We had a wonderful celebration Christmas dinner last night with 62 members, friends and guests.
A special welcome from Co-President Esther Murray with a summary of our many community initiatives, and really nice speech’s congratulating our club on our community support programs from Federal member, Gabriel NG, State member, Matthew Guy, and Mayor Jim Grivas.
A heartfelt message on the true meaning of Christmas was delivered by our member, Salvation Army Major Wally Spinks.
We awarded four Paul Harris Fellow recognitions for their great contributions to our programs during the year, to Brian Tyedin, Graham Kane, Andrew An, and David Carson. Rick Evans provided music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s to add to the spirit of the night.
Co-Presidents Esther and Anthony Callinan wrapped up our super night, Happy Christmas to all.
Mayor of Manningham Cr. Jim GrivisSalvation Army Major Wally Spinks delivering the Christmas message.Federal Member for Menzies Gabriel Ng MPState Member for Bulleen the Hon Matthew Guy MP
Sam (L) presented flowers to Mayor Cr. Deidre Diamonte (R)
Rotary Manningham City hosted a wonderful Mayoral All Abilities Good Vibrations Disco on Saturday, 1 November at the Manningham Function Centre.
Over 100 participants, parents, carers, and Rotarians joined in this special black-tie event, dancing the night away under the glittering disco ball.
We were delighted to welcome Mayor Deirdre Diamante and Councillor Anna Chen, and a huge thanks to the Mayor for suggesting and sponsoring this year’s disco to become a special Mayoral celebration — and then joining in the fun on the dance floor! The venue looked fantastic, decked out with a red carpet, black and gold balloon arches, and a large media wall — perfect backdrops for photos and plenty of smiles.
Parents and carers were able to relax in the adjoining room over tea, coffee, and a generous spread of finger food. A special moment came when Sam delivered a heartfelt thank-you speech to the Mayor for her ongoing support of the All Abilities Disco and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
On the Red Carpet
Special thanks to our sponsors Bendigo Bank and Darling Daughters who helped make the night a success.
Everything ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of so many volunteers. Barry and his team managed registration, John and Marilyn Bennie looked after drinks, Stella did a super job on the decorations, banner and media wall and Vicky provided a friendly and familiar presence with her hi-vis. Alison from Manningham Council supported us superbly, while Esther, Sohrab and Ian Goldsmith hosted the VIP guests. George the photographer captured wonderful memories, and D J Angelo kept the crowd moving all night.
The evening showcased Rotary’s service to the community and spirit of fellowship — joyful, inclusive, and truly memorable, with everyone having a wonderful time!
Rotarians in Action. L to R, John Bennie, Felix Wong, Ian Goldsmith, Stella Yee, Barry Halpern, Tania Marinaccio, Brian Tyedin, Kevin Hall, Esther Murray (Co-President), Sohrab Bhopti, Keith Anderson. Missing from photo: David Rosenwax.
Over Term 1, 263 student leaders from East Doncaster Secondary College undertook Learning Leadership training at selected Melbourne Schools and at the Melbourne Exhibition and Events Centre (MCEC).
In February 2025, the school provided a leadership training day for Student Leaders where over 90 students attended the day at NewHope Baptist Church which enabled students to learn the essential skills of planning a year of leadership, how to be a leader and start thinking about what initiatives and student might have for the College.
On Wednesday, March 5th, EDSC’s leadership team had the opportunity to attend the GRIP Leadership Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre, where several student leaders from other schools across Victoria joined to build their leadership skills.
Our speaker this week was Ethan Newnham whom we helped sponsor to Oxford University to study for his Master’s Degree in Neuroscience.
Ethan Newnham addresses the club.
Ethan previously spoke to the club last year, just prior to leaving for the UK, when he explained some of the basic science involved in neuroscience and the sorts of experimental work he had done at Melbourne University, which he expected to continue.
His opening remark set the tone for his presentation – “I’ve just had the best year of my life!!” He then proceeded to present many photos and videos of his year’s activities, successfully avoiding mention of its technical and scientific content.
The Oxford academic year runs from October to June of the following year. It has 3 semesters – Michaelmas, Hillary and Trinity. Since June this year he has been finalizing the presentation of his research thesis and enjoying his break.
