On Thursday we had the privilege of hearing from S. Senguttuvan, from the Rotary Club of Erode in southern India. His presentation was a reminder of just how powerful Rotary can be when a club decides to think beyond the ordinary.
Many of us have now heard of Erode’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, but hearing it first-hand added a different perspective. What started as a plan to donate hospital beds quickly turned into something far more ambitious when it became clear there was nowhere to put them. The result was a 400-bed hospital, designed, funded, constructed and fully equipped in just 45 days.
It is easy to focus on the headline, but what stood out more was how it came together. Strong leadership, a willingness to act quickly, partnerships with government and business, and a club that backed itself to deliver something well beyond what might normally be considered possible. Importantly, the project also attracted more than 100 new members to Rotary in their region. That is no coincidence. Projects with purpose and visibility give people something to connect with. They create energy, a sense of relevance, and an opportunity to be part of something meaningful. That is what draws people in.
There is a clear message in that for us. Projects of that scale do not happen because everything is perfectly planned from the start. They happen because people are prepared to take the first step, adapt as they go, and bring others along. We are not Erode, and our circumstances are different, but the principle still applies. When we create opportunities for genuine involvement, when we are open to doing things differently, and when we are prepared to think a little bigger, we give people a reason to engage. And that is what strengthens a club.
Looking ahead, this Thursday we will hear from Ann Brownlie of Grace House in Siem Reap. As a club, we are planning a visit to support the school with a hands-on project, alongside some well-earned cultural and tourism activities. It promises to be a meaningful and enjoyable opportunity, and I encourage you, wives, partners and friends to come along, hear Ann’s story, and consider being part of it.
See you Thursday.
Club News
Good morning members, Partners and Friends,
Click Herefor an editable roster for our BBQ at Bunnings West (Anzac Ave), on Easter Saturday, 4th April 2026.
I am still counting on support, to enable a 3-shift of 3 hours each, 5 people per shift. Add your name to the list if you can help or ring me.
The roster is being sent to all members. Those names on the roster, thank you and it is to add to your calendar please!
Look forward to your support, for our Fellowship and Fun-Raising event.
A fee will apply to any member late with an apology regardless of whether the number attending on the meeting day of the meeting is over, under or equal to what the Club Secretary submitted to the Downs Club. This fee will only apply to meetings at the Downs Club or any other club meeting where attendance numbers have to be stipulated prior to the meeting.
A Club member will be charged a meal fee of $20 if they
fail to submit any apology before 11am on Tuesday for the meeting the following Thursday (48 hrs later)
need to submit a late apology due to changed circumstance.
Fail to show up after indicating they would be present.
The members owing a fee of $20 will notified by the Club Secretary and Club Treasurer via an emailed
Late apology fee notice.
The fee can be paid by direct credit into the RCTE Club account or by adding $20 to the $35 meal fee at the next club meeting
Apologies 26.03.2026
Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Ron Bowden, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Gary Campbell, Jim Charlton, Shane Fisher, Phil Gillam, Dave Groves, Andrew Kratzmann, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Toby Sandell, Allan Schefe, Doc Smith, Ross Watt, Matt Wentzel, Mark Winter
Apologies 02.04.2026
Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Phillip Charles, Phil Gillam, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Roger Klaassen, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Ross Watt, Mark Winter
