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NORMAL MORNING MEETING THIS WEEK
Meeting This Week - we are at Cilantro 7am for 7.10am start
For full location details, please refer here.
The meeting will also be available on Zoom - details here

Edition 265
Monday, 1st June 2026

Last week our meeting was divided into two, firstly visiting the Scout Heritage Centre in Mackie Road. Members were able to view the exhibits for about half an hour. We ere also give a brief talk by Assistant Commissioner, Michelle Grierson about the centre and its establishment. During this time I presented a cheque for $2,000 to Michelle, most of this will go to replacing the ageing Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) at the centre. Afterwards members met at the  Bentleigh RSL for dinner.

 

Once again there is sad news, with the passing of Bill Chapman. Bill was a long serving Rotarian with over forty years of service with this District and the RC of Moorabbin, although when he joined it was RC of Moorleigh and the district was 981. I first met Bill at the market and was amazed at the the number of anecdotes he had, as well as passionate opinions, he entertained for hours. Bill will be sadly missed.

 

This week we are back at Cilantro and our speaker is one of our newer members, Michael Josem. Michael was born in Melbourne, but has lived a number of years in the British Isles, some of these on the Isle of Man. Michael is also a volunteer with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This should be a interesting presentation.

This week we should be back at Cilantro details HERE. (Ed)

Club President, 2025-26,
Grant Perry
 
BOARD MINUTES
 
A reminder to members that Board Minutes are available for viewing from the Club's website. Note that you must be logged in as a Member in order to gain access.
Access to all documents including Board Minutes can gained here.
The last published Board Minutes were the meeting of Tuesday 8th April 2026 - HERE
Ian Ballantine
 
Roster for the next 2 weeks
Note Market start time is 6.15am
Click on See all Rosters at right for future weeks. Members click here to see your own roster.
Meetings
Meeting June 3 2026
Chairperson Magee, James
Cashier O'Brien, Linda
Cashier Nodrum, Helen
Meeting June 10 2026
Chairperson Gaddie, Jules
Cashier O'Brien, Peter
Cashier Impey, Jo
Market June 7th 2026
Market Leader Mahajan, Vishal
Assistant Impey, Jo
Assistant Gaddie, Jules
Market June 14th 2026
Market Leader Reid, Julie
Assistant Kruss, Neville
Assistant Stone, Jennifer
This week's speaker / event

Person behind the badge - Michael Josem
Details and Registration HERE
Please read details of registration

 
Please check the upcoming events on the Club website here
REGISTRATION FOR MEETINGS HELP HERE
Please forward any events you want promoted to the Editor.
For all Club events refer Club Calendar HERE
 
Helen running for Interplast
Member Helen Parker has signed up to run the Melbourne Half Marathon on July 19
She has nominated Interplast as her "charity".
Would you like to sponsor her, and support Interplast?

 
Receipt will be issued by Interplast and fully tax deductible.
Please follow this link HERE
Club Changeover
June 27, 2026
Details and Registration HERE
Holland Foundation Ball
October 16 2026
Keep watching HERE for more info.
 

Alannah & Madeline  Foundation
Looking for support to provide Buddy Bags for children who have experienced extreme violence
HERE

 
Click on image above for latest issue
 
Link to photos from 2026 Conference here
Link to photos from District Changeover July 2025 here
Link to photos from 2025 Conference here
Link to photos from 2024 Conference here
Market report for Sunday 31/05/2026.
Leader: Tim Moran
BMC: Tim Jen Linda Peter 
Moorabbin: George Jenny P
Holland Foundation: Gayatri & Caitlin
Visitors: Larry & Charles
Cars in the Queue: 6
Overnight Parkers: Nil
Pedestrian Count: 1042
Market Report: Full moon calm temp 9 degrees at start increasing to 14 degrees with sunshine..  
Steady day cheerful stallholders and pedestrians in spite of the cold.
 
Important message to Market Leaders: New Computer
The iPad is NO LONGER. Entry of Market Report and Try Booking access is now done via new computer in the office. The procedure for its use is in the office.
Note there is a separate story about the defib at the Market here.
 
 
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children
Taken from RDU HERE
Bridging the healthcare gap.
In connecting critically ill children with medical treatment, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children exemplifies the personal impact a Rotary-run program can have on those who need it most. Here, outgoing ROMAC Chair Glenys Parton talks about how lasting, meaningful change comes from a combination of careful planning and simple kindness.
Read more...
Code of Conduct refresher
This article is intended primarily for members of our Rotary Club. 
Rotary International maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment, bullying, and abuse. The policy mandates that all club members and event participants have the right to a safe, welcoming environment free from unwelcome physical contact, advances, or verbal/physical conduct that denigrates or creates an intimidating atmosphere.
 
