October is Rotary’s Community Economic Development Month, a time to spotlight our efforts to help communities build thriving, sustainable futures. This month’s observance aligns perfectly with the Rotary core value of leadership. Leadership means empowering people to guide their own progress.
Additional Observances in October
Some Rotary districts also note related observances during October, including:
Polio Awareness Month and World Polio Day (October 24). rotary5960.org
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.
Chairperson - Stephen Spiers Cashiers - Monique Smith, Richard Spinoza-Cattela Equipment - Glenn Tippett Toast/Greeting - Bernadette Vanderwolde Thanks/Greeting - Peter Van Zeyl Raffle - Mark Smith
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 - Val Henry Raffle - Janet Windebank
Another week goes by where we can be proud to be Rotarians.
Our guest speaker last week was Kylie Semple from Epworth Hospital Volunteers. What an inspiring presentation it was. Having 350 volunteers over the campuses they have is a fine effort and they have such an important role.
I just would like to mention again how successful our Bunnings BBQ’s were! Raising over $4000 is a super effort and well done to Helena and the team (I won’t mention the dynamic duo!). I heard this week through Glenn that Bunnings have asked us what dates we would like to run the BBQ! Wow, that’s a great achievement that they ask us when we would like to have the BBQ’s. Stay tuned with more info coming from Helena.
This coming week (Tuesday) we have some volunteers from our Club assisting with the RYDA (Rotary Youth Driving Academy) at Lilydale. We have sponsored 54 students from Boronia K-12 who will be shown driving skills as they progress to getting their licenses. I was one of the volunteers last year and it is a terrific program with the closing speaker talking about a fatality that he was involved in. It really hits home to the kids, how dangerous driving can be if you are not careful and aware. We’ll hear how it all went on Tuesday night.
I had an email this week informing us that the Rotary International Council of Resolutions have issued the proposed RI resolutions for 2026-27. There is a link and anyone wishing to access the resolutions proposed (there are 39 of them) please let me know and I will forward the link to you. You may submit 3 comments only on any of the 39 resolutions.
We had a presentation of a Random Act of Kindness from Greg (Chairperson for the night) who informed us that he will be moving to Geelong and won’t be able to attend meetings in person. Not sure if that’s an Act of Kindness though as he will be missed in person! He did assure us that he will be online from time to time and still contributing his vast knowledge on Membership to the Committee. What an interesting (but probably sad….) Act of Kindness that was! Thank you, Greg.
This week are Committee meetings so bring along your suggestions, interests and any concerns you may have that you would like the Board to know about.
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! 🍞😄
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Hello everyone,
The excitement is building for the 2027 District 9815 Conference in the beautiful Hunter Valley!
This year, your Conference experience begins before the official program gets underway, with a fantastic selection of activities planned for Friday 12 March.
Explore the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens and enjoy High Tea, visit award-winning Brokenwood Winery, spend the day touring local cellar doors, play a round of golf among the vines, or join in a fun and friendly game of pickleball.
Then, on Friday evening, you can relax poolside at Rotary Uncorked, featuring street food, wine tastings, music and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with friends and meet Rotarians from across the District.
Our latest Conference newsletter includes all the details you need to plan your Friday.
Places for some activities are limited, so we encourage you to explore the options and book early.
Make Friday your day to explore, connect and begin what promises to be a memorable Conference weekend.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Hunter Valley!
$5,000 Grant Success for the Boronia K-12 Skills Shed!
We are delighted to announce that the Rotary Club of Boronia has successfully received a $5,000 grant from Red Energy through the Red Rotary D9815 Saver Program.
Our application included two important community initiatives—the Boronia K-12 Skills Shed and the Boronia Men’s Hub—with the Skills Shed project selected to receive this generous funding.
The application was recognised for meeting several key criteria, including:
Community impact
Sustainability
Rotary involvement
Innovation
Value for money
This funding will help the Skills Shed continue providing students with valuable hands-on experience, practical skills and opportunities to learn outside the traditional classroom environment.
A special thank you goes to the members of the Rotary Club of Boronia who have signed up for the Red Rotary D9815 Saver plan. Your participation helps increase the funding available for grants across our District and was also taken into consideration when the successful applications were selected.
Under the program, Red Energy contributes up to $10 per month—$5 for electricity and $5 for gas—for each eligible customer who remains on the plan, providing up to $120 each year to support Rotary District 9815 initiatives.
This is a wonderful example of how a simple choice by our members can help generate meaningful funding for projects that make a genuine difference in our community.
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
Coffee catch-ups are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month at Montano's Patisserie Café, 719 Mountain Hwy Bayswater (17th October, 2026)
Please register on ClubRunner or contact Geoff Griffin if you wish to attend.
Epworth HealthCare
I just want to say a very BIG thank you for the opportunity to present to the Rotary Club of Boronia last night but more importantly to meet so many of your members. It was such an inspiration to hear about the wonderful support you all provide within your community. And the donation in my honour to The Men’s Mental Health Hub – Snack and Chat was really special – a cause that feels very close to my heart!
As promised here is a small blurb to put in your newsletter:
Volunteers play a valued role across Epworth HealthCare, providing companionship, practical support, and a welcoming presence for patients, visitors and staff. Opportunities are available across all sites (Camberwell, Eastern, Freemasons, Hawthorn, Geelong and Richmond) in a range of programs, including patient visiting and ward support, transport, care carts, music therapy, and wayfinding assistance. Whether sharing a conversation, helping someone navigate the hospital, or supporting a specialised service, Epworth volunteers make a meaningful difference every day. For more information, please contact Kylie Semple – Group Volunteer Services Manager on 0428 296 344 or email kylie.semple@epworth.org.au
Please reach out at any time if I can do anything further to support you and the team.
Kindest regards,
Kylie
Volunteer Services Manager Epworth HealthCareption here
Boronia Probus would like to invite members of the Boronia Rotary Club to join them in celebrating 50 years of Probus.
ENVIRONMENT NEWS:
INVITATION FOR BANKING REVIEW
Bendigo Bank Boronia are very generous supporters of the Rotary Club of Boronia. Please consider supporting them in return.
Banking support, at Bendigo Bank Boronia branch, be it:
Day to day banking
Savings & Investments
Lending, including Home Loans, Personal Loans and Credit Cards
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.
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.
Knox Club - Wk 1: Roast of the day
