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IMPACT MATTERS
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Our guest speaker this week was Andrew Clarke from Gembrook CFA, who gave us an insightful overview of the brigade, its dedicated volunteers, and the exciting projects underway to upgrade both its equipment and station. Andrew also highlighted the strong support network between neighbouring CFA brigades, demonstrating how they work together to protect and serve our communities whenever the need arises.

It was inspiring to hear from another volunteer organisation whose members share the same commitment we do—making a positive difference and giving back to the community. Their dedication is a powerful reminder that lasting impact is created when people come together with a shared purpose of serving others.

The Community Expo at Emerald Secondary College was another wonderful opportunity to showcase Rotary. Students from all year levels visited the expo, where they were able to discover the wide range of programs, opportunities and resources available to them. Our Youth Chair, Gloria, and Community Chair, Tina, spoke with students about the many Rotary youth programs on offer, while also networking with other community organisations to build connections and explore future collaborations.

A sincere thank you to Tina and Gloria for the time and effort they put into preparing our display and for the enthusiasm and energy they brought to the Expo. They represented our club exceptionally well.

This week's meeting is our Club Assembly—an important opportunity for all members to hear about the projects and initiatives each Avenue of Service has planned or is currently undertaking. For our newer members, it will provide valuable insight into the breadth of our club's activities, and a greater understanding of how our fundraising efforts are invested to create lasting impact in our community.

The meeting will also include the Treasurer's Report, Project Reports, the Secretary's update and an Administration update. In addition, John Ritchie will present a Toast to a resident of Lifeview, Mac Barrot - Behind the Badge and PDG Ken will share a Rotary Moment. There will also be time for members to raise questions or discuss matters of interest, so if there is something you would like included, please email me prior to the meeting.

I look forward to hearing from our team as they share their updates and, as always, enjoying the fellowship that makes our club so special.

 

Yours in Rotary
 
President Gayle

AGENDA Tuesday 21st July 2026

In order to confirm numbers for meetings at the pub, please ensure that you communicate the following to PP PHF Lorna: 0408 506 622

  • notify if NOT attending by 12 noon on the MONDAY before the meeting
  • and notify if bringing guests or visitor
  • notify at any time about future absences and holidays.
Thank You!
 

Last Week's Club Meeting 14th July 2026

 President Gayle Barrot opened the meeting by welcoming Members, Guests and Chairperson Andrew McAllister

 Apologies were read by Lorna Shaw 

 Our newest Member Sue Oakley was official presented with her member's badge

 
 
Guest Speaker - Andrew Clark - Gembrook CFA
 The local Gembrook CFA brigade has approximately 30 operational members, supported by non-operational volunteers who contribute to broader brigade and community activity. 
 The brigade operates two trucks, including a new CFA tanker, with station renovations expected this year and local fundraising likely needed for optional upgrades. 
 The brigade typically responds to about 80 calls per year, with 2019 noted as a busier year at approximately 120 calls. 
Community Fire Safety and Preparedness 
The CFA emphasised prevention, early preparation, and community awareness as the strongest levers for reducing local fire risk. 
Residents are encouraged to clear vegetation, maintain property access, and ensure fire trucks can enter, turn around, and operate safely. 
A drying weather pattern may increase fire risk, so residents should prepare early and not rely on past local fire history as an indicator of future safety. 
Fire restrictions: Residents should prepare for a possible early October start to restrictions, noting this timing is not yet confirmed. 
 
Emergency response: Triple Zero calls activate CFA members through pagers, station sirens, and a phone app, generally within minutes.
 
Andrew Clark with Roy Bowyer for Response

 Community/Youth 

President Gayle, Eva Barrot, Youth Chair Gloria and Community Chair Tina at the Community Expo at Emerald Secondary College.

 

