Bulletin July (Jun. 30, 2025)

We hope that our travellers in other parts of the country and the world are enjoying a break and perhaps engaging with other Rotarians along the way.

In a relaxed and happy atmosphere, our Changeover Dinner on Wednesday, July 2nd provided an opportunity to join together to celebrate our club's achievements under Pam Hall's leadership, and to enthusiastically welcome Jo Davie as our new President.

Pam Hall and Richard Vautier were awarded Paul Harris Fellowships in recognition of their

outstanding contributions to Rotary.

Pam Hall – President Mornington Rotary

Shelley Dewerson Bogue – Coordinator of the Fresh Food Program

Gary Sanford – Community Liaison Officer Community Bank Mount Martha.

Michael McInerney – General Manager Mornington Toyota

MCSC PRESS RELEASE

The demand for the Fresh Food Program at the Mornington Community Support Centre continues to rise each week, reflecting the growing needs of our local community.

The Centre rescues food that would have otherwise ended up in landfill from local supermarkets, bakeries, and producers, distributing it to over 100 families each week. In addition, this rescued food is used to prepare meals served in the Centre’s meeting room café, which provides approximately 800 plates of food from Monday to Thursday.

Until now, staff and volunteers have generously used their personal vehicles to support the program’s logistics. However, with increased demand driven by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the need for a dedicated food transport vehicle became critical.

Recognising the importance of this initiative, Mornington Rotary committed to funding a dedicated van. “This is such an essential program for our community, and the Club was proud to support it,” said Mornington Rotary President Pam Hall.

Following discussions with Gary Sanford from Community Bank Mount Martha, a joint funding arrangement was established. “This is exactly the type of community initiative our bank is proud to support, made possible by the continued growth of our customer base,” Mr. Sanford explained.

Mornington Toyota, through General Manager Michael McInerney, identified the Toyota HiAce as the ideal vehicle to meet the Centre’s needs and supplied the van. Mornington Toyota has also generously committed to ongoing service and maintenance of the vehicle.

Last week, Mr. McInerney officially handed over the keys to Shelley Dewerson-Bogue, Coordinator of the Fresh Food Program. The Centre also extends heartfelt thanks to Progress Signs for providing custom signwriting for the van.

“This van is a tremendous asset to our Fresh Food Program and the dedicated volunteers who run it,” said Ms. Dewerson-Bogue. “We are truly grateful to Mornington Rotary, Community Bank Mount Martha, and Mornington Toyota for their support in helping us meet the growing needs of our community.”

TREE PLANTING

You are urged to come for a club photo on Thursday, July 31 at 9am.

Naturelinks has been engaged by the Shire to plant our Rotary trees in an area behind The Bays Hospital. MRC volunteers are urged to come on July 31 for a media/photo opportunity to help highlight the amazing contribution of our club members.

The Community Committee also approved further planting in an area, to be known as The Bays Precinct. Each tree will be dedicated with the name of a person who has played a prominent role in the establishment and ongoing running of the hospital.

At our Committees evening at the Mornington Hotel this Wednesday, we will be training in setting up the club marquee. The pieces will be assembled and labelled so that our members will be able to do this independently, taking the load from just a few shoulders.

To celebrate 88 years of The Bays Hospital, CEO Jade Phelan and CFO Steve O’Connor will run and walk a combined 88 kilometres in one day, Wednesday July 30, live from the hospital foyer - and they need your support.

Our club President, Jo Davie, has organised a roster of our members to cheer, help with the BBQ and celebrate this special event.

Your donation will help fund specialised training and professional development for nurses and midwives through the Nurse and Midwife Education Fund, founded in partnership with Mornington Rotary.

"We're running for every nurse who's held a hand, stayed late, stood strong and led with heart." - Jade Phelan, CEO

Greetings Rotarians and Friends