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.
The Rotary Club of Altona City meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Kooringal Golf Club, Wilga Avenue, Altona at 6.30pm for 7.00 pm start.
Keep checking the calendar as it is subject to change. Version 4 January 5th 2026
Date
Day
Event type
Time
Venue
January
1
BUNNINGS BBQ
All day
Bunnings Altona
January 5-14
January 13-21
week
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
Bronnie volunteering in Bris.
Canberra
Brisbane
January 19
Monday
Labelling day
9.30 – 3.30
53 Blackshaws Road
Newport
January 20
Tuesday
Club and Board Mtg
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
January 25
Sunday
Packing and labelling afternoon
2.00pm – 5.30pm
Central Square Shopping Centre
January 26
Monday
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATION
9.30am
CENTRAL SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE
School Term begins 27th January
February 3
Tuesday
Club Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
February 11
Wednesday
CLUSTER BBQ
6.00 for 6.30pm
NOORDENNE’S FARM
February 17
Tuesday
Club Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
February 21
Saturday
BUNNINGS BBQ
All day
Bunnings Altona
March 1
Sunday
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
10am
100 Steps
March 3
Tuesday
Club Mtg and Board Mtg
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
March 14
Saturday
BUNNINGS BBQ
All Day
Bunnings Altona
March 15
Sunday
BLACK DOG RIDE
All day
Wyndham Harbour
March 17
Tuesday
Club Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
March 27
Friday
Werribee Rotary Golf Day
All day
Werribee Golf Club
March 27-29
Fri - Sun
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
HORSHAM
March 31
Tuesday
Club Meeting in lieu of Easter
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
Easter 3-6 April and School Holidays 7-19 April
April 21
Tuesday
Club Meeting and Board Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
24th April - 26th April
Weekend
Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) CAMP
tba
Anzac Day 25 April
MAY tba
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)
May 1
Friday
CHARITY GOLF DAY
7.00am – 2.30pm
Kooringal Golf Club
May 5
Tuesday
Club Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
May 19
Tuesday
Club Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
May 26
Tuesday
WYNSPEAK HEAT
5.30pm - 9.30pm
ALTONA CIVIC CENTRE
June 2
Tuesday
Club Meeting and Board Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
June 3
Wednesday
WYNSPEAK FINAL
THOMAS CARR COLLEGE
Public Holiday King’s Birthday
June 16
Tuesday
Club Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
July 12
Sunday
CLUB CHANGEOVER
5.15pm for 5.30pm
Kooringal Golf Club
School Holidays 29 June – 12 July
July 7
Tuesday
Club Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
July 21
Tuesday
Club Meeting and Board Meeting
6.45pm for 7.00pm
Kooringal Golf Club
guest speaker june 16 - Trent Bartel
Our speaker at our last meeting was Trent Bartel of the PFI Fersa Engineering Group. Trents comapany was a silver sponsor at our recent charity golf day and mentioned his own charity work.
He spoke of a charity golf day he was running in August and that moneys raised would go to Challenge - An Organisation that provides funding for children with cancer.
We were pleased to announce on the night, we would be providing $500 towards Challenge and support the golf day. Details to follow in the next edition.
A fabulous turnout with 23 people attending and hearing from Joan Roose and her work with the Jacob’s Well Foundation. Jacob’s Well hopes to break the poverty cycle by sinking fresh water wells in villages, establishing health and resource centres and providing life changing education for children from tribal villages and the slums. https://www.jacobswell.org.au/our-vision
Joan gave us an update on a child we had sponsored and how she was progressing as well as other improtant projects. Thanks Joan for the update.
We also had David Berner and Robert Mason from the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed who spoke about the Mystery Box Rally raising funds for cancer research with a car rally that lasts for several days. https://www.mysteryboxrally.com.au/rallies
Our club will be making sizeable donations to both organisations.
Club Member TJ a keen motorcycle rider gave our club a certificate of appreciation at a recent meeting to acknowledge the support our club had provided to the ride in March This year.
