As the weeks pass, things seem to get busier and busier.
Well done to Mark and The Knox Rocks Project for their radio program last week. It was wonderful to hear the songs that have been created. It is a fantastic project, and one our club is proud to support.
Wednesday was a great evening. Those who attended the 1812 Theatre had a wonderful time, as did those who went to the Knox City Council Awards evening. While no awards were won, it was a lovely night spent surrounded by so many dedicated volunteers. It is truly inspiring to work in a city with such a strong volunteer spirit — we all play a part in helping the world go round.
This week promises to be another fabulous meeting, where we have the opportunity to invite members of the community to see what we do. I can’t wait.
Yours in Rotary
WEEKLY REMINDERS
ATTENDANCE
Please use ClubRunner to manage your attendance.
If you are unable to attend and/or wish to bring additional guests (including for special events or partners nights), please update your response by 5:00pm Monday.
Please note: we must provide Knox Club with final numbers and we are charged for meals even if you do not attend.
If you would like something included on the website, please contact Jim Sly. Content and photos are always welcome — especially of hard-working Rotarians!
Our Rotary Club used to hang other Rotary Club
Banners up to view, on cloth flag like displays.
We had at least 10 such displays a number of us recall.
Does anyone know where they are please ?
If you know where they are or even where last seen
please contact our Secretary.
Thanks.
Wal Goodwin Award
Who's Taking Wally Home?
Each year at Changeover the award is presented to a member of the Club deemed to be a Rotarian who has worked well through the year, as determined by the members. The awardee is given a plaque to take home and keep; there is also an Honour Roll/Shield placed on the reception table each week to remind members of the fine service Wal provided to the Club. A donation to the value of $200 will be made to Australian Rotary Health in the name of the recipient each year.
The ‘Who’s taking Wally home?’ box has been at the registration desk throughout the year for members to nominate anyone who has done something outstanding. The box was opened after the meeting on Tuesday 12thMay and contained the following nominations and citations:
Peter Malden
–for outstanding and exceptional work on the container to PNG and his tireless work at the Men’s Hub.
–for his organisation of the container to PNG and his connection with Simba
–for amazing work over the years fundraising, project managing and supporting his fellow Rotarians.
Helene Kamieth–for always being so positive.
Lance Deveson
The purpose of these names being drawn was to jog people’s memory of the actions of these people over the last year.
They are NOT the only members you can vote for in the election, you may vote for ANY current member to receive the award.
Voting will close at 10pm onTuesday 26thMay.
Please only vote ONCE.
Clicking on the link below will take you to the voting form.
In the event of a draw the nominations will be used to separate the members, so if member A and Member B draw in the vote the member with the most nominations will receive the award. If we are still unable to separate the nominees there will be two awards.
If you encounter any issues with the voting process, please talk to Secretary Peter Dalwood
(secretary@rotaryboronia.org.au, 0428-661-117)
Result
The recipient of the award for 2026 will be announced at Changeover.
Please send a reminder to those that you may have already discussed the Info night with (as people tend to forget). Also please keep sending emails and social media posts about the 26th.
It is really important on the night to engage with visitors and to ask if they have any particular interests such as youth, community, social, environment or international etc and to affirm that they would be most welcome to come along to a meeting and or participate in one of our projects or events.
We encourage all members to think about friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues or community-minded people who may be interested in finding out more. Sometimes all it takes is a personal invitation.
This evening will be a great way to showcase the friendships, service, fundraising, youth programs and community projects that make the Rotary Club of Boronia so special.
If you are planning to bring someone along, please let us know so we can make sure we have accurate numbers.
Let’s all help spread the word and show our guests what Rotary is all about! Please share the flyers you have received via email.
National Volunteer Week - Thank you
During National Volunteer Week, we take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible contribution our members make through volunteering.
Across our Club, our District, our local community and even internationally, Rotary Club of Boronia members give their time, energy and care in so many ways. Whether it be supporting Knox Infolink, the community gardens, Men’s Hub, Youth Shed, CWA, Tamminya House, taking on District roles, helping within our own Club, or contributing to projects that reach beyond our local area, the impact is significant.
