I am honoured for the opportunity to serve this club as President.
Rotary International's message for the 2025-2026 year is "Unite for Good".
This theme encourages Rotary members to use human connection to create positive change and foster unity in a world often divided.
It emphasizes the power of collective action and collaboration to address global challenges and improve communities.
I look forward to working together as a team in a year of service, fellowship, and fun.
mock job interviews 1/9/25 Bayside college
The first round of Mock job interviews were conducted at the Bayside College Blenheim Rd Campus on 1/9/25. In all, 36 year 10 and 11 students submitted resumes and Introduction letters and sat for a mock interview panel.
The quality of resumes and the verbal interviews were excellent, with students applying for occupations such as Food Technology, Div 2 Nursing, Retails Sales and Graphic Design.
In some cases these were actually jobs and career paths that some students were aspiring to. A big thank You to Careers Practitioner / Work Experience Coordinator Marsha Maver - Baxter who did an excellent job co-ordinating the students and interview rooms and materials.
After the interview, participants were provided with feedback from Rotary Coaches on their performance.
Thanks to all the Rotary and friends of Rotary Interviewers and coaches.
The next round is on:
9th September - Williamstown High School
If you have put your hand up to assist, then let Bryan Goodwin know.
The cluster BBQ on 1/9/25 was well attended with 45 people from the rotary clubs of Altona, Altona City and Williamstown sharing projects, ideas and general fellowship at Bryan and Jenny's Children's Farm in Altona North. Guests feasted on pizzas and various drinks and desserts before a number of formal and informal events. The handball competion was hotly contested going down to several sudden death rounds and the trivia quiz by Damien Hynes was challenging and entertaining.
The event was also an opportunity to reward and recognise the work of some tireless workers for the club.
Andrew Whitson received Paul Harris Fellowship recognition for services to the club, whilst Jan and Barry Douglas who have recently moved to Armstrong Creek, were honoured for their many years of service at all levels of club service with a Royce Abbey award for outstanding club service.
Congratulations to our award winners and a big thanks to Lenore and her crew for organising the event. Another one is planned for 18th of January 2026.
Spring is here and it is the time of year to think about getting outside with your family, friends and club members to participate in our Rotary Walk With Us fundraiser which starts on 1 October.
Please register yourself and your team to participate and fundraise for Rotary’s number one global project being the eradication of polio from the world. Dream up a catchy team name, garner support and start walking, running, cycling or any other movement that you wish.
What a wonderful way to get fit, collaborate and support this wonderful cause.
Registration information is attached or click here:
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Welcome to the August issue of our Rotary District 9800 Networker. We really do want to hear and see your Club projects and events. Tell your fellow Rotarians how successful your recent fundraiser was or the progress on a local or overseas project.
It’s hard to believe that almost 2 months of the Rotary year have come and gone and what a jam packed month August has been. The month kicked off with a trip up to Macedon for afternoon with the current inbound and 2026 outbound Youth Exchange Students, their parents, the host families and the Committee.
During this month, we celebrated three new clubs joining District 9800, bringing creativity, energy, and connection to our Rotary family. From retired police officers finding purpose with Balwyn Blue, to global collaboration with Melbourne-Manila, and music-driven passion with the Rotaract Music Makers, there’s something new for everyone.
A lively joint Charter Night with music, cake, and fellowship set the tone for what’s possible when ideas and passion come together. Membership Month is the perfect reminder: every member has the power to spark new opportunities and help Rotary grow in exciting ways.
Sometimes, all it takes is asking “why not?” The Rotary Club of Activate Victoria did just that, partnering with new sister clubs in the Philippines to deliver two life-changing Global Grants.
From the Bicol Mobility Center, providing prosthetics closer to home, to Project Walking Free, restoring mobility and independence for those in need, these initiatives are empowering individuals, building local capacity, and creating lasting impact.
With trained local practitioners now fabricating devices, and three clubs officially united as sister clubs, this is a story of courage, collaboration, and the power of the Rotary Foundation to transform lives, one step at a time.
Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds project (RORP) was an initiative of RC Flemington Kensington starting in 2016. It involves the ‘harvesting’ of playgrounds and eventually shipping by the container to third world countries.
