What a blast the last 6 weeks have been celebrating and welcoming in the new Rotary year. Helmed by District Changeover on Saturday 25 June which saw over 200 Rotarians and friends come together to imagine what's possible in 2022-2023.
I’m often asked the question: “Why Rotary?” I am of a generation that tends to support causes, not join clubs. I have a full-time job and a busy household with a husband, two young kids, and a dog who believes twice-daily walks are the only cause worth considering.
Also I am passionate about my “me time” for reading, exercise, or quiet contemplation. So… why make time for Rotary?
The Rotary Leadership Institute Program presents a wonderful opportunity for experienced Rotarians, new members and indeed people interested in finding out more about Rotary to take some time to experience the history, current and new initiatives related to this great organisation we call Rotary.
Imagine the opportunities to grow your club by connecting with more volunteers from across our community through a meaningful, hands-on and convenient project.
Rotary North Balwyn is coordinating a program to assist newly arrived refugee families by supplying donated household goods, warm bedding, clothes, toys and furniture to supplement what they receive from government to help them settle in more comfortably. Involvement began though Bakhtar Community Organisation, a group of Afghan volunteers based in Dandenong who were helping new arrivals after the fall of Kabul in August 2021. 
At the Rotary Club of Balwyn changeover in June, Chris Finely was completely surprised to be recognised with a Paul Harris Fellow. His citation included:
Rotary District 9800 is celebrating the relationship between a mentor and protégé that makes for effective mentorship, develops community leadership and instills our next generation of leaders with Rotary values, by awarding District Governor Mentorship Awards at Official DG Cluster visits.
We’re seeking nominations by younger Rotary members, who are being mentored by a more experienced Rotarian, of their effective mentorship, nominate at growmyclub.org/mentorship-award
Read more on Rotary's vocational advantage, here
Through a WASH project, Rotary Passport Melbourne and Rotary Club of Kathmandu (RPM) (in partnership with the Rotary Foundation) recently completed construction of gender specific toilets at the Shree Sunali Public School in Lumbini Province, Nepal which enabled young women reaching puberty to remain at school.
Following news of the severe flooding in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Rochester Rotary Club members enlisted their local community to assist three needy communities in the region. Donations of kitchen, bathroom, and laundry products flowed in to assist in the post flood recovery of waterlogged homes – in all, 120 boxes were filled.
Rotary Caulfield’s Op Shop works towards sustainability by recycling the mountains of household items and materials from the mountains of waste that end up in landfill.