Topical in a year when the Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennel-Pegg, is a champion for girls studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), guest speakers Georgia Bianchin from Toorak College and Opal Scheele from St Catherine’s School, Toorak, will talk about their experience of the 2026 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF). In January 2026, Opal and Georgia attended the NYSF residential program at the University of Queensland. On and off campus, the forum is held to help students gain a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in STEM. Support for students at NYSF is a project of the Youth Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie.
At our last club dinner meeting District 9800 Governor, Peter Shepheard, addressed the meeting, prior to which he met with members of the club board. Peter asked each board member about their role on the board and was interested to hear about our club’s projects. Peter was also interested to learn how the executive members of the board were managing. We had a beneficial discussion with Peter as he has considerable knowledge about Rotary and was able to offer helpful comments to all members of the board.
Speaker: DG Peter Shepheard Topic: Official Visit of the District Governor
DG Peter Shepheard presented Certificates of Recognition to Charter Members Ian Dobson and Don Moore for their half-century of Rotary service and fellowship.
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.
The club welcomed new member Rodney Patel into the Rotary family on February 10th, with an induction ceremony at the Club Meeting at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. Rod has been admitted to the Vocational Classification "Formerly Property Valuation". A former partner at Patel Dore Valuers, Rod started his career with the Hawthorn, later Boroondara, City Council. He established his own business in 1995. Rod was proposed by PEN Geoffrey Widmer, who will also be Rodney's Rotary mentor.
A very warm welcome to the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, Rod. We look forward to many years working alongside you to do good in the world, and to have fun doing it!
President Helena Wimpole inducted new Rotarian Rodney Patel at the club meeting February 10th
Are you already booked or planning to book for the Rotary Multi-District Conference at the end of March? NO? Then hurry and book and make sure your booking includes this Gala Dinner with a difference. Featuring the ABC muster dogs. sheep shearing and good old country music, this will be a night to remember. No suits, just country gear and your inherent sense of fun. Celebrate country life, in Horsham. Include the Gala Dinner in your booking. To register, click here: https://www.rotaryimpactsummit.org
Announcing to An Evening of Insight & Impact, a special event supporting the work of the Education CHANCES Foundation, taking place on Monday 16 March.
The evening brings together educational leaders, young advocates, and community members for meaningful conversation about educational equity, opportunity, and the real impact education can have on young people’s lives. The event will feature a panel discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities facing young people today, alongside lived experiences that bring these issues to life. Guests will enjoy finger food, beer and wine, and a raffle entry on arrival.
Event details Hawthorn Arts Centre — Chandelier Room Monday 16 March 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Grab your gloves (we’ll supply them!) and join your fellow Rotarians for one of the most satisfying mornings of the year.
It was all fun and smiles at last year's Clean Up Australia Day. A good job, well done!
Once again, our Club will be taking part in Clean Up Australia Day, spending a couple of hours from 9.30 am giving Patterson Reserve and the surrounding streets a well-deserved spruce-up. It’s amazing what a difference two hours and a few willing hands can make.
✔️ Gloves and graspers provided ✔️ Good company guaranteed ✔️ And best of all… a very pleasant light lunch to enjoy together afterwards 😄
Whether you’re a seasoned Clean Up veteran or a first-timer, we’d love to see you there. The more we are, the more fun it is – and the cleaner our patch of the world will be.
Our very own Dr Paul Shekleton took to the airwaves on Friday night, 13 February, co-hosting the Rotary and Community Service Radio Show on 94.1FM alongside regular host PP Ian Salek. By all reports, Paul was a natural behind the microphone, relaxed, engaging and right at home in the studio.
And maybe that's not a surprise. Listeners may have been amused to learn that this was not Paul’s first foray into broadcasting. As a young boy he apparently “played radio stations” in his bedroom, imagining himself on air. It seems those early rehearsals have paid off for Dr Paul as he trades in his stethoscope for the microphone — and a star is born! Go for it Paul!
The Rotary and Community Service Radio Show goes to air at 6pm every Friday on 94.1FM ‘The Voice of the Inner East’.
A little birdie - a turtle dove in fact - tells us that Rod Smith and Joy Sparks have recently announced their engagement. Love is indeed in the air, and it's not even spring!
Heartfelt congratulations to you both, Rod and Joy, on this wonderful news. From everyone at the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, we wish you a lifetime of happiness, love and fulfilment together.
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
Our very own Dr Paul Shekleton took to the airwaves on Friday night, 13 February, co-hosting the Rotary and Community Service Radio Show on 94.1FM alongside regular host PP Ian Salek. By all reports, Paul was a natural behind the microphone, relaxed, engaging and right at home in the studio.
