Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we move further into the year, I’d like to take a moment to highlight some important updates and opportunities within our club.
Please take a moment to read through this week’s bulletin thoroughly, as it includes several key updates and requests for volunteers. There are also opportunities to engage with other clubs, strengthening the connections that make Rotary such a dynamic and impactful organisation.
Key Highlights:
Volunteer Opportunities & Events: Check the events list for upcoming activities, including ways to get involved with both local service projects and regional initiatives. These are great chances to meet members from other clubs while making a tangible impact.
Celebrating Our Members' Work: We continue to be inspired by the incredible work being done by our members. From local community service to international projects, this bulletin features several stories worth reading.
Testimonial Dinners: Planning is underway for Dr Keith Watts' testimonial dinner, and we’re also awaiting a date from Denise Schellbach for her event, once she can take some time from her busy schedule.
New Members – Don’t Miss Out! If you’re new to the club, make sure to check out information on the District Conference and other upcoming events. There are grants available to help with costs, so read on to find out how to apply.
The GIST Newsletter: Keep an eye on your inbox for the GIST newsletter. It’s full of updates, stories, and opportunities for you to stay connected with the wider Rotary community.
Rotary Youth Exchange – Host Families Needed
We are excited to share an opportunity to support the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. We are currently looking for members willing to host Venezuelan exchange students. Our very own Juan Renato Laporta is eager to help facilitate this initiative, and we’ve also received a request from Johnatan Teran, a Rotary Caracas member and Action Plan Champion for District 4370, who is hoping to find a welcoming host family here.
If you are interested in opening your home and heart to an exchange student, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you.
District 9620 Conference – Toowoomba, 28-30 March 2025
A quick reminder about the upcoming D9620 District Conference at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. While I’ll be sharing the official letter separately, I want to remind everyone that our club will be hosting the Kids & Carers Room at the conference. This is a wonderful way for us to support families attending the event, and we’ll be looking for volunteers to help out once the registration link goes live.
As we reflect on the first half of the Rotary year, I want to thank you all for your dedication and support. Our meetings are not just about discussions—they’re about action. Whether it’s through volunteering, connecting with other clubs, or supporting initiatives like the Youth Exchange, every contribution makes a difference.
Let’s continue to build on this momentum and make the rest of the Rotary year as impactful as possible.
Kind regards,
Angela Murphy
President, Rotary Club of Brisbane