Our meeting this week was at the Manningham Club where we heard from our Whitehorse Rotaract Team on their Youth Projects (see below).
Co-President Anthony attended Donvale Central Probus 20th anniversary celebrations.
On Volunteer week we would like to say a big thank you to all our wonderful OP Shop volunteers. They work tirelessly to ensure everything goes smoothly. You are very important to us and our Community.
Next week 27 May, our social night, is at the Templestowe Hotel.
The Club Youth Team (Luke Bastian (L), David Rosenwax and Daryl Brown (R)) with Rotaract Members Carina Calg, Matthew Gibney, Amelia Starra-Carey, Brian Wiltshire and RYLA Candidates Wong, Charmaine Wong
On Wednesday, we were delighted to welcome Whitehorse Rotaract President Carina Calcagno and Matthew Gibney, who gave us an update on their thriving club of over 20 members.
Carina and Matthew shared their experiences at the Rotary International Conference and spoke passionately about their involvement in key youth programs, including RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), the newly restarted RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) for 14-16 year olds, and MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly).
An Impressive Portfolio of Service The duo highlighted an amazing array of recent and ongoing initiatives:
Giant Monopoly: Their signature event has run for over 20 years! Held at Box Hill Town Hall, this year's edition brought together Rotaractors, Interactors, and Rotarians to raise a spectacular $8,500 for Backpacks 4 VIC Kids.
Community Impact: From environmental work (including Rotary Manningham City's tree planting) and blood donation drives, to writing Christmas cards for aged care residents and supporting the International Women’s Day Breakfast.
Looking Ahead: They also shared details on our exciting new joint collaboration, ManningJam. This project will showcase local talent, giving Manningham primary school vocalists/instrumentalists, secondary soloists, and five-piece bands the chance to perform for a public audience. Though still in the planning stages, local schools are already responding with great positivity.
It is always fun to welcome Rotaract and share in their youthful enthusiasm for service. Thank you, Carina and Matthew!
RYLA Candidates Ryan Wong (L), Charmaine Wong with Rotoract members Brian WIltshire, Matthew Gibney and Carlina Calcagno.
We are proud to announce that the Club is sponsoring two local residents, Ryan Wong and Charmaine Wong, for the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program this coming July! Ryan is a Computer Science graduate and Charmaine is studying psychology, both living in Manningham and attended Box Hill Secondary College.
What is RYLA? RYLA is an intensive, fun-filled leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs and districts. Held over a weekend at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort, the program gives young adults hands-on, experiential leadership opportunities.
Best of all, the program is entirely peer-led and facilitated by experienced leaders, Rotaractors, and Rotarians—many of whom are proud RYLA alumni themselves.
Congratulations, Ryan and Charmaine! We wish you the best of luck and can't wait to hear all about your inspiring experiences later this year.
Co-President Anthony Callinan was recently honoured to attend the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Probus Club of Donvale Central.
Probus (born from Professional & Business) was originally created to offer retired Rotarians fellowship without the administrative and fundraising obligations of Rotary. As every Probus club is sponsored by a Rotary club, Donvale Central shares a proud history with us—having been sponsored by our predecessor club, the Rotary Club of Manningham.
20 Years Young and Thriving! Donvale Central currently has over 100 very active members. The anniversary gave them a chance to showcase a fantastic history of activities, including:
Outings & Socials: Trips, tours, movie nights, and fun social evenings.
Sports & Fitness: Walking groups and their brand-new, highly popular pickleball teams.
Hobbies: Dedicated musicians, an active book club, and some very serious trivia enthusiasts!
Rotary Manningham City congratulates the Probus Club of Donvale Central on 20 wonderful years of fellowship, friendship, and fun. Here's to many more!
Currently we are checking that all our Members have a current Working with Children Check. Can you please check Club Runner to confirm you have added your details and that you are current. Right now there is a new digital Working with Children Check that can be stored in the Services Victoria app. You can load it onto your digital wallet. It can be scanned on their QR Code for verification.
Report from EDSC: The funding provided by Rotary has directly supported the design and delivery of leadership programs, student-led initiatives, and real-world learning experiences across the College. It has led to an increase in students enabled to explore such opportunities more often, throughout the year.
Excellent feedback from the leadership of the college. Our own Rotarian Daryl Brown is central to this - thank you Daryl.
Very busy time at DSC with the VM Students taking on the White Card training. A number of students also helped out at CareNet. All making a difference in our Community. Great work.
Our Club is hosting the multi district Shine On Recognition Event on 8 August 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.
Very busy time at DSC with the VM Students taking on the White Card training. A number of students also helped out at CareNet. All making a difference in our Community. Great work.