The New A-Frame for the Breakfast Club - Designed by Toni-Anne

People Who Sparkle 

 
Name: Carol Cain
Years of Service: 4
Profession: Retired now but I was a book binder by trade. My husband and I ran our own printing business, and I was the office manager and general dogs' body.
Q: What first inspired you to join our club?
A: Catherine had been asking us to join for years. One day after my husband had died and all the lockdowns were over, she asked me if I’d like to go to the club’s first, face to face meeting at the pub. I surprised myself and said yes. I loved the atmosphere, the welcome, the people and the projects. The rest is history……
Q: What is a personal Rotary highlight?
A: I have a few! I love the breakfast club and find it very fulfilling. Being in charge of the roster has been good and I really enjoy the interactions with the teens. I just love it! I’d forgotten how interesting kids that age can be. I also really enjoy the Tuesday meetings, the company is lovely and I enjoyed my time doing the Choc Lotto. Doing the birthing kits and the meal packing night were also highlights. Good fun while doing good!
Q: What is the best thing about being a member of this club?
A: Belonging. Our ideas are always listened to. There is no pressure to do anything, and I love doing projects in the community.
Q: What is a life philosophy or mantra that you live by?
A: Treat people as you would have them treat you.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?
A: I’d love to be able to fly!
Q: What is the best advice another member ever gave you?
A: If you ever have a question, never be afraid to ask.
Q: What was your very first job?
A: Making sandwiches in a café in the city next to the Olivetti typewriter shop.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose?
A: Elvis Presley. But young Elvis, not old Elvis! I’m talking about Elvis when I was only 15 or 16, yeah that Elvis was fabulous.
 
 
 Moorabbin Rotary’s Christmas in July Trivia Night
DG Emma and President Gayle, Won 1st prize for Best Dressed
 
The new Emerald Village Association Newsletter is out with an article,
as usual penned by PP PHF Shalini Penny 

 Page 19 (Roy & Ali’s car fire)

Page 22 – Rotary

Page 44 – Golden Hour Café flyer.

 

 

 
 Club Notices
Commonwealth Games Social Night at Tina‘s on 28 July.
For those of you who were away but still would like to attend there’s plenty of time.
Come dressed as a Commonwealth country of your choice… there will be a prize for the best costume! Lots of games, fantastic food and a great social night out.
6 pm for 6.30 at Tina‘s house cost $25 per head bring your own drinks and come ready to party!

Next Major Event:             

 
 

 

 Other Items of Interest:     
 
 
  
 
Upcoming Events
Club Assembly - Behind the Badge - Mac Barrot
Jul. 21, 2026 7:00 p.m.
Social - Christmas in July @ Tina's Details TBC
Jul. 28, 2026 7:00 p.m.
Club Meeting - PDG Colin Byron
Aug. 04, 2026
Club Meeting - Peter Brock + Ian Ash
Aug. 18, 2026
Club Assembly - Behind the Badge - Anne Clowes
Aug. 25, 2026
Paper Quilling & Card Making Night
Aug. 26, 2026
View entire list
Speakers
Jul 21, 2026
Background on Mac!
Aug 04, 2026
Membership
Aug 18, 2026
KFRWPB, GCC and POW
Aug 25, 2026
All things Anne!
Sep 08, 2026
AI Intellegence or Interferance
View entire list

Vision Statement

Thriving and resilient local
and global communities

Mission Statement

Working together to create positive change

in the well-being of our community and beyond

Rotary Invocation

For good food, good fellowship and the opportunity for service through Rotary we give thanks

Rotary Toast

To Australia and the people of Australia (toast) To Rotary International (toast)

4 Way Test

 
CHOCLOTTO JACKPOT
$ 272.00
 
 
Chocolate Winner: 
  Linda Culell
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 21st July 2026
 
Chairperson
Griffin, Toni-Anne
 
Fellowship
Culell, Linda
 
Furnishings
Elfick, Catherine
 
Toast To Glades
Ritchie, John
 
Social Night 28th July - Tina's House
 
Fellowship - ALL
McInerney, Tina
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Peter Brock
July 17
 
Kelly McAllister
July 30
 
Spouse/Partner Birthdays
Milan Colic
July 11
 
Tanya Brock
July 11
 
Kelly McAllister
July 30
 
Anniversaries
Catherine Elfick
Dominic Elfick PP, PHF
July 28
 
Join Date
Emma Clark
July 2, 2002
24 years
 
Marcus Adams
July 2, 2002
24 years
 
John Henderson
July 5, 2016
10 years
 
Shalini Penny
July 5, 2016
10 years
 
Kirsty Bates
July 15, 2025
1 year
 
Ali Bowyer
July 16, 2024
2 years
 
Graeme Heatley
July 29, 2025
1 year
 
Community Notices

Events

We are regularly asked to share information on other Rotary Club or community group events.  Rather than list all of them in Sparkle, please check out them out HERE

 

ABN: 82 067 243 051 Registration No: A0020847W              Chartered 28 March 1980

PO Box 46, Emerald VIC 3782   Tel:  0408 769 491

www.emeraldrotary.org.au   info@emeraldrotary.org.au  

www.facebook.com/Rotaryclubemeralddistrictinc