Rays Roundup:

What a week it’s been in Rotary!

Last Tuesday we had a joint meeting with Lilydale (the host club), Bayswater and Wandin to hear our District Governor Emma Clark speak about the year ahead. Our Club was very well represented with 15 members and the First Lady (Annette, my wife) attending on the night. Thank you to the members who came along and we had a great night.

We heard speeches from the Presidents of Bayswater, Lilydale, Wandin and of course Boronia (me) where we were able to share what each of the clubs are doing and what their plans are for the year. The 4 clubs are very active even though light in memberships (except Boronia), Lilydale has 14 members, Bayswater 6 and Wandin 13, so at Boronia with our membership now at over 50 we are definitely a strong club. Our membership is growing, which is another very healthy sign and a true reflection of success and the terrific members of our club.

It was an honor and privilege to induct our newest member Andrew Sherar. Andrew was presented with his Rotary pin and badge by the District Governor Emma, and his mentor and sponsor, Mark Smith, was also present for the induction. Andrew gave us a short speech and thanked Mark and the support he has already received from our friendly Club.

Welcome to our Boronia Rotary Club and the Rotary family Andrew. 

Last Monday at the new Rotary Skills Shed at Boronia K-12 (Skills Shed No. 2.), the Junior Tradies were able to learn about plumbing. Brad from BRF Plumbing led the session and the students learnt about PVC pipes, fittings, tools and how to mount a tap fitting to the wall. 

We could almost say it was National Plumbing week as the students in Youth Skills Shed No.1 had plumbing also, led by Jarryd from Joniec plumbing. We did similar things however, the great last bit of this session was putting a camera up a drainpipe and then watching the water come down from the roof of the Skills Shed! The kids then follow the water down from one pit to another. Great fun for them with lots of yahooing and laughter. Thanks to Jarryd and Joniec Plumbing for their ongoing support and turning up for every plumbing session each term.

It’s worthy to note that now we have had 72 students combined in total, through both Youth Skills Sheds! This will continue to increase as the year progresses. 

On Monday Monique, Lyn and Joel (Interact Club coordinator) from K-12 along with students from our Interact Club, attended the Interact conference at Camberwell Grammer. They said it was great to hear what other clubs are doing and how it will help them with ideas for their club going forward. 

Last Friday night Lyn, Monique and I attended the Boronia K-12 Trivia night. An interesting night with some very difficult questions and ….….. we didn’t win!

On Saturday the coffee morning at Montano’s was well attended. Thanks to the Membership Committee for their continued organization of this Club social event. 

This week we have our first Board meeting following the usual meeting. 

Please take note of the attendance notice in this week’s bulletin, it is important.

See ya Round!

Leading Through Change - A Guide to the Role of Rotary South Pacific District Governors 2026–2029

Purpose

Rotary South Pacific is undergoing significant change. During this period, District Governors have an important role in providing leadership, maintaining continuity and helping Clubs and members navigate and benefit from the evolving regional model.

This guide outlines the role and responsibilities of District Governors (DGs) during the Rotary South Pacific pilot through to 30 June 2028, and during the first year of the new District structure in 2028–29.

The role will continue to evolve as responsibilities are shared differently across Rotary South Pacific (RSP), Districts, Rotary Community Groups (RCGs), Rotary Community Leaders (RCLs) and the Specialist Network. The duties described here therefore reflect current expectations and may be adjusted as the pilot progresses and future arrangements are determined.

Note: This document does not apply to District 9620 for the 2026–28 Rotary years.

1. Context

The Rotary South Pacific pilot has introduced a regional governance and support model designed to strengthen clubs, improve the member experience and help Rotary grow.

The model includes the Rotary South Pacific Board and Portfolio Committees, Rotary Community Groups, Rotary Community Leaders and the Rotary Specialist Network. Together with Districts and Clubs, these form an interconnected structure intended to make expertise more accessible, encourage collaboration and reduce unnecessary duplication.

The six objectives of the pilot are to:

create attractive and diverse leadership and development opportunities;

provide greater consistency and continuity of strategy across the zone;

encourage collaboration and partnerships, including providing a single point of contact for external organisations seeking partnerships;

build a stronger, unified regional Rotary image and brand;

improve efficiencies and reduce duplication and costs to members and Rotary International; and

support Clubs to provide relevant and engaging experiences that serve and connect communities and enable Rotary to grow.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR-NOMINEE 
NOMINATION FORM

District Governor Candidate

Please complete this form in full, obtain the required club endorsement, and submit it to the District 9825 Nominating Committee by the published closing date. Please ensure all information is accurate and current.

For each category below, indicate ONE preferred language.

Your privacy is important to Rotary. Personal data shared with Rotary will only be used for essential activities or for Rotary’s legitimate interests, taking into account your privacy rights. These uses may include financial processing, supporting The Rotary Foundation, facilitating event planning, communicating key organisational messages and responding to enquiries. Contact information may be shared with other Rotarians and included in the International Assembly Participant Book. Please refer to Rotary’s current privacy policy for further information.

I hereby state that I understand clearly the qualifications, duties and responsibilities of the office of District Governor as set forth in the RI Bylaws and that I am fully qualified for that office and willing and able, physically and otherwise, to assume and fulfil its duties and responsibilities faithfully. I have read and agree to abide by the District Governor Code of Ethics, as detailed in the Rotary Code of Policies. I agree in advance to accept the decision of the RI Board concerning my election to office without recourse to any non-Rotary agency or other dispute resolution system. I understand that, if selected, I must attend for their full duration the Governors-elect training seminar in my Zone and the International Assembly held during the Rotary year before I take office. I have read this form in its entirety and certify that all information provided is true and correct.

The candidate named on this form is a member in good standing of the Rotary Club of ______________________________. The club further attests that this member has been duly suggested for the office of District Governor in accordance with the applicable RI Bylaws and meets the required qualifications. The club confirms that the membership information provided on this form is accurate.

The Rotarian named on this form is a member in good standing of the Rotary Club listed and was duly nominated for District Governor in accordance with the applicable provisions of the RI Bylaws and the District 9825 nomination process.

Submission deadline: Friday 4th September 2026

Completed nomination forms should be submitted to the Chair of the District 9825 Nominating Committee in accordance with the nomination instructions issued to clubs. 

Please send your completed application to The Chair IPDG Peter Behm peter.behm@rotary.org.au

DISTRICT 9825 • ONE DISTRICT. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.

• 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

• Belgrave
• Bunyip Garfield
• Emerald & District
• Ferntree Gully
• Healesville
• Koo Wee  Rup Lang Lang
• Lilydale
• Monbulk & District
• Pakenham
• Upper Yarra
• Wandin