Read more...
Toys Not Tears
Taken from RDU HERE
A stock of toys is helping children during difficult times in their lives.
The Greenmeadows Rotary Community Group, located on the eastern coast of North Island New Zealand, is collaborating with Napier Police for a pilot program at the local Family Harm Unit (FHU).
The program aims to help de-escalate the collateral stress experienced by tamariki (children) as family harm events are managed, in their homes, by specialist officers.
The toys provide a focus for affected children during tense life events while enhancing children’s views of police as being caring considerate humans.
Read more...
Rotarian doing good in the World
The Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central is a proud and long term supporter  of Rotarian Terry Kane's charity Share Me A Dream.
Below are some Pictures of the latest medical mission to the Philippines. 
Read more...
Club Fellowship May 27 2026
About 17 members attended last Wednesday at either or both the Scout Heritage Centre and a dinner afterwards at the Bentleigh RSL
President Grant presented a cheque from the Club to the Scouts.
Read more...
District Assembly 2026
Note from Editor:
Here is a brief report from President Elect Neville Kruss in regard to District Assembly
Rotary District Assemblies are annual, multi-session training events designed to educate incoming club leaders, board members, and interested members on club administration, service projects, and Rotary policies. It is typically held in the first half of the year to prepare officers for their upcoming terms.
 
I attended the District Assembly on Saturday 23rd May. There were 7 45 minute sessions with a break after each session of 15 minutes. I regarded these sessions as invaluable and any Rotarian, especially any present or future Board member that did not attend did themselves a disservice.
The sessions were Skills & District Engagement,  Marketing & Communication,  Foundation,  International,  Finance Matters,  Youth Programs,  New Style Club Development  and Membership & Club Experience.  I found it very disappointing that the only other member from RCBMC that joined was Ian Ballantine who attended the Finance Matters sessions.  There will be a separate session for Secretaries later in a few weeks.
Through Rotary, a police officer expands her worldview
Taken from RI HERE
In her early days of policing, Joanne Serkeyn had to confront a barrage of distressing events. The 9/11 attacks had just happened. And after returning to work from maternity leave, she endured multiple months with a lot of calls for homicides and other tragedies. “I felt like I was the Grim Reaper.”
She was starting to become cynical when her commander suggested she join Rotary. She eventually became president-elect of the Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M. in Ontario and was sent to the Rotary International Convention in England. “I walked into the House of Friendship and was gobsmacked,” she says. “I could not believe the good that was going on in the world.”
Read more...
Rotary to scale proven water and sanitation initiative in Haiti
Taken from the RI Site HERE

Program aims to improve living conditions and reduce waterborne disease by 25% in three local government areas in Haiti by 2030

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (May 18, 2026) — As conflict, recurring natural disasters, climate change, and geographic disparities continue to disrupt access to clean water and sanitation services across Haiti, millions of people remain highly vulnerable to waterborne and hygiene-related illnesses.

Rotary is expanding a collaborative national model, the Haiti National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Initiative (HANWASH), that has proven success working with 11 water service providers to maintain infrastructure and sustain paid access to clean water and sanitation.
Refer website HERE
Read more...
Lighting hope across borders
Taken from RDU HERE

A Rotary collaboration supporting displaced Karen students.

A chance conversation sparked a powerful Rotary partnership bringing dignity, education and opportunity to displaced Karen communities through locally led, sustainable action.

Sometimes the most meaningful Rotary projects begin not with a plan, but with a conversation.

In October 2023, a visit to Yangon, Myanmar, opened the door to what would become a deeply moving collaboration supporting displaced Karen students living along the Thailand–Myanmar border. The challenges facing these communities were significant. Education had been disrupted.

Read more...
Waste in Bali Project

Taken from RDU HERE

Turning the tide on waste in Bali’s coastal communities

Bali’s growing waste problem has been in the news recently due to its massive ocean debris and plastic pollution. Now, dedicated Rotarians from Bali and Australia are working together to create meaningful and lasting change.

Plastic Free Bali is a forward-thinking project introducing sustainable waste management practices across four villages surrounding the iconic West Bali National Park. This is Bali’s only national park, and just offshore lies Menjangan Island – a place of spiritual significance, with many Hindu temples and a world-renowned diving destination with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Read more...
Club Meeting Fellowship May 20 2026
About 15 members enjoyed a relaxed morning at Beau's Cafe in Centre Rd Bentleigh this week.
Linda ran a Heads and Tails which finished in a three way tie!
Neville reminded those present about District Assembly.
Thanks to Beau's for looking after us.
Click Read More for a few pics.
Read more...
When the floodwaters rose, Rotary stepped up
Taken from RDU HERE

When floodwaters surged through Western Queensland last year, they didn’t just wash through streets – they tore through lives, homes and the fragile stability of remote communities. Isolated by distance and stretched thin by limited resources, towns already battling the outback’s harsh conditions suddenly found themselves fighting a disaster far bigger than anything they could face alone.

But help came – fast, coordinated and deeply compassionate.

Rotary Districts 9560 and 9620, backed by the strength of Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), launched the Western Queensland Flood Appeal, rallying Rotarians and generous Australians nationwide. Funds poured in, and when families needed immediate relief, Rotary delivered: $49,000 in early cash support, followed by $150,000 in debit cards distributed by dedicated Rotarians in Longreach, Quilpie and Thargomindah. RAWCS added another $50,000, ensuring no family stood alone in the first days of recovery.

