As our final weekly meeting for the year, we celebrated President Bec's year with a relaxed "Chinese Takeaway" meal at the home of Secretary PP Thea and PP Terry. Thea and Terry have written to say they thank all participants for having a meal with them on Thursday evening. Thea added, "For President Bec’s last night she wanted Chinese and she ordered some wonderful food. All 15 Rotarians enjoyed the meal, warm house with an open fire in the lounge room and fellowship at the House of Allan. Thanks to everyone who helped clear the tables. It was easy to put the dishes and glasses in the dishwasher this morning!" After the meal, members adjourned to the Lounge room (pictured) and agreed on some positive changes for our club moving forward into 2025-26. Watch this space.Thank you Bec for a terrific year!
A dozen members (pictured) met last Thursday evening to explore some possibilities for our Club's Governance committees as we move into the coming Rotary year. One proposal that sparked a lot of discussion was the idea that we run our club Board meetings once a month at our weekly meeting time and include all members as participants. Governance committee chairs would be responsible for providing reports and proposals at each meeting to be discussed and voted upon by all members present. This would enable all members to feel involved in the decisions of the club and would ensure that each decision is considered by a sizable number of people. Some clubs in our district currently use this method to conduct club business. However, there are some drawbacks to this approach. Click, "Read more..."
Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has been selected by the Board of Directors to become Rotary International’s president for 2025-26. Arezzo will become president on 1 July. The Board conducted a special session following the unexpected resignation of 
Members and friends are invited to attend our Changeover Ceremony and optional dinner on Thursday, June 26th 2025 from 6.15pm at the Maryborough Highland Society. Drinks and meals are at bar prices. Come and celebrate Present Bec's wonderful year and hear about the plans of our first incoming President for 2025-26, PDG Anthony Ohlsen. Please RSVP to PDG Anthony by COB on FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH.
Last Thursday at the Mill House, Public Image Chair Max Berry outlined a new Bike Ride Fund Raising Event proposal for our club. It is proposal that around March 2026, we join with other interested local service and sporting clubs to hold a week-end of bike riding and other activities centred around the Maryborough Harness Racing Club facility at Carisbrook. Whilst no details have been finalized, it is assumed that the week-end might include a gravel bike ride (pictured), a country music concert and or dance, maybe a public walk, and the opportunity for camping. Some advantages of such an event would be that it's a local venue, it's a little closer to Melbourne, and it will bring extra business into our town. Members present agreed that connections should be sought with possible partners and a strategic plan should be developed as soon as possible.
On Thursday, May 29th, members, partners and friends enjoyed a good old Progressive Dinner starting with soup at the home of Terry and Thea Allan. We then moved to the home of President Bec for the main course and ended up at the home of Meryl and Geoff James for sweets, hot drinks and some music quizzes. Thanks to our hosts for opening their homes and preparing parts of the menu. Pictured is part of our group at the Allan's. Click "Read more..." for pix of the other venues.
On Thursday, May 22nd, members thoroughly enjoyed a talk given by James Atkinson, the Project Offer who is currently guiding the Maryborough Hospital project. James, working for the Fairbrother company, highlighted three main areas of challenge for the recently completed first stage of project. Challenge one was how to effectively manage the more than 150 workers who were at various times working on the site. The second challenge concerned the provision of suitably sized mobile cranes to move heavy materials and components around the multi-storey building. The other issue was how to procure sufficient numbers of local contractors to complete tasks in line with building deadlines - for example, on one particular day, local cement providers could not provide sufficient quantities of cement, so additional truckloads had to be procured from Bendigo. After the talk, members met at the Bull & Mouth Hotel for a meal. See "Read more..." for more pix.
This recent diagram shows how donations to the Rotary Foundation are currently processed in the organization. Click "Read more..." for details on how to give directly to the Foundation on line.
On Thursday, May 15th, a dozen members enjoyed the hospitality of the local Girl Guides club at the Guides Hall. Pictured from left are Guides Leader Lyn Curry, Senior Guide, Harriet Thoroughgood, Guides Olivia O'Halloran and Bianka Wilkinson, and leader Viv Wilkinson. After a delicious 3-Course meal, Harriet shared her journey towards being a Queen's Guide, and Olivia, Biana and Viv performed a couple of Guide's songs. Click "Read more..." for more pix.
Eleven members gathered last Thursday to finalize our project plans for the rest of this Rotary year. After a review of our annual program and some valuable, frank discussion, the group made several proposals to put to our Board about the desired balance between local and international projects and some suggested amounts to donate to the previously proposed International projects involving R.O.M.A.C. (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children), Shelterbox, Interplast and Peace Poles.
As part of our Annual project to provide our Barbeque trailer for other local service groups, we recently provided the facility to the Girl Guides on Election Day. The day proved to be very successful for the guides as they raised over $600 for their programs. Pictured are Local State MP, Martha Haylett, our President Bec and Guide volunteers.
