Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup - Lang Lang

Fortnightly Bulletin

Editions No 12 – 17th December 2025

CLUB NUMBER: 18404

CHARTERED: 21/01/1974

DISTRICT: 9815

         Rotary International President:                                                           Francesco Arezzo 
         District 9815 Governor:                                                                           Peter Behm
         Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup - Lang Lang President:                  Scott Hamilton
         Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup - Lang Lang Vice President:        Sam Loughridge 
         Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup - Lang Lang Secretary:                  Casey Hamblin

BOARD OF

President:

Vice President:
Secretary:

Treasurer:

President Elect And Club Service:

Sergeant At Arms:

International And Youth Services:

Community Services:

Vocational Services: 

DIRECTORS

Scott Hamilton
president.rotaryclub.kwrll@gmail.com
Sam Loughridge
Casey Hamblin
rckooweeruplanglang@gmail.com
Michele Hird rotaryclub.kwrll.treasurer@gmail.com T.B.A.

Robbie Hird

Travis Davidge

 John Patterson

Dean Turner

Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesday - 6.30pm for 7pm Start 
Lang Lang Bowling Club - Nellie Street, Lang Lang

Apologies to Casey Hamblin 0413 354 999 by close of business on Monday’s

Board Meetings 2nd Wednesday Each Month Unless Otherwise Advised

Email:  rckooweeruplanglang@gmail.com
Mail: P.O. Box 18, Lang Lang Victoria 3984


 

Focus for December: 
Disease Prevention and Treatment

MISSION STATEMENT

The aim of the Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup - Lang Lang is to provide enjoyment and foster fellowship between Rotarians and others through Projects and activities to Improve our Local, National and International Communities.

FOUR WAY TEST

  1. Is it the Truth?
  2. Is it Fair to all concerned?
  3. Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendship?
  4. Will it be Beneficial to all concerned? 

.

DUTIES

December

January

CASHIER

Casey Hamblin

Michele Hird

FELLOWSHIP

Scott Hamilton

Robbie Hird

MILESTONES FOR DECEMBER 2025

INDUCTIONS:                  -

BIRTHDAYS:                   Megan King 

ANNIVERSARIES:         

OTHER COMMITTEE POSITIONS

Protection Officer and Public Officer: Casey Hamblin

BBQ Officer: John Patterson

Disaster Officer & On To Conference: Scott Hamilton

Bulletin Editor: Travis Davidge

PLEASE NOTE:

If you want to add anything to the bulletin or contact me, please send email to Bulletin Editor Travis Davidge on: moddesignstudio@outlook.com 

MOBILE PHONES & CHARGES

 

Members are reminded that Secretary Casey is collecting used Mobile Phones

 and Chargers for donation to DV Safe for people fleeing domestic 

violence situations so please round up any old phones you may have!

 

Collection bins have been placed in the Bendigo Bank Branches in 

Koo Wee Rup and Lang Lang

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER!

Wednesday 17th December
Rotary Christmas Break Up – Palace Hotel, Lang Lang

Sunday 8th February
Lang Lang Show N Shine at the Showgrounds.

March 13th – 15th 2026 
Combined Rotary District 9815 & 9830 Conference. Hobart Tasmania

Hope You Have A Fantastic Christmas 2025!

FROM THE MEETING - 3/12/2025

MEETING ATTENDANCE 

Present:  Scott Hamilton, Michele and Rob Hird, Harold Keily, Travis Davidge, Sam Loughridge, Geoff Reeve, Hayden Giles
Honorary Members Present: Rudy De Jong
Members Present:  9/14 = 65%
Apologies: Dean Finchum-Turner, Casey Hamblin,  
Guests: -

Meeting Opened 1900 hrs at Lang Lang Primary School

President Scott opened the meeting and welcomed members. 
It was noted that there were no guest speakers for the evening and that the meeting would proceed as the AGM, followed by the ordinary meeting.

AGM - Proceeded smoothly - Minutes to be submitted separately to this document. AGM concluded at 7:20pm

Family of Rotary:

Former member Bob Comber was in the spotlight as it was announced that he has had joined the Rotary Club of Sale & also received a visit from Sam. Members wished Bob all the best in his role at Sale.

Reflection on 2025
President Scott reflected on the past five months since assuming the role, acknowledging the support and guidance provided by members during the transition. It was noted that stepping into the position highlighted the complexity of Rotary operations, particularly in navigating bureaucracy and external stakeholders. President Scott emphasised that the club’s success relies on teamwork, shared responsibility, and the strong relationships built both internally and with partners such as Council and community organisations. Appreciation was expressed to Past President Sam and other members for their ongoing mentorship and commitment to the club.

General Business:

Golf Day

It was acknowledged that there was significant work undertaken by David and Andrew in managing and supporting the Golf Day on behalf of the club. It was agreed that their efforts were greatly appreciated, and a formal expression of thanks will be provided. 

