Our Club is hosting the multi district Shine On Recognition Event on August 8 at Templestowe Baptist Church. The primary objective of the Recognition is to celebrate the success of people living with disabilities and acknowledge the contributions they make in their communities.
We recognise the achievements of people with disabilities, focusing on their abilities, resilience, and community service.
Please ensure that you pay attention to this important Nomination information don't miss nominating one of your community.
Nominations for the 2026 Southern Districts Shine On Recognition Awards (for us – D9815 – and D9780, D9790, D9800) close on July 1.
Rotary Manningham City was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Rotarian Keith Woolnough. The club were proud to celebrate his 98th Birthday recently only to see him called to higher service shortly after. Keith never retired- he was an active member of the club until he fell ill just a few months ago.
As a Rotarian for 65 years, Keith has exemplified “Service Above Self,” including his leadership in the Glenoura tree planting initiative alongside Wally Spinks, Landcare Australia, the Pajero Club of Victoria, the Rotary Club of Seymour South, and students from East Doncaster Secondary College.fore Rotary, Keith enjoyed an outstanding football career with the Northcote ‘Dragons’ Football Club, playing 185g ames over a decade from 1947, the vice-captain of the VFL-VFA team in the demonstration match at the 1956 Summer Olympics, winning the prestigious J. J. Liston Trophy in 1958 (and trading elbows with my father, who played for Camberwell!)
Prof. Dewan with the President of Kosovo, Dr. Vjosa Osmani
Our speaker this week was Professor Paddy Dewan, Chair of Kind Cuts for Kids. A renowned paediatric surgeon, Prof. Dewan specializes in complex reconstructive surgery for children. However, what truly sets him apart is his mission to export that expertise to the corners of the globe where it is needed most.
Over a distinguished 34-year career, Prof. Dewan has operated on 3,376 patients across 24 countries. He describes his surgical approach as a delicate balance of science and art—a philosophy he shares with the world through Kind Cuts for Kids.
The charity doesn't just provide one-off surgeries; it builds sustainable healthcare. By offering scholarships to surgeons in nations such as Kosovo, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Papua New Guinea, Prof. Dewan is creating a lasting legacy of skilled practitioners who raise the standard of care for their own communities.
It is a true privilege to recognise a remarkable milestone — 65 years of service in Rotary by a truly remarkable man, Keith Woolnough.
Sixty-five years is not just a number. It represents a lifetime of commitment, contribution, and an unwavering belief in the value of service to others. And Keith has lived that principle every single year.
Keith’s Rotary journey is defined by action — he has always been a hands-on Rotarian, someone who doesn’t just talk about service but gets out there and makes it happen.
Keith’s Rotary journey is defined by action — he has always been a hands-on Rotarian, someone who doesn’t just talk about service but gets out there and makes it happen.
Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the tree planting project at Glenaroua near Broadford, which he initiated more than 20 years ago. What started as an idea has grown into something truly extraordinary. Through the efforts of successive Rotary clubs, over 130,000 trees have been planted, restoring land, improving the environment, and leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
At our meeting on April 15, we heard from PP Wally Spinks about our club's involvement in this project.
Rotary Manningham City, along with Rotary clubs worldwide, support environmental sustainability by organising tree planting projects with local partners. These efforts absorb carbon, reduce heat, prevent erosion, and boost biodiversity.
For many years, Manningham City has undertaken a tree planting project at Glenoura (near Seymour) alongside Landcare Australia, the Pajero Club of Victoria, the Rotary Club of Seymour South, and students from East Doncaster Secondary College. Tree planting fosters community involvement and educates young people about sustainability. Each initiative is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future – one tree at a time.
[Article by David McIvor] _________________________________________________
The Manningham City Rotary Club proudly celebrates the 98th birthday of long-standing Rotarian Keith Woolnough.
A Rotarian for 65 years, Keith has exemplified “Service Above Self,” including his leadership in the Glenoura tree planting initiative alongside Wally Spinks, Landcare Australia, the Pajero Club of Victoria, the Rotary Club of Seymour South, and students from East Doncaster Secondary College.
Before Rotary, Keith enjoyed an outstanding football career with the Northcote ‘Dragons’ Football Club, playing 185games over a decade from 1947, the vice-captain of the VFL-VFA team in the demonstration match at the 1956 Summer Olympics, winning the prestigious J. J. Liston Trophy in 1958 (and trading elbows with my father, who played for Camberwell!)