In a shining example of international collaboration and environmental stewardship, the Rotary Club of Caulfield has extended its support to the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap, Cambodia, for an inspiring initiative: Project T – Trees for Life.
Michael Kalka was raised in Williamstown and ordained a priest in 1981. His father was born in Ukraine, and his mother was born in Yarraville, He has served in a number of Catholic communities over the past 44 years and also served as a CARITAS Director (the Catholic Church's Overseas Aid and Development Agency) for 25 of those years. He was made a Monsignor in 2012, and came to Altona in 2018.
Father Michael gave us an interesting talk on his parish and a couple of projects he is involved in. These projects involve repurposing Diocese assets such as land and building for community use.
Father Michael told us of a recent local housing development on church land that will be home for 6 disabled people and their carers to live with dignity and comfort.
He is currently looking for ideas from the public to repurpose other land and housing assets at 51 Sargood Street, Altona. If you have any ideas, feel free to contact our Secretary Lenore on lenore.rotary@gmail.com
We took the opportunity to thank Lenore for her year as president 2024 -25 with a small presentation of a certificate and Past President's Pin.
During her year, she instigated and managed the club activities with distinction leaving the club in an excellent position going into the future. Well done Lenore on your very succesful year at the helm.
congratulations barry douglas - donations in kind (DIK)
DIK celebrated a special morning tea and the presentation of Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire Awards to longest-serving volunteers, Barry Douglas and Rosemary Rogan. These amazing people have been working at DIK, West Footscray for 23 years.
Barry has assembled and packed approximately 18,000 stationery kits that have been distributed to schools in Timor Leste, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the Pacific Islands.
Barry is now moving to regional Victoria to enjoy his retirement. Rosie will continue at DIK in a reduced capacity.
THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR WONDERFUL CONTRIBUTION TO DIK.
Long time friend and devoted rotarian DG Peter Shepheard and his father Neil, joined our meeting where Peter gave an overview of his term as governor as well as an update on major developments. He took questions from the floor and the opportunity to exchange ideas and information was well received.
We look forward to DG Peter's continuing support of our club.
Celebrate Membership and New Club Development Month
As we step into August, we celebrate Membership and New Club Development Month, a perfect time to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you, our dedicated members. This month, we honor not only our members but also the spirit of collaboration and collective action that drives us forward. Together, let’s continue to Unite for Good and inspire others to join us on this fulfilling journey.
It’s important to recognize that Rotary doesn’t end with our existing clubs. One of the most exciting aspects of our Rotary community is the potential to create new clubs that can further amplify our impact.
Remember to assess the needs of your community and prospective members before starting a club. Satellite clubs offer members and prospective members a way to create a new club experience together, as a smaller group supported by an established local club. Satellites need fewer members to get started, and they can help members get the experience they want out of Rotary. Learn about innovative club models and other options for flexibility that may resonate with your prospective members.
For members old and new, Designing Your Rotary Experience is a guide that provides recommendations for ways you can connect and collaborate, engage in meaningful service, develop leadership skills, and broaden your perspectives.
The Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award honors one Rotary or Rotaract club member each year, regardless of gender or length of membership, for actively working to advance women in Rotary. The award was established by a group of Rotarians in 2017 and is named for the first female Rotary club president, who went on to lead change for women and girls around the world through Rotary. Any member can nominate another member in good standing for this award during August. Write to riawards@rotary.org with questions.
Celebrate people of action with Rotary’s service awards
Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation offer several awards to recognize members, nonmembers, alumni, and Rotary clubs for their contributions and impact. Rotary’s Service Awards reference sheet, a newly updated resource, lists many awards and includes information about nominations, eligibility criteria, and due dates, as well as images of several awards.
Enhanced report provides a streamlined experience
Club and district leaders can now access a more comprehensive view of their membership data with the newly enhanced Clubs in a District report. This updated report now includes data from the following reports:
• District Growth
• New Clubs Chartered by Rotary Year
• Terminated Clubs by Rotary Year
• Membership Comparison to 1 July
By bringing this data together in one place, the Clubs in a District report makes it faster and easier for leaders to find the information they need to understand trends in their clubs and districts. Access the report in Rotary Club Central or My Rotary.
10 ideas to maximize engagement during membership month
Membership and New Club Development Month is a time to celebrate our members, acknowledge their contributions, and connect with prospective members. We have a variety of resources available to help you promote membership in your club and boost participant engagement. Here are several ways to make the most out of membership month.
