From Nick and Jen, with full hearts
To everyone who shaped this unforgettable weekend—thank you. What we experienced together at the Summit in Horsham was more than a program, more than a gathering. It was a living, breathing reminder of what humanity can be when kindness, courage, and community take centre stage.From the moment we stepped into the Town Hall for the welcome and mix‑and‑mingle, the tone was set. The room was alive—vibrant flags of Rotary Youth Exchange draped across the space, each one a story, a culture, a young life touched by service. It felt like the world had gathered in one room.
Robyn, our brilliant Master of Ceremonies, guided us with humour, charm, and effortless professionalism. She held the threads of the weekend together with grace.
Then came Mark—the beautiful bogan with a heart as wide as the outback. He made us laugh, then made us think, then made us feel. His message on mental health, wrapped in comedy and honesty, landed deeply.
“I love being human and being able to make mistakes.” A line that will stay with us.
The Accidental High Notes followed, gifting us the haunting harmony of The Sounds of Silence—a perfect metaphor after Mark’s raw vulnerability. A moment of stillness, reflection, and shared breath.
Dr. Luke took us into the world of epigenetics, reminding us that even our genes respond to the stories we live and the environments we create.
Wayne opened his heart and let us in. His story of his son Mac, and the creation of Smack Talk, was a powerful call to action for families navigating struggle.
“Mental fitness needs to be every day.” A truth we all needed to hear.
Then the room erupted with energy as we refused to “sit in silence,” dancing together to Australia’s unofficial anthem. A moment of pure joy.
We celebrated the Bendigo bike riders who raised over $82,000 for cancer—proof that uniting for good and determination can ripple outward in extraordinary ways.
Local project videos reminded us that impact begins at home—from dog parks to community spaces that bring people together.
We honoured our Emergency Community Award recipients—quiet heroes who rarely seek the spotlight.
Mahir shared what it feels like to be on the receiving end of Rotary’s magic. Arriving as a refugee, now a CEO with RAWCS—his story was a testament to what happens when compassion meets opportunity.
Philipa spoke bravely about complex trauma and the challenges facing Australian men. A scholarship funded by a cycling ride—another example of generosity in motion—helped make her work possible.
Peter walked us through the life-changing work of ShelterBox.
Misha, CEO of Interplast, shared the story of Pasilio in Tonga and the power of training local medical teams to transform entire communities.
Sam from Beyond Bank reminded us why aligned values matter. And yes—love to our sponsor, Love a Duck.
Peace Fellow Olivia asked the question humanity has wrestled with forever:
“Why do people fight each other?”
Her stories—from missing boots to frontline realities—were a sobering reminder of the work still ahead.
Along with Jessie and Dennis, we encouraged us to use the Rotary Foundation boldly, to amplify our impact and dream bigger.
Gary taught us that learning from each other is essential—bushfires don’t recognise borders, whether between Portugal and Australia.
Saturday morning’s Polio Walk grounded us in purpose.
Then with polio in her heart, Jessie took us this morning to Everest Base Camp—an epic journey of relentless uphill steps, mirroring the perseverance required in service.
Fleur talked of ripples across oceans which now has water flowing within Burma.
And finally, Captain David shared how an ordinary grass fire turned to a catastrophic disaster in Natimuk. A compelling and powerful account of the power of community coming together.
To those behind the scenes - please know you are remarkable!
And finally, The Three Amigos—our fearless organisers—pulled off a summit that was nothing short of brilliant. Hats off to each of them. Their vision, dedication, and heart made this weekend possible.
So,
To everyone who spoke, sang, danced, shared, listened, laughed, cried, and connected—thank you.
You reminded us why we show up.
Why we serve.
Why we believe in Rotary.
Why we believe in each other.
With love,
Jen and Nick
 Jessie Harmon, Dennis Shore and Jennifer Jones |  9800 DG, Peter with riders and team who had travelled from Bendigo over the week |  The Three Amigos aka DGs Rajeev, Christine and Peter closing the Multi-District Summit |
 Mark, the Beautiful Bogan |  Mahir, sharing Rotary's magic - from refugee to CEO of RAWCS |  Jessie sharing her Walk for Polio to Everest Base Camp |
 Philipa spoke on trauma and the challenges facing Australia men |  Robyn was a brilliant Master of Ceremonies |  David and how a grass fire became a catastrophic disaster |  At the end of the Polio Walk along the Wimmera River |
 The Accidental High Notes and their beautiful rendition of The Sounds of Silence |  Peace Fellow, Olivia, shared her stories |  Dr Luke took us into the world of epigenetics |