The club warmly congratulates Keith on this remarkable milestone.
The Doncaster Secondary College Interact Club has made a strong and purposeful start to the 2026 school year, building on planning undertaken late last year.
Under the leadership of teachers Tim and Sarah, students have been actively engaged in community service initiatives. Year 12 students have continued their valued partnership with CareNet through a series of “Cook-On” sessions, preparing meals including pasta bolognese, Hokkien noodles, and butter chicken with rice. These meals are collected, frozen, and distributed by CareNet to support local families. A recent visit to CareNet provided students with insight into the impact of their efforts, with a follow-up visit planned next term to assist with food distribution.
Year 10 and 11 students have focused on revitalising the school’s vegetable garden. With support facilitated through Rotary, soil and tools were supplied, and additional funding enabled the purchase of new seedlings. Students have also completed and installed bird boxes from a 2025 project, enhancing the school environment.
Unfortunately, cost-of-living pressures have limited participation in the planned Rotary Sailing Weekend, though this may be revisited later in the year.
Planning is now underway for the DSC High Tea on 31 July, where Interact students will once again host and serve local community leaders, with support from Rotary.
This year the festival will be held at Ruffey Lake Park (RLP). Increased attendance and limited space at Finns Reserve (the venue for previous years) has prompted the move.
The 4-Way Test was created by Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. It is now one of the most quoted statements on business ethics. Taylor introduced it as an ethical guideline for employees to promote honesty and integrity.
In 1943, Rotary International adopted the test, making it central to their philosophy and ethical decision-making.
The FourQuestions
The test consists of four simple questions that are applied to the things we think, say, or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
To see an explanation of these four questions, click the Read More button.
Rotary International puts a major focus on supporting young people - locally and globally - through leadership, education, wellbeing, and opportunity.
At the Rotary Club of Manningham City, supporting young people is a core priority, with a strong focus on developing future leaders and strengthening the local community. We sponsor and support 'Earlyact', 'Interact' and 'Rotaract' Clubs in local schools, conduct the annual 'Primary Schools Speech Competition' and present programs such as the ‘Youth Mental Health QR Code Initiative', a program to guide adults in helping young people tackle youth mental health issues.
🌱 Leadership & Development
The club actively sponsors local students to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), giving them life-changing opportunities to build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong networks. Many participants return more engaged and ready to contribute to their schools and community.
🎓 Education & School Engagement
The club works closely with schools across Manningham, recognising student achievement through awards and supporting educational initiatives. This includes encouraging leadership, community service, and personal growth among young people.
🌍 Broader Opportunities
Through programs like Rotary Youth Exchange, local students may be supported to experience different cultures and broaden their global perspective - something that often has a lasting impact on their future direction.
💛 Wellbeing & Community Support
The club contributes to youth wellbeing initiatives, including mental health awareness and resilience-building programs, often in partnership with local organisations.
🤝 Creating Pathways
Importantly, Rotary provides young people with pathways into community involvement - whether through volunteering, speaking opportunities, or connecting with experienced local leaders.
Rotary Manningham City doesn’t just support youth - it invests in their future, helping them become confident, capable, and community-minded individuals.
💬 Know a young person ready to grow, lead, and make a difference? 📩 Or want to support the next generation? Get in touch - we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we’re building a stronger Manningham - one young leader at a time.
Is there anyone who has not - yet - eaten an iconic sausage from Bunnings? Our club benefits greatly by conducting these sessions, under the watchful guidance of our 'Snag Master' Barry Halpern. But do the Bunnings staff get any? Well, here's our club cooking for Bunnings staff - and not just your humble snag - how about hamburgers with the lot!
Imagine you are in an elevator with other people and the subject of Rotary is raised - someone wants to know what this 'Rotary' is about. How would you answer? Here are some tips.
At Rotary Manningham City, we’re hands-on in our community — supporting local families through food relief, backing organisations like Doncare, hosting inclusive events like the All Abilities Good Vibrations Disco, and encouraging leadership in our local schools.
Rotary isn’t just for retirees. And its certainly not just for men! It’s not just overseas aid. And it’s definitely not just networking over dinner.