On Wednesday, April 30th, we met at the Golf Club with members from four other district Rotary clubs. Each President provided members with an overview of recent events in their club. Top left is Cameron Whyte from Ararat, top middle is George Kirsanov from Beaufort, top right is Greg Fithall from St Arnaud, bottom left is our own Bec Lowery from Maryborough Trad Gen, and bottom middle is Veronica Hutchinson from Maryborough Next Gen. Peter Oddie from Beaufort (bottom right) also provided members with an update on Defying the Drift and Blaze Aid projects in our District.
Past Rotary International Director and friend of our club, Dr. Jessie Harman has finally reached her goal of walking the base camp of Mount Everest (pictured) whilst raising funds for Polio eradication. Congratulations Jessie on a remarkable achievement! If members want to support Jessie's quest, please give to her fundraising effort for Polio. Click this link:
At the Uniting Church on Sunday May 4th, we met Mark Sidandi, the main instigator of a daringly successfull Rotary project to set up a school for young Kenyans in an area previously without education. Mark is pictured here with his friend, Rotarian Geoff Bartlett and Dr. Danni De Villiers. The school is called the Captains Choice School and it has been supported by the Rotary Club of Croydon - now the Rotary Club of Mooroolbark. The latest stage of the venture was the completion of a Year 9 Classroom in January of this year. (Pictured right). See "Read more..." for more pics and details
Mexico - Blessing of the Animals
Members, please notify your partners that we are holding a Progressive Dinner on Thursday, May 29th during our regular meeting time - from 6.30pm. We plan to visit three homes for a three-course meal starting with the home of Terry and Thea Allan at 122 Nelson Street, Maryborough. It promises to be a great social occasion. Please share this information with your partner - where applicable and plan to be there. 
For those appreciators of the Star Wars series, we wish you a happy May the fourth today! May the fourth be with you! Many of the values promoted by the original series of movies from the 1970's are in harmony with the values of Rotary - may they continue to endure.
Click "Read more" for more pics.
On April 24, 2025, Admissions officer from Havilah Hostel, Andrew Earl (pictured with President Bec), shared the story of the Havilah facility with our members. Havilah commenced its operations in Maryborough thirty years ago on June 25th in 1995. It now employs around 250 staff members in various facilities to provide top quality accommodation and care for elderly citizens in the Maryborough area. The thirty-year anniversary celebrations will be held in June this year. Click "Read more..." for further details.
Fourteen clubs in Ontario are participating in a District 7070 initiative to sew reusable menstrual pads for girls in the Dominican Republic led by Janet Thorsteinson, a member of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise. Among the most prolific is the Rotary Club of Campbellford. Since it introduced “Sewing with Janet nights” in September 2023, club members and friends have sewn more than 1,000 pads using sewing machines and fabric that Thorsteinson provided. 
April 16 2025: Over twenty members, partners and friends of our two local Rotary clubs were treated to a guided tour of the brand-new Maryborough and District Hospital facility last Wednesday afternoon. We've been asked not to show internal pics of the place until it officially opens on April 28th, but I'm sure I speak for all in attendance that the place is very impressive, and our community is fortunate to have this facility in our midst. The designers have weaved efficient planning with plenty of natural light and greenery to help reduce the unpleasant aspects of a hospital stay. We sincerely thank our tour guide, CEO Nickola Allan (pictured with our group) for giving up her time to show us around. After the tour, we all enjoyed a meal at the Bull & Mouth Restaurant. Click "Read more..." for other external Hospital pics. We'll publish the internal pics next month.
Next Wednesday evening the Rotary Club of Maryborough is hosting the Group 7 meeting at the Maryborough Golf Club, 6:00 pm for 6:30 pm. These meetings are a get together of the Ararat, Beaufort and Maryborough Rotary Clubs. Stawell until handing in its Charter also used to attend. We normally meet 4 times per Rotary year, visiting each other. The Rotary Club of St Arnaud, whilst in a different Group to us, the tyranny of distance is possibly an issue for them, hopefully they will join us for the evening and we can support them. At these Group meetings we find out what our adjoining Clubs have been involved in previously and what they are looking at going forward. It is a great way to get an understanding of what Rotary Clubs are about and how different each is. A meal and drinks, at own cost, will be available. Please RSVP by COB Monday 28th April, preferably by email. PDG Anthony Ohlsen 
We mourn the unexpected death of Rotary Club of Wendouree member Rob McDougal after a short illness. Rob joined Wendouree in 1998 and served as President in 2005/06 and in many other leadership roles. He was also active at Rotary district level as district trainer and GSE team leader to Brazil. Rob epitomised the spirit of Rotary; he was a gifted leader, loyal mentor and supporter, selfless and wholehearted participant. Our Maryborough members will remember Rob speaking to our club in August last year about his passionate concerns for the people of Ambon in Indonesia.
As we celebrate Rotary’s Environmental Month this April, let’s unite in designing effective community service that protects our planet. Whether it’s organizing local cleanups, promoting sustainable land use, or supporting endangered species, your efforts can make a difference. Explore ways to take action and tips for success in the Areas of Focus guide. You can also browse environment projects on the Service Project Center to get ideas. For even more inspiration and support, connect with Rotary Action Groups that work on endangered species, sustainability, and food plants. Together, we can protect the environment and create lasting change in our communities!
