Past President Bob Glindemann explained the structure and purpose of the Rotary Foundation, recognised as one of the world’s top charities for accountability and transparency. He detailed the four major funds: Annual Fund - Polio Plus Fund - Endowment Fund - Disaster Response Fund.
Adrian Nelson then opened the panel discussion noting that November is Rotary Foundation Month—an appropriate time to showcase the new Growing Futures in Timor-Leste project.
The Australian Rotary Health October 2025 Newsletter features an article by the Rotary Club of Carlingford and the Rotary Club of Environment and Habitat who hosted a special fundraising event, “The Life and Rhymes of Banjo Paterson,” at the historic Parramatta Town Hall. Click read more below to read the newsletter.
At this meeting, we’ll be introduced more fully to the Club’s newest international, economic, and environmentally empowering project - Growing Futures in Timor-Leste. This inspiring Rotary initiative partners with Rai Matak’s 50-year plan to plant 10 million trees across Timor-Leste - generating certified carbon income for farming families, restoring deforested land, and building sustainable rural livelihoods. It’s a practical, scalable model that turns climate action into lasting community benefit.
Our expert project panel will share what the project involves, how it’s funded, and the complex Rotary Foundation Global Grant process - following the model of our Centenary Project Give Every Child a Future:
* Amy Stevenson, CEO, xpand Foundation
* Past President Bob Glindemann OAM, Recipient of Rotary International Service Above Self Award for his work in Timor-Leste
* Peter Chou, Data Scientist, Monash University & xpand Foundation
* Moderator Past President Adrian Nelson
Join us to celebrate the launch of Growing Futures in Timor-Leste - and be part of Rotary’s next great story of global impact.
Solar energy has reached an exciting milestone: it’s now the most cost effective means of producing electricity in the world.
A recent study from the University of Surrey shows that in the sunniest countries, solar electricity can cost as little as €0.023 ($0.041) per unit, making it cheaper than coal, gas and even wind power.
On Duty: Robert Fisher (Reception), Marg Leser (Raffle), Karen Kim (MC), Ruth Carlos Martinez (Reflection), John Peberdy (Photographer).
Membership Anniversary this week: Sue McDonald (19), Iqbal Reta (17 TODAY!), Amanda Wendt (8).
Happy Birthday this week: Nick Batrouney, Trevor Neroy, Branko Panich, Kevin Sheehan (TODAY!).
Guests of the Club Amy Stevenson, Jijia Huang, Xuan Zhu, Mark Allan, Barbara Yerondais, George Kokovas.
Visiting Rotarians Peter Shepheard (Altona), James Allen (Sydney), Nicky Chung (Bentleigh Moorabbin Central), Lesley McCarthy (Flemington Kensington), Pamela Dittmer (Port Philip).
Guests of Members Roswitha Horgan (David Horgan), Chris Begg (Sue McDonald).
We’re delighted to welcome Ailesh Dupate to Rotary Melbourne. Originally from Mumbai, Ailesh brings a strong background in finance and a lifelong commitment to community service, shaped by six years in Rotaract. Now a Business Development Manager at India Growth Funds and a Master of Financial Analysis student at La Trobe University, Ailesh is eager to contribute his skills in youth mentorship and international collaboration.
Rotary Melbourne's Past President Robert Fisher on Friday 31 October 25 completed his Walk With Us to End Polio 25. Thanks to all his generous 41 supporters – together they have raised $8,918 for Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. With the Gates Foundation’s amazing x2 matching, this becomes $26,754, a two-thirds increase on last year. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
For the 4h edition of District 9800 October 25 Networker for 2025-2026, please click on Read More below. In this issue they there is an article on End Polio.
The Rotary International Fellowship page has an interesting collection of Rotarians having hobbies together. Notably, there is a Peace Fellows Fellowship open to all Rotarians who support the Rotary Peace Fellows program. There are so many other interests to join in which assists Rotarians to connect with the larger Rotary International family.
Tony Battaini, seen here with Rotary International President Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, has been on the Gold Coast this week for the Rotary Zone 8 Conference. He reports that it has been a revelation. There are so many high impact projects underway and evolving that will benefit communities across the region.
