Valmai Burns open the meeting and welcomed President Denis to the podium who in his introduction had 3 requests.
1 A social get together was suggested for a "Brewers Experience Night" which needs a show of interest from the club, for members and friends to have an entertaining experience at at THE BEER FACTORY in Keilor Park. You are shown how to make your own beer, from start to finish with over 40 types of beer to choose from. It takes about 2 hours. And is a lot of fun. The brewers run you through all the steps to make the perfect brew.
Cost per person is about $50, and you get; the brewing experience and tutoring;
6x large cans of beer that you choose. Finger food on the night. 1x free schooner of beer.
Time could be a Wed. Or Fri. Say 5 to 7 pm. OR during the day Wed or Fri.
SO if interested just email
deniskosnar@kosnar.com.au with preferences and numbers, and we will organise it for you.
2. Next item was that President Dennis was looking for a "RECORDS OFFICER" to get our members details up to date, and keep them that way. It would be an ongoing task for
someone that is interested in doing this. It could be a member, or partner, friend or volunteer that like doing this sort of thing. Let him know !
3. AND finally and most importantly he implored all members and friends to be on the search for potential new members for the club. Ask friends and acquaintances if they have an interest in joining an active ROTARY CLUB. You never know who you might find. Naturally....only GOOD people.
Update on Lisa.
President Dennis visited her today about lunch time to see how she was faring. Considering her plight, she was in good spirits, and as usual always welcoming. The flowers Maria sent were on display and were very lovely.
It looks like it's crutches for about 6weeks. OUCH! Lisa has a major piece of plaster on her lower leg, which needs to be kept elevated for 6 weeks and after that it will be a moon boot for another period of time. Seems like a long recovery.
However Andrew was about and is a good support.
CLUB PROGRESS REPORTS
Various speaker gave their reports on where our projects are heading.
Curry Night
Sunil was pleased to announce that there were over 60+ guests attending our first fundraiser for the year Curry Night and most payments were in.
Comedy for a Cause
Jenny Mann provided an update on the Comedy for a Cause project . It will be held on Sunday October 11 2026, between 4PM- 6 PM. at a cost of $40 per ticket. Jenny advised that we need to start promoting and buy tickets. All profits from the night go to mental health projects.
Jenny requested that if any one has a contact who can help with a donation for our raffle please talk to Christine. An example might be a meal voucher for a restaurant.
Jenny and Christine are happy for any one to assist on the day or with set up. Please let Christine know if you can help.
The Great Essendon Duck Race 2027
Steve Chandler spoke in detail of our 2027 Great Essendon Rotary Duck Race to be held on Sunday 28th February 2027.
Strathmore Bendigo Bank mentioned that they may be interested in coming in as a major sponsor next year.
Considerations for the Duck Race race:
- Closing the road between Holmes Rd & the end of the bowls carpark
- The Essendon Rowing Club has a large regatta in Ballarat that day, so cannot assist with sausage sizzle. We are looking for community groups/Rotary Clubs to provide sausage sizzle or similar.
- Looking for more merchandise to sell
- Possibly have 2 marquees alongside each other, one for ticket sales, one for merchandise
- More Community Groups to attend, such as Fire Brigade & Police
- Purchasing or hiring walkie talkies for the day, (look at possibility of grant from State Government)
If you have any ideas for next year please pass them on for consideration.
Royce Abbey Award.
Welfare Report
Steven Rowe filled in as Welfare Officer. Unfortunately Maria Kouppas has possibly fractured vertebrae and won’t be mobile for a while.
The same applies to Lisa Lowcock, whose injuries were noted by President Denis earlier in the meeting.
Lastly Kunal and his partner travelled to India to be with his ill father.
Community Service Projects
The Aphasia Group – Essendon
Aphasia is a brain disorder that affects how you speak, understand, read and write. It happens when damage occurs in the part of the brain that control language, such as after a stroke or a head injury.
The Rotary Club of Essendon is supporting the Windy Hill group to the amount of $1000 for outings and activities for the 2026-27 year.
National Myles McKenzie’s Health Fund NMMHF
That $2750 is withheld from the NMMHF term deposit in order to have the funds available to meet our commitment to Australian Rotary Health for Myles McKenzie’s sponsorship.
Motion rescinded as an identical motion was passed by Board on 23 June 2026.
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
This program is open to high school students in Year 11. RCE has had at this stage one application for support, and awaiting confirmation from the student’s school to confirm the student’s application.
If the RCE receives more than one application, criteria will be discussed and a decision will be made at Community Committee level.
Fellowship Potential
Michael Portelli spoke of a possible social function at a mansion at Mount Macedon in November next year. Some of us have been there previously. Michael is thinking along the lines of lunch and afternoon tea on a Sunday.
Meeting Close
President Denis thanked all for attending and commended John Odgers for producing Contact.
