Bulletin

Bulletin — 7 April 2026

Greetings Rotarians and friends

Congratulations to all who helped with the recent Bunnings BBQ which raised substantial funds for our club.

A reminder for members to help maintain the mature trees planted behind The Bays Hospital in the Greenway. Julia is coordinating watering, pruning, and weeding tasks — get in touch if you can lend an hour.

Mornington Secondary College — Principal Linda Stanton retires

Principal Linda Stanton and Assistant Principal Denise Leggett are both retiring. Their leadership during challenging times, including the COVID period, has made a lasting impact not only within the school but also in the wider community. The club thanks them for their support of Rotary initiatives over the years.

The Ranch closure and community support

The Ranch is closing after five years. The Mornington Community Support Centre is raising funds for residents needing urgent housing assistance. The Emergency Transition Fund (deadline 15 April) will provide moving costs, temporary accommodation, pet foster care, living expenses, furniture, and essentials.

Ross is organising working bees to assemble storage sheds at “Ranch 2.0” and is seeking volunteers for painting and maintenance.

Rotary District Conference — March 2026

Chris and Vivien Reynolds attended the District Conference in Hobart. The theme was “Unite for Good,” with keynote speaker Dr Jessica Harman AM representing Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo. Topics included youth mental health initiatives, environmental sustainability, and international aid.

Dr Bryan Sun — skin cancer awareness

Dr Bryan Sun from Benton’s Skin Cancer Centre urged members to regularly check their skin for any new marks that were not previously noticed.

Robert Lawes received a Certificate of Appreciation for his generous donations.

District news

RYLA and RYPEN (ages 14–17) youth programs resume this year.
Music Enrichment Program: Sorrento RC will host a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra children’s recital at Hamer Hall on 8 May, with the club sponsoring 60 students and supervisors.
Mt Martha Container Deposit Scheme has raised nearly $100,000 (750,000 containers). A community forum with the Mayor and CEO is scheduled for 15 June regarding Community Capital Projects.
Ranch Documentary: public screening Tuesday 28 April at Rosebud Cinema via Humanitix.

RYDA road safety program

RYDA is a whole-school road safety initiative featuring six sessions of highly engaging practical demonstrations, real-life narratives, videos, quizzes, and interactive role-play. The program supports youth development in several areas, including social resilience and anticipating and managing risk.

Upcoming meetings

8 April — Alan Girling, Fishcare Vic
15 April — Committees Night
22 April — Board Meeting
29 April — Paul Pingiaro, Deputy Mayor

Birthdays & anniversaries

Vivien Reynolds (10 April), Judy Benholz (2 May), Tanya Chambers (22 May). Plus several spouse and partnership anniversaries throughout May.

Welcome / Reception / Cash Desk this week: Julia Bickers.

Read Other Articles

Bulletin
08 Sep, 2025

Bulletin — 8 September 2025

Father's Day Recognition extended this week to the men supporting children and families in healthy development. Dental health presentation Dr Dan, Dr J, Dr Muh, and Darina from Balnarring Dental addressed the club, emphasising that "the mouth is the doorway to the body" and recommending regular dental checkups and spacing between food/drink intake for overall wellness. Schools ShowcaseDate: Wednesday 10 September 2025, 6pm Location: Mornington HotelOver 40 students, teachers, parents, and Rotarians will attend the annual showcase. Linda Zhou, the National Youth Science Forum sponsored student for January 2026, will be introduced. Mornington Special Development School The facility recently reached top funding status as a state-of-the-art centre serving students aged 3–18. Principal Jo Hillman and Business Manager Karen Binks stated: "We are very grateful for Rotary's commitment to supporting schools and community work." ARH Indigenous Health Scholar — Talia Cooke A verification letter from Tony Males, Indigenous Academic Engagement Officer at Monash University, confirms Talia Cooke maintains academic good standing in the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine program. Mornington Rotary Greenway Trees planted along the Community Support Centre easement require continued watering despite recent rainfall. Art Show Committee The committee seeks new sponsors to enhance fundraising for club projects. Contact John Parkinson for details. Moorooduc Primary School School performance scheduled for Thursday at Frankston Arts Centre. Upcoming events10 September — Schools Showcase 16 September — Combined Rotary Dinner (Toorak College) 17 September — Committees Night 24 September — Board Meeting 1 October — Women's Spirit Project 5 October — Bunnings BBQ

Bulletin
22 Sep, 2025

Bulletin — 22 September 2025

District Conference report The conference took place in Hobart in March under the theme Be Inspired. Chris and Vivien Reynolds presented findings, noting that the chance to meet fellow Rotarians, hear from inspirational speakers and leaders, and have great fun at the nautical dinner proved motivational. Planning has commenced for the 2027 District Conference, with the Rotary International Convention scheduled for 26–30 June in Barcelona, Spain. MEP — Hamer Hall visit The trip to Hamer Hall to hear the MSO will take place on Friday 8 May. Attendees include Jo, Pam, Eileen, Judy, local school students and staff. Mornington Secondary College news Following Linda Stanton's retirement, principal recruitment will commence soon. Lisa Holt, principal from Rosebud Secondary School, assumes the acting principal position. The wonderful Model United Nations Award (MUNA) will recommence later this year, with applications opening in June. It offers students opportunities to develop cooperation and negotiation skills. RYLA The club expects to announce a successful applicant shortly. Committee meetings Community Service and Youth Service groups convened to discuss plans; the Art Show committee took a break. General meeting No general meeting this week — Board Meeting is scheduled for 5pm. The Ranch screening Next screening at Rosebud Cinema: Tuesday 28 April at 6:30pm, followed by a Q&A session.

Ready to come along?

Drop us a line. We'll book you in for a Wednesday meeting — no pressure, no obligation, just dinner and a chat.

Wednesday nights

6:00 for 6:30
Mornington Hotel

3 meetings/month

Guests always
welcome — book
ahead with the Secretary.