Welcoming Respect Integrity Enjoyment

Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group that shares your drive to give back.

Rotarians on the Move – Parkrun Saturdays

Every Saturday morning, a group of our Rotarians lace up their runners and head out for Hamilton Parkrun. It’s become a great way to stay active, enjoy some fresh air, and start the weekend on a positive note.

Walking side by side, sharing a few laughs, and even bringing along the family dog, our members are embracing fitness at their own pace. It’s not about speed — it’s about showing up, keeping moving, and supporting one another.

Being part of Parkrun also means being visible in our community. It’s another way we live our Rotary values — connection, wellbeing, and service — not just in meetings and projects, but out in the community.

He’s Got the Mic… and Now He’s Got Rotary!

One of our newest — and youngest — members, Josh Nelson, recently shared his story with the Club, speaking with humour, candour and a real zest for life.

Growing up in Adelaide’s north-east, Josh discovered his love of radio at a young age and nurtured that passion through school and formal training at the Australian Radio School. After securing his first on-air role with ACE Radio in Deniliquin, he later moved to 5MU Murray Bridge, where he was involved in community fundraising initiatives that raised an impressive $40,000. It was there he also began his Rotary journey.

Now back with ACE Radio as Creative Writer and Afternoon Announcer at Mixx 88.9 and 3HA, Josh describes himself as “back with a vengeance” and ready to rock the Western District — disclaimer and all!

We are delighted to welcome Josh to Rotary Hamilton and look forward to the energy, ideas and community spirit he brings — both on the airwaves and around the Rotary table.

Annual Rotary Art Show Coming up in October

Check out our Art Show Webpage for all up to date details https://artshow.rotaryhamilton.org.au/

Two Generations, One Rotary Spirit

A very special evening for our club

Last night we welcomed back Tori, our Rotary Foundation Scholar, as guest speaker. Tori shared her inspiring journey from her first year at Durham University, UK, where she attended seminars, immersed herself in research, and even presented a paper at a conference in Venice. She is now back in Australia continuing her PhD fieldwork in Deniliquin, exploring farming communities and climate change.

Adding to the occasion, we were thrilled to induct Tori’s mother, Katrina Rainsford as the newest member of our Rotary Club. It was a wonderful moment to see two generations connected through Rotary on the same night.

🌍 Service, learning, and fellowship — all in one evening. Welcome to our newest member, and congratulations to Tori on her achievements!

Guest Speaker Report – James Nagorcka

This week we welcomed James Nagorcka, fourth-generation Hamilton farmer and author of Wheel Tracks: The History of Waltanna Tractors.

James spoke about his remarkable journey from farm workshop to international recognition as an innovator. With no formal engineering background, he designed and built tractors at Waltanna, ultimately producing 223 machines between the late 1970s and 1992. Among them were 13 fitted with his pioneering rubber track system, which he began developing in 1983. James went on to hold 25 patents for this and other machinery inventions. His rubber track designs were so influential that leading global tractor manufacturers later sought his expertise when developing their own systems.

For more information check out the website https://www.waltannafarms.com.au/

Check out all our stories

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1943/stories

Rohan Garfoot - Wellness Coach

Rohan spoke of his Wellness coaching business.

He started off as a shearer then entered into the industry at around 40 years of age .

His coaching style charged from that of fitness to wellness.

His business philosophy is based on the ④ Pillars of Health.

Sleep -quality sleep is needed to recharge body + mind

Movement - daily activity for flexibility and mobility WHOrecommends 40 minutes of walking daily for good health.

Relaxation - Relieve stress and lower cortisol levels.

Nutrition - Balanced meals for energy.

The Quality of the last 10 years of your life is your choice.'

Note Rohan is the son of member David Garfoot

Rotary Supports Domestic Violence Awareness at Kangaroos v Cobden Football Round

Our club was proud to support the Domestic Violence Awareness Round on Saturday, as the Kangaroos and Cobden football and netball clubs united to take a stand against domestic violence. Rotarians were on hand with the “Respect Lives Here” selfie frame, encouraging players, supporters, and families to take photos and show their commitment to a safer, more respectful community. It was inspiring to see both clubs embrace the message and use the power of sport to raise awareness. Rotary thanks everyone who helped spread the word — because respect truly does live here.

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Farmer Drought Survey

Are you a farmer in District 9780?
Help us understand your needs so Rotary can target its drought relief funds effectively.

Rotary District 9780 is made up of local Rotary clubs across western and central Victoria — from the South Australian border to the Bellarine Peninsula and up to the Grampians.
These clubs work together on community projects, including support for farmers and rural communities during tough times like drought.

This survey will help us understand what you need, so we can direct our drought relief where it matters most.

📋 Survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q0KZAVwB4