The second Rotary Primary School Speech Competition for the Doncaster and Bulleen schools was held on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, at the Doncaster Secondary College Performance Centre.
What a night it was! Twelve contestants from the following primary schools delivered outstanding speeches:
Doncaster Primary School
Donburn Primary School
Birralee Primary School
Beverley Hills Primary School
St Clement of Rome Primary School
St Gregory the Great Primary School
Among those in attendance were Mayor Jim Grivas, Cr Anna Chen, the Hon. Matthew Guy, District Governor Elect (DGE) Murray Wilson, District Youth Chair Daryl Moran, District Membership Chair Malcolm Chiverton, and Rotary Community Leader Trish Carr.
Our generous sponsors were Bendigo Bank, Doncaster Bunnings, WSP Performing Arts School, and Generations Dental.
The judges were from Toastmasters International, with Marlene Sinclair serving as the Toastmasters Master of Ceremonies. The Rotary Master of Ceremonies was Brian Tyedin.
The outstanding teamwork of the Rotary Manningham City volunteers made this an unforgettable evening. However, the real highlight was the exceptional quality of the speeches delivered by every contestant. The confidence, poise, and presentation skills demonstrated by these young students were absolutely remarkable.
The results of the competition were:
First Place – Giselle Chan – Doncaster Primary School
Second Place – Nicky Liu – Beverley Hills Primary School
Third Place – Vir Mattoo – Beverley Hills Primary School
Gold Bunnings Award – Matisse Giordano – St Gregory the Great Primary School
Silver Bunnings Award – Adelaide Pratley – St Gregory the Great Primary School
Bronze Bunnings Award – Karen Eltanbouli – Donburn Primary School
Drama Award – Louis de Luca – Donburn Primary School
The First Place winner will now go on to represent this section at the Rotary District Final on 4 November 2026.
Congratulations to every student who participated and to the teachers , parents and schools for their wonderful support . We wish Giselle every success at the Rotary District Final
The 2 Brians – Co Presidents Brian Tyedin and Brian Negus
Next week, Wednesday 22nd July, we will hear from the team from the Monash University Prostate Cancer Research Group that is dedicated to improving outcomes for men with prostate cancer by developing more precise approaches to diagnosis, treatment selection, and disease monitoring. Their work spans laboratory-based discovery science, clinical trials, and innovative blood-based tests, with the goal of ensuring that every patient receives the right treatment at the right time to achieve the best possible outcome.
Dr David Pook (left) and Associate Professor Mitchell Lawrence (2nd from left) receive the “Big Cheque” from organisers Soula Ganiatsas and Ian Goldsmith at the 2024 Charity Golf Day.
Come along and hear from Professor Renea Taylor – Co-Head of the Cancer Program at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, focused on developing new therapeutic strategies for advanced prostate cancer,
Dr Edmond Kwan – Medical Oncologist and Clinician-Scientist investigating the biological mechanisms that drive prostate cancer progression and treatment resistance,
Dr David Pook – Medical Oncologist leading the translation of research discoveries into clinical trials and improved treatment options for men with prostate cancer and
Associate ProfessorMitchell Lawrence – Laboratory Head in the Prostate Cancer Research Group, focused on developing new hormone therapies for prostate cancer, with a particular interest in improving both survival and quality of life for patients.
Our Club is currently seeking funding support from overseas Clubs and Districts so we can submit a Global Grant application for $174,000 to purchase vital equipment to support the Team’s world leading investigative work. Our Club is providing $70,000 of funds raised from the last two Charity Golf Days towards this Grant application.
29 July Social evening at The Greek Tavern. Greek Seafood Platter: Calamari, Marida, Blue Eye Fillet, Char grilled Prawns. Meat Platter: Lamb & Chicken Souvlaki, Bifteki, Lamb Cutlets, Lamb & Chicken Gyro, Greek Salad plus Desert all for $40 each. Please deposit $40 into Admin Account at Bendigo Bank BSB 633 000 Account No 206 052 730 please add your name also.
Any special dietary requirements please contact Daryl Brown on 0412 060 058. It will be a great evening - no corkage BYO Wine.
Jamie Bastian (Luke Bastian daughter) has been a keen baseball player for many years playing for our local Club the Doncaster Dragons. She has been involved with Rotary also for many years. She was sponsored by our Club Youth Exchange Program to Switzerland some years back, she has helped out our Manningham Rotaractors and assisted in W4YMH.
Last month Jamie helped Victoria win the National Women's competition. Exciting news Jamie has now been selected to join Team Australia to compete in The Women’s Baseball World Cup Qualifier in USA for the playoffs from July 22-26. They will take on a number of countries and if they end up in the top 3, they’ll qualify for the World Cup Finals in 2027. Amazing.
Victoria RESCA is a Rotary-led initiative that shines a light on the dedication and community service of emergency services personnel across Victoria. Whether they serve on the front line or behind the scenes, these awards recognise individuals whose contribution goes above and beyond their normal duties.
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
