It was only last Sunday that the club, as it has for 22 years, rallied together to put on another outstanding Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy. Although we had periods of rain, the enthusiasm of the runners, and their parents, was infectious, thus to me, no one seemed to mind about getting a little wet.
Since the event started in 2002, we have raised more than $812,000, with a final total for this years event to be known very soon. This year, the event was wonderfully led by PDG Ken Miller and his committee and I know that Ken will be providing a summary of the event as soon as he can.
Last Tuesday, Chairperson Tina organised some activities for us, including writing Christmas cards for residents of the Glades and gift wrapping for local organisations. Hopefully this gesture by our club, will provide some needed assistance. Well done to Tina and her helpers!
I also need to acknowledge all of the sixteen members (and some partners) that travelled to Tasmania to undertake the Three Capes Trail. In total, we walked more than 42km through a variety of coastal and bush settings, climbed, in aggregate over 2,000m, and on one walk, we climbed up and down steps more than 4,000 times. The walks were challenging, the scenery was awesome and the weather gods were on our side and we did, as we always do when there are challenges, we banded together and helped everyone complete the daily walk. I'd like to confirm that the weekly Jolly Walkers will continue, and if another walk of similar ability is proposed in the future, I'm sure that a lot of us would be keen to participate.
Yours in Rotary,
Peter Brock
Rotary Snippet - Australian Rotary Health
Australian Rotary Health is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia.
Australian Rotary Health provides funding towards research grants, fellowships and PhD scholarships focused on finding preventative and curative solutions for mental illness in young Australians. From 2023, our funding focus narrowed to the mental health of children aged 0-12.
We also provide funding into a broad range of general health areas, provide scholarships for rural medical and nursing students, as well as Indigenous health students. Australian Rotary Health provides funding into areas of health that do not readily attract funding and promotes findings to the community.
Australian Rotary Health is a project of the Rotary Districts of Australia and is supported by Rotary Clubs. We have a broad vision to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
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 Rotary Meeting 2nd December
The meeting opened with and heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the Fun Run possible. The event ran smoothly and showcased the best of our community — teamwork, energy, and smiles all around.
Special thanks were extended to:
Sarah Bartell – From Eastern Health for her contributing valuable support during the event
Ian Wakefield – for “herding the troops” and keeping everything on track.
Gloria – for her fantastic work behind the scenes.
Marcus Adams and Wayne – for their tireless efforts, even late into Sunday night.
Recognition of Sangeeta, who worked hard on the last event and whose business sponsored it.
Apologies were read by Carol for those members unable to attend.
Special Mention of the group in Tasmania doing a “three-cape walk.”
Youth Engagement & Fundraising Fun
Our younger members from Gembrook Primary School played a big part in the day’s success!
They enthusiastically ran a candy stall, selling over 100 bags of lollies and raising funds for TCA.
A huge thank-you goes to Lynn, who stayed throughout the entire event, encouraging the children and helping them experience the joy of teamwork. The kids are now preparing to manage the proceeds themselves through their EarlyAct club, learning to count, budget, and allocate funds — a wonderful leadership opportunity! The event raised funds for TCA (likely a community or children’s organization).
Everyone agrees it was a “fabulous experience” and a great success, with new events introduced this year.
Project Night - Christmas Cards for“Emerald Glades.”
Everyone was encouraged to write personalized messages using the recipients’ first name.
Card Writers Lonely Worker Calander Wrapping
Toast to the Elderly - Robert Colbert & Pat McKinnon
Robert Colbert
I lived in Port Melbourne and had a dream to move to the hills when we had children in 1984. My wife still lives there. I built the home up in the hills and this was my dream home. It was also a dream of mine to be mortgage Free by the time I was 40 yrs old.
I started playing football when I was 14 yrs of age. I played in the grand final when I was 21 yrs old. The team was called Port Melbourne, and we played on the St Kilda grounds. We won the game and received a trophy and medal.
We had 3 Children Dylan, Courtney and Michael and 4 Grandchildren.
My wife Leanne and I bought a combi van and travelled around Australia for 4 months in 1993. A great experience and good for the kids. They still remember and talk about it today
I have One older brother Ken.
Pat McKinnon
I grew up in Noble Park in Buckley Street. I went to Noble Park State School. I had 4 brothers, I was the only girl in the family. My father and brothers worked for Corrigan's doing farm work father won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He had a war injury after being shot through the jaw in the war. I met my husband at a Juke Box at an Oakleigh milkbar. We were married for over 50 years. We would go to dances at the Moorabbin Townhall. We went to many concerts at Festival Townhall. We saw Johnny O'Keefe, Bill Haley & the Comets. I am an animal lover. I love cats and dogs. My husband and I use to show Collies at the Royal Melbourne show. We had 3 children Colleen, Ron and Craig. I have 7 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. I like camping, socializing and gardening. I like to go on walks around the home, sit in the sun outside or like to sit inside by a warm sunny window. I like to read autobiographies or the newspaper.
Tasmania Three Capes Track
Fundraising Committee(Sangeeta):
Carols by Candlelight set for 12 December. Volunteer shifts requested.
The Emerald Lake Carols by Candlelight Event is on Friday 12th of December, 5:00pm to 9:30pm.
Rotary is doing the BBQ again and volunteers are required, please contact Sangeeta.
Christmas Party
Date: 14 December
Venue: The Bowyer's 23 Nobelius St Emerald
Attendance payment required (no refunds if absent).
RSVP strictly enforced for catering purposes.
The new Emerald Village Association Newsletter is out with an article,
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
Of the things we think say and do
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
CHOCLOTTO JACKPOT $186.00
Chocolate Winner
Ian Wakefield
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 9th December 2025
Chairperson
Wilson, Susi
Fellowship
Adams, Greg
Furnishings
Adams, Marcus
Furnishings
Brock, Peter
Response
Ash, Ian
Speaker Minder
Ash, Kristine
Duty Roster - 16th December 2025
Potential Christmas Lights Walk
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Catherine Elfick
December 12
Gloria Hargreaves
December 19
Anniversaries
Vicki Van Den Bergen
Henk van den Bergen
December 27
Emma Clark
James Clark
December 29
Join Date
Tom Watson
December 13, 2005
20 years
Carol Cain
December 14, 2021
4 years
Martin Buoncristiani
December 31, 2005
20 years
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 outHERE