Ethan is an ambitious scholar, (like most scientists) and says that throughout the year his constant focus was to complete the Master’s course with distinction, in order to qualify to study for a PhD, or in UK/Oxford terms, his DPhil in Neuroscience. This single focus determined the academic aspects of his work. However, there were plenty of other activities and experiences that led to a balanced life, which he told us about. These included:
His Arrival at Oxford, and entry to Brasenose College. This was an answer to his prayers! The old college buildings are beautiful and accordingly were used for significant parts of the “Harry Potter” series of films and for “Downton Abbey.”
Trampolining – Several years ago Ethan was a diving champion. Practice for this sport involved trampolining to help train body control. At Oxford he found that Trampolining was a competitive sport amongst the English universities, so he took it up. This resulted in his winning the intervarsity competition and receiving an “Oxford Blue” in that sport!
Pooh Sticks – Ethan’s social group entered this competition, which arises from the “Winnie the Pooh” books where the game is described. Teams collect and throw sticks into a river and are “raced” as they float downstream. The team with the most winning sticks gets the prize!
DPhil Scholarship – As mentioned, as the year progressed, Ethan’s main concern was to achieve an agreement for a scholarship to obtain his DPhil next year. After reviewing the opportunities available from several universities that might offer a suitable course, he approached Oxford which said they could offer a scholarship, but it would extend only to board and lodging, plus university fees, with no personal cash benefit. Subsequently he visited Cambridge University, inspected the faculty and discussed its course. There, he was offered a full scholarship including cash. Although pleased with this offer, he really wanted to continue at Oxford. So he approached Oxford and told them he would be leaving for Cambridge if they couldn’t match Cambridge’s offer! They did with some improvements! – so he has accepted that offer.
Best Fresher – A “Fresher” is a first-year student. With success in the social area, trampolining, his studies and thesis, Ethan was announced “Fresher of the Year.” Congratulations!
Rotary Contacts – Ethan expressed how grateful he is for the care and attention his Host Club, (RC of Haddenham & District), provided him. He had frequent visits to member’s homes for dinner, weekend meals, and outings. These were very helpful and valuable to him, for which he is most thankful.
Friendship –Not unexpectedly, Ethan says he has made a number of good friends within his academic circle, the Host Rotarians and others. Also not unexpectedly, a young American Law student has become a “special” friend (!). She is now back holidaying at home in California, but as Ethan’s supervisor has agreed to send Ethan to the World Conference of Neuroscience, in California, before commencement of the new academic year, he will have the chance to catch up with her before they go on to Oxford.
Finally, it is very gratifying to have provided a Rotary Scholarship to Ethan. He is an excellent ambassador for Rotary and its scholarship programs.
For interest, donors contributing to his Global Grant Scholarship were:
On Wednesday 30 July 2025, the Doncaster and Bulleen Primary Schools Speech Competition was held in the hall at Beverley Hills Primary School in Doncaster East. The six schools that participated were:
Beverley Hills Primary School; Birralee Primary School; Donburn Primary School; Doncaster Primary School; St Clement of Rome Primary School; and St Gregory the Great Primary School.
The room was packed full of children, parents and extended families, Rotarians and the participants. Brian Tyedin did an amazing job as Master of Ceremonies and the event was supported by Marlene Sinclair from Toastmasters and judged by three judges also from Toastmasters.
Last weekend the shine on Recognition and awards were held by the Rotary club of Diamond Creek district 9790, Their were 17 nominees and for the first time 2 Adult awardees both very rewarding of recognition,
The event was a great success for RCDC and their Present Warwick Leeson OAM there were some 150 present to see the nominees receive there certificates and awards 14out of the 17 nominees were in attendance.
Patrick Wain nominated by Rotary Manningham City was the recipient of the Grahame Thomson encouragement award unfortunately Patrick was unable to attend the awards so Rotary Maningham City will organise a meeting to present the award to him in the future.
It was the first time that we zoomed the awards and a big thanks gos out to Brendon Woods and Luke Bastian of the district committee for a great job I am sure we learnt a lot for the next recognition awards.
The next awards will most likely be in district 9780. ( Geelong) at this stage not sure which club will be presenting the awards as the committee is yet to meet.
For members information there are 4 members of Rotary Manningham City on the Shine on multi district (9810,9800 9820,9790,9780) committee.
Brendon Woods, Luke Bastian, Esther Murray and Barry Halpern.
