Message from Pres John
Tonight we have our Vocational Excellence Awards. By now you should have your tickets for this important event. Thank you Anna-Marie for organising this event
From our last Club Meeting 11th May 2026
Meeting opened by Pres John at 6.15
Present: John Kane, Sana Kamalesan, Anna-Marie Sanni, Rob Whitney, Paul Sarks, Keith Weeding, Peter Moore, Fred Walker, Walter Bock, Paul Sarks,
Apologies: Hugo Robinson, James Boggs, Patricia Abraham, Alf Dimarco ( sick) Irene Giardino ( sick) PP Dennise Herrick (LOA) Fuad Jaafar, Maralie Bomediano
Visitors: Rosemary King, Lynn ,
Presidents Report: Welcomed our guest Speaker Rosemary King from the Parish Pantry. Thanked those who helped on Sunday with the Burwood Council sausage sizzle. We had distributed all the sausages by 1.00pm. Thanks to pp Keith for organisation. Pres John was disappoined that more of us did not attend the transfer meeting in Blacktown.
PDG Paul introduced Rosemary King from the Parish Pantry.
The Parish Pantry at St Paul’s Burwood began around 15 years ago under Rector James Collins as a simple response to people coming to the church asking for food. What started with donated tins on a shelf gradually developed into a structured food relief ministry serving the wider Burwood community.
Over time, demand for assistance grew significantly, particularly during and after COVID-19. The pantry now operates twice weekly and serves around 200 people each week. Due to limited resources, assistance is restricted to people living within the local area who can demonstrate financial need.
The pantry supports a diverse range of vulnerable people, including individuals experiencing homelessness or insecure housing, residents of boarding houses, and a large number of older Chinese migrants who often face language barriers, financial hardship, and social isolation after moving to Australia to support their families.
Operations rely heavily on volunteers, community goodwill, grants, and donations. Food supplies include staple groceries, bread, and some fresh fruit and vegetables. The pantry has adapted over time to better meet cultural and practical needs, including developing a bilingual volunteer team to support Chinese-speaking clients.
Despite ongoing financial and resource pressures, the pantry continues to evolve and provide practical support, dignity, and community connection to people experiencing hardship in Burwood.
Rosemary answered many questions. She thanked us for the food donations brought along tonight She was thanked by PDG Paul
Secretary PP Peter: Contacted by Alecia Brown, a teacher from Burwood Girls High school regarding MUNA, passed onto Rob Whitney. Submitted St George Bank Document with updated Club details which the bank acknowledged by email but may ask for more information in the future. Old Trailer disposal, District Amalgamation, New Articles and Bylaws from District to be actioned, Rotary Insurance form submitted. Working with Children Checks. Some expired and will contact those who need to renew.
Treasurer PP Fred Walker. Latest account figures circulated by email.
PP Sana: Organising an event at the end of the year. Details to come.
Rob Whitney: To send Burwood Girls an offer for RYPEN and MUNA to sponsor candidates. NYSF open for nominations.
Anna-Marie – Vocational Excellence awards (Monday 25 May 2026), Waiver for room fees, Croydon Park Club, Need Nominations, invited Mayor of Canada Bay, DG Renga, John Faker will send a representative, Has designed new Plaques for persentation. Raffle to be run that evening.
PP Walter: No report on Global Grants
PP Keith: report on the Sausage Sizzle. Janette Weeding was encouraging donations both cash and card and was very successful. Keith has contacted Liam offering help for PRISCA.
Meeting closed at 8.20
Raffle raised $60.00
Redistricting Update from the DG
Greetings from DG Renga.
I would like to share an important update from today’s NSW DGE, DGN, and DG Train meeting with RI Director Jennifer Scott and Redistricting Committee representatives Andrew Best and Murray Wilson.
I am proud to advise that our district presented a strong, united, and well-argued case in support of the One District Model for New South Wales. Our leadership team made it clear that a single district structure is the strongest path for collaboration, membership growth, financial sustainability, and long-term Rotary strength across the state.
Importantly, the Three District Model strongly pushed by our neighbouring district also did not receive broader support during discussions, reflecting the significant concerns many leaders continue to hold regarding its practicality and long-term impact.
The committee carefully received and considered all submissions, feedback, and perspectives shared during the meeting. Our district’s position was presented with clarity, professionalism, and strength, ensuring our voice was heard clearly at the highest level. The Redistricting Subcommittee will now continue its deliberations and is expected to determine the final model at its next meeting scheduled for Tuesday. I will continue to keep you informed as further developments arise.
Regards
Renga Rajan
District Governor 2025-2026 RID 9675
Mobile: +61 448757785
Days for Girls Fundraiser
From Faye Helou
Days for Girls is holding their major fundraiser for the year on Sunday, 31 May - a Gala Lunch. Last year's event was fabulous, and this year's is going to be even better than last year's. We have a celebrity MC - Josh Horner, ex Dancing with the Stars judge, and the speaker is Jessica Rowe, journalist, TV presenter. We have music and dancing - so much fun!
Feel free to invite friends, family, business colleagues to help over 2000 girls to attend school every day, and achieve improved health, education and livelihood outcomes.
Bookings are now open:
New Post Office Box
Our new Postal address is PO Box 2093 Burwood North 2134.
The Post Office Boxes are in Victoria Road East towards Shaftsbury Road
Meeting Apologies
Please remember to send your apologies to Past President Sergeant Keith if you are unable to attend a club meeting. Email: Keith.Weeding@gmail.com