Volunteering our time is one of the most valuable gifts we can give. It makes a real difference to those who receive our support, but it also gives us connection, purpose and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
To every member who gives their time, quietly or visibly, regularly or when they can, thank you. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and our Club and community are stronger because of everything you do.
Appreciation from Knox Infolink for our Volunteers
News from the Environment Team
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Easy sustainability wins you can try this week
Looking for simple ways to cut waste without overhauling your life? Here are a few practical, low-cost ideas that turn everyday items into something useful—and keep more out of landfill.
Reuse
Before you bin plastic meat trays, give them a second life: the ones with little dimples are surprisingly handy as mini seed trays. Add a bit of potting mix, sow your seeds, and you’ve got an instant starter garden.
Ready for the next step? Here are a couple of recycling ideas that are easy to action.
Recycle
Make a quick plant booster: pop banana skins in a bucket of water and let them steep for around two weeks. Use the liquid on pot plants for a gentle nutrient boost. Once the skins turn gooey, add them to your compost or green waste.
Don’t throw out empty tablet blister packs—many local pharmacies accept them for recycling. The aluminium and plastic are separated using specialised machinery, then recycled as different materials.
Donating? The Bayswater Salvos store team is known for being friendly and helpful—if you’re unsure what they can accept, ask in-store and they’ll point you in the right direction.
And finally, the easiest win of all: reducing what comes home with you in the first place.
Reduce
Cut packaging while you shop: skip plastic bags and bring your own reusables. Woolworths and Coles both sell reusable mesh produce bags that make it easy to ditch the single-use plastic in the fruit and veg aisle.
Your turn: If you’ve found a clever way to reduce waste at home, let us know—we’d love to share community tips in a future newsletter.
CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME
The Rotary Club of Boronia is registered as a donation partner with the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme. Victoria is divided into 3 zones and of course we sit on the border between two of them, so we’re registered with both the North and East zones. Persons returning containers to any collection point in either zone may nominate us to receive the funds from their donations simply by scanning the attached barcode or entering our Donation Partner ID. All funds contributed will be deposited to our Committee account.
Alternatively, you may bring your empty bottles and cans to our meetings. Environment Chair Annette Griffin will take them to a recycling location to make a deposit on our behalf. You can also bring used batteries to meetings for collection.
Join us for our upcoming Hope Katolo Nursery School fundraiser at Palace Cinemas Balwyn to enjoy The Devil Wears Prada 2 on Saturday 30th May. Ticket includes a small popcorn or vanilla choc top. Start time 4-4.30 TBC closer.
RSP26: Three Days of Inspiration, Leadership & Fellowship — Don’t Miss Out
Registrations are now open for the Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026, 30 Oct–1 Nov in Melbourne. This year’s theme — People • Planet • Peace — brings together an exceptional lineup of speakers. Delegates will leave with practical tools, fresh ideas, and renewed confidence in Rotary’s future.
Clubs and members are encouraged to also consider:
President’s Breakfast (Sat) — an energising session with incoming RI President Larry Lunsford, designed for current and future club leaders. Registration Link
Rotary Foundation Masterclass (Fri) — with Past RI President and incoming TRF Trustee Chair Gordon McInally, focusing on mental health, impact, and how clubs can use Foundation grants more effectively. Registration Link
Saturday Gala Dinner — Unmasked: Masquerade Ball A spectacular evening featuring performances from classical musicals, a professional jazz band, a Phantom‑themed surprise duet, and a dramatic all‑guest unmasking moment. Clubs may wish to book as a group via the main conference registration site.
Friday night fellowship dinner – an informal opportunity to socialise with members from across the region. Registration Link
Our community (Group 4) leader is Guz Rozycki (Belgrave) and our fellow community clubs are
Belgrave
Bunyip Garfield
Emerald & District
Ferntree Gully
Healesville
Koo Wee Rup Lang Lang
Lilydale
Monbulk & District
Pakenham
Upper Yarra
Wandin
REMINDERS
If members are unable to attend Tuesday night's meeting, please decline on ClubRunner by 5pm the Monday before. This is important for Knox Club staff and catering purposes.
You can update or find information on this website or contact Monique Smith to register or update your details. *Please remember to list Rotary Club of Boronia as a place you volunteer.
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