Disease Prevention and Treatment: This is the official theme for December, and it highlights Rotary's commitment to improving the health of communities globally.
Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment is one of Rotary's six key areas of focus, which guides the activities of many clubs and the Rotary Foundation.
Polio eradication: The theme is closely associated with the ongoing PolioPlus campaign and Rotary's role in working with other organizations to eradicate polio.
Broader health initiatives: While polio is a major focus, this theme also encompasses a wide range of other health-related projects, such as improving sanitation, providing clean water, immunizing against other diseases, and supporting health camps in underserved areas.
How clubs can get involved
Raise awareness: Educate members and the community about the importance of disease prevention and Rotary's work in this area.
Support existing projects: Donate to The Rotary Foundation or support club-specific projects that focus on disease prevention and treatment, such as those that provide immunizations or build sanitation infrastructure.
Engage in local health initiatives: Organize or support local events that promote health, such as health fairs or blood drives.
Focus on specific diseases: Partner with other organizations to raise awareness and funds for specific health concerns, like the ongoing work to immunize against measles.
Thank you DIK and Pam for the opportunity to cheer some of the children in foster care this Christmas.
Mums and children fleeing domestic violence will be thrilled that IMAPCT benefitted from the LEGO, too.
Hello Pam & Rotary Port Phillip
On behalf of everyone at B4VK'S, especially the children whose lives you've touched, thank you for your thoughtful donation of the new toys will give great comfort and something for children to love ♥️
Every item you gave helps make their days a little brighter and we are so grateful for your willingness and compassion.
Marcus Pearl and Manny Malou both have a passion to support men and youths who are struggling. Marcus gave his summary which included some very sobering statistics.
DG Peter Shepheard, Manny Malou, Wendy, Marcus Pearl
I attended the memorial service at the Brighton Beach Hotel for Leo. His son, Matt, and grandson Ben spoke about Leo who led a very interesting life. Service Above Self was definitely Leo's catch call. We thank Leo for the years of service to Rotary, his friendship and his generosity.
It will be Christmas next week and with our focus on the border hostilities and refugees rushing to the Siem Reap area, I have been distracted from sending out suggestions for Christmas giving. Every year around this time, you will be looking for the perfect gift for your work colleague, friend, grandchild, adult children or neighbour. As we look at the abundance we are fortunate enough to enjoy, maybe a gift that will focus on the less fortunate would be the perfect gift.
As this year begins to wind down, I’ve been thinking a lot about what has been achieved over the past 10 years and what the next 10 years may hold. Being on the ground here in Cambodia gives one a perspective that is not always easy to communicate….
We have so much in the western world and I am grateful that you are giving to help these impoverished families in rural communities.
Cambodians have suffered so much over these past decades: the bombing during the Vietnam War, the Pol Pot genocide, and the Vietnamese invasion/occupation. Cambodia is still struggling to rebuild from its horrible past, which has left many in extreme poverty.
So thank you for your support. You are making a difference. You have given people HOPE along with clean water and sanitation that has changed their lives. Together we will continue to make a difference. CCWTP is committed long term to helping here.
Here are some highlights of our work this year. You played a significant part in this. We have helped many families with food relief and medical help. We have provided food parcels to the refugees from the Thai / Cambodia border conflict.
We have now installed over 1,200 washroom toilets in the Siem Reap District and over 300 washroom toilets in the Svay Leu District. That has provided over 1,500 families with proper sanitation and a place of privacy, safety and dignity.
As we look ahead, let’s together, continue to make a difference.
There has been an escalation of the conflict and more border refugees have arrived at shelters in Kok Chok Commune, which is on the western side of Siem Reap, where we have been working these past years. It is a desperate situation and they need support. We need your financial help so that we can bring food, water and hygiene necessities to these frightened people. Please help us to help them.
My best wishes
Darrel
Tax deductible donations can be made to our Cambodia Clean Water & Toilet Project bank account.
Hello Sue and member of the Rotary Club of Port Phillip
I hope you’re doing well and staying healthy!
I am very excited to share with you about my journey and my activities in December. This month I will share with you both good and bad things from my journey.
Let’s start with my health in November. I was staying at the hospital for one week because I had Bronchitis. At first, I had a high fever (39 degrees), a strong headache, and muscle pain. My symptoms are very similar to influenza. I had a worse condition on 23rd November and I decided to contact the Health team to bring me in for a check-up with the doctor. The doctor said I had influenza and they provided me with some serum and medicine, but it did not really work. More than this, I became weak and my mental health also broke down. I lose my food interests, overthink, and I can’t sleep at night. I was worried too much about my health, that’s why it made my mental health go down easily. However, the doctor observed my symptoms again and they decided to x-ray my lungs and check my breathing carefully. As a result, I had Bronchitis and I needed to stay more days at the hospital because the doctor needed to monitor my condition and make sure I fully recovered. After I left the hospital, I had learned an important lesson from this experience one week at the hospital. I learn to value my health because the importance of wealth is staying healthy, not just money. I want to say thank you and appreciate all the health team who put effort into taking care of me while I'm in a bad condition. Thank you so much!
