Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Tuesdays at 6:00 pm

Toorak College

Mt Eliza
Mount Eliza, VIC 3930
Australia

Phone:

0418 319 101

Email:

secretary.rcme@gmail.com

Dinner Meeting at Toorak College & Zoom Meeting Conference Number 82650442487

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November 2025

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Remembrance Day Service

Each year, the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza proudly organises the community’s Remembrance Day Service on November 11, traditionally held at the Mt Eliza Heritage & Memorial Garden adjacent to the 55 Plus Club.

This year, due to inclement weather, the ceremony was held indoors at the 55 Plus Club — a warm and respectful setting for such an important occasion.

The event was masterfully compered by James Farquharson from the Frankston RSL. Captain Paul Mandizy, Royal Australian Navy, delivered a powerful and heartfelt address, beginning with Australia’s involvement in World War I and reflecting on our nation’s greatest single wartime loss — the sinking of the HMAS Sydney in 1941.

Koala Conservation on the Mornington Peninsula

Protecting a Local Icon – Dirk from Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation (MPKC)

At a recent Rotary Club of Mt Eliza meeting, members and guests were privileged to hear from Dirk, founder of Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation (MPKC). Dirk shared his remarkable story of how a simple Facebook page has grown into one of the Peninsula’s most active conservation movements.

New Member Spotlight: Meet Mark!

New Member Spotlight: Meet Mark! 🌟

At our recent meeting, new member MarkRodman shared his incredible life journey — from England to Zambia, South Africa, the US, Latin America, Singapore, Europe, China and finally… Mt Eliza! 🌍✈️

Mark spent 45 years in the tech industry, travelled the world, owned a vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula 🍷, and first discovered Rotary through Rotaract in South Africa.

Rotary Unites for The Ranch and The Ranch 2.0

On a stormy evening that only underlined the need for warm beds and safe shelter, members from Rotary Frankston and Rotary Mornington Peninsula gathered to hear an urgent, inspiring update on The Ranch 2.0 — the community-led crisis accommodation project that has become a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness across the Peninsula.

Watch the video below to get an insight of what homelessness means to people on the Mornington Peninsula.

https://vimeo.com/965580658?fl=pl&fe=vl

https://www.theranchdocumentary.com.au/

A Successful Start to Spring with Our Annual Fashion Parade

Rotary Mt Eliza’s Annual Spring Fashion Parade once again proved to be a highlight of the local social calendar — bringing together community spirit, glamour, and generosity in equal measure. Held at the Mornington Golf Club, the event marked a wonderful start to Spring and showcased the power of community coming together for a good cause.

Mt Eliza Fire Brigade 2025 Annual Dinner & Awards Night

District Grant Project: Playgrounds Bringing Joy Across Continents

District Grant Project: Playgrounds Bringing Joy Across Continents

In partnership with Newlands Rotary, Cape Town, our club is proud to support the installation of 11 playgrounds in informal settlements on the outskirts of Cape Town — bringing joy, play, and safe spaces to children in vulnerable communities.

Thanks to the Rotary Overseas Relocation Program (RORP), many of these playgrounds are also being relocated to other parts of Africa and Pacific Island nations, where communities would otherwise be unable to afford the cost of playground equipment.

Hands On Learning Visit to RCME

At this week’s meeting we were inspired by Lisa Vagg and Russell Kerr, who shared the story of Hands On Learning — a program born at Frankston High School and now running in over 140 schools nationwide.

By giving students one day a week to learn through real projects in schools and the community, Hands On Learning builds skills, belonging and confidence. Locally, Mt Eliza Secondary College has proudly embraced the program since 2014, with Rotary Mt Eliza supporting student projects along the way.

Mt Eliza Primary Early Act Club

This year, Mt Eliza Primary School launched its first EarlyAct Club—a partnership with Rotary that’s inspiring the next generation of community leaders.

Lynsey Breen, who coordinates the program at the school, says the students have gained so much:
✨ Awareness of their local community and how they can make a difference
✨ Leadership skills through assemblies, presentations, and running meetings
✨ Organisation and event management experience

Families have loved seeing their children become more community-minded, and projects like the “Wheelathon” created real buzz across the school.

We’re proud to support EarlyAct and can’t wait to see these young leaders continue their Rotary journey into secondary school and beyond. 💛💙

Rotary Members Share Travel Tales

At a recent meeting, Neil and John took us on two very different journeys – from Neil’s safari adventures in Tanzania to John’s stories of life in rural France. Their talks highlighted the wonder of travel, culture, and community.
[Read more →]

An Evening of Insights with Dr Michael Galak

At our recent Rotary gathering, Michael shared stories from his life that were both thought-provoking and entertaining. From cultural reflections to personal anecdotes, his talk reminded us of the value of resilience, humour, and understanding each other.

A big thank you to Michael for an engaging and inspiring evening of fellowship and learning!

New MemberMember Profile: Andy Simpson – From Newcomer to Active Contributor

Meet one of our newest members – Andy Simpson!
Andy joined Rotary Mount Eliza in October after being invited by Catherine Leonard. Since then, he’s been busy: from running sausage sizzles and bacon & eggs at the farmers market, to helping organise our Golf Day, unloading 50+ wheelchairs for children in developing nations, and even visiting a Cambodian art school we support.

“It’s a great group of people doing good things. You can help as much as you like – and you can say no if you need to.”

We’re thrilled to have Andy (and Yvonne!) in the club, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Rotary Berdychiv

Rotary Mount Eliza Welcomes Rotary Berdychiv, Ukraine

In August, Rotary Mount Eliza met online with Rotary Berdychiv, a newly chartered club in Ukraine. Despite the challenges of war, Rotary Berdychiv is already making an impact through clean water initiatives, environmental projects, and support for children in need.

The meeting highlighted shared values, potential collaboration opportunities, and the beginning of a lasting international friendship.

Rotary Community Awards July 2025

Rotary Celebrates Community Spirit with Special Awards

At our recent Rotary meeting, we were proud to shine a light on two outstanding individuals whose contributions reflect the true spirit of “Service Above Self.”

Charlie Clarke – Community Environmental Award

Charlie Clarke was honoured with a Rotary Community Award for his exceptional work leading Year 9 students from a local school in environmental rehabilitation along the Mornington Railway corridor.

Bella Potter – Shine On Award Recipient

The Shine On Recognition Award was presented to Bella Potter, a remarkable young woman whose journey has turned personal challenge into purpose.

Silva Mcleod: Flying Against the Wind

At our recent Rotary gathering, we were privileged to hear from Silva Mcleod, trailblazing pilot, storyteller, and author of Island Girl To Airline Pilot. Silva’s journey is one of courage, heartbreak, resilience, and deep humanity — from losing her brother due to lack of medical services in Tonga, to breaking barriers in the aviation industry, and now empowering others through storytelling and leadership.

She reminded us that life can change at any age — from becoming a pilot in her 30s, flying for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to becoming one of the first Tongan women to captain a 777. Her message? “Life doesn’t end when your wings are clipped — you just learn to fly a different way.”

We thank Silva for her inspiration and for reminding us all that it's never too late to follow your dreams.