We were delighted to welcome Anne Benc as the newest member of our Rotary Club as she was officially inducted. Anne comes from a wonderful Rotary family. Her father, Frank Beavis, was a Rotarian for 38 years, a Foundation Member and served as President of Bunyip/Garfield twice. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow and is now an Honorary Member of Warragul. Anne’s mother was also a member of Inner Wheel, so Anne already has a great understanding of Rotary and the difference we can make in our community.
We look forward to Creating Lasting Impact with Anne and are delighted to have her as part of our Rotary family.
Our guest speaker, Zoe Walsh from Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service, gave us an insight into the important work her organisation is doing to support people in need across our local area. There are certainly a large number of people requiring assistance during these tough economic times, and our Community Committee is looking at ways we can do more to support those doing it tough.
We also celebrated Chris McLeod’s special birthday at our meeting before continuing the celebrations at a surprise birthday party hosted by Tina.
What an amazing night it was! A very surprised Chris partied the night away, enjoying wonderful company and an incredible feast prepared by Tina. It was certainly a night to remember!
I’m really looking forward to our next meeting, when we will hear from Greg from the Bureau of Meteorology. We will also hear from Heidi Griffiths, who will deliver the speech she will be presenting at the Four Way Speech Contest.
It promises to be another great meeting, and I look forward to seeing you there!
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!
People Who Sparkle
Vicki
Van Den Bergen
Years of Service: 12
Profession: Secondary School Teacher
Happy 70th Birthday Chris McLeod
Q: What first inspired you to join our club? A: I had relatives, Phil and Magda McDonald, who were members before and I always said I would join when I retired.
Q: What is a personal Rotary highlight? A: Being President for 20/21 was a highlight. I really enjoyed working closely with people, especially the Board.
Q: What is something you have been fined for doing/saying? A: There was that time I switched off the hose that was filling the water tub for the Puffing Billy runners! I thought it was left on watering the gardens at the RSL but we were actually using it. Yes, I got fined for that.
Q: What Rotary project (current or new) would you most like to be involved in in the future? A: I enjoy the environmental programs.
Q: What is the best thing about being a member of this club? A: All our members who care about one another and the friends I’ve made having fun, while doing good in the world.
Q: What is a life philosophy or mantra that you live by? A: Treat everybody equally and respectfully regardless of their station in life.
Q: If you could have any super power what would you choose and why? A: To be able to run effortlessly!
Q: What is the best advice another member ever gave you? A: I don’t know about another member, but my mum told me to listen to my teacher at the start of Grade 6 and it paid off.
Q: What was your very first job? A: Working in the Phillip Morris factory putting tobacco leaves on the conveyor belt (to make cigarettes).
Q: Who is your dream guest speaker, dead or alive? A: Nelson Mandela
Q: When you are not busy completing Rotary tasks, what do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Playing Scrabble, walking and being in nature.
Q: What is the biggest lesson life has taught you? A: That if you want to achieve things it requires a lot of effort.
Club Meeting 29th September 2026
President Gayle Barrot opened the meeting by welcoming Members, Guests and Chairperson Marcus Adams
Apologies were read by Lorna Shaw
Guest Speakers: Zoe Walsh - Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service
Zoe introduced an independent, not-for-profit community-support organisation serving the Belgrave and Cockatoo areas. She explained that its independence is a key strength, allowing the organisation to respond flexibly to local needs and adapt its services as community circumstances change.
The organisation’s principal service is emergency financial relief, supporting individuals and families facing immediate hardship. It also runs several practical assistance programs:
Kids OK, which supplies items that families may be unable to afford, including laptops, books and other essentials for children.
Pets and Family 2, which recognises that pet-related expenses can place considerable pressure on households experiencing financial difficulty.
An op shop in Belgrave, whose proceeds are directed back into client support. People may also be referred there when they need clothing or other essential items.
Drop-in centres in Belgrave and Cockatoo, where visitors can receive a hot meal, have a cup of coffee and speak one-to-one with a trained volunteer.
Support during individual emergencies and broader community incidents, such as house fires or situations involving displaced families and animals.
