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Vale PDG Bernie Walshe, 5 July 1937-22 November 2025

A tribute from Henry Drury, Hawthorn Rotarian

Past District Governor Bernie Walshe passed away in November. Bernie was a member of Rotary Hawthorn with the vocation of Financial Planner. But what a member! Inducted into the Club on 19 May 1992, he aptly started his Rotary journey as a member of the Fellowship committee helping to plan social events for the then 90 members.

Stopping the burning of plastics in Cambodia

An article from Darrel Steer

Since 2017, the Cambodia Clean Water & Toilet Project (CCWTP) led by Rotarian Darrel Steer has been raising awareness of the ‘Dangers of Burning Plastics’. The challenge of ‘what to do with the plastics’ led to the plan of collecting the plastic rubbish.

“Purple Pinkie” Commitment to End Polio

An article from PDG Julie Mason, Wyndham

Who would have thought that the simple act of painting a finger would lead to discussions about the need to End Polio?

Pieces of Piece

An article from Gabe Hau, e-Club Melbourne

How do I learn more about Peace? Where do I start with Peace? What is an IEP Ambassador and how can I become one? What is a Rotary-IEP Positive Peace Activator (Oceania)?

Call to Action: Be Part of a Life-saving project in Cambodia

An article from PDG Bronwyn Stephens, Brighton North

Rotary District 9800, supported by a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation, is launching an urgent and impactful humanitarian. Rotary Clubs across the District are invited to join in funding and dispatching a shipping container filled with critically needed medical equipment, instruments, and consumables to a hospital in Cambodia.

Rotary Clubs Unite to Deliver Drought Relief to Western Victoria

An article from Donations in Kind

A wonderful example of Rotary teamwork and community spirit has brought much-needed drought relief to farming families across Western Victoria.

Shep's Shout Out #4

And just like that, we’re approaching Halloween and the end of the fourth month of this Rotary year. It’s been another jam-packed month, and I continue to be inspired by the wide range of activities taking place across our District.

How University students are Reimagining engagement

An article by Alex Lapiña, Rotary Activate and Rotaract Music Makers

District 9800 Membership Director Alex Lapiña recently joined students at Torrens University as a guest speaker for their Industry Engagement Project subject. He shared Rotary’s mission, tackled stereotypes about age and relevance, and explored how cause-based Rotaract clubs like Music Makers are helping Rotary connect with younger adults. The students loved the session—proof that the next generation is ready to get creative about Rotary’s future!

District 9800: Fighting Polio to the Finish

An article from Jane Pennington, North Balwyn Rotary and End Polio Co-ordinator

The Rotary Walk With Us is our District’s month-long campaign to raise funds and awareness for Rotary International’s number one global project; the eradication of polio worldwide.

Marvellous Miles: Living with Epilepsy

An article from Alison Bacon, RC Eaglehawk

The Rotary Club of Eaglehawk proudly supported a special visit by debut children’s author Sarah Watts, whose acclaimed picture book, Marvellous Miles, is now available to many of our region’s youngest readers.

Heart Surgery: saving the lives of disadvantaged children in India

An article from PDG Julie Mason, RC Wyndham

Wyndham Rotary members were deeply concerned to learn that in certain areas of India, children aged between seven months and eight years are unable to access heart surgery that could either save their lives or significantly improve their quality of life.

Strike a Chord This Christmas

As the festive season draws near, Rotary clubs across District 9800 are setting the stage for celebration, connection, and community spirit—and what better way to do it than through the power of live music?

Looking for past stories

NETWORKER - Edition 25-04 October

Thank you again to our contributors. We ask that you submit your stories in the Word Template provided, submit the pictures separately in as high resolution as possible and NOT included in the Word document. Send to networker@rotary9800.org Look forward to seeing your stories and events.

2024-2025 District Annual Report