Please accept my apologies for arriving late to the meeting, and for not being there in person. As mentioned, my son has COVID and, while (fingers crossed) no one else has caught it, I felt it best to keep a low profile this week.
I'm also very disappointed that I couldn’t make it to Ferntree Tennis Club on Thursday, and I look forward to hearing from Glen and Peter about how it went.
I'm really looking forward to hearing at our Board meeting on Thursday how the first committee meeting went. I was truly disappointed not to be there.
A huge thank you to Mark, Jane, and Michele for supporting Bayswater Rotary Club at the Tree Planting Day. What an incredible effort over 4,000 shrubs planted by the community at JSW Manson Reserve in Wantirna. I love that we’ve already kicked off the year with some meaningful environmental projects, and it’s great to see our growing connection with other community clubs.
A big shoutout as well to the entire team who helped move 100 tables and 70 chairs from Boronia Heights Primary School to Donations in Kind. These unused items will likely find a new home in schools in Papua New Guinea, what a wonderful outcome. Looks like everyone had a great time too.
And of course, Knox Rocks is back. What a fantastic project, Mark has championed it from the start and continues to inspire and support another great group of young adults.
Thanks again, everyone, for the energy and heart you bring to all that we do.
Yours in Rotary
WEEKLY REMINDERS
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.
Last week we loaded over 100 student tables and 70 chairs into the Rotary Donations In Kind truck. With the help of 8 Boronia Rotarians, 3 guys from DIK, the school maintenance guy Peter and many grade 5&6 students from Boronia Heights Primary School. It was a huge effort and we were lucky to miss the rain as it held off as we loaded the truck. 4 of the grade 6 girls said they would drive the truck back to the DIK warehouse! They loved the opportunity to help. We expect that these tables and chairs may be destined for children in schools in Papua New Guinea.
Great job done by all the helpers. Thankyou!
LETTERS OF APPRECIATION
Dear Monique,
On behalf of the Boronia K-12 College community, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for your generous donation of $2000 to support our school's garden program.
Your contribution will directly assist in the purchase of half barrels and citrus trees, purchasing a green house and the development of a chicken coop - both exciting additions that will enrich student learning and strengthen our sustainability practices.
We truly value your ongoing commitment to fostering community partnerships and supporting initiatives that benefit young people. Your generosity continues to make a meaningful difference to our school and the wider community. We will certainly provide photos and updates as the garden program develops.
Over the past ten years, I've had the privilege of attending the Boronia Rotary ANZAC Service with my Primary School. These commemorations have always been deeply moving and beautifully organised, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making them so meaningful.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of one of your volunteers. For the past decade, a young woman has led the choir and band at these services with exceptional dedication and care. Her musical leadership consistently enhances the solemnity and significance of the event, creating a powerful atmosphere that resonates with all who attend.
The role music plays in these ceremonies cannot be overstated-it connects us emotionally
to the stories and sacrifices we are there to honour. Her commitment to this element of the
service is not only impressive but deeply appreciated.
I would be very grateful if this message could be passed on to her as a gesture of thanks. If
there is any way she could be formally acknowledged for her unique and long-standing
service and contribution, I believe it would be richly deserved.
With sincere appreciation,
Meredith Boyle
Parent from a local Primary School
CHRISTMAS IN JULY - PARTNERS NIGHT
Join in a festive night, with fun activities. Bring along your partner or a friend. Dress up in your best Christmas attire!
Please register your attendance by clicking the link in 'Upcoming Events' (scroll down further).
Raffle prize pictured. Thank you Gonny!
HO HO HO
WINE RAFFLE
🌟 Support the Rotary Club of Boronia! 🌟
Have you sold your raffle tickets yet? Don’t miss out on the chance to make a difference! Reach out to your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to help us raise funds for important projects.
Need more tickets? Just ask Michael Jacobs! Please return your sold tickets to him at your earliest convenience.
Remember, the raffle will be drawn and the winner notified once all tickets are sold. Let's come together for a great cause! 🎟️✨
SOCIAL OUTING - BOOK NOW!
CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME
Hi folks,
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.
Have you checked out the District 9815 Website? A brand new look with some interesting content. A great source of Rotary information. You may even spot a video of Monique Smith being interviewed about the Kids Shed and her experience as a Rotarian, as well as some snaps shots of us in Action. Check it out, by clicking the link below.
🍽️ Calling All Cooks! 🍰
Do you have a favourite recipe you'd love to share? We're starting a brand new *"Recipe Corner"* in the bulletin and would love to feature your delicious creations. Whether it's a family favourite, a quick weeknight meal, or a crowd-pleasing dessert — we want to hear from you!
Please email your recipe to bulletin@rotaryboronia.org.au
Let’s get cooking and inspire each other!
Crispy Rice Salad
Baked rice, fresh veggies, and a sweet-spicy mayo dressing combine to make this Crispy Rice Salad. It's off the hook delicious!
Ingredients
FOR THE RICE
2 cups cooked Jasmine rice
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons sesame oil
FOR THE SALAD
3 small Persian cucumbers
1 small red Capsicum diced
1 cup finely diced red onion
1/3 cup shelled edamame
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
FOR THE DRESSING
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon sriracha
FOR THE TOPPING
Spring onion
White sesame seeds
Instructions
Make the rice:
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C.
2. In large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled Jasmine rice with the soy sauce, sriracha, vegetable oil, and sesame oil until the rice is well coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned rice on top in an even layer, pressing gently with a spatula.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is golden and crispy.
5. Let it cool completely, then break it apart.
Assemble the salad:
In a large serving bowl, add the cooled crispy rice, sliced Persian cucumbers, red capsicum, red onion, shelled edamame, and chopped parsley.
Make the dressing:
1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha until incorporated and smooth. Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad and toss to combine.
2. Serve immediately with some diced scallions and toasted sesame seeds and enjoy!
Belonging to a Rotary club is a wonderful experience, but to fully understand the joy of Rotary, you need to get along to the district, zone and international face to face events. Get together with new friends and old. Be inspired and re-energised as you meet your Rotary South Pacific colleagues and hear their stories.
Exciting news - incoming Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo will be attending the 2025 Rotary South Pacific Zone Conference on the Gold Coast. So tell your friends and register now. Earlybird registration has been extended until the end of July.
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!
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.
0428-661-117 
secretary@rotaryboronia.org.au
