I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and celebrated a happy new year. This calendar year will again be very busy, with plenty of projects, fundraising and activities planned, such as the Gembrook Classic & Custom Car Show & Swap Meet in February, District Conference in March, a Mental Health Forum in May, the Deb Ball, Train of Lights and the Changeover to PE Gayle in June, then the very special District Governor Changeover to DGE Emma in July. What a fabulous five months. In between we'll have other events that we'll announce at a later date.
Tanya and I also had very big news this month as our recently married son announced that he and Hayley are expecting a baby in June; our first grandchild. We are thrilled and are looking forward to our life changing yet again.
I'd like to thank all the members, family and friends that attended our beach day on the 17th. The weather could have been a bit better, with less wind, however the day went extremely well, and we all had a great time. Mel, as our host, was excellent, and the day went to schedule thanks to the planning by Anna, Emma, Shalini and Mel. I do believe the bus didn't get lost this time and there were no unexpected stops!
This week, our guest speaker was meant to be Jane Hilson, a local myotherapist, however she has asked to reschedule her visit, and we'll learn more about Jane and her profession at another time. We'll have something else planned to enthral and enthuse our attendees.
Also, as the pub has advised us that the verandah will be very hot on Tuesday, we have booked the smaller Clematis Room for our meeting. As it only seats 30 people, it may be a bit squeezy.
Rotary Snippet - Rotary Action Groups
Rotary Action Groups are independent entities affiliated with Rotary that each have a specific humanitarian focus, such as economic development, peacebuilding, addiction prevention, ending modern slavery, or environmental sustainability. Organized by Rotary members and nonmembers, the groups include people around the world who have knowledge, experience, or an interest in the topic. Action group members participate in meaningful service activities and use their expertise and global networks to facilitate sustainable change. By offering Rotary clubs and districts professional knowledge, advice about partners and funding, and guidance on the best practices and project management strategies, action groups help Rotary members plan and implement large-scale projects that make an even greater impact on critical issues in communities near and far. There are +37,500 Rotary Action Group members in 150 countries.
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!
Our first official club meeting on the 27th January 2026 at the Paradise Hotel
Saturday 17th January - Philip Island Beach Day at Melinda's
Thank you once again to Melinda and Dan for opening up your home again for a bus full of Rotarians.
It was a fantastic day and also thank you to the social committee for make this day possible and for hiring a great bus Driver that didn't get lost and even made a pit stop at McDonalds on the way.
RC Monbulk & District - Australia Day Breakfast
This was attended by Four Members & partners from our Club.
Gayle & Chris Barrot, Russell & Marjolein Marnock, Rowan French & Linda Culell
It was an enjoyable Morning with guest speakers
Peter Wheeler - A veteran of Victoria Police, having experienced a diverse career spanning 45 years. Peter will speak on his career highlights, challenges, achievements and how he is contributing to the development of the next generation of Police Officers.
Arnold Dix - A former Monbulk Australia Day Ambassador, who will give us an update on the Indian mine rescue, and his recent worldwide activities.
Gembrook Classic & Custom Car Show & Swap Meet
All Hands On Deck - Save The Date PLEASE!
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 $221.00
Chocolate Winner
Carol Cain
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 27th January 2026
Chairperson
St. Clair, Anna
Furnishings
Brock, Peter
Fellowship - ALL
Speaker Minder
Ash, Kristine
Duty Roster - 3rd February 2026
Chairperson
Adams, Greg
Fellowship
Adams, Marcus
Furnishings
Ash, Ian
Response
Ash, Kristine
Speaker Minder
Bajaj, Sangeeta
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Greg Adams
January 23
John Henderson
January 25
Spouse Birthdays
Ryan Pyne
January 27
Stacey Le-Page
January 28
Anniversaries
John Henderson
Angela
January 5
Marcus Adams
Sally Adams
January 27
Lorna Shaw
John Shaw
January 31
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
