Wednesday brought another truly inspiring occasion as we hosted our first Youth Achievement Award dinner for 2026. We were delighted to celebrate seven remarkable students from our local primary schools, joined by their families, DG Emma, and Chelsea from Blackburn South Bendigo Bank, which generously provided the students’ show bags. Each school nominated a young person they considered an “unsung hero”, and hearing about their kindness, and contribution was a powerful reminder of the difference young people are already making in our community. Special thanks to Glenys for her dedicated work with the schools and families. Let’s continue celebrating and encouraging these wonderful young leaders at our next Youth Achievement Award dinner on 11th November.
Heads down, pens ready… BINGO! What a fantastic night we shared at our very first Bingo Night on Friday. The room was buzzing with energy, laughter and friendship, and it was wonderful to welcome so many new faces—at least half of those attending were not Rotarians. That is a great reminder of what we can achieve when we spread the word through friends, local businesses and social media. A heartfelt congratulations to Susan and the Fundraising Committee for creating such a memorable evening, complete with game books, pens and an impressive array of silent auction prizes. As one guest perfectly put it, “I’ll never think of Bingo as just a retirement village game again!”
Bring your favourite hat to this week’s meeting and help us Lift the Lid on Mental Health. Together, we can start meaningful conversations, show our support and remind one another that mental health matters.
The Brickworks Dementia Café is on this Wednesday, 28th October, and your support can help make the afternoon extra special. If you are able to contribute a donation for afternoon tea, we would be very grateful. Every contribution—large or small—helps create a warm and welcoming experience for those attending. Sign up for Dementia Café afternoon tea.
Wishing you a wonderfully fun and fulfilling week ahead. Let’s keep sharing kindness, celebrating fellowship and working together to Create Lasting Impact in our community.
Year 6 students from Blackburn Lake Primary School, Orchard Grove Primary School, Burwood Heights Primary School, Whitehorse Primary School, Livingstone Primary School, Mount Pleasant Road Primary School and Nunawading Christian College were presented with Youth Achievement Awards.
Youth Achievement Award has been going for over 40 years, and first started by RC Forest Hill and is now unique to this club. This award is affectionately called the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ as the idea is to recognise a student from your school who may not normally be widely recognised in the community for their efforts.
The citations presented at the evening are what we received from the schools when we asked the school principal to tell us about a person who is :
a wonderful role model who upholds the school’s values
can be called upon to help the school or colleagues at any time
has achieved success through application and determination throughout the year
has made a worthwhile contribution to the school community and/or the environment - also
possibly has not received many academic or sporting awards but has excelled in other ways,
ie is an ‘unsung hero’ who strives hard to succeed and to help others.
All awardees recieved a Citation detailing each child's achivements, and a framed Certificate and $50.00 voucher presented by District Goveror, Emma Clark. Additionally, Chelse Deacon (Community Engagement Manager - Bendigo Bank, Blackburn South), one of our sponsors, presented them with a ‘goody bag’.
Guest speaker on the night was our very own Rotarian, Judith Eadon, who is also Rotary District 9815 Interact Chair.
Eastland roster is now open—and every helping hand will make a difference. Choose a time that suits you and join in: Eastland Rotary Christmas Trailer Raffle 2026. Click here now to SIGN UP: https://signup.com/go/aPnUmbt
Please use the link to access further information in the document: Briefing for Rotarians Volunteering at Eastland
The 60th Whitehorse Art Show is a milestone event, and are seeking your support to help make it our most successful show yet.
This year, proceeds from our event, raffles and auctions will support WERS (Whitehorse Emergency Relief Services), an organisation that provides vital assistance to local individuals and families facing hardship. Every contribution helps us increase the support we can provide to those in need within our community.
The Art Show Committee has been working tirelessly to create a memorable celebration of this remarkable 60-year tradition, and we'd love to have you join us for the Gala Dinner. Co President Lyndon Smith and I would be delighted if your rotary club would consider supporting our 2026 Rotary Whitehorse Art Show by booking a table for our Gala Dinner on Wednesday 28th October 2026
It promises to be a fantastic evening featuring:
A delicious two-course meal
Wine and soft drinks
Great fellowship and fun
Special guest MC Jonathan Usher, New Zealand's magician extraordinaire
Most importantly, your attendance helps support both the Art Show and the community organisations that benefit from its success.
The club has accumulated 7.418kg of used stamps over the past year or so from a variety of sources. On 15 October, a box with used stamps was dropped off to the Monash Glen Waverley Op Shop. The Rotary Club of Monash Glen Waverley are the collection point for stamps. These stamps will eventually convert to funding directed to Polio Eradication.
Harvey L. is planning run two sweeps ( Blue and Red) for the Cup as in previous years.
This means have 48 horses available over the two sweeps provided there are no last minute scratchings. The cost is $5/ horse and partners are welcome to be involved so $10 /couple
You are welcome for 2 horses.
# Please email Harvey or contact by mobile to nominate the number of horses required.
# A payment to the Club General Account. Ref: Your Name/Cup/ with payment of $5 for each horse.
Blue Sweep will be first, followed by the Red and entries will be recorded in order of the emails or texted received, with a payment as priority.
As only the horse numbers are available on the previous Wednesday and barriers not know until the Sunday before the Cup. I will organise a supervised draw of the Horse Numbers 1-24 for your entry requirements and advise your entry number by Wed 28th October 26. Final details will be available the Monday before the Cup
The pool for each sweep will be $120 split 1st $ 80 2nd $30 3rd $10
I keen for all members and partners have a Cup interest and encourage them get into the spirit of Cup week early.
Club Christmas Party is booked at the Knox Club for Wed 2nd December 2026.
A 2 Course meal 50/50 split, Mains and Dessert plus entertainment will be provided for $52/person.
Shia has also organised with Darren Hill, the President of the Rotary Club of Knox, for them to join us for a joint Christmas celebration. A nice thought for this smaller Rotary club.
Mains: Ham & Turkey served with cranberry sauce & gravy. Roast Pork with crackle, apple sauce and gravy
Dessert: Plum Pudding with brandy custard . Brandy Snap Basket with strawberries & cream
A Christmas flyer will follow in November and a Clubrunner event provided with payment details
It's time to celebrate the incredible businesses that make our local community thrive!
The Whitehorse Business Group 2026 Excellence in Business Awards are now open for nominations, giving local businesses the opportunity to be recognised for their achievements, growth and contribution to the community.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: Now Nominations Close: Sunday, 8 November 2026 Awards Ceremony: March 2027 There are a range of categories recognising businesses across different industries and stages of growth, including:
City of Whitehorse Award
Home & Mobile Business Award
Trades Business Award
Retail Business Award
Franchise Business Award
Hospitality Business Award
Consumer Business Award
Business Services & Consulting Award
NFP & Social Enterprise Award
Health Business Award
Fitness Business Award
Overall Business Award
Know an outstanding local business? Nominate them!
Nominations are open now and close 8 November 2026.
We are also inviting businesses and organisations to sponsor an award category and be part of celebrating the achievements of our local business community.
If you would like to become an Award Sponsor, simply reply to this email and we'll send you through the sponsorship information.
We look forward to celebrating with you in March 2027!
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.
Australian Rotary Health is the largest private funding provider for research into Mental Illness. Lift The Lid is their main fundraiser for the year. Please wear a hat (of any variety) to support Lift the Lid.
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