The many benefits of being a Rotarian
Jeeten Bhambari, of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Mid Town in India, credits Rotary with enriching his life by fostering meaningful friendships, offering valuable leadership opportunities that have enhanced his personal and professional growth, and providing a deep sense of fulfillment through his involvement in community service projects. Learn about the numerous benefits that Rotary has to offer.
Membership Minute is a bimonthly newsletter that provides the latest membership trends, strategies, best practices, and resources to help strengthen membership in your clubs. The newsletter is sent to Rotary membership coordinators, assistant Rotary membership coordinators, district governors, assistant governors, district membership chairs, district membership attraction subcommittee chairs, district membership engagement subcommittee chairs, district new club development subcommittee chairs, district Rotary public image chairs, Rotary club public image chairs, Rotary club membership chairs, Rotary club presidents, Rotary club presidents-elect, Rotaract club presidents, district Rotaract Chairs, district Rotaract representatives, and subscribers. Please forward this to anyone who may be interested.
One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201-3698, USA
Members of the Altona City Rotary Club and the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed combined to assist the local constabulary to landscape the police station front gardens. The weather was harsh but the hardy crews moved a mountain of mulch to bring back the former glory of the front area of the police station. There was a morning tea and cakes provided to the workers. Thanks to Hong who came down to help and the Dave Hopwood from the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed.
Over 100 walkers joined the combined Lift the Lid Walk hosted by the Rotary Club of Karrinyup, Rotary Club of Scarborough, and Rotary Club of Osborne Park. We’re also grateful for the support of Councillor Tony Krsticevic, Councillor Rob Paparde, and Councillor Karlo Perkov.
NEW UPCOMING EVENTS
Mental Health First Aid
Online Blended Mental Health First Aid Zoom Course on Saturday 16th & 23rd August 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Taught by MHFA Co-founder & Rotarian Betty Kitchener AM this course is open to the public.
The Rotary Clubs of Brisbane Taylor Bridge, Brisbane Centenary, Brisbane Inner West, Greater Springfield, Sumner Park, and the Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity will host their second annual LIFT THE LID WALK in 2025!
Meet eight inspiring Indigenous Health Scholarship recipients paving the way in Medicine! Louise Tusche-Pratt, Ryan Di Pietro, Benjamin Crook, Casey Slade, Talia Cooke, Kaiara Braybrook, Leila Thurling and Chloe Rawson-Harris are all recipients of the Indigenous Health Scholarship, currently studying a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University, VIC.
A huge thank you to the Rotary Club of Wollondilly North, NSW for their generous $4,000 donation to Australian Rotary Health, following their participation in the Lift the Lid Walk.
Congratulations ARH Scholarship Recipient Mitchell St Clair-Glover
Huge congratulations to Mitchell St Clair-Glover who officially graduated from University of Wollongong and has now been conferred his PhD! An incredible achievement that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Mitchell was awarded the ARH Funding Partner Scholarship in 2020, co-funded by the Rotary Club of West Wollongong.
2025 National NAIDOC Person of the Year!
Congratulations to Dr Daniel Hunt – 2025 National NAIDOC Person of the Year! Dr Daniel Hunt, a proud Jaru and Indjibarndi man, is both a General Practitioner and Dentist with extensive experience in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation sector. He has held roles as a Dentist, Deputy Medical Director, and Acting CEO.
In 2024, Dr Hunt was recognised as Indigenous Doctor of the Year by both the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA) and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). He also became a Fellow and received his framed AIDA stethoscopes at the 2024 AIDA Banquet and was named a Melbourne Poche Indigenous Health Fellow.
Dr Daniel Hunt received ARH Indigenous Health Scholarships to support both his Medicine (2005–2010) and Dentistry (2013–2016) studies — a true testament to the power of supporting future leaders in Indigenous health. An incredible achievement and well-deserved recognition for a true leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Optimise an eHealth Intervention for Antidepressant Cessation
Australia has one of the world’s highest antidepressant prescribing rates, placing a significant and unnecessary economic burden on both individuals and the healthcare system with a total cost of over $200 million per year.
