Please check the roster for the next few weeks and advise Vicki and David Ungar if you will be away that week. Meeting jobs will be allocated via email before the meeting.
A presentation by Guenael "Guen" Le Cann explored the United Arab Emirates’ successful implementation of nuclear energy, offering valuable insights for countries like Australia currently debating its adoption. The UAE, formed in 1971 and heavily reliant on fossil fuels, identified a growing need for sustainable energy through a 2008 study, leading to the establishment of a national nuclear program. Backed by strong government leadership, clear regulation, and international partnerships, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation delivered the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant — a four-reactor facility capable of powering millions of homes while significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The program, supported by global expertise and local workforce development, highlights the importance of long-term planning, investment, and collaboration, with the plant expected to operate for 60 years and reduce fossil fuel dependency from 95% to around 70%.
THIS WEEK'S GUEST SPEAKER
Ben from Beached @ Burleigh will be speaking to us about their support of close to 200 people within the local community each week that are experiencing homelessness, financial struggles, mental health challenges, domestic violence and those that feel marginalised and isolated. The support includes groceries, free sausage sizzle and coffee, free clothing, IT support, barber & hairdresser plus various other professional support chains when available.
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WHAT'S THE BUZZ THIS WEEK?
President Jo's update
Our recent social night at Aztec was exactly what we needed - a chance to connect without agendas or fundraising. These moments matter, and they’re key to building the kind of club people want to be part of.
We also had a strong turnout supporting the Rotary Club of Jimboomba’s Type 1 Diabetes fundraiser. It’s a great reminder that backing each other across clubs strengthens everyone.
Showing Up & Building Culture
The upcoming District Assembly is an important one - especially for incoming board members - and a great opportunity to learn and connect. There’s also a $300 prize for the club with the most attendees.
Our focus remains clear: quality membership. A strong, positive culture will always attract the right people.
Dates to Lock In
Pride of Work Awards – May 18
Changeover Dinner – June 26
Planning is well underway, and both events are shaping up to be highlights.
Getting Involved
The Tri-District Conference in early May is a fantastic chance to engage with the wider Rotary network - highly recommended for anyone wanting to broaden their Rotary experience. Ticket sales are open now and close on April 10th.
Closer to home, Kieser’s open day BBQ was a great success, with strong member support and even a Channel 7 feature - a great example of Rotary in action.
Exciting progress continues on the malaria vaccine project at Griffith University, now in phase two trials and gaining international attention - a powerful reminder of Rotary’s global impact.
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Club runner information
If you do not have your Club Runner login information, you can go to the Club Runner website, scroll down a little and click on “Send me a Magic Link”. Enter the email address you gave to the club, and you will receive an email. Click on the login button and then select the club website. Go to ‘My Clubrunner’ and then ‘My Profile’. The ‘Edit’ button is at the top right and you can add/change any information on your profile. Click ‘Save’ and you’re done!
If you’re really feeling techy, you can download the Club Runner app.
If you would like any help resetting your password, or downloading the app to your phone, please let us know. There are a few members who can assist you.
We are looking to use Club Runner more for information and rosters, so it would be great if everyone is able to log in.
How Rotary can play a role in supporting mental well-being
By Chetan Bhojani, Rotary Club of Rajkot Midtown, Gujarat, India
I believe addressing mental health is not optional, it’s essential. And as members of Rotary, we can play a role in removing stigma, creating safe places for people to talk, and creating an environment of openness and trust. Individually and in our clubs, we can partner with other organizations in our community to address issues before they become larger problems.
I recently had the privilege of speaking to a room full of more than 30 attentive individuals during a workshop on mental well-being organized by my club, the Rotary Club of Rajkot Midtown, on 11 January. Read about this discussion here.
Rotary Down Under
What a line-up!
Rotary South Pacific’s 2026 Conference will unite leaders from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific for two transformative days of insight, fellowship and strategic focus on People, Planet and Peace – shaping the region’s impact and direction for the years ahead.
Rotary South Pacific is coming together in Melbourne, 30 October – 1 November 2026, for two powerful days that will strengthen leadership, deepen connection and inspire action across our region.
Under the bold theme People. Planet. Peace. this conference, convened by Rotary International Director Jennifer Scott AM and chaired by PDG Tony Monley OAM, is not simply a gathering – it is where Rotary’s future direction across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific will be energised. Read more here.
Rotary News
Progress report: Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria
By Olubunmi Afolabi
The statistics may appear faceless on paper: 512 deaths for every 100,000 pregnant women in Nigeria, one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. But they’re not faceless to me. I see the mothers. I see the babies. I have stood in the rooms where those numbers become either tragedies or triumphs.
I work with Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, a Rotary Foundation Programs of Scale grant-funded initiative. Having just completed its third year, the initiative aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in select areas of Nigeria by 25 percent. To do this, we’re conducting community dialogues and home visits to increase the number of families choosing to get health care in clinical settings rather than at home. Read more here.
A presentation by Guenael "Guen" Le Cann explored the United Arab Emirates’ successful implementation of nuclear energy, offering valuable insights for countries like Australia currently debating its adoption. The UAE, formed in 1971 and heavily reliant on fossil fuels, identified a growing need for sustainable energy through a 2008 study, leading to the establishment of a national nuclear program. Backed by strong government leadership, clear regulation, and international partnerships, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation delivered the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant — a four-reactor facility capable of powering millions of homes while significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The program, supported by global expertise and local workforce development, highlights the importance of long-term planning, investment, and collaboration, with the plant expected to operate for 60 years and reduce fossil fuel dependency from 95% to around 70%.