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.

Coffee Cup Project

Starting the conversation ........

As our Domestic Violence Awareness coffee cup project officially comes to an end, we want to sincerely thank every café, volunteer, business and community member who helped make it possible.

Thousands of cups were shared across our community, helping spark important conversations about domestic violence awareness — at home, at work and over coffee with friends.

While the project is wrapping up, some cafés will continue using the cups until their supply runs out, meaning the conversations and awareness will continue a little longer throughout our community.

May is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but the message does not end here. Awareness, support and community connection matter every day.

Thank you for standing with us and helping create a community where people feel seen, supported and heard. 💜

Domestic Violence Breakfast

Our recent Domestic Violence Awareness Breakfast brought together 40 community members for a meaningful morning of connection, learning and shared commitment.

Rotary Club of Hamilton outlined its 2025 projects and its intention to continue and build on this important work into 2026.

We were privileged to hear from a range of passionate speakers:

Rotarian Peter Irvin spoke about professional development initiatives supporting primary schools
Helen Henry from Southern Grampians Shire Council shared insights into council culture and its role in fostering respectful communities
Dr Sophie Ping from Western District Health Service highlighted the health sector’s perspective
Lou Hurley - Wimmera South West Violence Partnership Principal Strategic Advisor spoke about her organisation supporting those impacted by DV.

Attendees were invited to contribute ideas through a questionnaire, sparking valuable conversations, thoughtful reflections and strong networking across the room.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed — together, we are building a safer, more respectful community.

Small team, big impact: keeping our community connected.”

Deb King, Manager of the Hamilton Community House in
Sedgewick Street, began her presentation with a lighthearted

introduction to Laughter Yoga—one of the many
programs offered—encouraging participants to “get into
mischief and not get caught.”

She outlined the history of the House, established in 1987,
and explained that it is governed by a Committee of
Management and forms part of a statewide network of
more than 400 Neighbourhood Houses across 16
networks.

Aged Care Services Explained at Rotary

Members appreciated an informative presentation from Alison Richmond Executive Director of Aged Care at Western District Health Services

Alison outlined the range of aged care services available locally and explained how people can access support through the My Aged Care assessment process. She spoke about the eight funding levels now available, along with personalised care plans and individual budgets designed to support older people to remain independent and safe at home.

The presentation also highlighted funding for assistive technology and home modifications, as well as end-of-life care pathways. Alison noted that while many services are government funded, some participants may be required to make a small co-contribution depending on their circumstances.

Key Contacts:

My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
Website: Aged Care Services Explained at Rotaryhttp://Aged Care Services Explained at Rotary
Western District Health Service Aged Care: www.wdhs.net/agedcare

The session provided a helpful overview of how the system works and the services available to help people maintain choice, independence and quality of life as they age.

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.