Zoe manages the Cockatoo branch, which had been operating for approximately six months at the time of the presentation. Although still relatively new, the location was already proving successful. She was actively building connections with other local organisations and services to increase awareness and extend the branch’s reach.
Zoe with Roy for Response
Induction of Newest Member - Anne Benc
Welcome Anne to the Rotary Club of Emerald & District
District and Community Initiatives
District cycling initiative: Ride for Medical Research, 28th Feb - 5th March 2027. The planned six-day ride will cover approximately 500–600 kilometres with about 30 participants across three teams. Nine support drivers are required; approximately seven are currently available. Volunteers should note that accommodation and meal costs may apply.
International/community project: A parcel has cleared customs and is awaiting air transport. Members also received an update from a sponsored school, including student swimming activities.
Recycling program: Eligible items are to be brought on the first Tuesday of each month. Items must be accepted materials, cleaned, dried and, where possible, weighed. Aluminium coffee pods and specified cosmetic containers were highlighted. Recognition is planned for the club’s leading recycler.
Secretary recognition: Greg Adams was commended for his work as club secretary and his contribution to the district newsletter.
Member Reflections
Members and partners reflected on the value of Rotary, highlighting fellowship, sustained friendship, service opportunities, family experiences, personal support and long-term community connection. Wayne emphasised the club’s continuing welcome and fellowship; Chris acknowledged the support of fellow members; and a long-serving member John Ritchie reflected positively on more than 40 years of membership.
Environment Committee
Environment Committee's Recycling Reminder for Tuesday. 6th of October Meeting.
This Club meeting being the first meeting of the month, we will collect your recyclables. We have scales on the ChocLotto Raffle Ticket table to weigh your bags, and we will record their weight against your name.
During the Rotary Year, we will award a small prize to the Club's Best Recycler!
We have been focusing on the collection of blister packs and plastic milk bottle tops, but we are now asking if you could please squirrel away the following items for November's and future
collections:
• Aluminium coffee capsules,
• Writing pens, highlighters, biros and markers,
• Mascara, eyeliner pencils, eyeshadow and case,
• Medical ointment tubes.
You can place all of these into a single bag or box; they do not need to be separated.
As previously mentioned, the milk bottle tops need to have their plastic seals removed and been rinsed and dried. This is not onerous if you do it after emptying your bottle. The tops also need to have a 2 or 4 in the triangle.
Soft Plastic and Confectionery Wrapper Recycling - Woolies
Good old Woolworths in Emerald now collect soft plastics and confectionery wrappers for recycling. If you do not wish to visit Woolworths yourself, we will have a Woollies bag on the table for you to place your soft plastics in.
We are naturally trying to reduce single use plastics as we all know that plastics can enter the waterways and the oceans, and marine life mistakenly see them as food and can end up suffering a long and painful death. Container Deposit Scheme at Emerald SES Station You will be aware that the SES collect plastic bottles and cans every Thursday. You can pocket the money for yourself or in case you do not know, you can nominate our Rotary Club to be the beneficiary of your donations.
Don't want to take your plastic bottles and cans to Emerald SES? Then bring them along on the first Tuesday of the month and your friendly Environment Committee will do it for you.
Thank you for your efforts to "Protect the Environment Rotary's 7th Area of Focus.
ENVIRONMENTAL FUN FACT (EFF)
Standby is still standing by for electricity. Switching unused appliances off at the
power point can save more energy than using the remote.
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
CHOCLOTTO JACKPOT
$ 88.00
Chocolate Winner:
Roy Bowyer
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 6th October 2026
Chairperson
McLeod, Wayne
Fellowship
Moulday, Melinda
Furnishings
Marnock, Russell
Speaker Minder
Bowyer, Ali
Response
Randall, Sally
Duty Roster - 13th October 2026
Chairperson
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Christine McLeod
October 3
Ian Wakefield
October 14
Toni-Anne Griffin
October 23
Wayne McLeod
October 24
Susan Colic
October 25
Melinda Moulday
October 31
Spouse/Partner Birthdays
Heather
October 9
Kath Barrot
October 15
Anniversaries
Shalini Penny
Dave Penny
October 20
Join Date
Jacqueline Forsythe
October 7, 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 them out HERE