Our club put on a BBQ for the riders upon the completion of the ride at Wyndham Harbour as well as fundraising on the day.
As a result the Black Dog Foundation was able to raise over $6000 for the cause.
Pictured left is TJ giving President Bronnie a certificate of appreciation.
Our incoming president Norm is a powerhouse and has some great ideas to lead the club forward. We have just found out that he has received Paul Harris Recognition particularly with his work with Donations in Kind. Well done Norn.
Norm articulated his tideas at a recent club meeting.
He would like during his year to:
Raise membership by 10%
Conduct a community needs analysis
Conduct one major project
Conduct a major International Project
He also will have one on ones with club members to get their thoughts and identify skills and passions within club members.
We know our club has great people and while we are small we often punch above our weight to achieve so much. With Norm at the helm, the future of the club looks bright.
Norm will be inducted as President on Sunday the 12th of July, 5.15 pm for 5.30 pm start at Kooringal Golf Course. More details to follow soon.
We would love to see as many of you there as possible.
The Hobsons Bay Wynspeak Heat at the Altona Theatre on 26 May 26 was terrific- the standard was high, and the adjudicators had a tough job. This was the first year the Hobsons Bay Community Fund sponsored the hiring of the Altona Theatre, and they recently advised us of a new grant for the 2027 Heat.
Students from 8 schools participated in the Hobson Bay Heat: Altona College, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Bayside College, Footscray High School, Mount St Joseph Girls’ School, Saltwater P9 College, Suzanne Cory High School and Williamstown High School.
Overall, the 2026 Wynspeak competition had 128 students (68 Juniors and 60 Seniors) representing 46 different schools from the Western Suburbs. The 60 reserves available to fill gaps in the program at short notice illustrates the high interest in this program.
Congratulations to the HB Heat winners, who will compete in the Wynspeak Finals:
Junior: Maddie Lamb, Year 8, Bayside College- Williamstown Campus
Senior: Leila Todd, Year 11, Footscray High School- Kinnear Campus
A huge thank you to Altona City RC, Altona RC, Point Gellibrand RC, Williamstown RC, and the main Wynspeak Organising Committee for supporting this heat.
Julie was our guest speaker at our meeting on the 19th of May. Where does one begin to describe Julie's contribution to Rotary and the Education Department for over 40 years?
She has served in many community roles over the years including being a Past District Governor and Chair of District 9800 Rotary Foundation Committee.
Julie received a Australia Day award in 2020 for her services to education and the community.
She spoke about the Rotary Foundation and many of the projects happening locally and overseas. These include, the continuing fight against Polio which has been reduced to a handful of cases, however she reminded us that being complacent could see it rise again.
Other projects such as clean water, education opportunities and economic development. She spoke of peace projects and simple practical things we can do such as erect peace poles with a simple message : May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Our club presented Julie with a sizeable donation for the Rotary Foundation to use in projects that make a difference to peoples lives.
The Charity Golf Day for Very Special Kids on the 1st May, 2026 was a resounding success with a full course of players who enjoyed the weather and their game followed by a formal lunch and award winners presentations. Golfers and supporters dug deep through the auctions, raffles and other fundraising activities to raise a sizeable amount for Very Special Kids.
Overall winners Mancini Team 1
During formal proceedings, a cheque for $10,000 was handed over by President Bronnie to Very Special Kids CEO Michael Wasley, to continue the great work that his organisation does.
Another $2000 has been handed over the VSK to make it a total proceedings of $12,000
A big thank you to all our supporters and donors and special recognition for the following:
Naming Rights Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
A big shout out to the organising team and in particular Lenore Thornton for her tireless efforts to make the day such a success.
We will be back next year so mark in your diaries Friday the 30th of April, 2027.
As always, our dedicated members are happy to donate their time to support worthwhile causes. Club members Anne, Charlie and Lenore giving their time to raise money for ANZAC Day.
