Tonight we’ll hear from two impressive young people whose recent experiences—supported by Rotary—have taken them from leadership training in regional Victoria to international diplomacy in Europe.
Harsha Sharma is a university student studying Engineering and Computer Science who recently attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp at Camp Getaway. He’ll share insights from the week-long program, which focuses on personal growth, leadership development and building a sense of community.
Ivy Sheng (16), a Year 10 student at Methodist Ladies' College, was one of just 16 students nationwide selected for UN Youth Australia’s 2026 Young Diplomats Tour. During the month-long program she travelled through Europe, meeting international organisations, political leaders and community groups while exploring key historic sites.
On Tuesday the 10th of March the “weather gods “were kind to us, providing a warm and balmy evening for our club members, together with some partners and guests, to enjoy our annual BBQ on the Terrace at Kooyong. It was also a special surprise to have our Past President, Peter Moore, join us for the evening looking and, as he said, “feeling better” following his long illness. He said he was pleased he had recovered enough to attend his daughter’s wedding a little time previously.
On the following Thursday, the 12th of March, four members from our club, Christine McCann, Amelia Anderson, Cheryl Pisterman and I attended the Cluster Quiz Night at Green Acres Golf Club, East Kew, which was organized by Greg Ross OAM, President of the Rotary club of Norh Balwyn. The idea behind this event was for members of the Cluster of seven Rotary clubs in Boroondara to get together and have some fun.
Speaker: The Invisible Man Topic: I have Nothing to Say
The speaker at the club meeting on March 10th had nothing to say, and that's just as well as it's rude to speak with your mouth full. Members, partners and friends were treated to a superb feast of BBQ delectibles, and if you were there you know what I'm talking about. On a balmy evening, with a beautiful sunset, Glenferrie Rotarians enjoyed good company, good food and a celebration of friendship. Thank you to the Kooyong LTC staff for a perfect evening - once again. Click on ‘read more’ to see the photographic evidence of a very pleasant evening indeed.
Can you spot anyone familiar in this limited edition handcrafted portrait of a marvellous evening?
Solar powered lighting will help with after school security in Buedu
March is Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month, so what better time to launch the new water reticulation system at the Aladura Primary School in Buedu, Sierrra Leone, than March! The construction of the water tower, deepening of the well, installation of the solar powered pump, installation of the wash troughs at the main building and the new toilet blocks, and all plumbing is now completed. For added security, solar powered lighting has been installed at the water tower, and around the wash troughs, in a village where street lighting is virtually non-existant. The opening ceremony, involving a marching band, government representatives, and village dignatories, and very importantly the children of Buedu, is set for Saturday March 28th. Congratulations to the project team from across two continents, led by Glenferrie Rotarian Amelia Anderson and Bo Rotarian PP Taplima Muana.
The Sierra Leone Water Storage and Reticulation project is a project of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie and the Rotary Club of Bo, Sierra Leone, funded with proceeds from the Boroondara Farmers Market supported by generous grants from Rotary Balwyn and the Australian Government through Australia Aid.
To see photos of the new lighting and security measures, click on ‘Read more…’
At the February Board meeting, it was noted with regret that some members are rarely attending meetings. Some may not have fully grasped that attendance and contribution is part of the commitment we make when we join Rotary. Others, it appears, feel that involvement in projects alone is enough; that there is no need to come to meetings. But is that really the case? All Rotarians are volunteers, but not all volunteers are Rotarians. The difference lies in connection, engagement, and shared leadership.
We learn from each other, inspire each other and make new plans together when we meet together as friends.
In every Rotary club, the strength of our service begins with the strength of our relationships, and those are built at our dinner meetings. These gatherings are far more than routine calendar events; they are where fellowship grows, ideas emerge, and our impact takes shape. Conversations spark new initiatives, friendships deepen, and guests experience the energy of our club. These moments don't occur if we don't attend, and they simply can’t be replicated through project work alone.
Join your fellow Glenferrie Rotarians for the Multi-District Impact Summit in the vibrant regional city of Horsham, Victoria. This isn't just another conference; it's a powerful collaboration where Districts 9800, 9780 and 9510 will Unite for Good.
This year's summit brings together three districts to amplify our collective power and drive meaningful change. We'll be focusing on the incredible things we can achieve when we work together, sharing our successes, and planning our future impact. Check the flyer for information or click on: https://www.rotaryimpactsummit.org/
Posted by Colleen McCarthy, Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary
Is Leadership in Rotary About Position — Or Participation: Earlier this year, I attended the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). It delivered an engaging leadership course designed to strengthen knowledge and confidence within Rotary. The program is structured into four parts, each exploring different aspects of Rotary and effective leadership.
The club meeting on March 31st has been cancelled in recognition that many members will be attending the Multi-District Conference in Horsham on the prior weekend, March 27th - 29th. Attendance at Conference counts as a makeup. Makeups will be recorded for each Conference Day attended.
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
