Opening
MC Ross Smith announced himself 7 minutes before take-off to settle the nervous crowd and, at 7pm, lifted off with a message about optimism for the future.....
Toast to Rotary International
Graham Beckett proposed the toast to RI extolling the Rotary virtues of humanitarian assistance, strong ethics, and pursuit of peace and goodwill. We need to keep growing and adapting.
District Governor Elect Damian Leach was joined by Past District Governor Emma Davis from Victoria (
our sympathies) in responding to the toast. Emma pointed to the proud history of service and leadership delivered by our club over the past 90+ years. Damian extolled the strength of RI with its ability to achieve great deeds through working together with common purpose. Unley has contributed over US $250,000 to the Rotary Foundation. This last year close to A$5000 was donated by Unley to RF and Polio Plus.
It is intended that a District Grant of $180,000 from 9510 will focus on reducing domestic violence in Alice Springs. Lets create lasting impact.
President Rhonda Hoare presented her report for 2025/26
In a video presentation (once the laptop got hooked up), the Prez comprehensively covered club activities over the last 12 months. She is happy to have Jerry back, as we all are!
The influx of talented new members has been somewhat counterbalanced by resignations for reasons of health and competing priorities.
Volunteering for the Thrift Shop, Bunnings and Mitre10 are noble pursuits as they enable the financing of the club's many worthwhile projects. Our involvement in the feeding of disabled children at the zoo with the Variety Club is a great experience. We are grateful for the space provided by Robert for our 2 trailers. The car trial delivered by the Bonython, Ey and Beckett team was again a winner (except for Stephen). Vivienne Wood (currently overseas) had guided the Thrift Shop operations for 8 years and we are now pleased that Sarah Sullivan has taken up the challenge, with former member David Pisoni looking after sales and roster. Viability of the shop into the future is a key issue.
There was a significant club activity list:
- Group 3 collaboration on birthing kits, Rotary mental health and domestic violence initiatives
- Calperum improvements
- New Generation - Youth programmes, Peace Poles, Fish Tank and Quiz night
- International - Nepal eye clinic and safe drinking water; WASH (in conjunction with Unley Primary School) and prisoner dental support in Cambodia
- Community - Hutt St shelterbags, parcels for Catherine and Bramwell Houses, Mosaic, Salvos Red Shield and Christmas Concert
- Vocational - SA Police Officer of the Year (CFC David Brown) and Teacher of the Year Awards.....both very successful, but teacher award currently under review.
Projects pursued by the Prez included Afghan Women's Enhancement and the Musical Sensory Garden. Both have had their ups and downs. It is pleasing to report the positive progress and delivery of Stage 2 of the Afghan Women's Project, earning considerable gratitude. Program directors Patsy and Valerie have delivered big time over the last 2 years. Our Thrift Shop defibrillator was put to good use at Pickle in the Middle. Graham Ey promised a better demonstration dummy next time. Our funds are in good shape with Greg Abel at the helm.
The major change at the club has been to meet twice a month rather than weekly.
Key ambitions - 1. Engage all members in a major project 2. Get the club to more readily embrace change.
Paul Harris Fellow Awards
President Rhonda selected 5 people as worth recipients this year:
Paul Duke for his indefatigable volunteering in club activities; John Peacham who served 2 years as President and just keeps going; Vivienne Wood (currently chasing wild life in South Africa) for her Community Service leadership and Thrift Shop management; Susan who is numero uno volunteer at the Thrift Shop; and outstanding Secretary Greg McLeod (currently sunning/burning in Italy).
Presidential induction
Damian Leach inducted David Middleton as President of the Rotary Club of Unley for 2026/27.
David congratulated Rhonda on her energy and achievements over the past year.....a force of nature, difficult to emulate. Rhonda nominated that the gift to the outgoing president be a grant to the Rotary Foundation......done.
David presented the Board for 2026/27: PP Rhonda Hoare, Secretary - Greg Mcleod (away), Treasurer - Greg Abel, International - Paul Duke, Community - Donna Cavallaro, Youth - Marie Rothe, Club Services - Stephen Baker, Thrift Shop liaison - Sarah Sullivan. Two positions remain vacant namely Vocational Services Director and President elect.
