A tad after 7.00pm President Rhonda opened the meeting (in bright sunshine), welcomed the assembled gathering and called on Ross Smith to MC the evening. Guests at each of the tables were introduced and mention was made of:
- the special table decorations prepared by Rowena [2 months work]
- next Saturday's bridegroom David Brownlie (Donna's fiance).....this is a neat way to prepare for nuptials with all the expert advice at their table.
Toast to Rotary International
PDG Jerry Casburn (looking in remarkable nick) was called upon to deliver the toast to RI which he did with aplomb. In February this year we celebrated the 120th birthday of Rotary. Among the many many achievements has been the polio plus program which has saved and improved the lives of millions. The Rotary Foundation is one of the largest and highest regarded organisations for delivering humanitarian projects in the world. At the local level our club has delivered assistance through ROMAC and planted peace poles at schools. 7 areas of focus prevail and we have had 7 new members in the last 12 months....synergy.There is the WASH program in Cambodia, helped by Unley Primary School, to deliver clean water and sanitation. And not to forget the Police Officer of the Year and Teachers Awards.
Jerry proposed the toast!
Inductions
Kate Porter then conducted the inductions ceremony for our 3 incoming members, asking each to provide a brief background of themselves and why they were joining our club.
Sarah Sullivan - allocated to the International Service Committee - was born in New Zealand. 40 years ago she headed to Australia......but still backs the All Blacks.....you cannot win then all. Her father suffered from polio so Rotary has special significance. Vivienne Wood, her good friend of 30 years, sold the virtues of joining Rotary. Sarah believes in helping those in need - she has until recently been involved in supplying medical equipment to Tanzania and assisting an Afghan family.
Greg Abel - allocated to the Youth Committee - was also influenced by Vivienne, namely the ability to gve back to the community through Rotary. He is an 'Unley lad', living for much of his youth in Eastwood. His parents ran the Burger King at the Unley Shopping Centre, aptly named 'Harry's hasty tasty'. Of significance, he was a former Sturt player in the juniors....applause from the editor. His stock in trade is banking and finance. And has for the past 5 years been assisting family businesses, with skills he would wish to utilise in Unley Rotary.
Donna Cavallaro - allocated to the Community Service Committee - has been a physiotherapist for nearly 10 years. Her first encounter with Rotary was through a SA Health project. This experience motivated her to get involved and bring to our club a youthful perspective. There is a real need for Rotary to attract young members......absolutely
Each were inducted into the club with ardent applause.
Christmas enjoyment
Grace was delivered by Bob Mullins and succulent fillet of beef with vegies was served.
Nathan then read an inspiring/satirical poetic piece about Santa....very funny.
Announcements
President Rhonda:
- outlined the achievements of Chris Davis who has resigned to spend more time with his family. His stewardship of the SA Police Officer of the Year and the Teachers Awards has been excellent. He was presented with an achievement award and honorary membership was bestowed. Chris responded and thanked Jerry in particular for his encouragement.
- presented Donna with a horseshoe with the very best wishes for her marriage to David on Saturday
- thanked Graham Ey for spray painting the table decorations
- thanked Robert Freak for the use of his shed for storing our BBQ equipment and for his quiet advice.
Patsy Beckett was pleased to reveal that the Beckett-Ey car trial of the last decade may well have a new team organising the event in the form of Sarah and Greg.
Finale
The winners of the lucky door prize were Jerry, Simon, Bob Mullins and Beverley Baker.
And the winner of the super raffle was Sue Baillie.
The table decorations were then auctioned with Briony a very generous contributor.
President Rhonda wished everyone the very best for Christmas and beyond.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm
Editor's note - Special thanks to President Rhonda, Patsy, Valerie and their elves for delivering a joyous night at Kooyonga!
Rogues' Gallery......many thanks for the excellent team efforts
Below are snaps from our Christmas Concert at the Rotunda on Saturday. Tis grand that Unley Mayor Michael Hewitson is receiving the very best of advice from our BBQ team.
The talented Unley High School ensemble.... but stronger microphone needed
Rob Freak and Kobi directing the BBQ, and Father Christmas in action....did so well that he is being booked for next year.....practice makes perfect
And 2 days later
The crew at Unley Primary School raising money for the WASH program in Cambodia with a sausage sell out......Sarah has obviously been blocked out by the boys
Rotary International News....next time
Coffee Chat at Impressa, Unley Shopping Centre
10.30 am on the first Friday of the month is good for a chat with Rotary friends and a caffeine fix - Next one Friday 6 February 2026
Upcoming Meetings
TBA................................kicking off 3 February 2026
Apologies and Meeting Enquiries to: Secretary Greg McLeod on 0417 811 838 or email to secretary@unleyrotary.org.au
Venue Set-up Enquiries to: Bulletin Editor Stephen Baker on 0403 687 015
Saturday Thrift Shop Roster
Early Shift: 10.00am to 1.00pm Late Shift: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Week 1: 3 January 2026 Shop closed
Early: Haydn Baillie & Donna Cavallaro | Late: Robyn Carnachan & Leonie Kewen
Week 2: 13 December 2025
Early: Greg Mcleod & Wendy Andrews | Late: Vera-Ann Stacy & Reno Elms
Week 3: 20 December 2025
Early: David Middleton & Nathan White | Late: Vera Holt & Rhonda Hoare
Week 4: 27 December 2025 Shop Closed
Early: Stephen Baker & Judi Corcoran | Late: Jason Booth & Vera-Ann Stacy
Week 5:
Early: Bob Mullins & Wendy Andrews | Late: Virginia Cossid & Paul Duke
Rotarians, who are unable to attend as rostered, please arrange a swap or as a very last resort contact: Vivienne Wood 0408 819 630; e-mail: vwood@ozemail.com.au
Mitre 10 and Bunnings Barbeques
The Mitre 10 BBQs are the first and third Saturdays of each month. Morning shift 8.30am - 12 noon; afternoon shift 12.00 - 3.30pm, then clean-up.....next scheduled is probably early February 2026
ALL the Bunnings Mile End Barbeque shifts are from 8am to 5pm
Morning shift: 8.00am – 12.30pm | Afternoon shift: 12.30 – 5pm
We have been allocated the last Monday of each month. But our next one will be Sunday 28 December 2025
The Tale End.....
Some of the very worst Christmas jokes to lighten your way/day
What do you get if you cross a snowman and a shark? Frostbite.- What’s Santa’s favorite type of music? Wrap.
- What do you call a snowman party? A snowball.
- Why did Santa put a clock in his sleigh? He wanted to see time fly.
- What did the beaver say to the Christmas tree? Nice gnawing you.
- What do you call a kid who doesn’t believe in Santa? A rebel without a Claus.
- What’s Santa’s favorite pizza? One that’s deep pan, crisp and even.
- Why did the elf put his bed into the fireplace? He wanted to sleep like a log.
- What’s the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the regular alphabet? The Christmas alphabet has Noel.
- What’s the most popular Christmas wine? “I don’t like Brussels sprouts!”
- What did one Christmas light say to the other? You light up my life.
- Why does Santa have a garden? So he can hoe, hoe, hoe.
- What did the grape say to the raisin on Christmas? “Have a very grape holiday.”
- Why did Santa’s helper see the doctor? He had low “elf-esteem.”
- What do you get when you cross an apple with a Christmas tree? A pineapple.
- What do you call a cat on Christmas? Santa Claws.
- What do snowmen wear on their heads? Ice caps.
- Why does Santa always go down the chimney? Because it soots him.
- What do you get if you cross a bell with a skunk? Jingle Smells.
- What do you call Santa’s little helpers? Subordinate clauses.
