WEEKLY BULLETIN VOLUME 1 ISSUE 9 1st September 2026
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month for Rotary.
This is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. We all know how critical reading and writing are for success in life – for gaining information, communicating, making agreements, and so forth.
Enhancing Basic Education skills and Literacy are essential in reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. Improvements can reduce maternal death, improve childhood survivability, and reduce poverty. They can also enable success in business or a profession.
Projects undertaken by a Rotary Club can address low adult literacy, returning youth to school, enhancing student performance, or supplementing limited school resources.
Consider how your club is, or could showcase "THE MAGIC OF ROTARY by supporting basic education and literacy in your community or somewhere else in the world.
Our meetings are hybrid, with both online and in person attendance options.
6.30PM FOR 7PM START. Please contact our attendance chair on attendance@rotaryboronia.org.au to make a booking.
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.
We had another 3 guests visiting for our meeting this week. Margaret (soon to be a member), Janine Mossop and Matilda (Peter Enland’s wife). We also had a past Rotarian visiting us, Don Sweeny who had heard how good our Club is and wanted to visit to check it out for himself. Maybe another new member?
Our guest speaker was Peter Enland “Behind the Badge” to tell us the story of his life! Wow what an adventure it has been for Peter, many places he has visited and lived and the many jobs he has had over his lifetime, and he’s not done yet! Thanks for your presentation Peter, it was wonderful to hear about your life.
The Skills Sheds are going great guns with Youth Shed No 1. BHPS doing metalwork this week with our very own Brad who showed his metalwork skills to the Junior Tradies. Thanks for your time and effort and your beautiful skills in metalwork Brad. Skills Shed No 2. Boronia K-12 had a session in carpentry where they made a birds box/nest to take home. Both Sheds are really progressing with the Junior Tradies excelling in learning trades.
As I mentioned in the meeting, congratulations to Peter Malden for being nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. Unfortunately, he didn’t make the final 3 finalists.
We had a quick Board meeting after the meeting to briefly discuss our process for members in financial hardship. There will be more on this in weeks to come.
On Saturday Night I had the pleasure of attending (with DG Emma Clark and DGE Murray Wilson) the Rotary Districts of Victoria (9790, 9800 & 9815) Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards at Green Acres Golf Club. These awards are presented in 2 categories, Emergency Services Volunteers and Paid Employees. The winner in the volunteer category was Jennifer McQuirk from VCC Emergency Ministry, whose years of service spans 54 years! The winner of the Employee category was Brendan Vann a Sergeant and CFA volunteer of almost 4 decades. Both worthy recipients of their awards. They were presented with their awards by Tim Wiebusch Commissioner Emergency Management Victoria. A great night and all nominees were very suitable for their nominations. I was invited along to the night, to make some connections in the room with DGE Murray as we put together a Disaster Recovery Group in our District 9815, to give assistance following a disaster. There’s work to be done but watch this space.
We were able to highlight the strong connection we now have with Boronia K-12 College. The Interact Club is going well, the Skills Shed has taken off, we will again sponsor students in the Rotary Youth Driving Academy (RYDA) and we hope to have some students going to Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). We will sponsor a Boronia Rotary Academic Student Scholarship also. So, heaps happening with our connection to Boronia K-12. Thanks to the Youth Committee for their work on strengthening our relationship.
Our Random Act of Kindness (RAK) was delivered by the Chairperson for the night, Jan Malden. She told us about the help and support she gave to the Country Women’s Association (CWA) ladies after a beautiful morning tea. She helped pack up the dishes and clean up. Unfortunately, they forgot to use the brand new dishwasher!! Thanks for your fantastic work on doing a RAK Jan!
Well, this is the last Roundup I’ll be doing for a few weeks, as we are heading to Vietnam for a short break. Keep up the great work as you, the members, make our Club successful and we really “Make a Difference”.
See ya Round!
Have a great trip Ray and Annette!!!!!
Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Trivia & Bingo Night!
gather your family, friends and fellow trivia enthusiasts for a fantastic night of fun, friendly competition and plenty of laughter!