Carols

Discussion confirmed that hosting Carols indoors has significantly reduced weather-related risks compared to previous years. It was noted that there has been improved attendance and overall delivery since this change. It was agreed that further refinement of planning and scheduling would continue to enhance the event, including avoiding clashes with other community activities.

Domestic Violence Awareness

The meeting discussed the Rotary District’s focus on domestic violence awareness as a priority area. Members were advised that clubs have been asked to contribute $100 towards district-wide resources to support awareness activities. Following discussion, the club agreed to support the initiative and to allocate up to $200 for the purchase of a small number of awareness vests. These vests will be used selectively at events as conversation starters and to promote community engagement, rather than being worn at all activities. 

Council and Infrastructure Advocacy

Several advocacy matters were identified for ongoing discussion with Council. These included proposed upgrades to foreshore picnic and barbecue facilities, clarification of jurisdictional responsibility for certain roads and pathways, and pedestrian safety improvements. The review of convex mirrors in the Lang Lang main street was raised as a priority to improve visibility for vehicles and pedestrians, particularly during peak periods. The potential installation of solar lighting at the basketball half-court was also discussed, noting increasing evening use by young people. Members agreed these matters would continue to be progressed through established Council relationships.

Dean's Address to School Families

Rotary Community Values Scholarship Presentation

Rotary Community Values Scholarship Presentation

Secretary’s Report – Casey Hamblin

NIL
Treasurers Report – Michele Hird
Show & Shine

Michele advised that promotional flyers for the upcoming Show & Shine event are available and encouraged to assist with distribution. 
Sponsorship commitments totalling approximately $5,500 have been secured to date, with one sponsorship already paid. 
Marquee requirements were discussed, with confirmation that Bendigo Bank and CFA marquees will be utilised alongside club-owned equipment. 

Michele reminded members that outstanding membership fees can be paid via EFTPOS, with invoices to be issued where required. 
It was agreed that the club’s term deposit would be rolled over for a short period until funds are required for upcoming activities. 

President Scotty’s Musings.

17th December 2025

Merry Christmas Everybody! Welcome to our annual Christmas Break Up Dinner.

It has been a very full 2 weeks since our last meeting and one that has been tinged with sadness.

Recently several of our Rotary Families have lost family members and we offer our heart felt condolences to our Secretary Casey on the passing of her Father, To Michael and Val Boraston on the passing of Val’s Mother and of course the Male Family on the passing of Ken.

Several members and former Rotarians and Rotariannes attended the memorial service for Past President and Charter Member Ken Male yesterday at the Caldermeade Sport Complex. It was a wonderful and fitting send off that Ken would have approved off. I’d like to thank Jan for representing the Club and presenting a Eulogy of Ken’s and Bev’s serve to our Club. From the Eulogies I took away the importance of Family and Community. Ken spent his life dedicated to these principals and I know that we are all the better for having had Ken in our Club and in our lives. Vale Ken, Thank you for your Service to Rotary.

A couple of our members have been under the weather recently. Past President Johnny Williams looks like he went 10 rounds with Cassius Clay. Good to see you on the mend and here with us tonight John. Past President Geoff Reeve unfortunately has had a health scare with a minor stroke but thankfully is on the mend up at Warragul Hospital. Sammy has visited him and can give you all more information.

We have had a busy fortnight doing Rotary Business as well and I would like to thank everyone who has stepped up and helped us out. We started with the BBQ at Sam Loughridge’s cattle dispersal sale on Friday 5th. A big day that kept all the team busy during the day. As soon as this was done it was back to the hall to set up for Carols. Unfortunately, this year the attendance was so far down but all of our preparation went very well for the night and for those that attended had a great time. Highlight was Santa Harold and of course all of our wonderful entertainers in Bec Hance and Brian Candy as well as Matt Sherer and the Cardinia Civic Concert Band. Only downside was with the small crowd everyone could hear me sing as well! We will need to dissect the event and see what we can do to reengage our community! Special tanks to Robbie and Travis for assisting putting up and taking down of the Carols Signage.

This week has seen Rotary supporting both Koo Wee Rup and Lang Lang Primary Schools with their end of year activities. Thanks to everyone who assisted at the BBQ at Koo Wee Rup’s carols and to Travis for representing us at the Lang Lang Grade 6 Graduation night. Both great events where Rotary is front and centre in our communities.

I was scheduled to meet with Jrdan Crugnale MP and Cr Trudi Paton yesterday to discuss Rotary and Community projects, but this has been postponed to mid-January. Both are willing to engage with our Club which is a credit to our past and current members.

We have been asked if we can assist the Lang Lang Cricket Club with a BBQ on Saturday night at the Caldermeade Sporting Complex. Are any members available to assist?

Is anyone available to host our January BBQ meeting? Looking for either a member’s house or a suitable location to hold the BBQ. Please let us know if you can help out or suggest a venue.

I hope that you all have a wonderful night tonight and from my family to yours we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Thanks again for everything you have done and continue to do for Rotary here at Koo Wee Rup – Lang Lang.

Yours in Rotary,


Scott Hamilton

Merry Christmas to all Members & their Families