Our RYLA speakers were the stars of our last meeting. We also welcomed prospective members, Sharon, Peter, Chris and Jas along with partner of Jackie, Allan and Colac club members to our meeting. It was wonderful having so many guests to enjoy a meal together.
Rotary Club of Colac Otway Update 
At the Rotary Club of Colac Otway board meeting held on 21 May, it was decided that the new club would like to reinstate the committee structure with four main club committees, plus two, which will operate slightly adjacent to the club.
- First meeting of the new club is on Thursday 9 July 6.00 pm for 6.30pm start at Colac City Bowls Club, Gravesend Street. This will be the new regular venue. All partners, friends of Rotary and interested community members are welcome to attend.
- Club will be meeting 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays of each month. First Thursday will be a board meeting.
Club Structure
Board Executive
- President - Ben Zappelli
- Secretary - Amanda Pugh
- Treasurer - Lynton Evans
Board Directors
- Community Committee – Lyn Crook
- International Committee – Toni Cuthbertson
- Youth Committee – Jackie Beckman
- ????????
Special Project Committees
Walk for Respect Committee
A collaborative committee comprising Rotary members and community stakeholders, including Police, Salvos, Orange Door, Otway Edit, and Colac Otway Shire.
Trail Run Committee
This committee will recommence shortly and now includes two external volunteers, reducing the need for club member representation.
Club Roles
- Foundation Chair – John Blane
- Program Director (including Vocational) – Geoff DeLaRue
- Fundraising Committee – Position Vacant
- Bulletin Editor – Sue Heyward
- Environment (including Containers for Change) – Bev Hunt
- Say No to Family Violence – Lyn Crook
- Public Relations – Sue Schram (TBC)
- Facebook Coordinator – Tim Hunt
- Website Coordinator – Jen Chiu (supported by Ben and Sue Schram)
- Fellowship / Angels – Toni Cuthbertson
- Eat Up Program – Jen Chiu
- Bunnings BBQ Coordinator – Phil Hunt
- Show Shed Coordinator – Lyn Crook
A small number of additional positions are still to be filled and will be confirmed in due course.
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ROTARY CLUB OF COLAC OTWAY CHANGEOVER DINNER
Please make sure you reply to your invitation for our very special changeover dinner June 9th. By next dinner meeting date, could members please supply Amanda with a gift to be included in a hamper for the raffle prize on the night of our Changeover.
Venue - Colac Bowling Club Moore St
When - Monday July 1st 6.00pm
Catering by Fusion - $46 ph
Payment can be made by direct debit to Rotary Club of Colac West
BSB 633 000
Account - 174349639
Reference description - 'Your Name' - changeover dinner
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NEXT SOCIAL MEETING DATE - JUNE 16TH - PIZZA NIGHT AND ALL ABILITIES SINGING - SPECIAL INVITATION TO COLAC, ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.
- Venue - The Neighbourhood House Miller St Colac
- Time 5.30pm entertainment, 6.30pm pizza tea.
Please let Amanda know if you are attending.
We have some wonderful guest speakers already signed up for this event. Fiona Okeson is Emcee. Bulla will have their ice cream van available for walkers. Meatcrew are donating sausages for a walkers BBQ. Artwork, focusing on Family Violence, by local students, will be on display around town. Facebook video clips are in the process of being recorded. Special DV logo coffee cups are hopefully going to be distributed around the local cafe's Please put the date into your diaries.
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It was another low week of tipping. No one picked nine. The best was 5, from Lyn and Sue
Lyn Crook holds the top position and has done for many weeks with a total of 83. Trevor is 2nd with 81 and equal third on 80 are Sue, Trish and Paul Walsh. On the other end is Ben on 51.
Will Lyn continue her good run????
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CAN YOU HELP WITH A DONATION
Request for donations from Ben Zappelli who is off to Fiji . Ben is looking for donations of items to go to Fiji in July.
Thank you in anticipation of your thoughtfulness.
Items required include.....
- Good quality Bras as per attached flier
- a Makita impact drill & x2 5a batteries
- work gloves
- footballs/ netballs etc
Either bring along to a meeting or contact Ben Zappelli. ben.zappelli@gmail.com
GUEST SPEAKERS
RYLA Experience Inspires Future Leaders
Members recently enjoyed hearing from our young participants who attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp. They shared their experiences and reflected on the valuable leadership skills they developed during the program.
This year Molly Dunnill (National Payroll Group), Rachael Duynhoven (Colac Area Health), Stella Harrington (Colac Area Health), and Joshua Newcombe (Bluewater fitness center), attended.
The speakers described how RYLA challenged them to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop stronger communication and teamwork skills. Most importantly, they spoke about the positive impact the experience has already had on their working lives, influencing both their attitudes towards work and the way they interact with colleagues.
Their enthusiasm and personal growth were evident, and they strongly encouraged other young people to consider applying for future RYLA programs. Their stories were a powerful reminder of the lasting difference that leadership development opportunities can make in the lives of young people.
The participants and our club thanked Jackie Beckmann for the fantastic job she did to ensure this programs continues to be a success. Well done Jackie.
Always a fantastic evening, thank you for coming along.
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COBDEN BIRTHDAY AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION NIGHT.
Thursday 25 June – We have been invited to the Rotary Club of Cobden’s 60th Birthday and Community Celebration Night, Cobden Civic Hall, 55 Victoria Street, Cobden. $33 with drinks available at bar prices. 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start. RSVP to 0403 122 987 or: secretary.rotarycobden@gmail.com by Thursday 18 June.
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Annual District Governor and Club President Changeover.
Sunday 28 June, 11.30am to 2.30pm – You are invited to join District 9780 and the Rotary Club of Casterton for the annual District Governor and Club President Changeover. Your attendance will also support a community continuing to recover from hail damage and prolonged drought. Venue: Finlay Emporium, 21 Henty Street, Casterton. Cost: $76 per person (Two course meal. Drinks available for purchase at venue) Closing Date for Bookings: 15 June 2026 To book: District 9780 Changeover 2026 Tickets, Finlay Emporium, Casterton | TryBooking Australia
CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
- Saturday 13 June - Bunnings BBQ - Let Amanda know if you can help out please.
- Tuesday 16th June - 'Find your light Choir' practice and Pizza night at the Neighbourhood house 5.30pm followed by tea.
- Tuesday 23rd June - Last Dinner meeting as Rotary Club of Colac West
- Wednesday 1 July - Change over and name change dinner - Colac Bowling Club Moore St, catering by Fusion.
Rotary Anniversary - Trevor McLaren - 15 years June 14th
Fiona Okeson - 4 years June 21st
Birthday - Stewart Carson - June 11th
MEETING DUTIES June 23rd
Raffle and welcome - Trish Hickey
Fines - Cheryl McLaren and Sue Schram
Set up and pack away - Fiona Okeson and Paul Walsh.