Australian Rotary Health/The Kaiyu Funding Partner PhD Scholarship recipient, Amy Coe explored the factors that support both patients and GPs in engaging with antidepressant deprescribing in general practice. Read more on Amy Coe's findings.
Applications for 2nd Round - NOW OPEN!
General Health PhD Scholarships have been awarded since 2004 - up to a maximum of 3.5 years, to research a wide variety of general health areas. Each scholarship is funded by 3 parties; A Rotary Club/Rotary District or an individual with a University and Australian Rotary Health. Scholars have received up to $35,000 annually to investigate areas such as:
- Children’s Health
- ADHD
- Cancer
- Autism
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s Disease
- And more
If you have any Australian Rotary Health fundraising events or news, please send to news@arh.org.au
DONATE NOW!
When it comes to health research, lots of little things make a big difference. Donations come in all different sizes too. You can donate individually or you can set up a recurring donation to suit your budget. Rotary Clubs and Districts bring people together to partner for funding scholarships, and companies and workplaces come together to pool donations which result in research funding.
National Australia Day Council Recognition for Altona City Rotary Club for the Millenium Time Capsule Project.
Hello Rotary Family and Friends of Rotary Activate!
I would love to give a friendly reminder that ticket sales close this weekend for the Charter Night of the Rotaract Music Makers and the Rotary Club of Melbourne Manila.
This will be such a special evening — a chance to welcome the newest additions to our Rotary family, enjoy fellowship with friends across the district, and celebrate all that makes Rotary vibrant and diverse.
Event Details
Date: Sunday 17 August 2025
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM (UTC+10)
Venue: Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, Deer Park VIC
Special offer: Book a table of 10 to receive 10% off
It would be wonderful if you and some of your members could join us on the night. Sharing the evening with a table from your club would make it even more memorable — and as a bonus, you’ll also receive the group discount.
Attached is a flyer with all the details. If you have the chance, it would be lovely if you could share this with your members, announce the event at your next meeting, or include it in your club bulletin before bookings close.
Looking forward to celebrating with you.
Kindest regards
Alex Lapina
Alex Lapiña
Past President 2024-2025
Rotary International District 9800
m: +61 498 730 034
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Welcome to the July issue of our Rotary District 9800 Networker. We really do want to hear and see your Club projects and events. Tell your fellow Rotarians how successful your recent fundraiser was or the progress on a local or overseas project.
As a guest at the recent District Governor’s Handover at Grandstar Reception, I must say—it was a truly unforgettable afternoon that beautifully captured the spirit, heart, and harmony of Rotary.
Welcome to the new Rotary Year. It’s hard to believe I’m already almost a month into the role and I’m loving it. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the amazing year we have just had lead by now Immediate Past District/Vice Governor (my brother from another mother/twin) Michael Lapiña as he energetically spread the Magic of Rotary.
As we step into a new Rotary year, we reflect on the heartfelt leadership of Immediate Past District Governor Michael Lapiña. In his address at the recent District Governor Changeover, he spoke of creating an irresistible Rotary experience and reimagining belonging; themes that brought warmth, trust, and renewed purpose to our District. In this edition, we share excerpts from that speech, honouring a year shaped by service, connection, and the enduring Magic of Rotary.
At this year’s District Changeover, we paused to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of individuals and clubs whose service exemplifies the heart of Rotary. Their efforts continue to inspire and shape a stronger, more connected community through innovation, dedication, and compassion.
The Australian of the Year Awards celebrate extraordinary Australians who make a profound impact on lives, communities and society. Their challenges and triumphs, of reaching beyond professional achievements, reflect each recipient’s unique life journey. While the Awards focus on the year of recognition, they also honour the individual’s lifelong and ongoing contributions to the nation.
Over 23 years ago, Rotary Albert Park started collecting and selling pre-loved books. Their first weekend Book Fair was held at Albert Park Primary School and raised in excess of $20,000. Over the following years, book sales have raised in excess of $850,000 with the majority of funds raised returning to local organisations and those in need in the community.
Thanks to a Rotary-driven WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project, two rural secondary schools in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia have taken vital steps forward in health, sanitation, and education.
