program over the years. Their experiences and the mentoring and training they received shone through their stories.
Congratulations to Boyd, David and the team for their amazing work.
Another heartwarming experience was meeting some of the businesses who have worked with the LLEN over the years to provide education, training and jobs to some of the participants in a vast range of trades/occupations.
Wednesday 7th October: Breakfast at Mama Bear 8am
Saturday 10th October: Flemington Multicultural Festival
Wednesday 21st October: Dinner at Doutta Galla
Saturday 23rd October: End Polio Walk along the Maribyrnong - paws welcome RSVP to Lachie
Sunday 25th October: BBQ for the Maribyrnong Waterways Flotilla - Footscray City Rowing Club 11-1 Please advise Lesley if you can help on the BBQ
Wednesday 4th November: Annual General Meeting at Mama Bear Cafe
Wednesday 4th November: RYDA Rosehill College at Melbourne Greyhound Racing Centre, Broadmeadows 9am. Please confirm your attendance with Jo
Saturday 7th & 15th November: The Great Garage Sale Trail - Op Shop
Wednesday 18th November: Dinner meeting venue TBA
District Governor Graeme Hope will visit us
Wednesday 2nd December: Breakfast at Mama Bear 8am.
Collecting for Share the Dignity.
Saturday 5th December: MVCC Carols by Candlelight BBQ
Bharat Pandya, a member of the Rotary Club of Borivli, Mumbai,
India, is the selection of the nominating committee for Rotary International president for 2028-29. He is a surgeon from Mumbai and past Rotary International director and Foundation trustee.
Call for Nominations for Board Positions for Donations in Kind Inc, (DIK)
As per our new constitution we are advising that our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is to be held on Saturday 3rd October at 10.00 am at the DIK premises.
During this meeting we will declare all positions on the current Committee of Management vacant and hold elections for the following positions under our new Board Structure. The positions are:
Our club is a member of DIK - we are seeking nominations from members who may be interested in serving on the DIK Inc Board in the roles above.
There are further opportunities for members to nominate as DIK can have up to 6 Ordinary Board members. However, the AGM must first by resolution decide the number of ordinary members of the Board it wishes to hold office for the next year. Naturally, this number is not yet known a but we will be advised after the AGM.
On Saturday, 24th October, members and friends of Rotary Flemington Kensington are invited to walk with us around the Maribyrnong River to raise vital funds that will help #endpolionow
SENIORS FESTIVAL:
October celebrates seniors with a range of events and activities.
9 days of free public transport across Victoria from 3 to 11 October 2026. Including all metropolitan public transport services, V/Line train and coach services and selected regional bus services outside the myki area.
27 October to 1 November at
