Firstly, a very big thankyou to all members who continually support our club by attending every week. It's now three weeks in a row that we've had more than 40 attendees and for this I'm incredibly thankful. Club experience is proven to be a significant factor in membership recruitment and in retention, and we do, as we always have, strive to provide members with interesting speakers, great fellowship, a sprinkling of humour, and opportunities to learn about, and serve, our local & global community.
Last Tuesday was for me a highlight of the year. Being able to experience the joy in celebrating 40 years of Rotary service for John Richie and Kerry Champness was a humbling experience. I'm glad that Kerry and John had family in attendance, and that they were supported by their extended Rotary family, including past, present and honorary members. Thank you again to Martin & Pat Buoncristiani for attending, with special thanks to Russ for his insight into Kerry's service, and Tina for her insights into John's service.
Next week, and to wind down after the Gembrook Classic & Custom Car Show, we will be having a BBQ picnic at Emerald Lake Park on Tuesday evening. We currently have more than 25 acceptances, so its sure to be a fun time. Please message Anna for any last minute details and remember to bring a chair and something to drink.
A reminder too that on Sunday 1st March we are supporting Clean Up Australia Day. It's a 10:00am start at the Scout Hall in Kilvington Drive, followed by a BBQ. Please message Vicki for more details and to wear your rotary shirt.
On Tuesday 3rd March, we have another busy night with Lyn Stubbs talking to us about 'caring in the community.' Lynn has asked that if anyone has unwanted men's clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, men's runners / shoes or toiletries, if they could please bring them on the night. We will also be presenting our Rotary Kids Fun Run cheque to Eastern Health, and hearing from PDG Ken about the very successful event.
All in all, another busy two weeks.
Rotary Snippet - Rotary International Birthday - 23rd February
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
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 Club Meeting 17th February 2026
Opening and Welcome
President Peter Brock opened the meeting with a welcome to members and guests
Apologies
Apologies were read out by Lorna Shaw for members unable to attend.
Guest Speakers: Russ Nielsen & Tina McInerney
Honouring 2 Member's on40 years of service to Rotary
Russ Nielsen - Honouring Kerry Champness
It has been a privilege to work alongside you Kerry over many years. In your roles within the clubs, you have been involved in countless projects. There was the Puffing Billy Park - BBQ Rotunda. Times Square — our centennial project where I was involved in the design of the site. I wanted it to be a place where people would sit and gather, a space with movement and life. I thought, “How hard could that be?” The original water features were patented in Chicago, so I spoke to Kerry about it. Not only did he help — he built a replica. What you see at that site — the Water Trough and the hand pump — wouldn’t be there without Kerry's input. He even persuaded the museum to support it. Without him, that project simply wouldn’t exist as it does today. Then there’s the Kids Fun Run. Kerry has been at every single one. His business provided the bus that transported the runners and many Rotary events he was our driver- always there, always dependable. Much of the work Kerry does is quiet, steady, and behind the scenes. But it makes an enormous difference. From a personal perspective, Kerry, I want to thank you for all your support over the years. It’s been a wonderful journey working alongside you in Rotary.
Tina McInerney -Celebrating 40 Years of Rotary Service – John Ritchie
What a special evening as we honoured John Ritchie for an incredible 40 years of service to the Rotary Club of Emerald and District. Since joining in February 1986, John has been a constant presence, serving as President & Secretary, supporting countless committees and projects, championing health initiatives like bowel cancer screening, delivering eggs to community organisations during the pandemic, and faithfully attending meetings rain, hail or shine.
From Kids Fun Runs and barbecues to dress-up nights (and the occasional chicken costume 🐔), John has brought dedication, reliability, humour, and heart to everything he does. He’s a two-time Paul Harris Fellow and a true example of Rotary’s values in action — including quietly supporting fellow members when they needed it most.
John, thank you for four decades of service, friendship, and commitment. We are proud to celebrate you — and we’re looking forward to many more Tuesday nights together!
👏 Congratulations on 40 outstanding years!
Committee Reports:
Social Night
Pool Party" @ Emerald Lake Poolside Shelter - Tuesday 24th February
Cost $15 - prepay into Special Events account:
BSB: 633000
Account:159114719
BBQ sausages, bread, coleslaw provided on the night
BYO drinks and outdoor chairs/picnic blanket (mossie spray!)
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 $338.00
Chocolate Winner
Maxine
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 17th February 2026 Emerald Lake Park - BBQ & Pool Party
Social Night - Everyone
Duty Roster - 3rd March 2026
Chairperson
Cummins, Kerith
Fellowship
Culell, Linda
Furnishings
French, Rowan
Furnishings
Brock, Peter
Response
Elfick, Catherine
Speaker Minder
Griffin, Toni-Anne
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Emma Clark
February 10
Spouse/Partner Birthdays
James Clark
February 7
Aneesh Bajaj
February 11
Dave Penny
February 22
Sally Adams
February 24
Join Date
John Ritchie
February 1, 1986
40 years
Susan Colic
February 4, 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 outHERE