Charlie, Lenore and Anne were all invited to Anzac House to thank all those volunteers who helped out. "Volunteers don't get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they're priceless"
and while we're on the topic of volunteering
Volunteers wanted!
Want to be part of something special? Newport Folk Festival 2026 is looking for volunteers!
Join an amazing community, meet great people, enjoy incredible music, and help bring one of Melbourne’s favourite folk festivals to life.
Whether you can help for a few hours or the whole weekend, we’d love to have you on the team!
Volunteering guarantees you as ticket to see any of the performances when you've finished your shift.
Find out more and register your interest by clicking this link
Ray Lipscome a former club member is a passionate bicycle rider and dog owner who over many years has ridden his bicycle across Australia raising money for the Lost Dogs Home.
Being an octogenarian hasn't stopped him and indeed has made him even more determined to ride on. His faithful sidekick Charlie has been there for his journeys as support and safety. Ray visited our club recently and recanted his latest ride and that in 2030 he is planning an even bigger ride. Ray has raised thousands of dollars for the Lost Dogs Home. Well done Ray. The club has made a donation for Ray's cause.
***IMPORTANT UPDATE***
Ray will be taking to the road again on May 8th. Heres the details of that ride so you can support this worthwhile cause.
The Vision for Vavuniya – Restoring Sight, Reviving Lives project in Northern Sri Lanka is a compelling example of how The Rotary Foundation, supported by committed Rotarians, can transform lives at scale. Read more
Thanks to all our dedicated contributors to the June issue of Rotary Foundation on the Move. And also thanks for the understanding of the two contributors who allowed us to hold over their stories due to the great number of stories received in April - one of which is our feature article. Keep up the good work Rotarians and friends.
You are receiving this email as a Rotarian or Rotaractor in a participating district of the Rotary South Pacific Pilot.
Message from the Chair
Pictured, from left to right: Top row: David Caruthers (Treasurer), Tony Monley (Company Secretary), Amanda Barnes (Service Projects Programs Director), David Barton (Membership Director), Edith Chaney (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director), Peter Rogers (Fundraising, Partnerships & Grants Director) and Alan Eyes (Corporate Admin). Bottom row: Liz Courtney (Learning & Development Director), Stephen Lovison (Community Group Director), Jennie Herring (Chair), Joe Martinovic (Rotaract Director) and Liz McDougall (Public Image Director).
Dear Rotarians and Rotaractors,
These past few months have been buzzing with activity across the South Pacific.
We're excited to see innovation across the zone, like Rotaract's newly chartered, international e-club for the zone. This flexible club offers an accessible entry point for young people who want to get involved with Rotary.
Rotary South Pacific Directors have also been busy preparing to induct your next Rotary Community Leaders for 2026-28, so they can best support their Community Groups to grow and effectively support clubs and community engagement.
It doesn't end there. This past weekend, we saw more than 95 clubs get involved with Epic Day of Service, an amazing collective and communal effort to give back to our local and global neighbourhoods.
On top of all of this, we have also opened expressions of interest for the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director on the Rotary South Pacific Board of Directors. If you've been waiting for a chance to get involved with the pilot, this is a great opportunity.
All of this and more is covered in this edition.
We hope you enjoy this edition of Rotary South Pacific News and find ways to learn more and get involved.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Regards,
Jennie Herring,
Chair,
Rotary South Pacific
Applications Open: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director
RSP is currently accepting applications for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director role. Being a part of the Rotary South Pacific Board means you will collaborate with Leaders, Districts, Clubs and other partners to collectively: grow membership, create lasting impact and enhance Rotary’s brand.
About the role
This is a fixed-term, 2-year appointment for an unpaid, volunteer role.
The DEI Director promotes an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and respect. In turn, this attracts new members who share the same purpose of service above self, and creates a positive, purposeful community impact.