The Rotary Club of Boronia’s Trivia & Bingo Night will be held on Saturday 7 November 2026 at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 273 Dorset Road, Boronia. Doors open at 6.30pm, with the fun beginning at 7.00pm.
Test your knowledge in the trivia rounds, then try your luck at Bingo for the chance to win cash prizes, and earn valuable extra points for your table! There will also be raffles, games and loads of fabulous silent auction items up for grabs throughout the evening.
Tickets are $25 per person, with tables of up to 10. Bring along your own food and drinks, and settle in for a great night while helping raise funds for Rotary community projects.
Invite your friends and family, organise a table and book your tickets now at www.trybooking.com/DNZLI. Tickets can also be booked at Rotary meetings.
Don’t miss out, we look forward to seeing you there!
SPECIAL GUEST - SAXOPHONIST- MARK SMITH!
The Rotary Club of Belgrave-Ferntree Gully is excited to launch 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 – a fun night of cocktails, music, raffles and great company, all while supporting 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗨𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮. 📅𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲𝟏𝟕𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫📍𝐔𝐩𝐰𝐞𝐲𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞, 𝐔𝐩𝐰𝐞𝐲🎟️ $𝟑𝟓𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 Enjoy a complimentary cocktail or mocktail, nibbles, entertainment and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children in Uganda. Gather your friends, dress in your best Spring Racing style and join us for a fantastic night out for a great cause. 🎫 Tickets available link: https://www.trybooking.com/DNIIG
VALE DOLLY PARTON
Before she was "the Book Lady" to millions of children, Dolly Parton believed every child deserved the chance to fall in love with reading.
Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, she collaborated with Rotary to expand access to books and support young readers, one story at a time We were lucky enough to have her grace the Rotary stage in 2010
Dolly, thank you for reminding us that literacy opens doors. Your generosity and optimism will inspire generations to come Parton’s impoverished childhood and her father’s illiteracy inspired the country music legend to launch a children’s book program in 1996. She started in her native Sevier County. Now home to about 80,000 people, the county had a population of 60 during her youth — “and 36 of them were Partons,” she says.
The Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library provides a new book every month to children from birth to age five, starting with The Little Engine That Could. To date, the program has delivered more than 23 million books to preschoolers in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2010, Parton’s organization and Rotary International teamed up to further the effort, which costs US$28 per child annually. More than 140 Rotary clubs participate.
An actress, songwriter, and singer, Parton has won seven Grammy awards and was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. Her Broadway musical, 9 to 5, based on the movie, will be touring later this year. This month also marks the 25th anniversary of her Dollywood theme park, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Most philanthropies help only the poor. The Imagination Library took income out of the equation, offering books to all children, regardless of family finances. Why is that? I never wanted a child or family to feel they were getting books because someone decided they must be poor or underprivileged. I want kids to feel that the reason they are getting a book is because they are under five and their community loves them. And I do have a practical side: If we had to take on the burden of deciding who qualified and who didn’t, we would spend more time and money on qualifying people than we would on books.
How has Rotary supported your work? Rotary has been a wonderful partner. It has helped us in all kinds of ways — getting the word out, funding the effort, and finding others to help fund it, and also registering lots of kids. It won’t be long till we are mailing to 600,000 kids a month.
From Val and the Membership and Wellbeing Committee to brighten your day:
Sorting of the container goods has started with the shoes - making sure they are sorted to go to the assigned groups - good work Desley and her local team in Alotau.
The Men's Hub
We were treated to mini pizzas made by our Lyn.
They were yummy and all disappeared very quickly.
We also formally welcomed Rylee to the team - pictured left to right are Rylee, Inga and Felicia the counselling team. Welcome Rylee.
President Ray had the pleasure of passing on a Bronze level certificate for the environmental efforts and projects the club has held in the last year.
Devastating floods in Nepal
Photographs from the devastating floods in Nepal with 470 confirmed dead and over 800 missing. We are in contact with our friends of Disaster Aid Nepal about what help they need.
