This week has certainly been one of reflection. As we head into awards season and completed our District 9815 Community Award submission, I was reminded of the incredible impact weโve made throughout the year. It truly has been an amazing journey.
A big thank you as well to Simba for their recent donation to Days for Girls and Backpack 4 Kids. Their ongoing support means a great deal, and I encourage everyone to support them in return. If you havenโt visited their shop yet, I highly recommend it.
Weโre also inducting Debra this week, which Iโm really looking forward to, welcome aboard!
Thanks everyone, and have a fantastic week.
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 โ especially of hard-working Rotarians!
5th May - Chris Taylor, Wilson Advisory - the Stock Market Chairperson - Monique Smith
Cashiers - Glenn Tippett, Ken Barrett
Equipment - Monique Smith
Toast/Greeting - Richard Spinosa-Cattela
Thanks/Greeting -Neville Windebank
Raffle - Peter Van Zeyl
12th May Knox Repair Cafe - Stephanie Mapleson
Chairperson - Peter Dalwood
Cashiers - Lance Deveson, Leigh Elsey
Equipment - Paul Cassidy
Toast/Greeting - Bruce Crago
Thanks/Greeting - Ron Brooks
Raffle - Peter Enlund
Shelterbags Donated to Support Those Sleeping Rough
At our recent meeting, we had the pleasure of welcoming Penny Robinson from Knox Infolink, along with Chris Marrwick and Terry Stephens from St Vincent de Paul.
It was a special evening for our club as we presented both Knox Infolink and St Vincent de Paul with 10 Shelterbags each, to be distributed to people in our local community who are sleeping rough or facing very difficult circumstances.
Shelterbags are a practical and thoughtful way to provide comfort, warmth and dignity to those with little or no support. Each bag is a waterproof, lightweight and easy-to-carry swag, complete with a zippered and vented design, an integrated padded mattress and hood, and an extra compartment for personal belongings. When rolled up, the Shelterbag is approximately backpack size and weighs around 2.5kg, making it much easier for people to carry with them.
A sleeping bag or other bedding can also be added to suit the conditions, helping to keep bedding dry while providing warmth and protection from the weather.
Another wonderful part of this project is that Shelterbags are made in Cape Town, South Africa, through a social workshop that provides employment opportunities for disadvantaged people. So, not only do the bags support people experiencing homelessness here in Australia, but their production also helps create meaningful work overseas.
These bags are ideal for rough sleepers and people who may not have access to safe, secure shelter. We are very pleased to be able to support Knox Infolink and St Vincent de Paul in the important work they do within our community, and we hope these Shelterbags bring some comfort, dignity and care to those who need them most. https://www.shelterbags.org.au/
A message from Penny, Knox Infolink;
Just wanted to express on behalf of Knox Infolink, our absolute gratitude for the donation of ten backpack beds for the homeless.
We have pulled together a short video that we hope you will be able to share with the wider club members to express our thanks!
Simba are a great help with supply of linen products to assist various
Rotary aligned projects such as this. A certificate of appreciation was presented
to Simba Warehouse by Peter Malden - well done Simba.
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 usefulโand 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 youโve 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.
Donโt throw out empty tablet blister packsโmany 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 helpfulโif youโre unsure what they can accept, ask in-store and theyโll 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 youโve found a clever way to reduce waste at home, let us knowโweโd 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 weโre 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.
You may have noticed a fresh new Rotary sign has now been installed on the corner of Boronia Road and Dorset Road, replacing the old sign that was starting to look a little tired.
A very big thank you to Richard Spinosa Cattella for making this happen. The new sign looks fantastic and provides a much brighter and more professional presence for Rotary in such a prominent location within our community.
It is always important that Rotary remains visible, and signs like this are a simple but powerful way of reminding people that the Rotary Club of Boronia is active, involved and continuing to make a difference locally and beyond.
With the current upgrades happening in the area, we are certainly hoping the new sign manages to stay exactly where it is and does not become an unexpected casualty of the works! Fingers crossed it remains proudly in place for many years to come.
Thank you again to Richard for his support and effort in helping refresh Rotaryโs presence in Boronia.
Wal Goodwin Award
Who's Taking Wally Home?
The Wal Goodwin Award is an annual award presented at Changeover each year in recognition of an outstanding member of The Rotary Club of Boronia.
Members have had the opportunity to nominate members throughout the year. Names can be put in the box when someone has been recognised as an individual who has gone above and beyond, showing dedication, service above self, positive influence in the Club and recognising their efforts. This person may have done something during a meeting or at an event which was a stand out.
The winner will be presented at Club Changever with a Plaque and a donation of $200 will be made to ARH in their name.
Please think about someone in our Club who you think deserves this recognition. Voting will open soon and every member is eligable.
Rotary Club members attended the first Family Violence Awareness evening at the Cameo Cinema, Belgrave.
Local community groups like Mums in the Hills, the Extra Shelf, and Victorian Police Community Squad, joined Safe Families and others in presenting valuable information on this devastating issue that is growing too fast.