Those expressing interest must be a Rotaractor or Rotary Member within the current Zone 8, in good standing with their Club and able to be appointed as a Director under Australian corporate law (other nationality is not a barrier). The incumbent is eligible for reappointment.
Key dates 2026
25 May: Expressions of interest close
27 May: Applications close
28 May to 4 June: selection panel consider applications and conduct interviews.
5 June: Applicants notified of the outcome
1 July: Role commences.
How to apply
Please send an email to rspstaff@rotary.org by 25 May 2026 with the following information:
Your eligibility will be reviewed by a Rotary South Pacific Staff member. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive the application form to complete the application process.
More than a single day of volunteering, the Epic Day of Service is a collective movement that showcases what’s possible when Rotary, Rotaract and Interact members and their local communities work together to create a real-world impact. Thank you to the 95+ Rotary Clubs across the South Pacific joined in this year's activities.
Rotaract E-Club Downunder is a new initiative designed to strengthen and expand Rotaract across the Zone.The E-Club provides a flexible entry point to Rotary and is accessible to any young adult across the Zone, helping more people connect with the Rotary family while also supporting the sustainability and growth of local clubs.
RCLs act as guides and mentors for clubs within Rotary Community Groups (RCGs) and function as a connector between clubs, directors and portfolio committees, districts, and specialist hub resources. Congratulations to those who have been successfully nominated as Rotary Community Leader for 2026-28. RCLs will commence 1 July.
This Rotary Community Group saves perfectly usable, Australian playgrounds from entering landfill and provide them with a new home in developing nations. When Rotary Clubs work together, their impact can travel far beyond their own communities.
Tickets available: Rotary South Pacific Conference
Under the theme People. Planet. Peace., the conference will bring together leaders, members and Rotaractors from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific to strengthen collaboration and amplify impact across the pilot region.
If you need support with topics like conflict resolution, strategic planning, membership initiatives, fundraising or something else related to your Rotary or Rotaract Club, the Specialists are here for you.
Specialists are Rotarians with significant experience at Rotary and in their vocation.
This newsletter is sent to all Rotarians and Rotaractors in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Nations. Sometimes, emails get missed or go undelivered for a variety of reasons. If you know someone who you think should be receiving this, let them know they can reach out to rspstaff@rotary.org so we can get them back on the receiver list.
ROTARY SOUTH PACIFIC
South Pacific and Philippines Office, Level 1, 25/1 Maitland Place, Norwest, N.S.W., Australia 2153 www.rotarysouthpacific.org
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Welcome to the March 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.
To everyone who shaped this unforgettable weekend—thank you. What we experienced together at the Summit in Horsham was more than a program, more than a gathering. It was a living, breathing reminder of what humanity can be when kindness, courage, and community take centre stage.
An invitation from DGE Graeme Hope, Camberwell Rotary
Fresh from a landmark gathering in Horsham, District Governor Elect Graeme Hope has cast his gaze westward — inviting every member of District 9800 to join him on the south-west coast of Victoria in April 2027 for what promises to be one of the most compelling Rotary Impact Summits in recent memory.
An article from PDG Bronwyn Stephens, Brighton North
From building infrastructure to launching small businesses, lives in rural Uganda are being transforming by equipping young people with practical skills, income opportunities and renewed hope for the future. Brighton and Brighton North Rotary-supported initiatives, funded through a Rotary Foundation District International Grant, are delivering meaningful outcomes across construction, agriculture and hospitality training, creating sustainable pathways for young people and vulnerable communities.
An article from Aviv Palti and Jessica Palti, Melbourne Passport
An extraordinary international collaboration brought together the Rotary Passport Club of Melbourne, Rotary Clubs of Balwyn, Keilor East and Melbourne, supported by a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation through Rotary District 9800.
An article from Rhys Williams, Rotary Central Melbourne
Through her 2025 scholarship, Vietnamese high school teacher Ms Doan Thanh Thu successfully strengthened her professional capability in modern English as a Second Language (ESL) pedagogy.