It’s local people creating real impact in Manningham.
Curious? Come and see what we’re about. (No pressure - you don't have to join - you will be our honoured guest). You might be surprised how much difference a small group of committed people can make.
Rotary is one of the world’s oldest and most respected service organisations - yet many people are surprised to learn what we actually do. At Rotary Manningham City, we’re proud to serve our local community here in Victoria, Australia, and we want to debunk some common myths with real-life examples from our own backyard.
Thank You to Our Sponsors – Partners in Community Impact
Our Rotary club is proud to be supported by generous sponsors who share our commitment to service and community. Their support helps fund our projects, events, and charitable initiatives, enabling us to make a real difference locally and beyond.
Why Support Our Sponsors?
When you support our sponsors, you’re supporting businesses and organisations that invest back into our community and help Rotary deliver meaningful programs. Your support strengthens local partnerships, sustains volunteer-led projects, and builds a stronger community for everyone. For more information on each sponsor, CLICK on their logo below.
Together, we unite for good.
SPONSOR OF THE MONTH - Ace Filtration Products - see the information below.
Imagine you are in an elevator with other people and the subject of Rotary is raised - someone wants to know what this 'Rotary' is about. How would you answer? Here are some tips.
At Rotary Manningham City, we’re hands-on in our community — supporting local families through food relief, backing organisations like Doncare, hosting inclusive events like the All Abilities Good Vibrations Disco, and encouraging leadership in our local schools.
Rotary isn’t just for retirees. And its certainly not just for men! It’s not just overseas aid. And it’s definitely not just networking over dinner.
It’s local people creating real impact in Manningham.
Curious? Come and see what we’re about. You might be surprised how much difference a small group of committed people can make.
In 1990, a meeting of the Community Committee of Templestowe Rotary met where Peter Gurry, a school Principal mentioned that schools followed the practice of sending a small group of 2 or 3 students, with a teacher, to the Shrine of Remembrance to participate in a central Anzac Service. Peter suggested to organize a local School’s Anzac Service for all Primary / Secondary schools in the Manningham area.
Graham Couch, who was a close friend of broadcaster Tony Charlton, felt Tony would give tremendous support with his background in organising the Anzac Service at the Shrine.
With the blessing of Templestowe RSL, the Rotary Club Templestowe, under the leadership of President Ken Horrobin, organised the moving of the Templestowe RSL War Memorial from a tiny site in Parker St Templestowe to Anzac Park, on the corner of Foote St. and High St Lower Templestowe.
This site was perfect venue for the new Rotary Templestowe School Anzac Service. The site was cleverly designed by Templestowe Rotarian Don Porter and enthusiastically supported by the RSL and the Manningham Council.
Delivery of Yearly Schools Anzac Service
Project Planning - July / August -Setting the date and establishing the Committee
Project Tasks - September / December - Sponsorship, Federal Government Grant, arranging all the speakers and securing the Catafalque Party and 700 Aust. Flags from the local Federal member.
Project Tasks – February / March
Request assistance from Manningham Council – Seating / Road Closure / Permits /
Request assistance from RSL - reading of “The Ode” / raising of the flags
Book School Band / Bugler
Invitations to Schools and arrange 2 students to read the Requiem
Letters of Invitation to Dignitaries
Organise Buses
Notification of Event to Local Residents and Businesses
Project Tasks – April - Roster & Procedures on day of Service - Wet Weather Back-up Procedure
Day of the SCHOOLS ANZAC SERVICE
10.00am. Road Closure and Council delivery of Chairs / Tables etc.
10.00am. Audio set up.
10.00am. Set up refreshment / program table.
11.00am. Arrival of Doncaster Secondary College Wind Symphony.
11.30am. Welcoming music for school students as they arrive.
12.00 noon. Start of Anzac Service
1.00pm Completion of Anzac Service.
“Who would have thought that a 1990 idea would take root and flourish to become the outstanding event it is today.”
We had a wonderful celebration Christmas dinner last night with 62 members, friends and guests.
A special welcome from Co-President Esther Murray with a summary of our many community initiatives, and really nice speech’s congratulating our club on our community support programs from Federal member, Gabriel NG, State member, Matthew Guy, and Mayor Jim Grivas.
