End Polio Now

We often take vaccination for granted in Australia, where it is part of our universal healthcare system. Yet, much of the world’s population still lacks access to even basic healthcare.

World Polio Day was marked on October 24, and Diamond Creek Rotary recently contributed $1,000 directly to the global effort to eradicate polio.

Wondering how this makes a lasting impact? The maths is simple. Every $1 Rotary contributes is matched by $2 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, turning our $1,000 donation into $3,000. With each vaccination costing approximately $1, that’s enough to vaccinate 3,000 children against polio — helping protect them for life.

To put that into perspective, according to the last Census, there were 3,218 children aged 0–4 living in Nillumbik. So, already this Rotary year, in communities we may never visit and among people we will almost certainly never meet, Diamond Creek Rotary has helped make a life-changing difference on a scale almost equivalent to every young child in our own community.

I tried to work out Diamond Creek Rotary’s contribution to the eradication of polio over the decades - maybe when I have a bit of spare time I will finish that exercise!  If you want to contibute more to this campaign, click the link to donate in the side bar.

The presentation from Lex De Man from Whittlesea Rotary at our last meeting highlighted the inspiring work that they are doing to help some of the poorest people in Cambodia by bringing education, fresh water, toilets & hygeine straight to communities.  The projects they are contributing to are set up to deliver sustained support so that there is lasting impact. The team heads off for 2 weeks in early November and will pick on on work done earlier this year.  There will be another trip next April for anyone interested in getting involved.

Dewali Celebrations 

After a bit of last minute reorganising the Dewali celebrations to be an indoor event.  Congratulations to Diwali Celebrations 2026 committee for a great evening and thank you too to Nillumbik council for their suppport.  See link below for photos!

Eltham Rotary - Pancreatic Cancer Research

Eltham Rotary's hospitality was in full swing on Thursday as they welcomed us to hear some of the latest on pancreatic cancer research.  Please see link to Merri's update below for more information and the link to Pancare if you would like to support this important research.

RYLA Nominations

The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program is a fantastic opportunity for young adults to get ahead. RYLA gives young people a leg-up — helping them build confidence, develop leadership skills, discover their strengths and create connections that can open doors for their future.

If you know a young person who would benefit from this experience, now is the time to nominate them.

This Week's Meeting

This week, we have a board meeting on zoom.  This replaces our regular meeting.  If you have any matters to send the board for consideration, please send them though to secretary Kerry.