Firstly, a huge Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandads, and the amazing men out there who go above and beyond to support their families. What you do each day is remarkable and we THANK YOU!
Secondly, it was wonderful to hear from Stephen from Foothills Community Care on Tuesday. His passion and dedication are truly inspiring. Foothills does such fabulous work in our community, and it was great to hear about the many ways we can lend a hand. I encourage everyone to think about how they might be able to support Stephen and his team.
And finally, not to burst anyone’s bubble – but some very exciting news! We’ve recently been successful in receiving some fantastic grants, which will go towards both the Men’s Snack and Chat program and Knox Rocks. A huge congratulations and well done to everyone involved.
I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday.
Yours in Rotary
WEEKLY REMINDERS
REMINDER - Annual Fees are now due. If not already paid, please pay yearly/half yearly at your earliest convenience. Thank you to those members who have already paid. :)
ATTENDANCE
Please use Club Runner to manage your attendance. If you are unable to attend and/or wish to bring additional guestsfor a special event or partners night please do so by 5pm Monday night. We need to give Knox Club numbers and pay for meals even if you do not attend.
If you would like something to be included in the website please advise Jim Sly. He is always looking for content and pictures of hard working rotarians is his favourite.
Zoe Donaldson - NDIS Building Inclusive Communities
Chairperson Lance Deveson
Cashiers Greg Mossop, Gonny Rundell
Equipment/Greeting Ken Barrett
Toast/Greeting Bruce Crago
Thanks Val Henry
Raffle Helene Kamieth
16th September 2025
Working Groups
Chairperson Leigh Elsey
Cashiers Stephen Spiers, Glenn Tippett
Equipment/Greeting Monique Smith
Greeting Ron Brooks
Thanks Peter Van Zeyl
Raffle Janet Windebank
Rescue Logs is looking for Rotary to help a BBQ during Friday 19th September.
They are cutting firewood for the needy and want to feed the people doing the work.
Is there any club interested in helping or a consortium of clubs?
The venue will be Ferny Creek reserve.
Rescue Logs have been working for the past couple of years with The Philanthropic Collective to bring free firewood to single Mums and those in need across the hills to ensure that no one is ever left in the cold winter of the Dandenong Ranges. For many single Mums the rental properties they can afford are those that only have a wood heater and gathering, splitting and running these can be extremely hard for them. We also cater for elderly and have a few people that don’t drive making this whole issue worse. We do our best but as the economy has continued to be bad the need has risen and with our 25 volunteers we have struggled to keep enough firewood up to The Philanthropic Collective. The 19th September will see more than 45 volunteers working together to do a massive amount of green firewood, allowing us to drop off directly to those in need across the day and the following weekend. We will support more than 10 families in need setting them up with firewood for next year. We are hoping this takes the pressure off a bit and allows us to get ahead of next winter.
We would love Rotary to cater for lunch at this event.
PLEASE CONTACT
Gus Rozycki
PH:
0439 340 121
BUNNINGS FATHERS DAY EVENT
Thursday 4th September
On Thursday evening a group of us volunteered, helping at the Bunnings Bayswater family Father's Day Event. We cooked and served sausages to the community. It was a great evening with many families attending. Plenty of activities for the kids. Ray even managed to gain some extra votes from anyone who made eye contact with him!
BORONIA SCOUT HALL VISIT
Wednesday 27th August 2025
Ray, Peter M, Inga and Felicia visited the Boronia Scout Award
night this week representing the Men’s Hub project.
The newest Joey was inducted into the pack at a moving ceremony.
Although only 5 are currently in the pack they are planning to raise the
numbers to 12 by next year.
Head Scout Kieron then presented the treasurers and activity reports
for the year just past. He then presented the Strategic Plan
for Membership Growth. Members who would like to know
more about their future plans should please see Peter M.
The 4 of us representing the Men’s Hub / Snack & Chat project
were then asked to talk about the project and outline the links
with the Scouts and the use of their Hall. The project was
very warmly received by all parents and leaders present.
Many indicated that this was a service badly needed in Knox.
The few photos below are the hall we will use for the CHAT
and the kitchen we will use for the SNACK parts of the project.