The two Netball teams we are supporting in Milne Bay
PNG presented with their new uniforms and shoes by Desley who is pictured in the front row.
The uniforms were designed and made by New Balance as a donation to the teams.
They will all stand out at the National
Championships next month. Rotary Boronia is well and truly shown in a good light in Alotau.
✦ SPECIAL INVITATION ✦
🌍 ROTARY 100 ONLINE INTERNATIONAL MEGA MEETING
THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY 2026.
You are warmly invited as a Special Guest to the Rotary 100 Online International Mega Meeting – The People’s Assembly 2026, a global gathering being held in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace and during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).
This special international gathering will bring together leaders, peacebuilders, humanitarians, changemakers and advocates from around the world for meaningful dialogue, connection and collective action towards a more peaceful, inclusive and resilient world.
📱Or scan the QR code provided on the official event invitation to register.
🌟 DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKERS:
We are honoured to welcome distinguished Rotary leaders and peace advocates, including:
OLAYINKA H. (YINKA) BABALOLA:Rotary International President
STEPHANIE URCHICK:Past Rotary International President
🌍 And other esteemed leaders, peace advocates and changemakers from around the world.
🌐 ABOUT THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
The Rotary 100 Online International Mega Meeting – The People’s Assembly 2026 will bring together approximately 100 Rotary leaders, Club Presidents, Rotarians, Rotaractors, Friends of Rotary, Peacebuilders, Partners, Civil Society leaders, Global Peace Ambassadors, Humanitarians, Changemakers, Social Workers, and Advocates for Peace, Justice and Human Rights from around the world.
The gathering will create a meaningful international platform to:
✦ Exchange ideas and experiences ✦ Share practical approaches to peacebuilding ✦ Learn from leaders and communities around the world ✦ Build meaningful international connections ✦ Strengthen partnerships and collaboration ✦ Inspire positive action for peace and social change
Through dialogue and shared experiences, we will explore how we can move:
From Conflict → to Understanding From Understanding → to Resolution
From Resolution → to Lasting Peace
We also believe that lasting peace begins within individuals and extends outward to families, communities, societies and nations.
📣 HELP US SPREAD THE MESSAGE:
🌎 STAY CONNECTED:
Join Our Global WhatsApp Network
Stay connected with thousands of Rotarians, peace advocates, humanitarians, changemakers and community leaders from over 100 countries around the world.
Our Global WhatsApp Network provides a platform to:
🕊️ Share messages of peace and inspiration 🌍 Connect with people from different countries and communities 🤝 Discover opportunities for collaboration and service 💡 Share ideas, initiatives and peacebuilding experiences 📢 Receive updates about international activities and events 🌱 Support positive change in our communities and around the world
🔗 JOIN OUR GLOBAL WHATSAPP NETWORK
You are welcome to join either of our international WhatsApp groups:
Together, let us strengthen a global network of people committed to peace, service, understanding and positive change.
🎨 ART FOR PEACE 2026
“Inspiring Young Peace Builders”
🕊️ PEACE IS POSSIBLE!
Let us come together. Let us unite for Peace, Purpose and Progress. From Conflict → to Understanding From Understanding → to Resolution From Resolution → to Lasting Peace
✦ WITH WARM REGARDS ✦
PP. Ozuem O. Esiri (AmbP)
Host & Convener:Peace Begins at Home Australia International
The International Online Mega Meeting (The Rotary Mega Meeting)
Environment News
INVITATION FOR BANKING REVIEW
Bendigo Bank Boronia are very generous supporters of the Rotary Club of Boronia. Please consider supporting them in return.
Banking support, at Bendigo Bank Boronia branch, be it:
Day to day banking
Savings & Investments
Lending, including Home Loans, Personal Loans and Credit Cards
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 - Ferntree Gully
Bunyip Garfield
Emerald & District
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.
Our social media platforms are a great way to see what our club is up to and share our progress with others. If you're not yet connected, just click the icons below and follow.
Knox Club - Wk 2: Lamb Shanks