Dr Tania Miletic, Rotary Melbourne and District 9800's first Peace Fellow, last week launched her cookbook PEACEMEAL - Nourishing Hope Through Culinary Stories of Peacebuilding in Times of Conflict. Tania attended the International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo in 2002.
Rotary members across Australia have the chance to win one of 20 double passes (valued at $44 each) to THE CHORAL, opening in cinemas New Year’s Day 2026. From the award-winning team behind The History Boys, this inspiring film celebrates the power of community and music in times of hardship.
This special giveaway, proudly supported by Sony Pictures and Rotary Foundation Australia, is open to all current Rotary members.
Click Read More below and enter the draw today! Let’s make Foundation Month one to remember.
With just four weeks to go before the start of our 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program, Rotary District 9800 is calling on all Youth Directors and RYLA supporters to help us find more outstanding young leaders!
So far, we’ve received 20 applications - but there’s still room for more. If you know someone who could benefit from this life-changing leadership experience, please encourage them to apply. Click read more below for the application form.
In Papua New Guinea, a Rotary-led Buddy Program pairs Australian and PNG midwives to build leadership, confidence, and care capacity. Together, they’re tackling one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates — ensuring safer births and stronger futures for women and families.
Thank you to Barbara Yerondais for reflection for last week's reflection on Wednesday 29 October 2025.
Guests of the Club Henry Dwyer (Guest Speaker).
Guests of Members Matt Ball, Luke Ball, Andrew Barett, Todd Dewberry, Nicholas Hullet, Oli Scalzo, Michael Scalzo, David Scalzo, Chris Scalzo (Quin Scalzo), Andrew Bostock (Peter Dakin), Roswitha Horgan (David Horgan), Tim Holland (Peter Hanlon).
Membership Anniversary this week: Kelton Dennis (23), Peter Manger (42).
Happy Birthday this week: Neville Barwick (TODAY!).
On Duty: John Peberdy, Marg Leser (Reception), Peter Addison (Raffle), Bob Glindemann (MC), Peter Hollingworth (Reflection), Gerald Ashman (Photographer).
At last week's lunch, we featured the inaugural Rotary Melbourne Cup - a race call by Past President Adrian Nelson - and saw sixteen of our esteemed Past Presidents saddle up as jockeys, each riding their own legendary Rotary theme-horse. Under the expert “training” of Jo Mavros, it was a field packed with experience, enthusiasm, and just a hint of healthy competition!
Rotary Melbourne’s 5,101st meeting was a lively hybrid gathering at Sofitel No.35, featuring guest speaker Henry Dwyer, acclaimed horse trainer behind Asfoora, the first Australian-trained Royal Ascot winner. Henry shared his journey “from Ballarat to Buckingham Palace to Longchamp,” including a memorable meeting with King Charles III. The meeting also highlighted World Kindness Day, upcoming AGM nominations, the Rotary Melbourne Cup, and next week’s Growing Futures in Timor-Leste project launch.
This week we welcome Henry Dwyer, one of Australian racing’s rising stars and the trainer behind the brilliant mare Asfoora, winner of the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. Henry will share the story of that historic win, his meeting with the Monarch, and his thoughts on the upcoming Melbourne Cup Carnival.
A Melbourne University Commerce graduate, Henry began his racing journey mucking out boxes at Flemington before completing an Advanced Diploma in Horse Business Management at Marcus Oldham College. He later honed his craft under leading trainers Robert Smerdon and Rob Hickmott, playing a role in Green Moon’s 2012 Melbourne Cup triumph.
Launching his own stable in 2013, Henry quickly struck Group 1 gold with Sonntag in the Queensland Derby and Precious Gem in the Sangster Stakes. His move to Ballarat and St Leonards set the stage for Asfoora’s rise from overlooked yearling to international sprinting sensation, adding victories at York and Longchamp to her Royal Ascot crown.
Wear a hat or spring colours to join the celebration!
Rotary Melbourne's Past President Robert Fisher yesterday, joined a handful of Rotary stalwarts and friends and walked over 10kms along the Yarra from Leonda, as can be seen from the attached pictures. He has been overwhelmed by the response from Rotarians, family and friends to his appeal after reaching over $8,000 this week. The campaign remains open and let’s just keep going, remembering that whatever Robert raises will be tripled by the Gates Foundation. Please help support us to End Polio Now by clicking Read More below.