How much do you you know about Peace? Read on to find out how to be (or become) a Peacebuilder, and why we all need to be Peacebuilders to make a better world. This is the first of a series of articles in Networker where Gabe Hau (Past D9800 Peacebuilding Committee Chair, Rotary-IEP Positive Peace Activator, IEP Ambassador) outlines some of the things Rotarians can do for Peace. Note: the acronym IEP stands for Institute for Economics and Peace.
The club changeover was held on Sunday the 22nd of June, where we saw outgoing president Lenore hand the reins over to Bronnie to take on the rotary theme of "Unite for Good"
The changeover showcased the amazing work that the club had done under Lenore's fabulous leadership. Now its Bronnie's turn and the club is in great hands.
The night was also an opportunity to recognise the great work done by individual members of the club. Bryan Goodwin, a club stalwart was recognised for his work in projects such as, Australia Day Celebrations, Time Capsule Project, Mock Job Interviews and Wynspeak.
We also took the opportunity to recognise the tireless work of Brian and Jenny Noordenne with Paul Harris Fellowship recognition.
They have made a significant contribution to the club through the Australia Day celebrations and the use of their marvellous facilities and expertise for club events and projects. Well done to all. We now look ahead to an exciting year.
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Between 2008 and 2011, Associate Professor Elizabeth Scarr received the Royce Abbey Postdoctoral Fellowship from Australian Rotary Health (ARH) to explore brain chemistry changes in schizophrenia.
Nearly 18 years later, the FDA approved a new drug for schizophrenia that targets these muscarinic receptors. “My work provided support for the drug company to develop and test the original version of the drug, which was then modified to the version that has been approved,” she shares, crediting ARH’s support as pivotal to this life-changing development.
This is the impact your donation can have.
As the end of financial year approaches, consider making a tax-deductible donation to ARH. Help fund the next generation of research that changes lives.
The Rotary Club of Central Launceston, TAS recently hosted a powerful Mental Health Symposium, featuring insightful speakers, including Professor Michael Sawyer OAM, Medical Advisor to Australian Rotary Health, and Associate Professor Amanda Neil from the ARH Research Committee.
Lift the Lid Walk - Rotary Club of Beenleigh, QLD
Another successful LIFT THE LID WALK for Mental Health was recently hosted by Rotary Club of Beenleigh, QLD. A peaceful, calming walk surrounded by nature, friendly animals and delicious food shared by everyone. All of the money raised from the event goes into mental health research focusing on children aged 0-12 years.
Lift the Lid Walk - Rotary Club of Nundah, QLD
The Rotary Club of Nundah, QLD proudly hosted their inaugural LIFT THE LID WALK in 2025, raising $1,000! A huge thank you to all the event supporters: Devils North League Club, Nundah Now, Loving Nundah, Bunnings Virginia, Cr Adam Allen, Leanne Linard MP and Anika Wells MP.
The club is aiming to double this fantastic result next year — stay tuned for the next walk!
Lift the Lid Walk - Rotary Clubs of Scarborough, Karrinyup and Osborne Park, WA
What an incredible turnout! Over 100 walkers joined the combined Lift the Lid Walk hosted by the Rotary Club of Karrinyup, Rotary Club of Scarborough , and Rotary Club of Osborne Park. We’re also grateful for the support of Councillor Tony Krsticevic, Councillor Rob Paparde, and Councillor Karlo Perkov.
Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is a national ARH initiative raising awareness of mental illness across Australia. Funds raised through these Walks go directly to mental health research via Australian Rotary Health.
Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity Meeting
The Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity planning committee has been meeting over the past few months and is excited to announce that the Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health Brisbane 2025 will be held at Rocks Riverside Park on Sunday, 21st September!
Organised by Rotary Clubs of Brisbane Taylor Bridge, Brisbane Centenary, Brisbane Inner West, Greater Springfield, Sumner Park, Jindalee, and the Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity – this event is all about community, connection, and conversation around mental health.
Rotary Club of Devonport, TAS Bear Drop
A huge thank you to the Rotary Club of Devonport for organising another Bear Drop. The event has been running for 21 years as a free-entry family event, consistently attracting an average of around 3,000 attendees throughout the day. It features free entertainment from musicians and singers, along with family-friendly activities such as face painting, food stalls and jumping castles.
Thanks to your amazing support, the event raised $4,000 for Australian Rotary Health to fund vital research into Gastroparesis. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it a success.
