This week we had a great guest speaker, Josh Langelaan, Victorian Police Inspector. Josh is the local Commander for the Manningham Area in the Eastern Regions of Melbourne. He shared with us a number of key statistics on crime rates across the Eastern Region, These included, theft from homes, family violence, theft from cars and personal safety. While there were a number of incidents in Manningham, and as Josh stressed the Police aways want these numbers to be lower, we are amongst the lowest of the 20 or so locations in the Eastern Region.
The key incidents were theft from homes and cars, and unfortunately a lot of these are avoidable as they involved unlocked home and car doors - they are opportunistic. Josh spoke about the local Safety Committee and how it works. We will make enquiries about joining this committee as a member or an observer, so we can obtain further information, that can be used by our Community Health and Welfare Committee. It was a very interesting evening with active Q&A from the 33 members and guests present.
Next week we have a social evening at the Templestowe Hotel. Its a great opportunity to catch up with other members. Make sure you register on time to attend.
A reminder that all our members need to have a Working with Children Check. We have a number of active projects involving children. If you haven't had the chance to get your free Volunteer WWC, the link below takes you to the sight.
Our Guest Speaker this week was Victoria Police Inspector Josh Langelaan, who is our Manningham Local Area Commander. Josh moved to our area just a few weeks ago and is settling into his new role. However, he is not a stranger to Manningham, as he went to school and played cricket here. Welcome Josh.
Next week: 26th August from 6.30pm, we will meet for a social evening at the Templestowe Hotel, 23 Parker St, Templestowe Lower. Bring your Partner or a friend and enjoy a great Pub meal. Don't forget to register early.
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.
What an incredible achievement - Jamie Bastian (Rotarian Luke Bastian's daughter), chosen by the Australian Baseball Team, is now in the Women's Baseball World Cup. Next year Australia will be part of the finals playoff in the USA. Good luck girls. You’ve done incredibly well to get there. See highlights of the game below. Can’t wait to watch it all in 2027. Congratulations Jamie.
Note: Jamie was a Catcher and Batter for the Emeralds, and she helped the team of young women show they are a force to be reckoned with, in a sport not native to Australians, and in a culture that is still a long way from recognising women as equally legitimate sportspeople.
Highlights of the game are available on YouTube, and proud Dad recommends the highlights of Jamie Bastian's "Squeeze BUNT" to set up the winning run against Canada and an interview on Facebook.
Students from East Doncaster Secondary College engaged in their Podcast Project this week. Our Club Co-President Brian Tyedin was interviewed by the students as well as Director Ian Goldsmith and Rotary Interact Leader Daryl Brown. Great work done by all.
At the Disco on Saturday night, our wonderful Rotarians turned up in great numbers. Thank you to Luke, Barry, Sohrab, Zubair, Karen, John, Esther and Jay. Also a big thank you to Marilyn Benny and Fatima Nasser. Two vey committed young ladies Jessica and Sophia, helped in setting up and managed the Entrance and Security. A lot of dancing occurred and it even included the St John Ambulance Crew. Thank you all, it meant we all had a fantastic evening.
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
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.
