This Week at Rotary
The meeting last week ended up being even more relaxed than usual when our guest speaker didn't attend. Instead, John Blane gave us an overview of the Rotary Centurion program, reiterating the What Is ....? supplemental bulletin that went out about a month ago.
The Rotary Foundation is Rotary’s own charitable arm — a globally respected not-for-profit organisation that turns donations into sustainable, life-changing projects. From clean water and disease prevention to education and economic development, it funds impactful programs both overseas and right here in our own communities.
What is the Centurion Program?
The Centurion Program invites Rotarians and supporters to give $100 (or more) each year to The Rotary Foundation. It’s a simple, tax-deductible way to support Rotary’s global mission and help fund critical work in areas like:
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Clean water and sanitation
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Disease prevention and treatment
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Peace and conflict resolution
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Literacy and education
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Maternal and child health
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Community economic development
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Environmental sustainability
Why Become a Centurion?
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Simple: Just $100 once a year — easy and meaningful.
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Trusted: The Foundation is known for transparency and high impact.
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Effective: Every dollar goes toward well-managed, measurable projects.
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Appreciated: Centurion members receive a badge and recognition for their support.
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Correspondence
2025 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards
We received correspondence advising that nominations are now open for the 2025 Wannon Volunteer Awards, which celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups across our region.
Categories include:
Help shine a light on the volunteers who make a real difference.
👉 [Submit your nomination here]
Nominations close at 5.00pm on Monday 1 October 2025.
The 2025 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards Ceremony will take place on
Friday, 21 November in Colac.
For further details, please call 1300 131 692 or 03 5561 640.
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Peter shared that Heather Green has resigned from the club. While we are sad to see her step down, we are pleased that she wishes to remain connected as a Friend of Rotary.
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Proposed Merger Committee – We need two members from each club to join
two members from the Rotary Club of Colac to investigate venues for a proposed
change of meeting night. Please let Peter or Amanda know if you are interested.
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We need to collect our club's historical documents and items from Ian Cullan's home. Lyn and Amanda volunteered to go and inspect the collection so a plan for moving and storing it can be made.
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Jackie Bechmann reported on her attendance at the Colac Investing in Rural Community Foucs (IRCF) Meeting on 2nd September where the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) Roadmap was discussed. It was agreed that a clear understanding of what Rotary does and how it serves the community is required.
RYLA, Defying the Drift and NYSF are all progressing.
Maurie provided a written report on how Sara is going with her Exchange Student Program.
I facetimed Sara on Sunday 7th September. We always arrange to chat the day before. Sara said she was well then. When we spoke yesterday Sara was unwell with a cold, sore throat & sniffles. Sara was to catch up with her Rotary Counsellor but cancelled and they well meet another day. We chatted for a while. Sara started her new School year on 11th August . Some of her new new subjects are a new Language program, plus Math, Psychology, Physiology & Ancient & current History .Sara attended Rotary Introduction for Summer team, meeting over 100 inbound students to Denmark plus 20 of current Exchange students. Sara is still very much enjoying her current host family Eva & Mads and children Marie, Anna & Ellen. Sara moves to her 3rd & last host
family on the 20th September. She is still waiting to hear who her host family will be Sara has attended 3 Rotary Club mtgs. She was invited to the new
Predident’s new house warming and at the mtg the club held a workshop taste testing where Rotary members including Sara had to cook Danish fare. The 3rd mtg was meeting the 3 exiting Exchange sudents. Sara was asked to speak at this meeting.
We will catch up again in a month.
Maurie
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On Thursday 4th September – Beth, Lyn and Amanda attended the Bunnings Father’s Day Family Night as volunteers to assist in the organisation of the evening. For our time we received a $100 Bunnings gift card. We will either use it for something the club needs, or sell it to a member to 'cash' it out.
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Saturday 18 October – Rotary in Greater Geelong and Districts 100th Anniversary
Dinner Dance. $95 per head plus a $4.50 booking fee, 6.00pm to 10.30pm, at
Club Italia, 515 Bellarine Highway, Moolap. Purchase tickets through this link.
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Passing of SangKoo Yun
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of SangKoo Yun, Rotary International President-elect for 2026–27. A member of the Rotary Club of Sae Hanyang, Seoul, Korea, SangKoo was a respected leader whose vision and commitment to Rotary will continue to inspire. His legacy of service will be remembered across the global Rotary family.
Vale PDG Bob Furner
We are also saddened to share the passing of Robert K. (Bob) Furner PP, PDG, PHF, an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West for 42 years. Bob’s passion and dedication to Rotary saw him serve in many leadership roles, including Club President, Secretary, District Governor, and Chairman of ShelterBox Australia. His tireless service was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow and benefactor of The Rotary Foundation. Bob will be deeply missed.
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Lynn reported that our August Share the Dignity campaign was a wonderful success. We collected 335 products donated from our very generous members of our community. We also received a cash donation to buy products for delivery to our local agencies.
Thankyou to our members, Woolworths and Blooms the Chemist for supporting this
Program to help women doing it tough, those experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Thankyou to the Colac Herald for its continued support by highlighting the program
to the public.
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Melbourne Cup Luncheon – Save the Date
Our club will once again be hosting the Melbourne Cup Luncheon on Tuesday, 4 November at the Bowling Club. Fiona has begun organising the online arrangements, with more details to come soon.
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Jill Rodgers advised that the Find Your Light Choir — a choir for children of all abilities — is seeking assistance with a grant application. It was agreed that our club will lend its name in support of their application.
