Friday night was a wonderful reminder of the energy, friendship and shared purpose that makes Rotary so special. I had the pleasure of attending my first President meeting with DG Emma and the other presidents of D9815. We are fortunate to still be able to connect through hybrid President meetings and seminars. I especially value attending in person, as it is always lovely to catch up with people from other clubs and hear what they are achieving.
At the President’s meeting, I was also wearing my District Marketing hat, and we spoke briefly about photo permissions. All members will be asked to complete a Photo Permission form, with Katy and the Social Media committee coordinating this important step. There will also be a clear disclaimer on each table and at the registration table to let everyone know that photos are being taken. Thank you in advance for helping us make this process respectful, transparent and easy for everyone.
For many years the Rotary Club of Nunawading has been supporting ‘Eyes for Africa’ (EFA) a voluntary, non for-profit eye health program in Ethiopia set up by Julie Tyers OAM, Ophthalmic Nurse, in 2013. Thanks to the International Committee led by Bob L, we are again sending over another shipment of glasses/sunglasses, these collected from the Blackburn South Bendigo Bank branch.
At the upcoming Whitehorse Spring Festival, our stall will be a collection site for glasses for Eyes for Africa.
One of the true joys of being president is having the opportunity to welcome new members into Rotary and celebrate the fresh energy they bring. This week, we are delighted to welcome Balaji Ponmudi into our club. Please join me in making Balaji feel warmly welcomed as part of our Rotary family.
This Wednesday is Dementia Café day again, and it is another lovely opportunity for us to show care and support in a very practical way. If you can help by providing some afternoon tea, whether sweet or savoury, bought or homemade, please indicate your availability by clicking the link: Volunteer for Dementia Cafe. Every contribution helps create a welcoming space for those who attend.
Finally, looking ahead to the District Conference in March 2027, I encourage anyone who is interested in attending and has not yet done so to let Mike know your accommodation requirements. It promises to be a great chance to learn, connect and be inspired by the wider Rotary community.
Have a sensationally fun week, as we Create Lasting Impact together.
Creating Awareness, Reducing Impact and Incidence Presented by Rob Monaco
Every day someone in Australia suffers a permanent spinal cord injury. The impact is devastating, and lives are changed in a split second; with paraplegia and quadriplegia being among the most expensive chronic injuries a person can face.
PBF Australia (The Paraplegic Benefit Fund) is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing the impact and incidence of spinal cord injury. Founded in 1984 by world-renowned spinal surgeon, the late Sir George Bedbrook, PBF wants to see fewer Australians becoming permanently paralysed each year through accidents at home, work or play. We deliver injury prevention programs and provide much-needed financial support for members who sustain a total permanent traumatic spinal cord injury.
For those already living with paraplegia and quadriplegia we offer peer support programs, lifestyle education and employment opportunities; with the goal of demonstrating that life can and does go on after a spinal cord injury.
PBF aims at reducing the impact and incidence of spinal cord injuries in Australia
Realising you are never going to walk again is not something you can prepare for. The impacts are far reaching and extend beyond the physical injury, to emotional and financial challenges.
At PBF Australia, we have already thought about your future. We are a membership-based organisation, offering crucial financial protection in the unfortunate event of a permanent spinal cord injury. We seek to reduce the impact and incidence of spinal cord injury in Australia through our spinal cord injury prevention and peer support programs.
Headquartered in Perth and Brisbane, PBF Australia provides spinal cord injury protection to over 55,000 members nationwide and employs more than 45 people living with permanent spinal cord injury.
Club members will have seen that the invoice for their 2026/27 membership included some optional payments. One of those was to support the PBF. The Rotary Club of Nunawading has been a Corporate Member of PBF (Paraplegic Benefit Fund Australia) for over 25 years and have historically had around 20 members supporting the fund.
PBF Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing the impact and incidence of spinal cord injury. Founded in 1984 by world-renowned spinal surgeon, the late Sir George Bedbrook, PBF wants to see fewer Australians becoming permanently paralysed each year through accidents at home, work or play. They deliver injury prevention programs and provide much-needed financial support for members who sustain a total permanent traumatic spinal cord injury.