NEW UPCOMING EVENTS
Mental Health First Aid
Online Blended Mental Health First Aid Zoom Course on Saturday 16th & 23rd August 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Taught by MHFA Co-founder & Rotarian Betty Kitchener AM this course is open to the public.
The Rotary Clubs of Brisbane Taylor Bridge, Brisbane Centenary, Brisbane Inner West, Greater Springfield, Sumner Park, and the Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity will host their second annual LIFT THE LID WALK in 2025!
Meet three inspiring Indigenous Health Scholarship recipients paving the way in Medicine! Tiana James, Ebony Hill and Sophie L'Estrange are all studying Medicine at Flinders University NT. Read more about them and how they contribute to improving Indigenous health as a qualified medical practitioner/health worker:
If you have any Australian Rotary Health fundraising events or news, please send to news@arh.org.au
CONSIDER LEAVING A LEGACY
Write your Will online and support Australian Rotary Health. Making a Will is important at any stage of our lives. It ensures that when we pass away, our estate will be handled the way we planned. Including a bequest in your Will is also the easiest ways to continue supporting Australian Rotary Health. Find out more!
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wynspeak 2025 - ALTONA CITY ROTARY HEAT 8
WYNSPEAK, a youth public speaking competition for secondary school students in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, was established to provide students with an opportunity to practice and test their public speaking skills in front of a live audience. Through this comprehensive program students develop a skill for life. Since the inauguration of Wynspeak, over 1000 students have participated.
Our club hosted Heat 8 of this competition on Tuesday 27th of May at the Altona Civic Centre
The quality of the speeches in both the seniors and junior sections was amazing covering many topics such as, women's rights, sustainability, social media and animal welfare to name a few.
It was a hard decision but the judges deemed these students to be the winners
Juniors Section: Liam Mitchell (Altona College)
Seniors Section: Francis Bond (Williamstown High School - Pasco Campus
Thanks to Bryan and his team who organised and ran the event.
Atop the 100 Steps of Federation at Truganina Park, watched over by the “Time Beacon” artwork by Cameron Robbins, Rotary Altona City’s Hobsons Bay Millennium Time Capsule lay buried for 25 years, safely holding the messages from over 12,000 people.
During the last 18 months, a team from Rotary Altona City and the Hobsons Bay Council worked collaboratively to open the capsule and re-connect with the 30 Schools and message contributors involved 25 years ago.
Rotary Altona City staged two Public Time Capsule Exhibitions, the first on Australia Day 2025 where over 3000 people visited at a local shopping centre, and the second as a signature event over the 4-week Hobsons Bay Heritage Festival.
Following keynote talks by Club President Lenore Thornton, and Victorian Government Minister Melissa Horne, the Hobsons Bay Mayor Cr Daria Kellander presented Hobsons Bay Schools with their mini-capsules on 2 May.
It is with deep regret we advise that club member Mandy Dayal passed away on the 16th of December last year suddenly after a cardiac arrest. True to her devotion to community service, two days prior she had been helping at one of our sausage sizzles when she complained of tiredness.
Mandy had in total 12 years of service to rotary with six of those with Brimbank and the remainder with Altona City. Our thought are with her children and extended family at this time. She will be missed by the club.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR MICHAEL LAPINa - OFFICIAL club VISIT
Michael Lapina the District Governor paid us an official visit at our last meeting where he outlined his vision and the International President's Stephanie Urchick's vision for Rotary going forward under our current Theme : The Magic of Rotary.
The presentation was very well accepted and informative and Michael took the opportunity to present President Lenore and the club with official recognition of our clubs commitment to The Rotary Foundation.
Our club was the Third Highest Contributor to the Rotary Foundation. Given that there are over 60 clubs in the District, thats a mightly effort for a club that often punches well above its own weight.
Well done to all club members.
Thanks Michael and son Alex for your informative visit.
In now its 7th year, the Hobsons Bay Education Awards were held on Tuesday the 15th of October at the Kooringal Golf Course. In all, four schools were represented in three different categories.
There was a total of 20 nominations with the profiles of the winners read out. It was absolutely amazing to hear the work and dedication shown by these educators who are making a difference and enhancing our children's and loved ones education.
The key note speaker was Lucienne Heyworth who spoke of her passion in providing educational opportunties for children in war torn and troubled areas of the world.