Peter Malden
Chairman Community Working Group.
PNG SPORTS STORY - DESLEY TUNSTALL
My name is Desley Tunstall and I collect left over, second hand and discarded sports equipment for the sports teams in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. With the help of friends, this project has been running for around two years. As its key sponsor, The Tribal Keksies Netball Club was my initial priority, but collections are now also made to support many teams within the Milne Bay Province. There are 800 islands, a considerable number of which are remote with very little support from the outside world.
I chose this area because of my connections with trustworthy people, who have a vested interest in making sport one of the successful methods to keep children healthy, positive and connected in a place where the challenges are so great it beggars belief in this, our modern world of technology and travel. PNG is a very short distance from Australia in geography, and it has always been a loyal supporter of Australia during wars and peace, but more importantly they are good neighbours in need.
Last year, June to September 2024, I spent many days in local dinghies, travelling between some of the 800 islands of Milne Bay. This was quite the adventure, but the Milne Bay people are mariners of the inest order, and don't think anything of paddling their canoes, sailing their outriggers, or sailing their dinghies and wooden boats..for days.In fact they have to, as it's a long way to swim. Many of the dinghy rides are over 16 hours.
In short, to travel to Milne Bay is to go back in time. In some ways in a positive manner, such as sense of community, and hard working mentality. In other ways though, it presents challenges that range from lack of educational resources, life giving medicines and health equipment, lack of running water, no electricity, old water wells slowly filling with brackish water as the sea levels rise in their soil.
The people of Milne Bay are Fighting these problems though, and one of the positive ways is through getting disenfranchised youth into sport. They are natural sportspeople, and are passionate competitors.
So I am here to ask these questions:
Do you have any sports shoes or runners that you have finished with, or grown out of? No doubt they would still be in better condition than those pictured below which, by the way, are shoes shared between the different teams.
Does your club have left over sports gear in their storage area, that can no longer be used because the logo or sponsor has changed? Many such items have been sent to Milne Bay and they have become the new uniforms for an island team, and are so gratefully appreciated.
There is so much more to this story. to sports courts drawn in the sand, rolled up rice bags to make a soccer ball. No shoes or equipment, but still their love of sport shines through. They make do, but self esteem is raised high, just to have a team that looks the same. Sport unifies, promotes a healthy lifestyle and is a positive way to expend energy, so if you can help in any way, please know you are giving others hope, plus a sense of responsibility to give back. For example: To be a Tribal Keksie Netballer is to have discipline, be a team player, be responsible, on time, respectful, and to give back to others as a thank you.
What I didn't know when I first arrived in Milne Bay was that due to the Kwato Church Foundation, and the first missionary Charles Abel, Kwato Island was the first place that soccer and cricket were played in PNG. Kwato Church built the first three cricket pitches, and the rest is history. The cricket pitches are all still there, but when I brought up cricket tops, the old people on Kwato, Loggia and Samarai Islands, actually unearthed their 130 year old pitches, and cricket was played once again (albeit with only 4 wickets and two old bats donated by Gele Bonarua, a cricket legend of Kwato.) It was historically and very much enjoyed by all.
The soccer balls, netballs and volleyballs I bought to distribute were also game changers. To see the joy one soccer ball creates, makes it essential I get more to take again. The community grows in stature, and all of a sudden trees become netball posts, mosquitoes nets become volleyball nets, and sticks help draw the outline of the courts. The village comes to watch, and real connection and positivity is formed. It is good to share..please think of Milne Bay when you have sports gear you do not need anymore.
Congratulations to Ray Siegersma for being a finalist in the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes awards and recognition program for making a positive impact in our local community.
As one of the finalists for Westfield Knox, Ray's work will be promoted in-centre, on digital channels and potentially in the local media between 19 August and 8 September 2025. The community will be invited to vote for the finalist they would like to see receive a grant of $20,000 to their organisation to continue their community work. The remaining two finalists will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
Please ask your friends, family and colleagues to vote for Ray.
All finalists will be notified of the status of the community vote from 14 October 2025.
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.
** Remember, you can bring along your empty bottles to our meetings. Our Environment Chair, Annette Griffin, will take them to a recycling location to make a deposit on our behalf.
