Graeme's Hope Report #3

September! An exceptionally busy and interesting month. DG Club visits (16) in full swing from Brighton to Wyndham Harbour to Footscray to the Goldfields, RYPEN camp, Installation / dedication of New Peace Poles (12) Camberwell Sunday Market celebrated its 50th Anniversary, Hoppers Crossing its 47th birthday, Bacchus Marsh member Russell Gilbert his 40th Anniversary (see separate article in Networker) and three Clubs presented with their Foundation Club Annual Donor Certificates. 

Club visits were all very interesting and engaging. It was a privilege to visit, meet the members, see and hear of the diverse range of activities clubs continue to undertake – all helping to Create Lasting Impact.

To celebrate International Peace Day, 21 September, PP Pam Norton, Rotary Kew and PP Elizabeth Shepherd, Rotary Canterbury, organised reconsecrating four Peace Poles located in Victoria Park, Kew. On each Pole is written May Peace Prevail on Earth in different languages. A total of 21 languages on the four Poles. A similar ceremony was held at Collingwood College on Sunday 13th September.  Eight Poles are located – recording the 46 language groups represented at the College. Photo Pres Paul Horton, Collingwood and DG Graeme.

Rotary Balwyn celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Camberwell Sunday Market (CSM). Official date was 30th August at the Market and the Celebratory Birthday Dinner was Tues 20 September which Included historical review thanks to Leah Annetta author – Sunday Service, entertainment from Julia Allsop (Music Makers), and cutting the cake.  The CSM is an amazing collaboration between the City of Boroondara, Rotary Balwyn, Camberwell, Canterbury and North Balwyn and many volunteers. Over 50 years the market has generated significant funds for local, national and international humanitarian and developmental projects - all to Create Lasting Impact.   

RYPEN at Camp Getaway was motivational – to see the enthusiasm, participation and involvement of the students in the program – future leaders – potential members for RYLA and Rotaract.

Rotary Foundation:  it was a pleasure to present Club Annual Donor certificates (see the photos below) which recognise Clubs that have during 2025/26 supported the Foundation with contributions – Level 1 USD100+ per member, excluding contributions from members.