She was truly inspirational and easily held the room with her passion and inspiration.
The awards are the brain child of Past District Governor Julie Mason who also handed out awards on the night. The categories were:
An Encouragement award for early career stage teachers.
An Achievement award for more experienced teachers.
Rhett Dadswell (Altona P-12)
Greta Aranha (Emmanuel College- Notre Dame Campus)
Marc Nicols (Emmanuel College- St Paul’s Campus)
A Team Award where a group of Teachers or Education Support Staff have collaborated effectively to address an important challenge or new development for a school.
Bayside College: Sam Levy, Suzanne Towe, Darren Sutcliffe, Angela North, Camilla Bishop
Emmanuel College: Keenan Gatens, Sian O’Neale, Michael Green
Williamstown HS: Alice Reid, Soula Sapounakis, Marnie Van Luinen.
It was a great night and congratulations to award winners and the organising committee, particularly Bryan Goodwin for pulling this event together.
club meeting dates
The Rotary Club of Altona City meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Kooringal Golf Club, Wilga Avenue, Altona at 6.00 for 6.30 pm.
Dinner orders will be by email to members and submitted by 3pm on the meeting night.
It’s hard to believe that almost 2 months of the Rotary year have come and gone and what a jam packed month August has been. The month kicked off with a trip up to Macedon for afternoon with the current inbound and 2026 outbound Youth Exchange Students, their parents, the host families and the Committee. 
During this month, we celebrated three new clubs joining District 9800, bringing creativity, energy, and connection to our Rotary family. From retired police officers finding purpose with Balwyn Blue, to global collaboration with Melbourne-Manila, and music-driven passion with the Rotaract Music Makers, there’s something new for everyone. 
Sometimes, all it takes is asking “why not?” The Rotary Club of Activate Victoria did just that, partnering with new sister clubs in the Philippines to deliver two life-changing Global Grants.
Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds project (RORP) was an initiative of RC Flemington Kensington starting in 2016. It involves the ‘harvesting’ of playgrounds and eventually shipping by the container to third world countries.
In a shining example of international collaboration and environmental stewardship, the Rotary Club of Caulfield has extended its support to the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap, Cambodia, for an inspiring initiative: Project T – Trees for Life.
Welcome to the new Rotary Year. It’s hard to believe I’m already almost a month into the role and I’m loving it. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the amazing year we have just had lead by now Immediate Past District/Vice Governor (my brother from another mother/twin) Michael Lapiña as he energetically spread the Magic of Rotary.
As we step into a new Rotary year, we reflect on the heartfelt leadership of Immediate Past District Governor Michael Lapiña. In his address at the recent District Governor Changeover, he spoke of creating an irresistible Rotary experience and reimagining belonging; themes that brought warmth, trust, and renewed purpose to our District. In this edition, we share excerpts from that speech, honouring a year shaped by service, connection, and the enduring Magic of Rotary.
At this year’s District Changeover, we paused to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of individuals and clubs whose service exemplifies the heart of Rotary. Their efforts continue to inspire and shape a stronger, more connected community through innovation, dedication, and compassion.
The Australian of the Year Awards celebrate extraordinary Australians who make a profound impact on lives, communities and society. Their challenges and triumphs, of reaching beyond professional achievements, reflect each recipient’s unique life journey. While the Awards focus on the year of recognition, they also honour the individual’s lifelong and ongoing contributions to the nation.
Over 23 years ago, Rotary Albert Park started collecting and selling pre-loved books. Their first weekend Book Fair was held at Albert Park Primary School and raised in excess of $20,000. Over the following years, book sales have raised in excess of $850,000 with the majority of funds raised returning to local organisations and those in need in the community.
Thanks to a Rotary-driven WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project, two rural secondary schools in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia have taken vital steps forward in health, sanitation, and education. 
How much do you you know about Peace? Read on to find out how to be (or become) a Peacebuilder, and why we all need to be Peacebuilders to make a better world. This is the first of a series of articles in Networker where Gabe Hau (Past D9800 Peacebuilding Committee Chair, Rotary-IEP Positive Peace Activator, IEP Ambassador) outlines some of the things Rotarians can do for Peace. Note: the acronym IEP stands for Institute for Economics and Peace.
