Template (Jul. 15, 2026)

Meeting 3991 - 13 July 2026

"Club Assembly" - plans and feedback

Visitors and guests warmly welcomed.

Apologies and Guest Bookings

Call 0437 126 485

by 11am on Monday

Non apologies will be invoiced for meals.

Frank Farnsworth

President Frank opened the evening's proceedings by welcoming members and guests to the meeting.

While our FIJI volunteers are away in Koroitpita building Rota homes, the remaining members braved the cooler weather in Portland. Our thoughts are with Erin who had to travel to New Zealand instead of FIJI unexpectedly.

Today a change in room venue produced increased banter while everyone was able to speak to others across the table, and with people not normally in their chat zone.

Feedback from the last board meeting -

Prepared budget for the coming year presented and approved
planned visit from Rotary Club of Hawthorn on November 16th - coulld be up to 60 people present therefore planning for an evening at the Portland Bowls club.
Request from school groups for use of easels for arts display - this will need help for setting up and pulling down - approved.
Kyeema spring fair is scheduled this year fro Octoer 3rd - usual BBQ van set up required.
This Saturday is a fundraiser for Danny Pridham (RIP) by Bianca - with Westerns v. Dartmoor game - need raffle sellers -contact Frank.

Terry Hallett started a lively Sergeants session - holding this position for 4 months - everyone is on notice! (even Frank with his cringe worthy jokes!)

Join us in making a difference!

Mondays at 6:00 pm

The Macs Hotel - Admella Room

41 Bentinck street
(Online available)
PORTLAND, VIC 3305
Australia

Phone:

0437 126 485

2nd and 4th Monday each month. Time 5:45 pm for a 6:00 pm start (in person)

Jul 27, 2026 6:00 PM

Michael Golby

Rural and Realestate outlook

Michael works for the team at A1 Real Estate Solutions

Aug 10, 2026

FIJI volunteers

Feedback from the FIJI trip

View entire list

Membership and New Club Develpoment Month

Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026

SayNO2familyviolence committee meeting

Aug 11, 2026
9:30 am - 11:00 am

View entire list

Child & Maternal Health - month of focus

Rotary members create projects promoting Child & Maternal Health - not just in July, but all year.
Birthing kits, polio vaccinations, hygiene kits, sharing knowledge & skills with healthcare workers and equipping health clinics are just some of the projects making a difference - locally and globally.
#maternalhealth #ChildrensHealth #rotaryprojects

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Temporary new room

Our meeting started out freshly with a new room to try out - max capacity normally 16 - fortunately we had around 20 people attend the evening and despite us being "close and personal" with our neighbors - the setting worked well and was warm and inviting.

New Member Talk - Steve Chapman (Chappy)

Born in 1963 and moved to Portland with family in 1965 with two brothers - father worked at the Woolstores in Portland. Spent youth at Portland schools and began work with Clyde Alley selling shoes. Learnt alot about customer service and culture in this time travelling with Clyde and experiencing different things. Remains a good friend today. Spent a short period travelling through the Bait and Tackle shop but sought more 'child friendly hours'. Spent over 18 years selling cars and then moved into the Portland phone shop where he currently works and owns. All three sons were educated in Portland and doing very well. Steve has spent nearly 48 years playing squash and racketball, and as well as coaching basketball. Heard about Rotary through a connection with Beats Cycle for Hope and was asked to join following a fundraiser for Mens Mental Health as a drag queen. Surprised by a recent art work in the Penrose collection around Mental Health, of his Drag queen persona. Loves Portland and loves Rotary!

Has been supporting and supported by Mending minds - a social and support group for mens mental health. Well done Chappy!

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Feedback from community directors and members

Sandwich program - continues to work well with community input and now that increased numbers are required a new venue was sought - now able to work from the Portland bowls club.
Dayle had feedback regarding an online community directory of services - through community feedback is was noted the previous register was no longer available. A small working party will be meeting regularly to restore this iportant directory.
SayNO2familyviolence round and shield match - thanks to members and friends who were able to support the committee by being on the gate in very cold conditions, handing out flyers and putting up banners and flags. Overall the information was well received. Special thanks to our new member Steve Chapman saying "Im here representing Rotary and Im providing you with some information on our project SayNO2familyviolence" sounded very professional and getting the Rotary name 'out there'. Discussion around the table about the project.

winners of the sayNO2familyviolence shield match were Heywood

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Frank Farnsworth

President Elect

Tony South

Secretary

Erin Barker

Treasurer

Richard de Koning

Past President/Community Service

Peter Taylor

Youth & International Service

Andy Murrell

Membership & Public Image

Tony South

Club Officers & Roles

Program Coordinator: Dayle King, Erin Barker

Rotary Foundation: Peter Simons

Bulletin via CR: Erin Barker, Carolyn Millard

Assistant Treasurer: Roscoe Hine

Historian: Erin Barker, Peter Simons

Web support/social media/Club Runner: Erin Barker, Frank Farnsworth

Sergeants: Terry Hallett

Photo/video: Peter Simons, Erin Barker

Asset Management: Brian Murphy, Les Thomas

Insurance/Risk Management: Geoff McKenzie

Constitution/Bylaws: Peter Walsh, Dayle King

Child Protection: Brian Murphy, Andy Murrell

When community ask "What is Rotary about?" Try this answer.

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UPCOMING MEETINGS

Date	Venue	Program	Chair	Behind the badge
27/07/26	MACs hotel	Michael Golby Rural & real-estate outlook	Terry Hallett	Wayne Edwards
10/08/26	MACs hotel	FIJI feedback	Ian Eldridge
24/08/26	MACs hotel	TBC	TBC	Bob Hampshire

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Creating Lasting Impact - DG Tonie Thiel

Just a reminder of our new District Governor Tonie Thiel who started her year on 1st July 2026. Tonie comes from Casterton Rotary club where she has been heavily involved in disaster relief for her local community following the hail storm over 2 years ago. People are still recovering in the aftermath with the challenge of insurance coverage in this country town.

Tonie acknowledged during her changeover speach - "We are stronger together!".

Read about the Presidential theme

Rotary Club of Portland Inc, P.O. Box 255, Portland, 3305, Victoria AUSTRALIA VIC

Rotary Club No: 18248 District 9780. Charter No: 5494. Chartered 13th April 1942.
A0019715H ABN: 66 158 939 207