March is Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month, so what better time to launch the new water reticulation system at the Aladura Primary School in Buedu, Sierrra Leone, than March! The Sierra Leone Water Storage and Reticulation project, a project of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie and the Rotary Club of Bo, Sierra Leone, was funded with proceeds from the Boroondara Farmers Market supported by generous grants from Rotary Balwyn and the Australian Government through Australia Aid.
Making a Lasting Impact Together: As Rotarians, we’re united by a common purpose: to do good in the world and uplift communities in need. The Rotary Foundation stands at the heart of our service, empowering us to tackle challenges such as eradicating polio, providing clean water, advancing education, and promoting peace. However, the Foundation’s ability to support life-changing projects relies on the generosity and commitment of members like you.
An article from Colleen McCarthy, Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary
Is Leadership in Rotary About Position — Or Participation: Earlier this year, I attended the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). It delivered an engaging leadership course designed to strengthen knowledge and confidence within Rotary. The program is structured into four parts, each exploring different aspects of Rotary and effective leadership.
The environment sustains all life on Earth, providing clean air, water, and natural resources. Protecting it today ensures a healthier planet for future generations. Every small action, from reducing waste to conserving energy, helps protect the environment. Supporting the Environment is Rotary's Seventh Area of Focus. Collective efforts can create lasting positive change for our planet.
Our club supported the Black Dog Ride again by cooking sausages and providing info on Rotary to the 100 plus riders who made their way down from Ballarat to raise money for The Black Dog Foundation. This foundation raises much needed funds for suicide prevention awareness and programs. Club member TJ led the riders down from Ballarat to Wyndham harbour where there was food, good conversation, raffles and auctions were aplenty. The event helped raise thousands of dollars. Well done to all those who participated.
Another successful Australia Day Event at the Central Square Shopping Centre. A big thank you to all those that participated and many thanks to Brian Noordenne for making his centre available to us.
With the Multi District Impact Summit bringing March to an end it was always going to be a big month but I am only now just realizing how big.
To everyone who shaped this unforgettable weekend—thank you. What we experienced together at the Summit in Horsham was more than a program, more than a gathering. It was a living, breathing reminder of what humanity can be when kindness, courage, and community take centre stage.
Fresh from a landmark gathering in Horsham, District Governor Elect Graeme Hope has cast his gaze westward — inviting every member of District 9800 to join him on the south-west coast of Victoria in April 2027 for what promises to be one of the most compelling Rotary Impact Summits in recent memory.
From building infrastructure to launching small businesses, lives in rural Uganda are being transforming by equipping young people with practical skills, income opportunities and renewed hope for the future. Brighton and Brighton North Rotary-supported initiatives, funded through a Rotary Foundation District International Grant, are delivering meaningful outcomes across construction, agriculture and hospitality training, creating sustainable pathways for young people and vulnerable communities.
An extraordinary international collaboration brought together the Rotary Passport Club of Melbourne, Rotary Clubs of Balwyn, Keilor East and Melbourne, supported by a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation through Rotary District 9800. 
Through her 2025 scholarship, Vietnamese high school teacher Ms Doan Thanh Thu successfully strengthened her professional capability in modern English as a Second Language (ESL) pedagogy. 
March is Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month, so what better time to launch the new water reticulation system at the Aladura Primary School in Buedu, Sierrra Leone, than March! The Sierra Leone Water Storage and Reticulation project, a project of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie and the Rotary Club of Bo, Sierra Leone, was funded with proceeds from the Boroondara Farmers Market supported by generous grants from Rotary Balwyn and the Australian Government through Australia Aid.
The environment sustains all life on Earth, providing clean air, water, and natural resources. Protecting it today ensures a healthier planet for future generations. Every small action, from reducing waste to conserving energy, helps protect the environment. Supporting the Environment is Rotary's Seventh Area of Focus. Collective efforts can create lasting positive change for our planet. 
Wyndham Harbour
