(Established July 2023 from the merger of Rotary Clubs Manningham and Templestowe and has since welcomed former members from the Rotary Club of Doncaster.)
Co-Presidents 2025-26 Esther Murray Anthony Callinan
In this Newsletter:
Loss of a dear friend and Member
Report from this week's meeting
Next week's meeting 13 May, Templestowe Bowls Club
Project Planning for new Rotary year
Dear Members and Friends,
We are sad to inform you of the passing of our dear friend and Member Keith Woolnough RIP. Recently we celebrated Keith 98 birthday but at that time he was unwell. Unfortunately he didn't recover. Funeral arrangements are this Friday 08 May at 2pm Tobin Bros Funeral Chapel, 816 Doncaster Road, Doncaster. Vale Keith Woolnough.
Our meeting this week was at the Manningham Hotel where we heard from Professor Paddy Dewan. See more below.
On Saturday (02 May) a number of us cooked a BBQ at Bunnings in Doncaster. Led by Barry Halpern the day was very successful. Remember to fill the shift you have booked as this is extremely important. We were short on Saturday morning, leaving only two people, Kevin and Wally to do everything. Thank you both for doing such a great job under such pressure. If you have registered but at the last minute are unable to attend then please let Barry Halpern know ASAP. This is essential.
13 May - Planning and Budget at the Templestowe Bowls Club
20 May - Rotaract Youth Projects at the Manningham Club
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.
John (who is now an honorary member), joined Rotary in 1999 and has been part of many valuable projects since then. In early 2000's he joined a Team that went to Northern Papua New Guinea, after the Tsunami, to help rebuild villages. He has held many positions over the years including President in Rotary Centennial year 2004/5, Treasurer and Secretary many times, and District Membership Chair.
In 2017 John was awarded the Menzies Community Australia Day Award for his commitment and contribution to our Community.
Over the past few years John has been know for his bicycle rides for medical research. This year he cycled up to 100 kms each day.
John is one of our quiet achievers and our Club is so pleased to see him and Natalie attend regularly.
RSP26: Three Days of Inspiration, Leadership & Fellowship — Don’t Miss Out
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
Doncaster College - Cook On. David Rosenwax and his year 12 VM Interact Team had a very successful day making 80 food packs of chicken/bacon pasta bake. This 2nd Cook On for 2026 was donated to Carenet to help feed our community in need.
Templestowe College Year 7-9 Interact Club has a new version of the late Keith Woolnough (Vale Keith) project “Old Tinker Club”.
The concept has mechanics and engineering aspects with the students taking their own motor mechanical items to work on.
The Interact girls ran a bookmark competition, raising money to donate to Adjani for our community in need.
Excellent work done by David and the Interact Teams.
