October is designated by Rotary International as Economic & Community Development Month, during which clubs worldwide emphasize projects that strengthen local economies, support entrepreneurs, and improve community well‑being.
Our meetings are hybrid, with both online and in person attendance options.
6.30PM FOR 7PM START. Please contact our attendance chair on attendance@rotaryboronia.org.au to make a booking.
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.
13th October - Adult Migrant English Programme - Kelly Ann Maughan
(volunteer tutor)
Local Volunteers make Lasting Impact
Meal - Lamb Shanks
Chairperson - Roland Black Cashiers - Ron Brooks, Paul Cassidy Equipment - Neville Windebank Toast/Greeting - Bruce Crago Thanks/Greeting - Helene Raffle - Janet Windebank
20th October - RYLA participants Thomas Boencke & Matthew Edwards
World Polio Day - wear a red shirt
Meal -Chicken Breast
Chairperson - Peter Dalwood Cashiers - Lance Deveson, Peter Enlund Equipment - Susan Hanger Toast/Greeting - Robyn Green Thanks/Greeting - Annette Griffin Raffle - Annette Haworth
We had our regular Committee meetings last week and what a buzz there was in the room!
There’s plenty going on in all our committees, with work continuing on a number of programs and projects and new ones also in the planning stage. Well done to all members for their contributions to our Club activities, we couldn’t do the work without your continued support.
We heard from Ron who volunteered along with Paul at the Rotary Youth Driving Academy (RYDA) on Tuesday. We sponsored students from Boronia K-12 year 10 this year to participate in the program. It’s a terrific program where the students get a firsthand look at the driving skills required to be safe on our roads when they get their license. Thankyou Ron and Paul for representing our Club on the day.
On Thursday I visited the Probus Clubs anniversary morning tea at the Boronia Bowls Club. 50 years of Probus was certainly something to celebrate and I was there with 3 of our members, Annette Haworth, Leigh Elsey and the Probus Club Secretary, our very own member Lyn Shepherd. Past President Keiran Smith gave a speech which outlined the history of the Boronia Club which now has 47 members! Quite an achievement from a relatively new Probus Club, congratulations to all involved in that success. Kieren was then presented with the inaugural Life Membership of the Probus Club, and he has been instrumental in the establishment and success of the club.
I’m looking forward to a busy weekend with the BBQ we are doing at the newly completed Boronia Station. We’ll be there cooking from 10am and all proceeds of the event are ours, with all food and drinks donated by the construction company.
Also, at virtually the same time our Club will be at Westfield Knox for their Community Day. We have been invited to have a stand and promote our Club. Thank you to the volunteers from our Club who have agreed to help at both events. I’m sure it will be a successful day.
We had a presentation of a Random Act of Kindness from Lance (Chairperson for the night) who had an opportunity to assist a long-time neighbour in getting well needed help and assistance from Centrelink. Certainly, a terrific Random Act of Kindness that was! Thank you, Lance.
I will mention now and again on Tuesday night, that at our meeting on the 20th of October we will be wearing red to our meeting to support World Polio Day. Thanks to Jan and her Social Committee for the idea.
That’s it for this week.
See ya Round!
A little reminder from the Bread Roll Department…
Each Monday afternoon, we give the Knox Club our final meal numbers, and that is exactly how many bread rolls they order.
So, if you have advised that you’re not having a meal, sadly there won’t be a bread roll with your name on it!
And if we don’t know you’re coming for a meal, we can’t guarantee there’ll be a roll waiting for you either.
Please make sure your meal arrangements are confirmed by Monday afternoon.
We are doing our best to make our meetings run smoothly. Thanks for your co-operation.
Moral of the story: if you want the roll, book the meal! 🍞😄
Rotary clubs around the world are encouraged to wear red to show their support for the End Polio Now campaign. This simple act of wearing red can create awareness and foster a sense of community among Rotarians.
A request for members to wear red for the meeting of 20th October in recognition of Polio Plus.
Interact Conference: Southern Region Multi-district
Summary report: Learning from successful school environmental projects
August 2026
Introduction
The conference, held at Camberwell Grammar School, was attended by almost 160 delegates - including Interactors from 16 Interact clubs in Districts 9800 and 9815, teachers and Rotarians.
The conference was opened by MC Harris McDonald from the East Doncaster Secondary School Interact Club, with the first session: InterAction for the Environment.
