A Club in Action: Community, Youth, Environment and International Projects Moving Forward

From feeding local schoolchildren and upgrading community facilities to supporting Cambodian schools, environmental restoration and youth mental health initiatives, our latest Club Assembly highlighted the depth and breadth of Rotary in action. There is a great deal happening across our committees — and even more to come.

Community in Action

One of our most meaningful ongoing projects is our Sandwich Run, delivered in partnership with Peninsula School. Students prepare cheese sandwiches which our members distribute to primary schools across the region, including Langwarrin, Seaford and Frankston. These are made available through school tuckshops so that any child without breakfast or lunch can quietly access food. The program runs four times each year and remains a cornerstone of our local community support.

Planning is underway to once again host our much-loved Fashion Parade at the Mornington Golf Club. With a preferred cap of 100 guests, the focus will be on maintaining the event’s intimate and successful format while enhancing food and musical elements to elevate the experience.

A smaller-scale fundraiser, possibly a professionally hosted trivia evening, is also under consideration.

We are also proud to support the local Over 55s Club kitchen upgrade. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has contributed $50,000 toward renovations, and our club has secured a Rotary District Grant of approximately $6,500 to assist with new kitchen equipment including refrigeration, oven, microwave and dishwasher facilities. This collaborative effort reflects Rotary working constructively alongside Council for the benefit of the wider community.

Environment and Sustainability

Our Environment Committee continues to expand its work, partnering with local conservation groups on habitat restoration, indigenous planting and proposed nesting box installations.

We are pleased that Council approval has now been granted for the proposed shelter at the Cobb Road dog park, with contractor documentation currently being finalised.

Following a successful wine tasting event at the Country Club, another environmental fundraising event is being explored to further expand our impact.

Recycling initiatives are also being investigated, particularly around hard-to-recycle plastics such as pet food bags, recognising the increasing importance of waste reduction and sustainability within our community.

International Projects

A District Grant has been approved to support the purchase of a tractor for a Cambodian school, helping improve agricultural productivity and educational sustainability. Funding is being shared between District and club contributions, with further details being finalised.

The International Committee will meet off-site to undertake deeper strategic planning and review future global projects.

Youth and Education

Our Youth Committee is advancing two significant initiatives.

The “It’s OK Not to Be OK” mental health initiative is progressing following positive engagement with local school leaders. Further discussions are underway to determine how the club can best support schools and students.

Our annual Music Enrichment Program, in collaboration with musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, will be held on 8 May. Primary school students from across our region will attend this immersive orchestral experience. The 2026 theme, “Beethoven’s Gaming Quest,” connects classical music with contemporary gaming concepts to engage young audiences in a dynamic way.

We also continue to explore RYLA and other youth leadership opportunities, with potential candidates emerging.

Major Fundraising Success

Our International Women’s Day Breakfast, hosted at Mornington Racecourse, is a complete sell-out with 300 attendees. Funds raised will support a local women's project - Moonah House.

Planning is also well underway for our Annual Golf Day, with beneficiaries including Code 9 and Street Side Medics. Funds will contribute toward establishing a mobile medical clinic on the Mornington Peninsula.

Across all committees, one message is clear: there is significant work underway, strong collaboration within the club, and meaningful impact being delivered locally and internationally.

If you would like to learn more about any of these projects or become involved, we welcome your interest.