RCB Bulletin Thursday 26 December 2024
 
Message from the President

I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve had in the first half of this Rotary year. It has been a period of significant change, with some major shifts such as transitioning from weekly meetings to fortnightly ones and moving to a new venue. These adjustments, while challenging at times, have been embraced with resilience and adaptability - testament to the strength and unity of our club.

Despite these changes, we’ve made remarkable progress. Together, we’ve delivered some incredible initiatives that have touched lives in meaningful ways. From the joy-filled Christmas Seniors Lunch and the Children’s Dinner for the Less Privileged, to the successful installation of the AED at the lifesaving club, our efforts continue to demonstrate Rotary’s mantra of “Service Above Self.”

As we move into the second half of the year, we’re gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and dynamic period. With our major events - like the Bayside Art Show, the Brighton Classic Car Show, and The Great Bayside Swim - on the horizon, activities will certainly ramp up, and I have every confidence we’ll rise to the occasion
as we always do.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have been instrumental in supporting me and our club during this time. To my advisors - PP Julie Avery, PP Keith Cameron, and PP Cameron Ward - thank you for your wisdom and guidance. A special mention to my Vice President PP Ian Stacy - your steadfast support has been invaluable, and I couldn’t have made it this far without you.
 
To our incredible board: your dedication, initiative, and willingness to roll up your sleeves to manage your portfolios is truly inspiring. Thank you for being the backbone of our club’s success. Wendy Davis, thank you for your tireless efforts in organising yet another wonderful fellowship night - it’s moments like these
that strengthen our bonds as a club.
 

As we close out this year and look ahead to 2025, I am filled with excitement and optimism for what lies ahead. Leading this club has been an honor, and I am deeply grateful for each of you and the contributions you make to our shared mission.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Let’s continue to serve, grow, and make a difference together.

Thank you.

 
President Donna Wright
 
 
Highlights of RCB Christmas Cocktail Party

 
Vale Alex Spear
It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing on 15 December of long standing club member Alex Spear PHF+1.
He was 97 years of age.
Alex joined Rotary in 1985, he was an active member for many years and will be sadly missed.
 Our thoughts are with Lois and family at this sad time.
The funeral is scheduled for Monday 23 December.
A Service to Celebrate the Life of Alexander Richard Spear will be held in the Blair Chapel, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Highway Springvale, on Monday, December 23rd, 2024, at 11:15 a.m.

https://russellbrothers.com.au/upcoming-funerals/

Here are just a few of Alex's Rotary Moments:


Rest in peace Alex. Thank you for your wonderful support.
It was a privilege to have known you. Bulletin Editor Max.
 
Vale Jakob (Jake) Kawecki
 
PP David Grodski and PP Ivan Vojlay were amongst other Rotarians who attended a Celebration of the Life of Jakob (Jake ) Kawecki, in Brighton recently. Jake had been a member of our Club for several years until he moved away from Brighton. Amongst his contributions to Rotary, he hosted our Swiss exchange student Christoph Hagenbuch who now is a successful Swiss farmer and Mayor of his Town. Jake and other Rotarians including Roger Fairlam remained in touch with Christoph. It was a very well-attended service including friends from his university days, the legal profession, and family. Tributes from his family and friends were very well received and informative.  A well-loved and resected man. Jake leaves behind his wife Sonia who many in the gathering knew and praised given the marvellous support she provided to Jake.
Report from PP Ivan Vojlay
 
Brighton North Rotary Reading Program
More volunteers needed!
 
 

For many years Brighton North Rotary has been supporting students at the Brighton Primary School with members doing one-on-one reading with selected students. 

The Rotarians read books and form relationships with the students making a huge difference.  Children with difficulties processing visual, auditory or hearing, autism or non-speaking English students have improved significantly. Some children have been engaged for 2 or 3 years resulting in more confidence.  

Brighton North Rotary are now seeking more volunteers to help with the program at Brighton Beach Primary in 2025. Volunteers require WWC and availability to regularly volunteer.

Please email youth@brightonrotary.com.au

Report from Jo Kwok

Coming in January!
 
John Van Wisse
Extreme Triathlete and Bayside swimming identity
John Van Wisse is an Event Ambassador for The Kieser Great Bayside Swim again In 2025 and is seen here with the Jellis Craig Swim Course map board at Middle Brighton Pier.
 

 

 

Special Christmas Greetings
to all Rotarians and their families from PP Geoff McGeary
and members of the 'Brighton Mafia' at the Dendy Deli.

 

RCB Meetings & Events Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr 2025
 
 
REMINDER: SPEAKERS WANTED
Please if anyone has ideas on getting some great speakers for our meetings we would love to hear from you.