When you pay the small amount of $45 as part of our corporate membership you will be eligible for the following: benefits:
Eligibility to claim $250,000 benefit payment upon sustaining a permanent spinal cord injury
Protection 24 hours a day, every day of the year, both on and off the job
Rapid benefit payment, usually within weeks of injury diagnosis to assist with immediate costs
Extension of benefits to a direct family member where an inclusive membership exists
Family Day held on Sunday 2 August and thanks go to Judith, Althea, Margaret, and Harvey who were able to attend from 3.30pm to 6.15pm and experienced the joy of 8- to 10-year-olds receive their trophies from the respective coaches.
Our club was frequently mentioned during the presentations.
Season ending function on Sunday 30 August from 12.00pm to 3.00pm.
Access to Heatherdale Reserve is from Purchase Street.
Congratulations to Janette Etherington for the brilliant talk she gave on August 18 to Order of Australia Association members. The talk covered the latest developments in Interplast, and her recent trip with them to Samoa.
Join us at our upcoming events! September Networking - Footy Fever!
Posted By Gabby Knaepple
Whitehorse Business Group event is on 4 September 2026 at the Donvale Football Netball Club. This is a collaboration with Manningham Business Group.
Start time is 5.30pm and end is 7pm
As the AFL Finals approach, join businesses from both municipalities for an evening of new connections, collaboration and community in a relaxed sporting atmosphere. Whether you're backing your team or simply looking to grow your network, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet professionals from across the eastern suburbs.
Your registration includes:
Light refreshments
Networking with members and guests from both organisations
Access to the club bar, with drinks available at bar prices
A fun AFL-themed atmosphere (team colours encouraged!)
Bring your business cards, invite a colleague and join us for an evening of meaningful connections before the finals kick off.
Jennifer Clarke, Monash Rotaract Co-President, is reaching out to the Community Group to promote Monash Rotaract's Cluedo Event! Along with the information below, please note we are also still looking for vouchers/items/experiences to raffle in order to raise more funds for Medishare and we’d love to include a contribution from you! Please reach out to me if you would like to get involved further!
Monash Rotaract is calling all detectives to the scene of a murder! Some say it's an open-and-shut case. Others have no clue. Either way, you're on the case. Ask the right questions and you might find the culprit, the weapon, and the location.
DATE: Saturday 29 August
TIME: 2-4.30pm AEST
LOCATION: Glen Waverley Community Centre
RSVP: strictly by 9pm Wednesday 26 August
FOOD: Snacks and non alcoholic drinks will be provided
Play a life-sized version of Cluedo while raising funds for Rotary's Medishare program. MediShare Limited engages with a range of partners, government & not-for-profit organisations to add value to the infrastructure of health care in disadvantaged communities who face difficulties obtaining the affordable goods they need, through the provision and shipping of recovered usable medical consumables and equipment. Find out more at https://medishare.org.au/
I've heard back from some of you, but if you haven't yet reached out I'd like to know the following:
If you're planning to attend
Whether you'll book your own accommodation or would like me to organise this.
If you're looking for roommates to take advantage of some of the two and three bedroom accommodation options available at the Rydges resort in the Hunter Valley.
Your preference for a club-only dinner in town or the poolside 'Rotary Uncorked' Friday night option, which is a ticketed event you can pay for alongside your conference registration.
7:30pm start at Melbourne Baseball Club, Surrey Drive, Box Hill.
Rotaract is a worldwide organisation of young people aged 18+ working together to change our world through community service, international understanding, professional development, friendship & fun.
TIME: 2-4.30pm AEST
LOCATION: Glen Waverley Community Centre
RSVP: strictly by 9pm Wednesday 26 August
FOOD: Snacks and non alcoholic drinks will be provided
RAFFLE PRIZES TO BE WON
111 Whitehorse Road
