Firstly, last Sunday, Mark Smith and co. attended the Mental Health Forum and, by all accounts, it was an excellent event. Inga and Felicia also joined the forum to discuss the great work they have been doing through the Men’s Hub Snack and Chat program.
Then, on Tuesday, we held a fantastic Open Night. Congratulations to Geoff and the entire team for their outstanding efforts. It was wonderful to see the impressive displays and the enthusiasm and dedication that everyone brought to the evening.
Of course, the highlight of the week came on Friday evening when Peter Malden, Monique Smith, and I attended the District Awards Evening. We were proud to receive the Silver Award for Marketing and the prestigious Gold Award overall on behalf of our club.
The Gold Award was presented to only three clubs across the district, making this achievement even more special. It is a testament to the incredible work, commitment, and community spirit demonstrated by every member of our club.
Well done, everyone, and thank you for everything you do to make our club such a success.
Also this week in the working groups can people please think of any idea's they may have/want a District Grant for. It is grant season and we need some idea's for next year.
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!
Chairperson - Lyn Shepherd
Cashiers - Mark Smith, Vanesschka Seevathean
Equipment - Stephen Spiers
Toast/Greeting - Monique Smith
Thanks/Greeting - Ray Siegersma
Raffle - Jim Sly
9th June - Feed One Feed All - Elenor Hill, Lillie Giang, Nick Kritikos, Darren Hill
Chairperson - Peter Van Zeyl
Cashiers - Richard Spinosa-Catella, Neville Windebank
Equipment - Roland Black
Toast/Greeting - Ron Brooks
Thanks/Greeting - Glenn Tippett
Raffle - Janet Windebank
What a proud moment for the Rotary Club of Boronia!
At the recent District 9815 Awards Night, our Club was honoured to receive the Gold Club Award, a wonderful recognition of the strength, commitment and culture of our Club.
This award was determined by criteria set by District 9815, recognising Clubs that demonstrate excellence across a range of areas. To be named as a Gold Club is a tremendous achievement, and one that every single member of our Club should feel proud of.
We also extend our congratulations to the other Clubs recognised with Gold Club Awards, Noble Park Dingley and Emerald. It is fantastic to see strong, active Clubs across our District being acknowledged for the work they do.
A huge congratulations to every member of the Rotary Club of Boronia. Our hard work, dedication, willingness to get involved, and the positive culture we continue to build all contribute to making our Club a benchmark across the District. Whether you are helping at events, contributing through Working Groups, volunteering in the community, supporting fundraising activities, or simply bringing enthusiasm and friendship to our meetings, you are part of this success.
We were also very proud to be recognised with the Silver Award for Marketing. Promoting our Club through our website, social media, signage, events and community presence is so important in helping people understand who we are, what we do, and the impact Rotary has locally and beyond.
Our forward-facing promotion helps share the message of Rotary, celebrates the work of our members, and encourages others to get involved. In a time when connection and community service are more important than ever, making our Club visible and welcoming is a vital part of our future.
Well done to everyone, and congratulations to President Bernadette for leading our Club with another successful year!
Environment News
Information Evening Showcases Rotary in Action
Last Tuesday night, we held a special Information Evening and Club Expo, inviting members of the public to come along and find out more about who we are, what we do, and the many ways Rotary makes a difference locally and beyond.
It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the projects, events and achievements of our Club and Rotary International. Each of our Working Groups and Committees prepared displays highlighting their current projects and areas of focus. Some went to great effort to make their tables stand out, with creative displays, information sheets and giveaways, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for visitors.
The evening began with President Bernadette sharing what Rotary is all about, addressing some of the common myths about Rotary, and explaining how our Club operates.
Gus Rozycki, our Rotary Community Group Leader, briefly explained how our District is organised and about the other Clubs in our local group. Past President Monique also spoke, about the role of our Working Groups, outlining projects and activities across a wide range of areas. Monique also shared her own Rotary journey and experience, giving a personal insight into the friendships, opportunities and sense of purpose that come from being involved.
There was a very positive feeling in the room, with strong attendance and many guests showing genuine interest in learning more about Rotary and the work of our Club.
A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to the evening. A great deal of effort went into preparing displays, speaking with visitors and showcasing our projects. It was a fantastic reflection of the dedication, passion and pride our members have in the incredible work we do.
Overall, it was a very successful event and a wonderful chance to show Rotary in action.
Mind Matters Community Health Forum
At the Mind Matters Community Health Forum, held last weekend at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Inga and Felicia proudly represented the Rotary Club of Boronia, speaking about the importance of supporting men’s mental health and creating safe, welcoming spaces for men to talk, be heard and reconnect.
They shared valuable insights into how men can seek support, how we can recognise when someone may be struggling, and the importance of regularly checking in with mates, family members and those around us.
Inga and Felicia also promoted our Club’s Men’s Mental Health Snack & Chat program — a relaxed and friendly opportunity for men to come together, enjoy a bite to eat, have a chat and connect with others.
Attendees showed genuine interest in this important Club project, and Inga and Felicia did the Rotary Club of Boronia proud. They spoke with warmth, clarity and compassion, highlighting the real value of creating opportunities for connection and support.
Mental health conversations matter. Sometimes, a simple chat can be the first step towards support, understanding and connection.
