Attendance: 35 Members: 28 (of 47) 60% Guests: 7
Speaker: DG Peter Shepheard Topic: Official Visit of the District Governor
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie was delighted to welcome District Governor Peter Shepheard to our meeting on 10 February for his annual official visit; an evening that combined celebration, reflection and inspiration.
The evening began with a celebration of membership. President Helena Wimpole inducted our newest Rotarian, Rodney Patel, setting a fitting tone for the night.
The District Governor then recognised two remarkable long-serving Glenferrie Rotarians — charter members and past presidents Ian Dobson and Don Moore. Each received a Certificate of Recognition and a personal letter of congratulations from Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, acknowledging more than 50 years of dedicated Rotary service to the community.
Peter went on to highlight the Rotary Club of Glenferrie’s strong contribution to District 9800 over many years. Past President Cheryl Pisteman was congratulated and thanked for her current roles as District Public Image Chair and Editor of the District Networker newsletter, as well as for her previous service on the District Foundation Committee.
PP Ian Salek was warmly acknowledged for his outstanding long-term commitment as host of the Rotary and Community Service Radio Program on 94.1FM, and for his past service as District International Service Chair. Past President Don Heath was recognised for his work on the D9800 Rotary Foundation Humanitarian Grants Committee, as were Past Presidents Richard Blakeman and Thelma Hutchison.
The ability of so many Glenferrie members to provide leadership beyond the club is testament to the club’s strength and depth.
A Rotary Journey – From Basketball to Belonging
Peter shared how his own Rotary journey began through his local basketball association. When the association sought assistance with several projects, the Rotary Club of Altona stepped in to help. Peter attended club meetings to provide project updates and found himself increasingly drawn to Rotary through engagement with friendly, motivated people. Eventually, he was invited to join.
From that experience, he drew two powerful lessons about membership:
People join because they are asked.
Often not the first time — it may take several invitations — but the ask is essential.
People stay because they belong.
Prospective members must be made to feel genuinely welcome and included in meaningful club activities from the outset.
At a time when many people experience isolation, Peter described Rotary as “a big nana hug”, a place where people find connection, belonging and purpose through service.
Career and Community
Peter also shared insights into his professional life. He began his career with AMP Insurance, moving from data entry into property audit, followed by 12 years with Blockbuster Video. For the past twelve years he has served as Precinct Manager at the Queen Victoria Market, a role he clearly enjoys and one that keeps him closely connected to community life.
Unite for Good
Returning to this year’s presidential theme, “Unite for Good,” Peter encouraged the club to keep collaboration front of mind. He commended Glenferrie for its strong community partnerships, both locally and internationally, noting that collaboration enhances both service delivery and fundraising capacity.
When speaking with prospective members, Peter suggested we focus less on listing projects and more on sharing why we joined, and why we stayed. Rotary’s breadth of activity is impressive, but it is our personal stories that resonate most strongly. And if a member cannot find a project that captures their interest? Start one.
The world continues to change, and Rotary’s strength lies in its ability to evolve with it. Younger generations are enthusiastic volunteers, though often in different ways from previous generations. To remain relevant and attractive, Rotary must adapt to these changing dynamics. Membership growth remains the ultimate goal, but it will come through relevance, adaptability and meaningful engagement.
Peter also reaffirmed the remarkable effectiveness of The Rotary Foundation, noting that more than 90% of funds raised go directly to beneficiaries, a powerful testament to Rotary’s impact worldwide. As Rotarians, we are encouraged to support our Foundation, a globally respected and highly effective charity.
Looking Ahead
The evening concluded with an invitation to attend the upcoming multi-district conference in Horsham, where Past Rotary International President Jennifer Jones — the first woman to lead Rotary International in its 100-year history — will be a keynote speaker.
This year’s official visit was both affirming and energising, reminding us that when we ask, when we welcome, and when we unite for good, Rotary truly becomes that “nana hug” for our community and beyond.