A heartfelt message on the true meaning of Christmas was delivered by our member, Salvation Army Major Wally Spinks.
We awarded four Paul Harris Fellow recognitions for their great contributions to our programs during the year, to Brian Tyedin, Graham Kane, Andrew An, and David Carson. Rick Evans provided music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s to add to the spirit of the night.
Co-Presidents Esther and Anthony Callinan wrapped up our super night, Happy Christmas to all.
Mayor of Manningham Cr. Jim GrivisSalvation Army Major Wally Spinks delivering the Christmas message.Federal Member for Menzies Gabriel Ng MPState Member for Bulleen the Hon Matthew Guy MP
Sam (L) presented flowers to Mayor Cr. Deidre Diamonte (R)
Rotary Manningham City hosted a wonderful Mayoral All Abilities Good Vibrations Disco on Saturday, 1 November at the Manningham Function Centre.
Over 100 participants, parents, carers, and Rotarians joined in this special black-tie event, dancing the night away under the glittering disco ball.
We were delighted to welcome Mayor Deirdre Diamante and Councillor Anna Chen, and a huge thanks to the Mayor for suggesting and sponsoring this year’s disco to become a special Mayoral celebration — and then joining in the fun on the dance floor! The venue looked fantastic, decked out with a red carpet, black and gold balloon arches, and a large media wall — perfect backdrops for photos and plenty of smiles.
Parents and carers were able to relax in the adjoining room over tea, coffee, and a generous spread of finger food. A special moment came when Sam delivered a heartfelt thank-you speech to the Mayor for her ongoing support of the All Abilities Disco and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
On the Red Carpet
Special thanks to our sponsors Bendigo Bank and Darling Daughters who helped make the night a success.
Everything ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of so many volunteers. Barry and his team managed registration, John and Marilyn Bennie looked after drinks, Stella did a super job on the decorations, banner and media wall and Vicky provided a friendly and familiar presence with her hi-vis. Alison from Manningham Council supported us superbly, while Esther, Sohrab and Ian Goldsmith hosted the VIP guests. George the photographer captured wonderful memories, and D J Angelo kept the crowd moving all night.
The evening showcased Rotary’s service to the community and spirit of fellowship — joyful, inclusive, and truly memorable, with everyone having a wonderful time!
Rotarians in Action. L to R, John Bennie, Felix Wong, Ian Goldsmith, Stella Yee, Barry Halpern, Tania Marinaccio, Brian Tyedin, Kevin Hall, Esther Murray (Co-President), Sohrab Bhopti, Keith Anderson. Missing from photo: David Rosenwax.
Over Term 1, 263 student leaders from East Doncaster Secondary College undertook Learning Leadership training at selected Melbourne Schools and at the Melbourne Exhibition and Events Centre (MCEC).
In February 2025, the school provided a leadership training day for Student Leaders where over 90 students attended the day at NewHope Baptist Church which enabled students to learn the essential skills of planning a year of leadership, how to be a leader and start thinking about what initiatives and student might have for the College.
On Wednesday, March 5th, EDSC’s leadership team had the opportunity to attend the GRIP Leadership Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre, where several student leaders from other schools across Victoria joined to build their leadership skills.
Our speaker this week was Ethan Newnham whom we helped sponsor to Oxford University to study for his Master’s Degree in Neuroscience.
Ethan Newnham addresses the club.
Ethan previously spoke to the club last year, just prior to leaving for the UK, when he explained some of the basic science involved in neuroscience and the sorts of experimental work he had done at Melbourne University, which he expected to continue.
His opening remark set the tone for his presentation – “I’ve just had the best year of my life!!” He then proceeded to present many photos and videos of his year’s activities, successfully avoiding mention of its technical and scientific content.
The Oxford academic year runs from October to June of the following year. It has 3 semesters – Michaelmas, Hillary and Trinity. Since June this year he has been finalizing the presentation of his research thesis and enjoying his break.
Ethan is an ambitious scholar, (like most scientists) and says that throughout the year his constant focus was to complete the Master’s course with distinction, in order to qualify to study for a PhD, or in UK/Oxford terms, his DPhil in Neuroscience. This single focus determined the academic aspects of his work. However, there were plenty of other activities and experiences that led to a balanced life, which he told us about. These included:
His Arrival at Oxford, and entry to Brasenose College. This was an answer to his prayers! The old college buildings are beautiful and accordingly were used for significant parts of the “Harry Potter” series of films and for “Downton Abbey.”
