CLUB NUMBER: 18404

CHARTERED: 21/01/1974

DISTRICT: 9815

         Rotary International President:                                                           Francesco Arezzo 
         District 9815 Governor:                                                                           Peter Behm
         Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup - Lang Lang President:                  Scott Hamilton
         Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup - Lang Lang Vice President:        Sam Loughridge 
         Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup - Lang Lang Secretary:                  Casey Hamblin

Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesday - 6.30pm for 7pm Start 
Lang Lang Bowling Club - Nellie Street, Lang Lang

Apologies to Casey Hamblin 0413 354 999 by close of business on Monday’s

Board Meetings 2nd Wednesday Each Month Unless Otherwise Advised

Email:  rckooweeruplanglang@gmail.com
Mail: P.O. Box 18, Lang Lang Victoria 3984
Website: www.rotaryclubkwrll.com

Focus for november: 
the rotary foundation

MILESTONES FOR NOVEMBER 2025

INDUCTIONS:                 Michele Hird

                                      Robbie Hird

                                      John Patterson

BIRTHDAYS:                   None 

ANNIVERSARIES:          Sam & Judy Loughridge - 16^th November 

OTHER COMMITTEE POSITIONS

Protection Officer and Public Officer: Casey Hamblin

BBQ Officer: John Patterson

Disaster Officer & On To Conference: Scott Hamilton

Bulletin Editor: Travis Davidge

PLEASE NOTE:

If you want to add anything to the bulletin or contact me, please send email to Bulletin Editor Travis Davidge on: moddesignstudio@outlook.com 

MOBILE PHONES & CHARGES

Members are reminded that Secretary Casey is collecting used Mobile Phones

 and Chargers for donation to DV Safe for people fleeing domestic 

violence situations so please round up any old phones you may have!

Collection bins have been placed in the Bendigo Bank Branches in 

Koo Wee Rup and Lang Lang

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER!

Wednesday 3^rd December.  
Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup – Lang Lang AGM at the Bowling Club.  
6:30pm for 7:00pm - Partners Welcome.

Friday 5th December
Lang Lang Community Carols by Candlelight – Lang Lang Memorial Hall

Wednesday 17th December
Rotary Christmas Break Up – Palace Hotel, Lang Lang

Wednesday January 7th 
No Meeting. - Social BBQ Gathering Venue T.B.A.

Wednesday January 21st 
No Meeting. - Social BBQ Gathering Venue T.B.A.

Sunday 8th February
Lang Lang Show N Shine at the Showgrounds.

March 13th – 15th 2026 
Combined Rotary District 9815 & 9830 Conference. Hobart Tasmania

FROM THE MEETING - 05/11/2025

MEETING ATTENDANCE 

Present:  Scott Hamilton, Michele and Rob Hird, Harold Keily, Travis Davidge, Sam Loughridge, Meagan King & Hayden Giles. 
Honorary Members: Rudy De Jong & Jan Kruizinga
Members Present:  10/14 = 71%
Apologies:  
Guests:  Rosemary Kruizinga - Guests as per detailed in contained report below

Meeting Opened 1900 hrs at Lang Lang Golf Club.

President Scott opened the meeting and welcomed members from neighbouring clubs — Bunyip-Garfield, Drouin, Pakenham, Warragul & E- Club of Latitude 38  along with any partners in attendance. Scott also acknowledged our special guests:

• District Governor (DG) Peter Behm

• District Governor Elect (DGE) Emma Clark

• District Governor Nominee (DGN) Murray Wilson

• Conference Chair Monique Smith

• Rotary Community Leader Gus Rozycki 

Scott congratulated the Rotary Club of Bunyip-Garfield President Harry Van Den Broek on reaching his 100th birthday in October, commending his community service legacy.

District Governor’s Address - Peter Behm 

DG Peter expressed appreciation to the hosting clubs and emphasised membership growth as Rotary’s primary strategic goal.

Key points:

• Membership Strategy: Focus on purpose, connection, and impact to attract and retain members.

• New Club Models:

  • Cause-based clubs (e.g. environmental action, domestic violence prevention).

  • Companion clubs offering flexible meeting structures.

• District Marketing Team: Launch of a new digital and social media initiative, led by a professional team to help clubs enhance their online presence.

• District Cinema Campaign:

  • Launch of Rotary’s first district-wide cinema commercial, featuring local members.

  • Collaboration with Palace and independent cinemas to promote Rotary’s visibility.

• Health Initiative:

  • Partnership with the Real Foundation to provide mobile prostate cancer screening in local communities.

  • Clubs invited to host events combining health checks and community barbecues.

Peter closed by encouraging Rotarians to “make Rotary visible, relevant, and connected.”

District Governor Elect – Emma Clark

DGE Emma introduced herself and reflected on attending the Zone 8 South Pacific Conference alongside district leaders.

Highlights:

• Focus on future-facing clubs and membership retention.

• National and district-level initiatives addressing mental health and domestic violence prevention.

• Collaboration between clubs in Emerald, Warragul, and Lang Lang to coordinate a regional “Say No to Domestic Violence” campaign.

• Emphasised Rotary’s values of fellowship, service, and adaptability to community needs.

District Governor Nominee – Murray Wilson

DGN Murray shared his Rotary journey and presented membership statistics and trends:

• Global membership steady at 1.2 million, with turnover challenges.

• Growth regions: India, Africa, Germany, and Ukraine.

• Decline regions: North America, Canada, and Argentina.

• Encouraged greater inclusion of female members, currently representing 27% globally but higher in District 9815 (32.5%).

