STOP, CHECK, REJECT. Three simple yet powerful words that can help you stay confident, alert and safe from scams.
Stop – Trust your instincts. If something feels off or you are unsure, pause and give yourself a moment before taking action.
Check – Take a moment to verify. Contact your bank using trusted details, such as the number on the back of your bank card or in your bank’s app.
Reject – Feel confident saying no. Hang up, delete the message, block the sender and avoid clicking any links. If you think your information may have been compromised, update your passwords promptly.
These three words—and the actions behind them—can help everyone stay safer, regardless of age or confidence with technology. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and AI-generated deepfakes can be difficult to recognise. Staying alert, pausing and checking can make a real difference, because anyone can be targeted, as Holly and Matthew from Forest Hill Commonwealth Bank reminded us on Wednesday night.
The board met on Wednesday night and confirmed Wednesday, 25 November as the date for the club’s AGM. As we look ahead to another positive year, we are seeking 4 volunteers to join the Nominating Committee and help shape next year’s board, including selecting the President who will follow Janette. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the club’s future, so if you are interested in being part of the committee, please let me know.
With the football season drawing to a close, we are excited to host our very own Footy Show on Wednesday night. Come along in your favourite footy colours and join us for a fun, friendly evening—we would love to see you there!
For our Youth Achievement Award show bags, we would like to include copies of the Sept/Oct RDU magazine. So, once you have enjoyed yours, please pass it on to me.
Wishing you a sensationally fun week ahead as we continue to share kindness, enjoy fellowship, and Create Lasting Impact together.
Holly and Mat from the Commonwealth Bank Forest Hill on how to stay safe online to avoid scams.
Scammers make fake logon pages look more convincing. They often send links in emails or text messages that take you to these fake sites, encouraging you to enter your details.
To better protect yourself:
Never use links in emails or text messages.
Phone the company to ask if the message is valid.
Check for anything unusual on the page, like a web address that doesn’t look right
Be aware of social media advertisements where scammers impersonate and promote fake giveaways. Avoid clicking links from social media ads or download apps from unknown sources.Don't click links in unexpected or suspicious text messages
Don't reply to suspicious messages
Be cautious of messages that create urgency or pressure you to act quickly
Delete the message if you're unsure whether it's genuine
Scammers may use urgency, fear and convincing stories to make their requests seem legitimate.
Never provide personal information, security codes or banking details.
Never share personal information, PINs, passwords or security codes
Never move money to a "safe account"
Never place cash, cards or PINs in your letterbox for collection
Contact your bank using the number on the back of your card or via their website
Use Caller Check when receiving a call from your Bank
Report suspicious emails and texts to your bank.
Stop. Check. Reject.
Stop – Does something feel off? If you're unsure, stop and take a moment before acting.
Check – Contact us using trusted contact details, such as the number on the back of your card or in the CommBank app.
Reject – Hang up, delete the message, block the sender and don't click any links. Change your passwords if you think your information may have been compromised.
Last Wednesday, during the “Staying Safe Online” presentation at the Rotary Club meeting, my phone pinged loudly. (I think the Sergeant didn’t hear it 😊). It was a WhatsApp message from PDG Senake Amerasinghe of the Rotary Club of Colombo. This was his brief message:
“My dear Rtn Peter
I'm forwarding herewith few photos taken at the opening ceremony yesterday of the set donated by Hildon Close. This arrived in the last container no. 9 Which I presume was handled by you RC Nunawading. The smile of the children alone gave me a great deal of satisfaction. The total distance covered from CMB to the School and back was 614 km.
Rob Jackson has alerted us to a method of donating direct to Nepal via one of his RORP mates. Individual members may like to contribute by this method or the RAWCS channel
Disclosed last week. The Board was impressed and has decided to send $1000 via this method and $1050 via RAWCS. This will not affect the other budget items approved for spending by the
Stuart has distributed a guide to our Fellowship Program for the year. I hope the dates have been diarised by members.
I would like to assist by providing some further detail for the up coming programs prior to Christmas.
Firstly, the Grand Final evening. Bob W and Stuart have organise an interesting program for Wed 23 September. In previous years we have run a tipping competition to pick the winning team and full time and half time scores. The plan was to repeat the same for this year. We will not know the grand finalist until after this weekend matches.
Entry will be $10 per person. Partners are more than welcome. Total funds will be divided for the half time and full time. Prizes last were 1st $60 2nd $15 3rd $5 Total Pool $160
Entries can be completed at the Wed 23 Sept meeting and paid in cash or by card.
If you are not present you can advise me directly and I will record your entry details.
Secondly, Tuesday 3rd November is Melbourne Cup Day. We will run a number of Cup Sweeps for members and partners as previously. We had 3 sweeps last year to satisfy member requests. This year 2 sweeps are planned offering 48 horses. $5 / horse as previously. First in best dressed.
This year we are organising a Cup Fellowship Day at Coral's place with a chance to watch the “Race that Stops the Nation” at 3 pm. The day will be a BBQ with BYO everything. I am looking for a volunteers to bring a few salads and others some desserts to make the catering easy for everybody. Those coming to Cup luncheon will have their own sweep on the day. Start time around 1 pm.
Thirdly, the 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
I cannot make to tonight's meeting but will be present Wed 23 Sept to accept your tips for the Grand Final
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!
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.
Brickworks