Our first social evening meeting at Friday's Riverside went exactly as we'd hoped! Members who can’t usually make it to our lunch meetings were able to attend, bringing along family members and even a few local office workers curious about what Rotary is all about—which is exactly why we planned it this way.

We shared pizza, enjoyed relaxed conversations, and even had a few impromptu mini committee meetings. It was a fantastic mix of socialising and club business in a more casual setting.

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As we move further into the year, I’d like to take a moment to highlight some important updates and opportunities within our club.

Please take a moment to read through this week’s bulletin thoroughly, as it includes several key updates and requests for volunteers. There are also opportunities to engage with other clubs, strengthening the connections that make Rotary such a dynamic and impactful organisation.

Key Highlights:

• Volunteer Opportunities & Events: Check the events list for upcoming activities, including ways to get involved with both local service projects and regional initiatives. These are great chances to meet members from other clubs while making a tangible impact.

• Celebrating Our Members' Work: We continue to be inspired by the incredible work being done by our members. From local community service to international projects, this bulletin features several stories worth reading.

• Testimonial Dinners: Planning is underway for Dr Keith Watts' testimonial dinner, and we’re also awaiting a date from Denise Schellbach for her event, once she can take some time from her busy schedule.

• New Members – Don’t Miss Out! If you’re new to the club, make sure to check out information on the District Conference and other upcoming events. There are grants available to help with costs, so read on to find out how to apply.

• The GIST Newsletter: Keep an eye on your inbox for the GIST newsletter. It’s full of updates, stories, and opportunities for you to stay connected with the wider Rotary community.

Rotary Youth Exchange – Host Families Needed

We are excited to share an opportunity to support the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. We are currently looking for members willing to host Venezuelan exchange students. Our very own Juan Renato Laporta is eager to help facilitate this initiative, and we’ve also received a request from Johnatan Teran, a Rotary Caracas member and Action Plan Champion for District 4370, who is hoping to find a welcoming host family here.

If you are interested in opening your home and heart to an exchange student, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

District 9620 Conference – Toowoomba, 28-30 March 2025

A quick reminder about the upcoming D9620 District Conference at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. While I’ll be sharing the official letter separately, I want to remind everyone that our club will be hosting the Kids & Carers Room at the conference. This is a wonderful way for us to support families attending the event, and we’ll be looking for volunteers to help out once the registration link goes live.

As we reflect on the first half of the Rotary year, I want to thank you all for your dedication and support. Our meetings are not just about discussions—they’re about action. Whether it’s through volunteering, connecting with other clubs, or supporting initiatives like the Youth Exchange, every contribution makes a difference.

Let’s continue to build on this momentum and make the rest of the Rotary year as impactful as possible.

Kind regards,
Angela Murphy
President, Rotary Club of Brisbane

For seven weeks over summer, Denise Schellbach led another successful season with Eddie's Van, providing warm meals and support to those in need. A heartfelt thank you goes out to her loyal team of volunteers—always up early, punctual, capable, helpful, and smiling. It’s truly a pleasure to work alongside such dedicated individuals!

Remarkably, not a single morning was spoiled by rain this season—a rare blessing for this time of year, making the work that much smoother.

Denise always needs volunteers, so keep an eye out for her call towards the end of the year. It’s a rewarding way to give back and connect with the community.

With best wishes from Denise:
"Look forward to seeing you next time at Eddie’s Van."

Mark Williams, a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Brisbane and 9620 District Governor Elect, is currently attending the 2025 Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, Florida. This prestigious event brings together Rotary leaders from around the world to prepare for the upcoming Rotary year, share ideas, and strengthen connections across districts.

The latest Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) newsletter for January–February 2025 is out, detailing the incredible work being done to support communities across the Pacific and beyond.

Highlights include:

For those who missed or valued the recent Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) courses in our district, the Learning Centre offers a wealth of leadership training. These courses are designed by Rotary International to empower members with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead effectively within the club and beyond.

The Rotary Learning Centre is an invaluable resource for all Rotarians—whether you're new to the club or a long-standing member. Accessible online through Rotary International's Learning Centre, this platform offers a wide range of courses tailored to enhance your Rotary experience, develop leadership skills, and deepen your understanding of Rotary’s global impact. 

Why Should You Engage with the Learning Centre?

1. For New Members:
   The Learning Centre is an excellent introduction to Rotary's structure, values, and opportunities. It helps new members quickly acclimate to the organisation, understand how clubs operate, and discover ways to get involved in meaningful service.

2. For Long-Term Members:
   Rotary is constantly evolving, with new initiatives, leadership strategies, and global projects being introduced. Even seasoned members will find value in the latest courses, keeping them up-to-date with Rotary’s direction and offering fresh perspectives on service and leadership.

As we begin 2025, it’s a great time to plan ahead for the United Nations International Day of Peace in September. With our Peace Pole installed at Petrie Terrace State School, now is the perfect opportunity to connect with the school and organise a ceremony around the Peace Pole to mark this important day. Clubs that have held similar ceremonies report excellent feedback from students and staff, creating meaningful connections within the community.

The D9620 District Conference is hosting a photo competition to highlight Rotary in Action across the district. They’re looking for action shots—photos of members actively engaged in projects, fundraisers, or community service activities. These should capture people in motion, working on Rotary-related tasks, rather than static group poses.

If you’ve snapped some great moments while volunteering, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase our club’s work. Consider submitting photos from:

• Eddie’s Van, capturing the team in action during summer service.
• RARE (Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment) 

From 2025-2026, Rotary International will no longer launch an annual presidential theme. This decision, made by the RI Board of Directors in October 2023, is part of a move to simplify and standardise Rotary’s branding and communication.

Presidential themes were originally meant for internal use to inspire members, but many clubs and districts began using them publicly, leading to inconsistent messaging. With themes changing every year—and some clubs preferring older ones—this created confusion about Rotary’s focus and identity. Simplifying Rotary branding is always a good idea, and this change will help present a clearer, unified message to the public.

And while we’re at it, maybe we Rotarians can break the habit of using acronyms for everything too—because let’s be honest, that’s just as confusing!