Volunteers Honoured
Knox Council has recognised inspiring volunteers and community organisations in the Knox Community Awards.
Awards were presented for Community Organisation of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year – Special Honours, and Recognition of Years of Service.
Knox Mayor, Cr Paige Kennett said these awards celebrate the people who quietly strengthen our community.
“Congratulations to all of the volunteers and organisations whose generosity, compassion and commitment continue to shape Knox for the better,” she said.
“Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen countless examples of neighbours supporting neighbours, individuals stepping forward when it mattered most and groups working tirelessly to lift others up. These acts of service, often unseen yet always meaningful, remind us that community is built not by grand gestures but by the steady, everyday efforts of people who care.”
Winners were announced last week, as part of National Volunteer Week (18-24 May). The theme of this year’s week was ’Your Year to Volunteer’.
The Rotary Club of Boronia was nominated for the Volunteer Organization Award. One of our members Peter Malden was nominated for Volunteer of the year and 5 of our members were acknowledged for having served the community for over 40 years.
Ron Brooks 41 years, Bruce Crago 50 years, Leigh Elsey 44 years, Michael Jacobs 45 years and John White 43 years.
Congratulations to all winners and nominees tonight you are all amazing.
Boronia K–12 Interact Club Continues to Grow
Established in June 2025, the Boronia K–12 Interact Club is continuing to grow in both numbers and enthusiasm. It is wonderful to see students becoming more engaged and keen to explore ways they can make a positive difference within their school and wider community.
One of the Club’s first major initiatives was the development of the Boronia K–12 Student-Led Café. Launched in 2025, this exciting project was entirely designed, built, and operated by students. Located near the symbolic Snake Meeting Place, the café has become a vibrant social hub within the school and reflects the important value of community.
Developed by Year 10 and 11 students, the café began as a hands-on project combining design, construction, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. It is now well established and running smoothly, offering a welcoming space for students and staff to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, teas, juices, and, coming soon, smoothies.
With the café now operating successfully, the Interact Club is turning its focus towards community projects. The students are currently consolidating their ideas and looking at forming sub-groups within the Club to help bring new projects to life in an organised and sustainable way.
At the meeting held last Thursday, Ray, Lyn & Monique, had the opportunity to meet with the Interact students, discuss a range of project ideas, and offer support where needed to help get future initiatives off the ground.
It is very exciting to see the energy, enthusiasm, and growth of the Boronia K–12 Interact Club. We look forward to continuing to support them as they develop their ideas, take on new challenges, and discover the many ways they can make a difference through service.
Rotary Fellowships
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. Fellowships include
Rotary Fellowships cover an incredible range of interests, including 4x4, agriculture and farming, antique automobiles, Argentine culture, artificial intelligence, astrology, authors, badminton, beard and moustache, bees, beer, bird watching, bowling, camping, caravanning, chess, coffee lovers, composting, computer users, corporate social responsibility, cricket, cultural heritage, curling, cybersecurity, cycling, doll lovers, draughts, e-clubs, editors and publishers, educators, Egyptology, empowering women, entrepreneurs, Esperanto, ethics, fashion, fine arts, fishing, fitness and wellness, flying, Francophonie, gaming, globetrotters, German culture, genealogists, gift and estate planning, gin, global development, golf, gourmet cooking, healthcare professionals, hiking, home exchange, horse racing, horseback riding, hunting, hypnosis and healing, internet, Italian culture, IT professionals, jazz, kites, Latin culture, lawyers, leadership, LGBT+, magicians, Magna Graecia, mental wellness counsellors, mentoring, metalheads, metaverse, military veterans, mountains, motorcycling, music, old and rare books, palm wine, padel, past district governors, peace fellows, performing arts, photographers, public health, public speakers, quilters and fibre artists, real estate, recreational vehicles, Rotary global history, Rotary Means Business, Rotary on Pins, Rotary on Stamps, rowing, rugby fans, rum, running, sea lovers, scouting, scuba, shooting sport, skiing, startup investors, strategic planning, Sub-Saharan culture, surfing, table tennis, tea lovers, tennis, total quality management, travel and hosting, triathlon, urban gardening, vegans, vintage collectibles, weather enthusiasts, whisk(e)y, wildlife conservation, wine, yachting, yoga and young Rotarians.
A Rotary Club Changeover is a special event where the Club formally marks the end of one Rotary year and the beginning of the next.
During the Changeover, the outgoing President reflects on the year that has been, celebrates the Club’s achievements, and thanks the Board, members and supporters for their contributions.
The incoming President is then officially welcomed into the role, along with the new Board and office bearers. It is also a chance to acknowledge members, present awards or special recognitions, and share plans or goals for the year ahead.
In simple terms, a Changeover is both a celebration and a handover, recognising the work of the past year while looking forward to the next chapter for the Club.
This is your chance to sail on a real tall ship, earn Duke of Edinburgh Award credits (Bronze, Silver or Gold), and have the adventure of a lifetime — all during the school holidays!
Spots are limited and filling fast. Don't let someone else take yours!
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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10 DAYS OF PURE ADVENTURE
July 11th – July 20th, 2026
Hobart → Hobart
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Call 0418 120 399 or 0438 120 599
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