I trust everyone has been enjoying the warmer weather! Last Tuesday, after an update from the Youth Committee, we broke out into our respective committees to continue tackling our ambitious work plans – the room was buzzing!
June highlighted the work of the youth committee noting the various projects that span the age spectrum from primary to secondary school, all focused on developing future leaders. Program highlights included the very successful and long running solar buddies program – thank you Ross for securing next year’s sponsor! What a wonderful high on which you transition out of leading this program. We were told of a possible expansion of the Rotary Junior Community Achievement Awards taking this fantastic program to an additional local primary school. Finally, June corrected a misconception that the youth programs are singularly focused on the Kenmore State High School. Although the Club participates in several high-profile activities at Kenmore State High School, only a small fraction of the overall budget is allocated to these programs. Most of the programs at the secondary level are available to students from around the Western Suburbs and beyond. Thank you, June, the Youth committee and other members for championing these programs – we clearly are making lasting impact!
Next week Marketa, our Rotary International Youth Exchange Student, will be the guest speaker. Given international youth exchange is a flagship peace program of Rotary, I would encourage you to bring your partners and friends to learn more about Marketa and her plans for the year. Keep in mind that we are still looking for a host family in January 2027 and April to June 2027. If you want to learn more about what being a host family entails, please reach out to June or myself.
Yours in Rotary
JP
New “Kog” Content
The Communication Committee wish to promote our Sponsors and Supporters in the “Kog” consequently to reduce its length, the Members Gallery has been moved to a new sub-page titled “About Us” Click on the Link opposite to view.
International Toast: David proposed a toast to RC Invercargill North, after visiting the club last month. He noted that he and Mary were warmly welcomed, and gave a brief rundown on the club’s activities. Minced Canadian goose breast, anyone?
Solar Buddy: Ross advised that the last session for 2026 is at OLR on 14th September. Volunteers must complete 3 modules for Cath Ed and bring printed certificate. Be at the school at 8.15am. Ross is stepping down from co-ordinating this programme and will be replaced by Helen. Ross advised that sponsorship from National Collection Services (for Haymans Electrical and Tradelink) will continue next year.
Jenn: presented Jason with a banner from the RC Loudoun. It’s an interesting lace banner. She also reminded us about the Alison Baden-Clay memorial bench to be unveiled at Rafting Ground Reserve next Wednesday. Club members attending should wear the club shirt and be there by 9.00am. We will be providing and serving morning tea.
Margaret: presented the new RI podium banner to Jason, Martin and Patrick.
June gave a comprehensive report on the Youth Committee activities. Including costings.
Kenmore SHS – Kenmore Village will continue sponsorship next year ($2,500). We will sponsor two end of year awards at $400 total.
Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) will be in January -we will sponsor a member of Paddington Rotaract
Rotary Junior Community Award – continuing with Chapel Hill, and another school is interested for next year.
Rotary Youth Transition Seminar (RYTS) – information has been sent to schools by District committee – we will sponsor a student ($1,000) if one applies.
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) – we will sponsor ($1,500) an applicant who attends Hubbards school at Milton.
Solar Buddy – we have $2,000 in reserve plus ongoing sponsorship as noted. Still require additional sponsorship.
Youth Exchange – roughly $3,000 – school expenses, monthly allowance, Go Card.
June noted that only a small portion of these expenses relate to Kenmore SHS, with a range of costs for primary schools and Rotary programmes.
Jason suggested developing a list of programmes to send to schools, and Ken congratulated June and the committee.
The committees spent some time discussing their various portfolios.
Jason: advised everyone would be sent a link to a short survey via WhatsApp to select a slogan to be used on the electronic billboard at Chapel Hill. All members are requested to complete the survey.
David proposed a toast to RC Invercargill North
Ross calling for Volunteers at OLR on 14th Sept
Jenn presented Jason with a banner from the RC Loudoun
Margaret presented the new RI podium banner to Jason, Martin and Patrick.
Patrick was the Chair
Paul in Viana do Castel a historic coastal city in northern Portugal
Next Meeting 15th September at One Table Cafe, Kenmore
Marketa, Our Exchange Student from the Czech Republic. She’ll be with the club for 12 months, with Andrea and Luis being the first host parents.
Meeting Responsibilities 15th September
Chair
Thomas, Ross
Duty Officer
Kilpatrick, Ian
Duty Officer
Bridson, Roger
Fellowship
Shah, Urvi
Reporter
Kearney, Mary
*** Note to rostered members :
If you cannot perform this duty please inform Club Service Director Helen Donovan on
0417 789 433 and try to find a replacement.
Club News
Club Excursion 22nd September - The Pink Door
The Projects Committee would like to invite all members for a club excursion to Pink Door in Raceview on Tuesday, 22 September at 10:00am.
The Pink Door initiative was born out of WCSSI (Womens Crisis Support Centre), and their work with community. It is a direct response to the growing needs of the community, specifically for women who are considered at risk, isolated and have limited social support. Their work includes supplying clothing, household items, and practical assistance to help people rebuild stability and confidence during difficult times.
The visit will give us an opportunity to learn more about their impact, see their operations firsthand, and explore ways our club may be able to support their project.
Please register on ClubRunner and then we can try to coordinate car‑pooling.
Due to a previous booking at One Table our planned Lunch has had to be cancelled
Christmas Raffle - Our Major Fundraiser
Planning is underway for the Christmas Raffle that will run over the weekends from November 6 to December 6. The Sign On Roster will be posted on ClubRunner in the next few weeks. Shifts are of 3 hours but we can work with shorter times. Every member should start thinking about their commitment to this major Project. It's success depends on everyone getting involved.
I trust everyone has been enjoying the warmer weather! Last Tuesday, after an update from the Youth Committee, we broke out into our respective committees to continue tackling our ambitious work plans – the room was buzzing! 
Planning is underway for the Christmas Raffle that will run over the weekends from November 6 to December 6. The Sign On Roster will be posted on ClubRunner in the next few weeks. Shifts are of 3 hours but we can work with shorter times. Every member should start thinking about their commitment to this major Project. It's success depends on everyone getting involved.
