Message from Pres John.
We still have many fellows away on holidays and absent due to illness. Please make an effort to attend the meeting tonight. Even though we had a Board meeting for information at the last meeting, a quorum was not present. If there are enough Board members present we will have a brief Board meeting tomorrow night.
Remember to consider attending this year's District Conference. It is only a one day conference and being held at Brighton Le Sands. DG Renga told me that he chose to hold the Conference in Sydney and only for one day to keep the costs down for attendees. ( https://www.rotarydistrict9675.org/ )
PP Walter will present a report in the form of a video about recent graduations from the School of St Jude which we have supported in the past.
The School Of St Jude
The School of St Jude Limited, known as The School of St Jude (Australia) represents the Australian support base for The School of St Jude in Tanzania. Established by Gemma Sisia in 1999, The School of St Jude (Australia) (then called the East African Fund) was founded so that The School of St Jude would have a solid legal foundation in Australia to support the work in Tanzania. The School of St Jude (Australia) is registered in New South Wales and was granted full tax deductibility by the Australian Government effective 1st July, 2014.
The School of St Jude (Australia) keeps costs to a minimum so that 97 cents in every dollar collected from supporters is made available to the school. Through The School of St Jude (Australia), Australian supporters provide over 92% of all funds donated to support the school.
Dear Walter, Peter and Rotarians of Burwood,
Warm greetings from The School of St Jude!
Thank you again for your support of St Jude’s. As one of our wonderful donors, we thought you would be interested in a little update on one of the biggest events of the school calendar - our 11th Form 6 graduation!
You can hear a special message from some of our graduates and relive the highlights of this remarkable day You can take a look at the photos of the day by clicking here.
This year, 166 proud graduates from the Class of 2025 completed their final year of secondary school education. For many, they’re the first in their families to complete this level of education, a remarkable achievement made possible through your support.
The celebration was vibrant and full of life! Highlights included lively traditional Maasai dancing, a heartfelt farewell song by the students, and awards recognising top students and dedicated staff. It was a true reflection of the spirit of St Jude’s. Family members, staff and visitors all came together to cheer on our graduates as they closed one chapter and prepared for the next with confidence and pride.
Completing Form 6 is a life-changing milestone; thanks to your generosity, you’ve played a direct role in reimagining the future for young people who might otherwise never finish school. With your support, they’re stepping into the world equipped with knowledge, skills and determination, ready to create endless possibilities for themselves and their communities.
Walter, Peter and Rotarians of Burwood, we’re so grateful to have you by our side.
With warm regards,
Daud
From our Last Meeting 29th October 2025
Meeting opened at 6.25 by Pres John with the Rotary Affirmation
Apologies: PP Dennise Herrick ( LOA) Patricia Abraham, PP Fred Walker, PP Sana Kamalesan, PP John Mansour, PP Hugo Robinson, PP Irene Giardino, PDG Paul Sarks
Secretary Report PP Peter Moore
New suggested Bylaws from Rotary International
- End Polio Train 24th October
- District Conference. 14th March
- Bank Balances
Youth Program Update
PRISCA - Anna-Marie Sanni
Organisation continues. Zoom meetings with Anna and Liam
Schools to be constacted.
NYSF - Rob Whitney
• Justin (Rosebud ) confirmed as a participant and paid full attendance Fees .
• Anastasia remains on the waitlist — final decision pending review by Professor Bragg.
• Application fees 50% refund for Justin has been processed .
• Exploring ways to involve younger people in the program.
Bunnings Barbecue Fundraiser Recap
• Turnover discussed with good profit despite a shorter trading day.
• EFTPOS Payment System worked well .
• Roster planning can be improved: minimum 4–5 volunteers per shift (2–3 cooking, 2 serving).
• Plan sausage supply and food safety requirements (temperature checks, sourcing rules).
• Potential future dates:
- Saturday 21 March (pre-Easter) – may be early due to holidays.
- Mother’s Day weekend (preferred).
- Father’s Day as fallback.
- Fridays potentially now an option but may be difficult for volunteers.
Future Fundraising/Event Ideas
• Christmas Market concept suggested for future years — requires planning and resources.
• Garage Sale Trail idea noted — article to be circulated 8-9 and 15-16 November 2025
- Could include sausage sizzle or food stall.
- Low-cost and encourages community engagement.
Christmas Celebration Planning
• Monday 8 December: final meeting of the year.
• Monday 15 December: informal Christmas social gathering.
• No meetings after Christmas until February - Usually Social event in Mid January
• Venue and catering to be confirmed. Last year at Coro 88
Other Events
• Melbourne Cup event: Tuesday 4 November.
• Fellowship night (Chinese dinner) well received — may repeat in
Events at Eurella.
- Sensory Room Hive Opening at Eurella on Friday 17th October. Rotary have been a great supported of Eurella and we would love to invite members to the official opening of the sensory room.
- Carers Morning Tea – Rotarians are invited to Carers Morning tea, the Benevolent Society will be on hand to provide information regarding Carer’s gateway
Rotary Pacific Zone Conference
Coolangatta is the venue for the 2025 Rotary Pacific Zone Conference, taking place from 30 October to 2 November 2025. We are encouraging all Rotarians and Rotaractors to come together. All are welcome. You will be inspired and motivated as we connect and share ideas to grow Rotary and activate the strategic priorities of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Our 2025 event will be held at the Twin Towns Conference Centre. There are plenty of things you can do in this famous part of Australia and its hinterland before or after the conference.
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