Read more...
Savu Savu Major Update

ROTARY CLUB OF BENTLEIGH MOORRABBIN CENTRAL MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS IN SAVUSAVU FIJI

Rotary International’s commitment to literacy is deeply rooted,  in its mission to empower individuals through education.

The Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central has taken up the challenge to improve literacy. The Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central has been a long-term supporter of projects undertaken in the Savusavu area such as playground equipment at Batibalavu School; fit out of the Urata Lookout Café; rocket burn barrels to incinerate plastic and medical waste; and upgrade of the water supply and filtration system at Nagigi School.

In April 2025, a team from RC Bentleigh Moorabbin Central, visited Savusavu to view the projects for which their club had provided financial support. They donated books and sports equipment at Batibalavu and Nagigi schools. The team noted the lack of books for the students to read for enjoyment and literacy development, and the lack of good library space at these schools.

Read more...
Club Meeting May 13 2026
Larry chaired today's club meeting at Cilantro.   Gary Ramage attended as a guest, and Tony Ryan joined in via Zoom.   Today's guest speaker was one of our newer club members, Jules Gaddie, who provided a "Member behind the Badge" presentation.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
President Grant informed club members of the following motions that were approved at the club board meeting held on Tuesday 12/5.
Read more...
Rotary leads community effort for new Riding for Disabled arena
Taken from RDU HERE
 

A major Rotary-led partnership has delivered a transformative covered arena and facility upgrade for Whakatū Riding for Disabled, NZ, ensuring year-round access, improved safety and long-term sustainability for its riders, volunteers and horses.

The completion of a covered arena, staging area and a makeover of the existing infrastructure marks a significant milestone in the Whakatu Group Riding for Disabled’s (WRDA) future – for its staff, volunteers, clients and horses.

Read more...
Registering for an Event
This article is intended to help members register themselves and/or a guest to a Club event. Note, your are also expected to register your intention NOT to attend.
If an event is inviting members to register there will be a button with the word: "Members" below "Online Registration". refer image at left.
Note that you need to be already logged in as a member.
As venues need to be advised of numbers PRIOR to the event, please register by noon on the day prior unless otherwise stated. 
If you are not a member, this page will not be of any help. It may still be possible to register for an event as a non member if the event is open to the public.
 
Please refer to this Help article in full.
 
 
Read more...
Subscribe to Calendar
From the Calendar page here you can subscribe to the Club's event calendar.
This will result in the Club's calendar being added to your existing calendar subscriptions, thus ensuring that as an event is added (or modified) to the Club's calendar, it will appear on your phone, tablet etc.
Calendars supported are Outlook, Google and Apple.
Take the link, Subscribe to Calendar, from the Calendar Page.
Read more...
Latest Photo Albums
BMC at Conference March 2026
RYDA August 2025
Cilantro Dinner August 2025 SES
Pasta Pizza and Poetry Night August 2025
Club Changeover June 2025
Lautoka May 2025
George Petrou March 5 2025
Bentleigh Market December 2024
Bentleigh Market Nov 2024
RICON 2024 Singapore
Club Changeover 2024
Mentor match evening Mar 2023
BMC at Conference 2023
International Assembly 2023
Bentleigh Market October 2022
Curry Night Aug 28 2022
Inner Wheel Changeover July 2022
RYLA June 28 2022
District 9810 Changeover June 25 2022
Club Changeover June 2022
Note from the Editor re Images and Events
A point regarding the submission of images for the Bulletin and Website: Members are reminded that images have to meet a minimum size requirement, as has been specified for some time in the section at the bottom of this Bulletin. 820 pixels is the minimum size required with larger being better as this allows for cropping. The submission of images via MMS is NOT preferred as they are too small and of inferior quality. Email or Whatsapp is far superior.
Would any member like to take responsibility for the updating of the Club's Event Calendar? I have created a page of instructions here so it is very easy to take over.
Thank you, Ian Ballantine
 
Club Meeting June 3 2026
Jun. 03, 2026
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Club Meeting June 10 2026 Murray Wilson
Jun. 10, 2026
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Club Meeting June 17 2026 Tax issues
Jun. 17, 2026
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Club meeting June 24 2026 Year Re-Cap
Jun. 24, 2026
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Club Changeover 2026
Jun. 27, 2026
6:30 p.m. – 11:31 p.m.
NO MEETING July 1 2026
Jul. 01, 2026
Moorabbin RC Changeover
Jul. 09, 2026
6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Holland Charity Ball
Oct. 16, 2026
6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
View entire list
I remind members that you are responsible for the information contained in the Club's database. This includes, birthdays, phone numbers, addresses etc etc. Even your own photo. You maintain this via this link.
Additionally, member's birthdays and anniversaries will no longer be listed in the Club Bulletin. This is to protect the privacy of members. This information is still available to members here.
Ian Ballantine
A reminder to members to keep checking the calendar of upcoming events for evening and perhaps, one day, daytime events.
Thank you for being a subscriber to our Weekly Club Bulletin. I try to have it published each week by Tuesday morning.
If you would like to have something included please contact me at editor@rotarybmc.org.au and attach, as separate files, the words and any images (jpg files are fine, minimum width 820 pixels). Please DO NOT send information as pdf files.
Ian Ballantine, Editor.

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