Trampolining – Several years ago Ethan was a diving champion. Practice for this sport involved trampolining to help train body control. At Oxford he found that Trampolining was a competitive sport amongst the English universities, so he took it up. This resulted in his winning the intervarsity competition and receiving an “Oxford Blue” in that sport!
Pooh Sticks – Ethan’s social group entered this competition, which arises from the “Winnie the Pooh” books where the game is described. Teams collect and throw sticks into a river and are “raced” as they float downstream. The team with the most winning sticks gets the prize!
DPhil Scholarship – As mentioned, as the year progressed, Ethan’s main concern was to achieve an agreement for a scholarship to obtain his DPhil next year. After reviewing the opportunities available from several universities that might offer a suitable course, he approached Oxford which said they could offer a scholarship, but it would extend only to board and lodging, plus university fees, with no personal cash benefit. Subsequently he visited Cambridge University, inspected the faculty and discussed its course. There, he was offered a full scholarship including cash. Although pleased with this offer, he really wanted to continue at Oxford. So he approached Oxford and told them he would be leaving for Cambridge if they couldn’t match Cambridge’s offer! They did with some improvements! – so he has accepted that offer.
Best Fresher – A “Fresher” is a first-year student. With success in the social area, trampolining, his studies and thesis, Ethan was announced “Fresher of the Year.” Congratulations!
Rotary Contacts – Ethan expressed how grateful he is for the care and attention his Host Club, (RC of Haddenham & District), provided him. He had frequent visits to member’s homes for dinner, weekend meals, and outings. These were very helpful and valuable to him, for which he is most thankful.
Friendship –Not unexpectedly, Ethan says he has made a number of good friends within his academic circle, the Host Rotarians and others. Also not unexpectedly, a young American Law student has become a “special” friend (!). She is now back holidaying at home in California, but as Ethan’s supervisor has agreed to send Ethan to the World Conference of Neuroscience, in California, before commencement of the new academic year, he will have the chance to catch up with her before they go on to Oxford.
Finally, it is very gratifying to have provided a Rotary Scholarship to Ethan. He is an excellent ambassador for Rotary and its scholarship programs.
For interest, donors contributing to his Global Grant Scholarship were:
On Wednesday 30 July 2025, the Doncaster and Bulleen Primary Schools Speech Competition was held in the hall at Beverley Hills Primary School in Doncaster East. The six schools that participated were:
Beverley Hills Primary School; Birralee Primary School; Donburn Primary School; Doncaster Primary School; St Clement of Rome Primary School; and St Gregory the Great Primary School.
The room was packed full of children, parents and extended families, Rotarians and the participants. Brian Tyedin did an amazing job as Master of Ceremonies and the event was supported by Marlene Sinclair from Toastmasters and judged by three judges also from Toastmasters.
Last weekend the shine on Recognition and awards were held by the Rotary club of Diamond Creek district 9790, Their were 17 nominees and for the first time 2 Adult awardees both very rewarding of recognition,
The event was a great success for RCDC and their Present Warwick Leeson OAM there were some 150 present to see the nominees receive there certificates and awards 14out of the 17 nominees were in attendance.
Patrick Wain nominated by Rotary Manningham City was the recipient of the Grahame Thomson encouragement award unfortunately Patrick was unable to attend the awards so Rotary Maningham City will organise a meeting to present the award to him in the future.
It was the first time that we zoomed the awards and a big thanks gos out to Brendon Woods and Luke Bastian of the district committee for a great job I am sure we learnt a lot for the next recognition awards.
The next awards will most likely be in district 9780. ( Geelong) at this stage not sure which club will be presenting the awards as the committee is yet to meet.
For members information there are 4 members of Rotary Manningham City on the Shine on multi district (9810,9800 9820,9790,9780) committee.
Brendon Woods, Luke Bastian, Esther Murray and Barry Halpern.
Rotary Manningham City was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Rotarian Keith Woolnough. The club were proud to celebrate his 98th Birthday recently only to see him called to higher service shortly after. Keith never retired- he was an active member of the club until he fell ill just a few months ago. 