DISTRICT 9815 DG's MESSAGE
Here is the second edition of the District News video from our District Governor, Peter Behm. It’s short, it’s fresh, and it’s a chance to hear directly from the DG about what’s happening across our district and where we’re headed together.
Please like and follow the BRAND NEW District 9815 Facebook Page. This will be a place to keep up to date with what's going in our District. Follow the link below to get connected.
Welcome to the 2026 District Conference in Hobart, Tasmania!
I am thrilled to invite you to join us from March 13th to 15th, 2026, for an extraordinary event that promises to be both enriching and enjoyable. This year, we are excited to announce that the conference will be a collaborative effort with District 9830, representing Tasmania. Together, we aim to create an unforgettable experience filled with learning, networking, and cultural immersion.
Hobart, with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for our conference activities. On Friday, attendees can indulge in a variety of unique experiences, including storytelling at MACq 01, welcome drinks at the iconic Henry Jones, delightful lunch options paired with gin tasting, and exclusive whiskey tasting at the renowned Lark Distillery. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, we will also host golf and bowling events, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Beyond the conference, Hobart offers a wealth of attractions that invite exploration. Take advantage of this opportunity to visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), or enjoy scenic drives to Port Arthur and Mt Wellington. The chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and scenery is an integral part of your conference experience.
We are delighted to announce the support of our major sponsors, Red Energy, who have committed to a three-year sponsorship, and Business Events Tasmania, which has graciously provided a grant to help offset our costs. Their support, along with our carefully curated programming, will contribute to a successful conference.
Saturday morning will kick off with the bustling Salamanca Market, allowing you to soak in the local flavour before we commence our plenary sessions a little later in the morning. Our venue, the Grand Chancellor, is ideally located within walking distance of the picturesque harbour and will host our sessions in the elegant Federation Concert Hall. We look forward to an enchanting 'Nautical Themed' Gala Night in the Grand Ballroom, promising an evening of fun and camaraderie.
This conference is not just a chance to attend sessions but also an exceptional opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians, forge new friendships, and strengthen our networks across districts. For those wishing to extend their stay, we have arranged special holiday tour packages that allow you to further explore the beauty of Tasmania.
I am incredibly excited to chair this event and work alongside a dedicated conference committee to bring this vision to life. Together, let’s make the 2026 District Conference an unforgettable destination experience filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories. I look forward to seeing you all in Hobart!
20 frozen chicken and vegetable or pork and vegetable dumplings
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
chili crunch oil (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Stir together garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, curry paste, coconut milk, and water in a casserole dish until well combined. Add bok choy and zucchini, toss lightly. Top with dumplings and cover casserole with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven until dumplings are heated through at the center, about 25 minutes.
Divide dumplings and bok choy among serving plates and top with sauce from the pan. green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzle with chili crunch oil (opt).
If you have a recipe you would like to share, please send to bulletin@rotaryboronia.org.au.
Upcoming Events - Click on Event to Register/Decline
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.
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.
There is so much more to this story. to sports courts drawn in the sand, rolled up rice bags to make a soccer ball. No shoes or equipment, but still their love of sport shines through. They make do, but self esteem is raised high, just to have a team that looks the same. Sport unifies, promotes a healthy lifestyle and is a positive way to expend energy, so if you can help in any way, please know you are giving others hope, plus a sense of responsibility to give back. For example: To be a Tribal Keksie Netballer is to have discipline, be a team player, be responsible, on time, respectful, and to give back to others as a thank you.
What I didn't know when I first arrived in Milne Bay was that due to the Kwato Church Foundation, and the first missionary Charles Abel, Kwato Island was the first place that soccer and cricket were played in PNG. Kwato Church built the first three cricket pitches, and the rest is history. The cricket pitches are all still there, but when I brought up cricket tops, the old people on Kwato, Loggia and Samarai Islands, actually unearthed their 130 year old pitches, and cricket was played once again (albeit with only 4 wickets and two old bats donated by Gele Bonarua, a cricket legend of Kwato.) It was historically and very much enjoyed by all.
