Last Week's Rotary Meeting 26th May 2026
Congratulations to Peter & Tanya on becoming a first time Grandparents
Guest Speakers:
Toni-Anne Griffin & Vicki Van Den Bergen Behind the Badge
Toni-Anne Griffin - Behind the Badge
Hi everyone. I was born and raised in Cockatoo and Emerald, so I’m a local through and through. I grew up in the hills, where everyone knew everyone, life was never dull, and if you did anything embarrassing, your mother usually heard about it before you got home.
My childhood was full of family, small-town adventures, and a fair bit of chaos — from changing schools to life on five acres after Ash Wednesday, where paddocks, horses, and the occasional questionable decision helped shape who I am.
I left school young, started working, married young, and became a mum to Stacey and Taylor. Life quickly became a balancing act of children, work, and bills, and like many people, I learned resilience the long way — through hard seasons, family support, and just keeping going.
Then came Brian, who brought love, second chances, and a very different approach to travel planning, followed by Ajay in 2009. And now, one of the greatest joys of all has arrived — becoming a grandmother to Hudson.
When I look back, what stands out most is not just what I’ve done, but the people who’ve shared the journey with me. So if my life proves anything, it’s that with humour, heart, and good people around you, you can get through just about anything.
Vicki Van Den Bergen - Behind the Badge
I grew up in McKinnon and attended Ormond East Primary School, where I first decided I wanted to become a teacher. After winning a half scholarship to Shelford Girls Grammar, I went on to study Arts at Monash University, majoring in French and Politics, before completing my Dip.Ed. and beginning my teaching career.
I married Henk in 1974, and after a short time in Shepperton, I returned to Melbourne and later taught French and Humanities at Wellington Secondary College for many years. We built our home in Emerald in 1977 and have lived there ever since. We welcomed our children, Christopher and Sharon, in the 1980s, and after family leave, I returned to teaching, where I remained until retiring in 2009.
Travel became a major part of our lives after our first overseas trip in 1979. Over the years, Henk and I enjoyed many memorable adventures, particularly through Toastmasters World Championship trips in the United States, as well as visits to Europe, Malaysia, South America, Morocco, Thailand and Africa. Some highlights included seeing Paris for the first time, road trips across the US, trekking in Malaysia, attending a Rotary Convention in Brazil, and finally achieving my goal of visiting every continent except Antarctica.
After retiring from teaching, I worked with Henk in his business, later joined the Emerald & District Rotary Club, and embraced a new chapter of service, travel and community involvement. Looking back, I feel fortunate to have had a life full of meaningful work, wonderful family experiences, and many unforgettable journeys.
Vicki's full Story & Photo's - Click Here
All in the Mind forum
Thank you to all who contributed to a successful All in the Mind Forum. Our volunteers, along with the Rotary Clubs of Boronia, Belgrave, Monbulk and our own, created a seamless and engaging event. Well done to Hita for coordinating a wide‑ranging speaker program that prompted thoughtful and meaningful discussion. Updated resources are now available on the website. We also extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors — Vibe, Emerald Psychology, Bendigo Bank, Keystone Counselling & Consulting, Emerald Village Pharmacy and Meridian Concept Electrical Contractors. Please acknowledge their support whenever possible.
District 9815 Governor's Excellence Award
Congratulations to our President Peter Brock and the whole Club - highest number of points and highest award in the whole District of 84 Clubs.
Rotary Reveal Night 2nd June 2026
To help us organize catering more efficiently, the board has agreed that all members should register their intentions to attend through trybooking.com.
Your timely registration will be incredibly helpful for us as we plan and coordinate. If you could please register as soon as possible, that would be greatly appreciated. Your support and cooperation make all the difference in ensuring everything runs smoothly.
www.trybooking.com/DLQNA
