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Rotary Matters
 
member photo
Dear friends,
 
Club experience.
 
This term is used extensively by Rotary as a key factor when determining the health of a club and member recruitment strategies. To me, its just being who we are. Our club has always been a little rowdy, a little bit different, but we get things done; and we have fun doing it. Our membership growth also seems to validate our approach!
 
Talking about membership growth, last Tuesday we inducted Mac Barrot into our club. Mac is the ninth new member for the year and joins Kirsty, Graeme, Jess, Sally, Wayne, Jacqui, Anne and Courtney to our Rotary family. ��
 
We followed the induction with Lyn Beckwith giving an overview of last weekend's successful Debutante Ball, then we heard from Clare Fitzmaurice on her life, career and decision to enter State politics. All of this whilst enjoying a meal at the Paradise Hotel. 
 
This coming Tuesday we are having our last club meeting of the year with a behind the badge presentation from Graeme & Gloria.
 
With less than two weeks to go before changeover, please remember to mark your diary for another fabulous Emerald club changeover!
 
Rotary Snippet - An honour to be your President
 
Although I'm told by my family that "Rotary can be a little boring" and while I can't always argue with that, I am, with as much humility as I can muster, still very proud to have served as your President for this past year. 
 
I did try my best to make Rotary a little more active, a little less boring, and I believe all members helped me in achieving this goal.
 
Throughout every project and community activity, I have witnessed the very best of Rotary; people creating change, building communities, and 'doing good in the world' every single day.
 
My year was challenging, inspiring and exhausting, but most of all, unforgettable. To me, we are more than just members of a rotary club. We are Rotarians.
 
Thank you to everyone who helped me throughout this incredible journey.
 
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
Peter Brock

 

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 16th June 2026

Welcome & Opening
 President Peter Brock opened the 47th meeting for his term, welcoming members, guests and Chairperson Marcus Adams.

Guest Speakers: Clare Fitzmaurice

I’m standing here today because I believe deeply in the values at the heart of the Liberal Party — values that focus on creating the conditions for people to help themselves and thrive. My career began in physiotherapy, where I saw firsthand how broader systems shape people’s lives. That experience led me into public health, policy, and ultimately to politics, where the decisions that truly affect communities are made. As a parent of three, I’m driven by a desire to ensure that the next generation has opportunities equal to — or better than — those we had, something that can no longer be taken for granted in Australia. If elected, I will work for communities that are safe, well‑connected, supported by strong services, and proud of their natural environment. My goal is to help build places where people can take risks, work hard, and know they’ll be backed by good policy and good government. Most importantly, I’m here to listen and to serve this community with integrity and purpose. 
    
 Clare Fitzmaurice with Peter Brock and Greg Adams who provided the response

 

Toast to the Elderly - PP PHF John Ritchie 

Barbara Mitchell

 

Barbara Mitchell grew up in Ferntree Gully.
Her mum Janet was a seamstress, and her dad Horrie was a builder.
Barbara has a younger sister Margaret. When Barbara was 13 years old, she started working in the shire offices in the local council in Ferntree Gully.
Barbara met her husband Bryan at a local dance. They married and had 3 Children. Barbara has 15 grandkids and 9 great grandkids.
Barbara enjoys gardening, Dressmaking, and meeting new people. Her Favourite meal is Roast Lamb & gravy. Barbara enjoys a neat scotch on special occasions.
 
Induction of Newest Member - Mac Barrot
Welcome Mac to the Rotary Club of Emerald & District

    

 

Debutante Ball 2026
Committee: Lyn Beckwith, Shalini Penny, Rowan French & Linda Culell
The Deb Ball on June 13th - was a huge success. Thank you to all who helped out during the practice nights, and a special thank you to Lyn for all your hard work and dedication to this event.
Some photos from the evening:
 
 
 
Behind the sense photo's
  
 
Last Social Night for Peter's Year
 

Congratulation to Hita on a huge article on page 13 in the Ranges Trader Star Mail

Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 16th June 2026 by Star News Group - Issuu

The new Emerald Village Association Newsletter is out with an article,
as usual penned by PP PHF Shalini Penny 
Emerald Rotary - Page 7
 

 

 
 Club Notices

Next Major Event:             

 

 Other Items of Interest:     
 
 
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
Club Changeover - Marybrooke
Jun. 28, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
District Changeover @ Cardinia Cultural Centre
Jul. 04, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
View entire list
Speakers
Jun 23, 2026
Behind The Badge
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

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
$ 187.00
Chocolate Winner: Lyn Beckwith
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 23rd June 2026
 
Chairperson
Bowyer, Ali
 
Fellowship
Bowyer, Roy
 
Furnishings
Brock, Peter
 
Response
Beckwith, Lyn
 
Speaker Minder
Cain, Carol
 
Duty Roster - 30th June 2026 Social Night
 
Watering Hole Tavern - Monbulk
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Jacqueline Forsythe
June 3
 
Ian Ash
June 14
 
Kerith Cummins
June 14
 
Ali Bowyer
June 18
 
John Shaw
June 20
 
Russ Nielsen
June 25
 
Spouse/Partner Birthdays
Ian Ash
June 14
 
Ali Bowyer
June 18
 
John Shaw
June 20
 
Brian Radford
June 25
 
Join Date
Anna St. Clair
June 4, 2024
2 years
 
John Shaw
June 10, 1997
29 years
 
Kerith Cummins
June 14, 2022
4 years
 
Catherine Elfick
June 20, 2002
24 years
 
Tina McInerney
June 20, 2003
23 years
 
Ken Miller
June 21, 2005
21 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 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