What's Brewing with Bron This Month?
Pull up a chair, grab your favourite cuppa, and let's see what's been brewing during our first month together. If July is anything to go by, we're going to need a bigger coffee pot!
☕ The Espresso Shot – Changeover & Battle of the Bands
Our Changeover Dinner was a wonderful evening filled with celebration, laughter and connection as we officially began a new Rotary year together. It was also the perfect opportunity to launch our exciting partnership with Parents Battle of the Bands-an initiative that is already proving to be music to everyone's ears. By combining live music with community fundraising, we're creating opportunities for young people while helping establish Earlyact Clubs in our local primary schools. That's what I call hitting all the right notes!
☕ A Strong Blend of Community Spirit
Rotary Port Phillip members once again showed that generosity is always on the menu, raising $1,000 for Nourish to help support local people experiencing hardship. Every dollar makes a difference, and together we've given our community another reason to smile.
☕ The Next Generation is Percolating!
Our superstar students at Middle Park Primary School's Earlyact Club brewed up something special, selling more than 75 Parents Battle of the Bands tickets and raising an outstanding $1,500 for their Performing Arts Program. The students will now work alongside their teachers to decide how those funds will be invested back into their school. Under Wendy Stirling's guidance, the Earlyact Club is already planning its next projects, focusing on the environment and international service. Their enthusiasm, teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit prove that the future of community service is in very good hands.
☕ Full Steam Ahead at Winter Sail
For the third consecutive year, Rotary Port Phillip proudly supported Winter Sail at Albert Park Lake. A special thank you goes to Warwick Lloyd, whose passion and vision first initiated our involvement with this fantastic youth sailing event. Sailing Australia attended the opening ceremony and will feature Rotary Port Phillip's support in its next newsletter. Thank you also to Milla and Wendy for representing our club at the event.
Even better, Warwick has returned to the Rotary Port Phillip family this year-proof that a warm welcome (and perhaps a good red wine!) can bring people home. Welcome back, Warwick!
☕ RIMERN – Community at Its Best
Our amazing RIMERN volunteers once again demonstrated Rotary's heart in action. When a Brazilian family's home was destroyed by fire, it was Milla who spotted their story on Facebook and immediately reached out. Before long, our RIMERN team had mobilised to provide practical support when it was needed most. That's the Rotary spirit-seeing a need and simply getting on with helping. Milla, with little Pedro on one hip, also provided baby clothes and support to this young mum. Milla, you truly exemplify Service Above Self.
We also celebrated RIMERN's 5th Birthday. Five years of reducing waste, furnishing homes, supporting families and changing lives is something every volunteer should be incredibly proud of. Happy Birthday, RIMERN! The RIMERN team also expressed its sincere appreciation for Rotary Port Phillip's ongoing support of this magnificent project.
☕ Brewing Up Some Great Public Image
A huge thank you to Michael Lapinas for recognising the impact of Milla's fantastic social media reels and cross-posting them across Rotary channels. Every share helps tell our story, showcase our projects and remind the community that Rotary is alive, active and making a real difference.
While we're handing out thank-you, a huge shout-out also goes to Gerard Moran for sourcing the electrical cable from Henley Homes, needed by Jim Finlayson to send to Timor-Leste. This equipment will be used to train young electricians, helping build valuable skills and brighter futures. It's another wonderful example of Rotary members quietly making an impact well beyond our own community.
☕ Coffee (Actually Wine!) with Fellow Rotarians
A fun thing for Rotarians to do is visit other clubs, and this month I had the pleasure of attending the Mount Waverley, Carlton and Albert Park Changeover celebrations. I came away inspired by the incredible work Rotarians are achieving in their local communities. Every club has its own flavour, but the common ingredient is people who quietly get things done to improve the lives of others. It's something we should all be proud to be part of.
☕ Guest Speaker Corner
We were delighted to hear Fiona Gathercole from TeamSports4All, who shared how the organisation removes financial barriers, so every child has the chance to participate in sport. Her passion was inspiring and a wonderful reminder that inclusion and opportunity change lives.
☕ While the Barista is Away...
For the next three meetings I'll be swapping my coffee mug for a passport as I head off to Europe!
Don't worry-everything is organised. A huge thank you to Pam Dittmer for arranging an excellent line-up of guest speakers, and to Wendy for kindly agreeing to steer the ship while I'm away.
Of course, I couldn't possibly disappear completely. Expect a few surprise appearances from wherever I happen to be in Europe. Whether it's beside the Eiffel Tower, overlooking the canals, or enjoying an espresso in an Italian piazza, I'll be checking in to say hello. Consider it Rotary Port Phillip-International Edition!
☕ Until Next Brew...
As I look back on our first month, I'm reminded that Rotary isn't powered by coffee-although it certainly helps! It's powered by people who care, step up, support one another and quietly make extraordinary things happen.
Thank you all for making such a fantastic start to the year. Keep the ideas brewing, keep the friendships growing and, together, let's continue Creating Lasting Impact.
Until next month's brew...
Bron ☕
President, Rotary Port Phillip