Supporters were entertained with the movie 'I Swear'
Rotaryโs Got Talent Shines for a Wonderful Cause
On Saturday 2nd May, Rotarians and friends came together for a fantastic night of entertainment at Rotaryโs Got Talent.
The evening raised funds to support the Monash Childrenโs Hospital Cancer Centre for apheresis therapy, a project very close to Leanee Byronโs heart. Through her incredible passion and commitment, Leanee has already helped raise over $200,000 for this important cause.
The night showcased the wonderful and varied talents within Rotary, with acts including our own Mark Smith, Emerald Rotary Clubโs fabulous โSpanglesโ, talented Rotaractors, poets, singers and more. The evening was brilliantly hosted by magician and comedian Jonathan Usher, who kept everyone entertained and laughing throughout the night.
It was a fun, uplifting evening filled with music, laughter and fellowship โ all while supporting a cause that will make a real difference to children and families facing cancer.
Zone 8 Redistricting Update
Excerpt adapted from Rotary Rowville Lysterfield
District Governor Nominee Murray Wilson recently provided an update on the redistricting process currently underway across Rotary Zone 8, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.
This process is being considered as Rotary International regards districts as more viable when they have more than 1,100 members. While our current District 9815, formed from the former Districts 9810 and 9820, is in a strong position with 76 clubs and 1,877 members, there are six districts within Zone 8 that are currently below the 1,100-member mark, with another two districts close to that threshold.
Looking ahead, Rotary is also aiming to reduce administration costs and create stronger, more sustainable districts. The current proposal is to reduce the number of districts in Zone 8 from 19 to 10, with each district having approximately 2,700 members.
A Zone 8 committee was formed to work through the proposal. This committee includes a mix of District Governors, District Governor Elects and District Governor Nominees from across the Zone, including Murray Wilson, as well as Zone 8 Rotary International Director Jennifer Scott and Andrew Best from the RISSPO Office in Norwest. Murray explained that the committee has worked hard to develop a proposal that better reflects the geographical realities of Australia, while still meeting Rotary Internationalโs requirements.
Under the current proposal, from 1 July 2028, District 9815 would merge with the Tasmanian district, which currently has 41 clubs, and also gain a number of clubs from Districts 9800 and 9879. This would create a new district, District 9825, with a total of 129 clubs and approximately 3,060 members.
Another proposed change is the introduction of three Deputy District Governor roles. These positions would support clubs across three areas: regional, metropolitan and Tasmania. This is also seen as a valuable opportunity for younger Rotarians to gain experience and potentially consider stepping into future District Governor roles.
Murray emphasised that, while district structures may change, the impact on individual clubs is expected to be minimal. The main benefit will be the opportunity to build wider connections with Rotarians across a larger district, particularly through events such as District Conference.
Most importantly, Murray reinforced that the role of the District Governor remains unchanged โ to support clubs in the important work they do in their communities. That support will continue to be the absolute focus.
Rotary 9815 DG News - Anzac Edition
Click on the link below to listen to the latest edition of the DG News - April Edition, which focuses on ANZAC Day.
On Friday 15th May, our Club will once again be holding a stall at the Volunteer for Knox Expo, and we are looking for a few members who may be able to help out during the day.
This is a wonderful opportunity to promote our Club and Rotary, and to share with the wider community some of the amazing things we do. Last year, we had a fantastic day speaking with members of the public, answering questions, and highlighting the many ways Rotary makes a difference. It was also a great chance to connect with other volunteer organisations and see the valuable work being done across our community.
If you have an hour or two to spare, we would love to have your help at the stall. Your support would be greatly appreciated, and it all helps in raising awareness of Rotary and the impact of our Club.
Please let me know if you are available to assist.
Backpacks 4 Vic Kids has partnered with Play for Purpose, a not-for-profit Australian charity raffle. Play for Purpose helps Australian charities like ours raise funds to support our work in providing essentials to displaced children amongst our community.
The new Play For Purpose Raffle is now open and you could win a First Prize Pack valued at $300,000!
You have the chance to win a premium Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan valued at a $182,554.45, designed for both comfort and adventure.
This incredible First Prize Pack also includes $102,445.55 in gold bullion, giving you the freedom to spend, save, or invest as they choose.
Plus, youโll receive a $15,000 BCF voucher to stock up on all the essentials for the ultimate outdoor experience.
Donโt miss your chance to win it all with a $10 ticket today. Visit our site to purchase tickets for your chance to win, while also supporting vulnerable children.
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.
Is it really โAll In The Mindโ? Letโs talk about it.
Sunday 24 May
9:30am โ 4:30pm
Cardinia Community Centre
Featuring keynote speaker ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ญ๐จ๐ง, alongside guest speakers and a panel discussion covering key mental health topics.
Whether youโre looking to better understand mental health, support someone close to you, or gain practical tools, this event is for you.
Learn more: 
Register (FREE): 