It has been 50 years since Rotary Youth Exchange became an official program of Rotary International. This program connects cultures, inspires service, and creates friendships that last a lifetime. The picture shows this year's Youth Exchange students at our recent District Conference. Click this link to watch a short YouTube video about Rotary Youth Exchange. 
April 3rd 2025: Members gathered in the meeting room at the Mill House to hear reports from those who attended the recent District 9780 Conference. Highlights reported included presentations by Ramish Ferris on the value of efforts to eradicate Polio (Click Read more... for more details of this talk and pics of the Conference), Rosie Batty on Family Violence, Dr. Jessie Harman on the 100 Year Anniversary of Rotary in this region, Peter Drysdale on the development of cyclone proof housing for families in Fiji, and Prof. Michael Carr-Greig on Youth mental issues. To watch a YouTube video of the conference, click the link in the article below in the Bulletin or elsewhere on the Home Page.
To watch a half hour video of our members attending the District 9780 Conference including some short video segments and selected slides from many of the presentations, click the following YouTube link: 
March 30th 2025: Almost seventy bike riders headed off from Summerfield Winery (pictured) in Moonambell on Sunday to help Maryborough Rotary Club raise money for local service projects. The temperature was pleasant, but the wind was a challenge as riders negotiated the hills near Elmhurst before returning via Landsborough back to the Winery. Thanks to Brian for doing most of the organization and to all Rotarians and friends who helped out with promotion, marshalling, and supporting the riders. Click "Read more..." for more pics.
At Thursday's meeting, PP Brian Reed provided members with some stats from last week's Bike Ride, 69 riders participated including 7 "walk-ins" on the day. Receipts were over $3000 and once costs were deducted, we enjoyed a profit of $1995.71. Again, a big "thank you" to Brian and the Rotary members and friends who worked on this event. The great image here was taken by President Bec from the "Sag" wagon. Other great pics taken by past member, Toby Bainbridge can be accessed by clicking, "Read more..." Thanks, Toby.
A reminder that members will be given a tour of Maryborough's brand new hospital complex at 4.30PM on WEDNESDAY April 16th. This will be followed by an optional meal at the Bull & Mouth. Please note the earlier start and the fact that our meeting will be on Wednesday. There will be no meeting on the Thursday of that week - the day before Good Friday. It is essential that we have numbers for both the tour and the optional Bull and Mouth Meal by NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 15TH. Please let PP Anthony know if you will be attending. We do not know exactly how long the tour will be so there could be a break between the tour and the meal.
PP Meryl has finally received a package of information on Peace Poles for Rotary Clubs from 
March 23rd - 25th 2025: Seven of our Trad Gen members attended the Rotary District 9780 Conference and enjoyed an inspiring, varied program of speakers and activities prepared by District Governor Lesley Shedden (pictured) and her Torquay Rotary team - and others. Keynote speakers included Michael Carr-Greig talking about Mental Health disorders in Australia where 40% of 16 to 24 year olds currently experience some form of mental disorder, Rosie Batty talking about Domestic Violence and Polio Survivor, Ramesh Ferris talking about his lived experience of Polio. At next week's meeting we'll see some pics and videos and hear more about this great event. Click "Read more" for more pics.
March 28 2025: At the AGM of the Trad Gen club, we confirmed most of the new office bearers for 2025-26 with its new theme of "Unite for Good". President(s) will be PDG Anthony Ohlsen and PP Martin Mackay. Secretary will be PP Thea Allan, Treasurer and Past President will be PP Bec Lowery. The Administration Chair will be PDG Geoff James, Membership Chair will be PP Garry Higgins, Public Image Chair will be Max Berry, Projects Chair will be PP Alison Teese (TBC). We're still looking for a Rotary Foundation Chair - any volunteers please?
March 28 2025: Local Volunteering champion, Tony Macer spoke at our club about the new million-dollar grant that the local Volunteers Organization has secured for volunteer groups in our shire. Volunteer groups, like Rotary, will be able to apply for assistance with local community improvement projects that are sustainable into the future. More details will be released in coming weeks.
For those who have not been able to attend a meeting of the "Trad" Gen club recently, we advise that for a trial period, our club meeting times and arrangements have changed. We now meet at 6 for a 6:15PM start AT THE MILL HOUSE, and at 7:15, members are invited to attend an optional meal at a different local restaurant each week. This change has occurred because we are no longer able to have meals at the Mill House. Drinks will still be available from 6PM at the Mill House.
January 18th 2025: Maryborough Rotary Club members were delighted to launch their new "Next Gen" Satellite club by inducting eleven new members. Rotary District Governor, Lesley Shedden presented badges and welcome packs to each of the new members. Click "Read more..." for more pix.
Motto: Service Above Self
Maryborough, VIC 3465
Australia