David reflected that he had previously been club president 19 years ago and much change had taken place since then, including 2.4 billion more people on the planet. Of the membership back then, only 8 are still with the club demonstrating its ability to adapt. Next meeting will be about our mission and strategy - Be There!
All contributors were warmly applauded.
Finale
Sue Middleton scored the filthy lucre and Robyn the chockies.
The Prez closed the happy proceedings a tad past the witching hour.
Rogues Gallery
Unley's cooking apprentices Christina and Stephen being nurtured by Master Chef Lee Camporeale and Sharon from RC Mitcham at the Salvos community dinner in June
Rotary International News
A time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal in Rotary
By Hashim Taqvi, a past president of the Rotary Club of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Every year, the last day of June and the first of July hold special significance in the Rotary world. Unlike the calendar year observed by most organizations, Rotary follows its own annual cycle, making 30 June the final day of one Rotary year and 1 July the first day of another.
These two dates symbolize far more than a change of leadership. They represent a seamless transition from achievement to aspiration, from gratitude to opportunity, and from one chapter of service to the next. They remind us that while leaders may change, our motto of Service Above Self remains constant and timeless.
On 30 June, there is reflection and appreciation. It is an occasion to look back on the countless hours of volunteer service, the lives touched through humanitarian projects, the friendships strengthened through fellowship, and the communities transformed through collective action. It is a time to celebrate accomplishments, honor the dedication of club officers and members, and acknowledge the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners.
Equally important, it is a moment to honestly assess areas where goals were not fully achieved, turning challenges into valuable lessons for the future. A successful Rotary club is not measured only by what it accomplished, but also by what it learned and how it grew.
The first of July arrives with a sense of excitement, optimism, and renewed purpose. New leaders take office, fresh ideas emerge, and clubs begin a new journey filled with possibilities.
Yet Rotary’s annual transition is unique because it combines renewal with continuity. Each incoming leadership team inherits not only responsibilities but also the dreams, achievements, and unfinished work of those who served before them.
Like runners in a relay race, Rotary leaders pass the baton smoothly from one team to the next, ensuring that the momentum of service never stops. This tradition has enabled Rotary to remain a vibrant force for good for more than a century.
As a new Rotary year begins, every Rotary member should ask: “How can I make a greater difference this year than I did last year?”
Together, these two dates remind us that Rotary is a living legacy, built by generations of dedicated men and women who believed that ordinary people could accomplish extraordinary things when united by a common purpose. As we bid farewell to one Rotary year and welcome another, let us celebrate the past with gratitude, embrace the future with confidence, and continue our shared journey of service, friendship, and positive change.
Coffee Chat at Impressa, Unley Shopping Centre
10.30 am on the second Friday of the month is good for a chat with Rotary friends and a caffeine fix - Next one is Friday 10 July 2026
Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday 21 July 2026 6 for 6.30pm
Living Choice Nature's Providore
Guest Speaker: Philip Lako Succeeding in Australia and the Club's Strategic Plan
Welcoming team: Graham & Patsy Beckett
Tuesday 4 August 2026 6 for 6.30pm
Living Choice Nature's Providore
Guest Speaker: Peter Schaeffer The Rotary Foundation
Welcoming team: Valerie Bonython & Jason Booth
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: 1 August 2026
Early:Haydn & Sue Baillie | Late: Robyn Carnachan & Leonie Kewen
Week 2: 11 July 2026
Early: Stephen Baker (Greg Mcleod) & xxxxxxx| Late: Vera-Ann Stacy & Reno Elms
Week 3: 18 July 2026
Early: David Middleton & Nathan White | Late: Vera Holt & Rhonda Hoare
Week 4: 25 July 2026
Early: Haydn Baillie (Stephen Baker) & Sue Baillie (Judi Corcoran) | Late: Jason Booth & Vera-Ann Stacy
Week 5:
Early: Haydn & Sue Baillie | Late: Virginia Cossid & Paul Duke
Rotarians, who are unable to attend as rostered, please arrange a swap or as a very last resort contact: David Pisoni 0412 844 384; e-mail: hon.david.pisoni@gmail.com
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 18 July 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. Our next one will be 27 July 2026
The Tale End.....
Wisdom to welcome the new financial year
