This Wednesday we had an update from Kellie Wishart, CEO of CareNet. We have been partnering with CareNet, Ajani Neighbourhood House and Doncare for many years, and we are always concerned to hear that food security and the need for relief in the City of Manningham is increasing year on year, most recently by 34 percent. The work that Kellie and her dedicated team of volunteers do to manage logistics, donations, gathering food, arranging client meetings and distribution, is astounding. At our last meeting the Board decided to donate $10,000 to CareNet to support the work they do, in association with Ajani, so they have more capacity to provide food relief on the run up to Christmas.
We also had on hand last night 200 food donation boxes from CareNet to be filled with non-perishable food. Many members took a number of boxes so they and neighbours and friends could fill and deliver to CareNet. Thanks to Esther and Sohrab for arranging collection. Photo below: CareNet CEO Kellie Wishart with Co-President Brian Negus.
Bendigo Bank, at its Community Partners Night, gave out grants to a number of Manningham organisations. RMC received a grant for $12,000 for Good Vibrations Disco Series and Prostate Cancer Charity Golf Day. Our LAARFS program received a grant of $7,000 for Venue Hire. Rotaract club of Whitehorse received a grant of $6,000 for ManningJam. Many thanks to the Bendigo Bank East Doncaster and Templestowe Village Branches for what they do to help finance Manningham organisations that help members of our local community.
The Manningham Family Festival and Walk for Youth Mental Health on October 25th is fast approaching. Signs promoting the MFF have gone up around Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster. Please sign up to volunteer for some of the times as we need assistance on Saturday and especially Sunday.
Our meeting next Wednesday 21.10.26 has been moved to Thursday 22.10.26 at the Manningham Function Centre for the Manningham Business Awards. We have 24 members and partners attending this special event which we are co-sponsoring with Manningham Council.
Delivered in partnership by Rotary Manningham City and Manningham Council, the Manningham Business Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across the business community.
The Presentation Dinner is being held on Thursday the 22nd of October and in recognition of our Rotary Club’s contribution to the Manningham community and these Awards, we would be delighted to welcome you as our guest to help celebrate this year's finalists and winners….Yes this is a free event for Rotary Manningham City members and partners.
Event details
Date: Thursday 22 October 2026
Time: 6 pm to 10 pm
Venue: Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
Dress code: Cocktail
Cost: Free to Club members and partners
The evening will include a 3-course meal and drinks, networking opportunities, and the announcement of category winners, including the inaugural Manningham Business of the Year Award.
We want as many Rotarians and partners to attend as possible so please respond asap to Ian Goldsmith (ian.goldsmith@bigpond.com) with any dietary requirements and the name of the person requiring them.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase our Rotary Club to the Manningham community.
Rotary Manningham City welcomes the Manningham Community, and the wider community, to the Manningham Family Festival and the Walk for Youth Mental Health on 25th October, to be held at Ruffly Lake Park in George Street, Doncaster East from 9am to 4pm. Parking is accessible from King Street. We have partnered with Scouts Victoria and the City of Manningham to promote the importance of Youth Mental Health in association with the Manningham Family Festival.
The Walk is to raise awareness and support this critical cause to de-stigmatise mental health. Bring the family along for a stroll around the park. Sign-in commences at 9.30am for a 10am start, pre-registered walkers will all get a free hat. To register, type Rotary Manningham City into your search engine to find the registration, and also register for the Scouts World Activity Zone, including the Festival Carnival for the kids.
Don't miss this fabulous Festival Day for families with a huge range of craft stalls, fresh produce, plants and more. We have a full-day program of entertainment with local groups performing drama, music and dancing. Lots of activities for kids with an animal farm, and a huge range of carnival rides. A range of food stalls featuring many cultures will be provided, so make sure you can spend a great day with the family. Check our facebook page for updates.
Registrations are now open for the Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026, 30 Oct–1 Nov in Melbourne. This year’s theme — People • Planet • Peace — brings together an exceptional lineup of speakers. Members will leave with practical tools, fresh ideas, and renewed confidence in Rotary’s future.
Clubs and members are encouraged to also consider:
·President’s Breakfast (Sat) — an energising session with incoming RI President Larry Lunsford, designed for current and future club leaders. Registration Link
·Rotary Foundation Masterclass (Fri) — with Past RI President and incoming TRF Trustee Chair Gordon McInally, focusing on mental health, impact, and how clubs can use Foundation grants more effectively. Registration Link
·Saturday Gala Dinner — Unmasked: Masquerade Ball A spectacular evening featuring performances from classical musicals, a professional jazz band, a Phantom‑themed surprise duet, and a dramatic all‑guest unmasking moment. Clubs may wish to book as a group via the main conference registration site.
·Friday night fellowship dinner – an informal opportunity to socialise with members from across the region. Registration Link