I wanted to share some exciting news – we were informed on Monday night that the Melbourne Celtic Festival (our Rotary festival) won the Contribution to Scottish Music award at the recent Scottish Business Association Awards. I am very proud of the award, and it is due to all the wonderful people who have been involved over the last 4 years – Major Sponsors Murrumbeena Community Benefit Fund, Rotary Port Philip, the Maddock family and so many others, sponsors and volunteers alike. Not to mention the wonderful musicians and audience members who really make the day sparkle.
Recently I joined the Irish Association in Bendigo in the hopes that networks would create opportunities to further promote the MCF and Rotary connections. Tonight, I was made President of the Association – not something I was expecting when I joined but I am honoured to take on the role.
Next year in February there will be an Irish Harp statue erected in Bendigo commemorating the contribution of the Irish through their Irish music, culture and hard work. Bendigo and Ballarat have a very long and proud history due to the immigrant miners who came during the gold rush but also the nation-wide influence Irish culture and her people have had on Australia.
Another big year is drawing to a close at RIMERN. In this edition we look back on a busy October and November—supporting clients with essential homewares, hosting corporate volunteer groups, welcoming special visitors, receiving generous goods donations, and celebrating a vital grant from the Community Bank Clifton Hill North Fitzroy.
You’ll also see some Cup Eve fun, hear about our first online training for Goods Selection Hosts, and find details of our Volunteers’ Christmas Party on Thursday 18 December before the warehouse closes for a well-earned break until Tuesday 13 January.
As always, we’re grateful for every volunteer, donor and supporter who has helped us through another successful year. This is our final newsletter for 2025—warm wishes for the festive season, and we look forward to sharing more RIMERN news in early February.
A Call to Action: Port Phillip Rotary is part of a Lifesaving Rotary Project for Cambodia Rotary District 9800and Donations in Kind (DIK), supported by The Rotary Foundation, is launching an urgent and impactful humanitarian initiative — and we are inviting Rotary Clubs across the District to join us. The Board of Port Phillip Rotary voted to give financial support of $1,000:00 for this urgent appeal.
We aim to fund and dispatch a shipping container filled with critically needed medical equipment, instruments, and consumables to an NGO hospital in Cambodia. These items will be carefully selected from the hospital-generated wish list to ensure that what we send has immediate and measurable clinical impact — particularly in surgery, trauma, diagnostics, and critical care.
Join us 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/
A gambling problem is a mental health problem that can sometimes accompany other mental health problems – like depression, anxiety and substance use problems.
People gamble for many reasons – for fun, excitement, social connection or the chance to win money. But when gambling becomes harmful, these motivations can shift. Gambling may become a way to escape problems, make up for lost money, or rebuild self-esteem.
All of us are struggling with the impact of the senseless, atrocious attacks on our fellow citizens on what is historically a day of celebration in the Jewish community. Mental Health First Aid has stepped up to give helpful and timely support.
Mental Health First Aid International is profoundly shocked and saddened by the targeted terror attack in Bondi yesterday. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the victims, their families, our friends and colleagues in the Jewish community, the brave first responders, and everyone impacted by this senseless act. It is important to acknowledge that distressing events like these can be deeply unsettling and emotionally taxing for everyone. For anyone outside of Australia, please refer to Find a Helpline to find support in your country.
As we pack up for the year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary year that we have had at Ready Set, to share and celebrate some of our achievements, and most of all, to say THANK YOU for your support. It means a lot to us!
I also want to take this opportunity to share our 2025 Annual Review which provides an overview of what we have achieved in FY2025.
The Cricketers at Port Melbourne was the venue and fun was definitely on the table. Thank you for all those who attended and really got into the sprint of having so much fun. Bronwyn Maddock was the organiser extraodinaire, putting her creativity into practice. Santa, three wise men, Mary and Joseph, angels, Rudolph and so many more arrived for the fun.
We are thrilled to announce that Rotary Caroline Springs is gearing up for our Inaugural Charity Golf Day — and it’s coming up fast!
This event offers selected local companies an exclusive opportunity to promote their business while aligning with one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organisations — Rotary International.
📅 Friday, 20 March 2026
⛳ A full day of networking and golf
🥐 Breakfast and lunch included
🤝 Business and personal connections
🎗️ Fundraising for community projects
It promises to be a day filled with fun, networking, and impact — where together we all truly
“Unite for Good.”
Sponsorship Opportunities
• Multiple sponsorship levels available
• Limited entries and packages — allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis
To secure your place, please complete the attached registration form and return it to:
Rotary Golf Days are renowned for selling out quickly, and we expect ours to be no different. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your business, connect with community leaders, and support meaningful projects.
AUSTRALIA DAY BARBECUE - 
