Getting to know one another better is a key reason we come along to club meetings and the very best opportunity to get to know a fellow Rotarian better is at their special Member Behind the Badge meeting. Rodney Patel was introduced to Rotary by PEN Geoffrey Widmer and was inducted into Rotary on February 10th this year. He wasted no time at all in rolling his sleeves up and contributing enthusaiastically to club projects and events and has already made many friends inside the club. Rodney has an interesting story to tell and this is the night when we all get a chance to hear it. Not to be missed, often the most memorable meetings of the year. Come along and hear from Rtn. Rodney Patel, Member Behind the Badge.
Here is the text of President Helena Wimpole's final message as club president, delivered at Changeover 2026 on June 23rd.
It has been a busy year for me as the President of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie as there is so much to learn about this position and, like all organisations at the present time, Rotary is required to behave like every other business, albeit that Rotary is a completely volunteer organisation.
Rotary clubs are now mostly incorporated entities, with a board which must adhere to a constitution and good Governance. The secretary is required to take accurate minutes at the board meetings and follow up many other matters as well. The treasurer’s reports must be audited. This is a big change from the early days of the club when i joined more than twenty-one years ago.
Celebrating achievement, recognising service and looking ahead to a new Rotary year, members and guests gathered at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club for the Rotary Club of Glenferrie's 51st Changeover Dinner. The evening combined fellowship, reflection and recognition as the club thanked its outgoing leaders and welcomed a new leadership team for 2026–27. The Dinner was a gala evening for almost 80 Rotarians and guests at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on 23 June. The event provided a fitting celebration of the club's achievements over the past year, an opportunity to thank the retiring Board, and a warm welcome to the incoming leadership team for 2026–27.
Incoming club president Chris Raw introduced members of the Board of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie 2026-2027 at Changeover. Creating lasting impact.
Eight Rotarians were presented with Paul Harris Fellow recognitions at Changeover on June 23rd, testimony to the broad range of commitment to the ideals of Rotary within the club. The presentations were made by President Helena Wimpole, assisted by District Governor Nominee Claire Davison. The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition, one of the highest awards within Rotary, is The Rotary Foundation's way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs.
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bo celebrated at Changeover the conclusion of two years of project work with a video featuring the final stages of the project, the installation of a water storage and reticulation system, the deepening of an existing well and the installation of solar powered lighting at the school. The projects were completed with the assistance of generous grants from Rotary Balwyn and the Australian Government through Australia Aid and received widespread coverage in Sierra Leone through AYV News Media. Uniting for Good.
The District 9800 Governor baton was handed to incoming District Governor Graeme Hope by District Governor Peter Shepheard at a celebratory musical luncheon at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on Saturday June 27th. The new DG is a member of the Rotary Club of Camberwell. Among the celebrations were a number of Glenferrie Rotarians (see picture), including two who will form part of the District Leadership Team in 2026-27: PP Cheryl Pisterman will continue in her role as District Public Image Chair, and PP Richard Blakeman will head up the District International Service Committee. The theme of the event was collaboration - and belonging -with the focus for the new year being on member recruitment, retention and engagement, and an emphasis on connecting with the next generation of Rotarians. The music was provided by members of the Rotaract Music Makers Club, supported by virtuoso performances by professional opera singer, PDG Michael Lapiña. The club's Boroondara Farmers Market project was officialy recognised with a ‘Shep’s Shoutout' award.
Fine food, fine wine, good friends and good music. Glenferrie Rotarians were all smiles at District Changeover on Saturday. (Also at the event but not pictured, Maria Pantling and Richard Blakeman)
Thank you to everyone who nominated a new name for our club bulletin, following the demise of The Glenferrie Rotarian. We did get a number of suggestions, but as it turns out most prospective names received just one vote. The one that stood out though is the ‘Glenferrie Bulletin’, and the majority wanted the word ‘Rotary’ included in the name. So welcome to your new club newsletter: The Rotary Glenferrie Bulletin. The new name begins with this edition; the new layout will be launched in the new Rotary year.
And please send in your Rotary stories. After all, no one knows if no one tells!
When considering donations at tax time you can't do better than donate to Rotary's own charity, your charity, The Rotary Foundation. For 17 years in a row, The Rotary Foundation has been awarded the top rating - four stars - by Charity Navigator. As one of the most highly regarded, trusted and highly awarded humanitarian charities in the world - with almost 90% of money donated going directly to the benefit of those in need - The Rotary Foundation is a true investment in doing good in the world.
You may not be an artist With palette, or with pen, You may not write a poem To move the hearts of men, But yours is greater service Amid Earth's care and strife, If you can touch with beauty Some dull and cheerless life Anon
More Events, Happenings, and Other Excuses to Leave the House….
What’s on in our Neighbourhood? More local Rotary and community events to explore.
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie acknowledges the traditional owners as the custodians of this land, recognising their connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Australia's First Peoples, and to their elders, past, present and future.
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie | PO Box 2134 | Hawthorn Vic 3122