Summary of the reports
Summary of Reports from the Three Groups
Successful Environmental Projects
The groups identified projects that reduce waste, protect wildlife and promote sustainability, including:
School gardens, native plants, beehives and chicken coops.
Clean-up days and wildlife protection.
Food banks and meal packing to reduce food waste.
Recycling competitions and container deposit schemes.
Opportunity shops and stationery drives.
Solar panels, bike racks and pedal-powered cinemas.
Environmental awareness activities, including Green Week.
Most Popular Projects
Pedal-powered cinema.
Collecting containers for the 10-cent refund.
Food collection banks.
Key Learnings
Working together creates positive change.
Students need to take responsibility for waste and recycling.
Small actions can make a difference.
Environmental projects should respect different cultures.
What Worked?
Competitions and incentives.
Making sustainable choices easier.
Involving younger students and the wider community.
Linking gardening to the curriculum.
Providing practical environmental education.
Conclusion
Overall Conclusion
The reports demonstrate that successful school environmental projects are those that combine student involvement, practical action, collaboration and environmental education. The most effective initiatives make it easy and enjoyable for students to participate while creating measurable benefits for the school and wider community.
Projects such as recycling competitions, food collection banks, school gardens, pedal-powered cinemas and solar panel installations show that environmental sustainability can be integrated into everyday school life.
The key message from the three groups is that students can make a meaningful difference when they are given opportunities to lead, work together and take responsibility for their environment. Sustainable projects are most successful when they engage the whole school community, provide hands-on learning and continue over time.
Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Trivia & Bingo Night!
gather your family, friends and fellow trivia enthusiasts for a fantastic night of fun, friendly competition and plenty of laughter!
The Rotary Club of Boronia’s Trivia & Bingo Night will be held on Saturday 7 November 2026 at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 273 Dorset Road, Boronia. Doors open at 6.30pm, with the fun beginning at 7.00pm.
Test your knowledge in the trivia rounds, then try your luck at Bingo for the chance to win cash prizes, and earn valuable extra points for your table! There will also be raffles, games and loads of fabulous silent auction items up for grabs throughout the evening.
Tickets are $25 per person, with tables of up to 10. Bring along your own food and drinks, and settle in for a great night while helping raise funds for Rotary community projects.
Invite your friends and family, organise a table and book your tickets now at www.trybooking.com/DNZLI. Tickets can also be booked at Rotary meetings.
Don’t miss out, we look forward to seeing you there!
SPECIAL GUEST - SAXOPHONIST- MARK SMITH!
The Rotary Club of Belgrave-Ferntree Gully is excited to launch 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 – a fun night of cocktails, music, raffles and great company, all while supporting 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗨𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮. 📅𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲𝟏𝟕𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫📍𝐔𝐩𝐰𝐞𝐲𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞, 𝐔𝐩𝐰𝐞𝐲🎟️ $𝟑𝟓𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 Enjoy a complimentary cocktail or mocktail, nibbles, entertainment and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children in Uganda. Gather your friends, dress in your best Spring Racing style and join us for a fantastic night out for a great cause. 🎫 Tickets available link: https://www.trybooking.com/DNIIG
FROM VAL AND THE WELLBEING TEAM, HAVE A GREAT DAY
This is Maria on Ferguson Island PNG. She never gives up helping the teachers and students.
She is unwrapping supplies for the 16 teachers at the school. The last photo shows the boat the parcels came to the island in. Note the great plastic wrapping to avoid any water damage. Great job Desley and the Alotau team did to pack it up securely.
On October 17th we will be joining the opening event, we will be cooking and serving the best fundraising sausages in Knox with every cent raised going directly towards our local community needs.
There will be a range of family-friendly activities for all ages. It will be a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the new precinct.
We would be delighted to welcome them to our Christmas concert.
Rejoice and Be Merry Presented by Cantate Singers Melbourne with members of The Australian Youth Choir
Saturday 21 November 2026 at 2.00 pm Our Holy Redeemer Hall York Street, Surrey Hills, Victoria
Join us for an uplifting afternoon of Christmas songs and beloved traditional carols. Cantate Singers and our special guests will bring warmth, energy and festive cheer to the season.
Conductor: Bill Simmons Accompanist: Jane Matheson
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 - Ferntree Gully
Bunyip Garfield
Emerald & District
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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Knox Club - Wk 2: Lamb Shanks