• District 9815 recorded a net growth of +25 members since July 2025. Murray also updated members on regionalisation efforts within Rotary and training for incoming district leaders.

Cluster Technology and Collaboration – Gus rozycki 

Gus reported on inter-club collaboration within the 12-club cluster, promoting shared fundraising and event initiatives:

• Encouraged clubs to host movie nights as simple fundraisers (~$1,500 average profit).

• Proposed an inter-club support project, where stronger clubs assist smaller ones to boost membership and morale.

• Stressed that inter-club fellowship can reinvigorate Rotary’s community presence.

Club Reports

Bunyip–Garfield Rotary

Presented by Harry Van Den Broek

• Harry reflected on his 100 years & his time in Rotary

• Ongoing engagement with local schools, youth programs, and community events such as the Bunyip Show and local markets.

• Fundraising activities, including raffles, catering, and local events, which supported Rotary Foundation, Australian Rotary Health, and PolioPlus.

• Strong sense of fellowship within the club with efforts to attract new members through visibility and collaboration.

Drouin Rotary

Presented by Ian Symons.

• Active in school breakfast programs, local markets, and Australia Day events.

• Fundraising through Lardner Park, polio support, and international aid projects (e.g. Philippines eye surgery programs).

• Exploring corporate memberships and Friends of Rotary to engage younger members.

Pakenham Rotary

Presented by Ross Chudleigh.

• 31 members, strong community involvement.

• Major fundraisers include:

  • Debutante Ball (26 couples, 430 attendees).

  • Monthly dance nights, Bunnings BBQs, and trailer raffle.

• Community projects: school public speaking competition, park development, and mental health support donation of $5,000 to the “Mr Lid” initiative.

Warragul Rotary

Presented by Rosemary Allica.

• Transitioned from Christmas tree sales to annual art shows in partnership with Global Arts Alliance.

• Focus on reducing social isolation through collaboration with Warragul Community House.

• Recent information night for potential members attracted 19 guests, promoting flexible membership models.

Koo Wee Rup-Lang Lang Rotary (Host Club)

Presented by Scott Hamilton.

• Highlighted local involvement in school events (Father’s Day breakfast) as vital community engagement.

• Continuing commitment to domestic violence prevention initiatives and supporting local sports and cultural events.

• Recognised long-serving life members and 50+ years of club history.

E-Rotary Club of Latitude 38

Presented by Barry Rogers.

• Focused on youth development programs:

  • RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards).

  • RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment).

• Emphasis on mental health first aid training for leaders.

• Announced partnership with Rotary Health for training and support.

• Discussed legal compliance for raffles and fundraising registration with Consumer Affairs Victoria.

District Conference Update – Monique Smith

Conference Chair Monique presented details for the upcoming District 9815/9830 Conference, to be held in Hobart, Tasmania (13–15 March 2026).
Highlights:

• Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart.

• Theme: “Be Inspired – Connect, Impact, Grow.”

• Keynote Speakers:

  • Saroo Brierley (of Lion fame).

  • Rob Pennicott (circumnavigated Australia for polio fundraising).

  • Captain Sarah Parry (Lynwood Bound program).

  • Dr. Kirk Williams III (Interplast).

• Activities: golf, bowls, distillery tours, and a nautical-themed gala night.

• Rotary Expo to feature networking, merchandise, and a community packing project.

Raffle and Fellowship

A raffle was held with prizes donated by Lang Lang Golf Club.
Proceeds directed to PolioPlus.
Dinner and dessert were served, followed by fellowship among clubs.

Closing Remarks

President Scott thanked all attending clubs, speakers, and guests.
He acknowledged the collaborative spirit of the district and the positive momentum toward service, visibility, and community connection.

President Scotty’s Musings.

19th November 2025

What a busy couple of weeks it has been for our Rotary Club!

Two weeks ago we hosted the District Governor Peter Behm and the “G Train” along with representatives of 6 other clubs at the Lang Lang Golf Club. I couldn’t have been prouder of ur Club and the feedback that we got from many people on the night. District Governor Elect Emma Clarke has already booked herself in for a visit next year!

Wasn’t it great to hear the wonderful story that Rotary is playing in our neighbouring clubs and District and to share fellowship with other Rotarians. Definitely a highlight was President Harry from Bunyip – Garfield who had turned 100 at the end of October!

Since then we have been busy working behind the scenes on upcoming projects for our Club. Carols is in full swing for Friday 5th December. Our signs are away at the signwriters getting updated (they still talked about the Showgronds) and will be up as soon as they come back.

Monday night the first Show N Shine planning meeting and next years event on Sunday 8th February is shaping up to be a huge event. Lots and lots of work going on in the background and we are looking for any volunteers who may be able to assist on the day. Please let us know if you can assist.

Saturday I attended the President Elects Training Course in Dandenong. It was a great event and I learnt a lot. President Elect? Well I didn’t do the training unfortunately prior to becoming President so It was great and our President Elect was unable to attend as well. More on this at our AGM! (Date T.B.A.)

We have been invited to the Lang Lang Primary School Grade 6 Graduation and Dinner on the 15th December and the School has asked if Rotary would consider sponsoring a scholarship based upon Community and Values for the night. Bendigo Bank gives $50 scholarships for Academic Achievement, Sports and The Arts. Glad they didn’t when I graduated from the school 45 years ago as I was never in the running for any of these! We will discuss this further at the board meeting.

Thanks again for everything you have done and continue to do for Rotary here at Koo Wee Rup – Lang Lang.

Yours in Rotary,

Scott Hamilton