Rotary Club of Box Hill Burwood

Guest Speaker - Leanne King - Avenue Neighbourhood House
2024-09-17 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us as we hear from Leanne King of Avenue Neighbourhood House. Leane will tell us about the wonderful work being undertaken to help young disconnected youth in their Refresh and Renew programs.
Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 17th September August 2024
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro.
Please note non-Rotary club members will need to book separately if they wish to have dinner following the meeting as the venue only sets aside a limited number of seats for members and is currently under renovations.

Speaker - Leanne King -The Avenue Neighbourhood house
2024-09-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us as we hear from Leanne King, of The Avenue Neighbourhood House.
Leanne will update us on the Renew and Refresh programs, programs supported by Rotary Box Hill Burwood.
ReNew’s primary focus is re-engaging adolescents who are completely disengaged from mainstream schools. Students participating in ReNew often have multiple issues associated with drug/ alcohol use, mental health, family detachment, homelessness and many have been in the juvenile justice system.
The Refresh Program is an annual program for young people who would like to try a different approach to their education. Designed for students aged 15-17 years who have had a break in their schooling or experience difficulty attending mainstream schooling, the focus of this program is supporting and encouraging young people to recommence or help them continue their education journey.
Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 17th September 2024
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro.
Please note non-Rotary club members will need to book separately if they wish to have dinner following the meeting as the venue only sets aside a limited number of seats for members and is currently under renovations.

Guest Speaker -Marcus Reeves from 'She Won't Be Right Mate'
2024-10-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
October 10th is World Mental Health Day – don’t forget to ask your friends if they are ok!!

Join us as we hear from Director and founder of She Won’t Be Right Mate’ Marcus Reeves. Marcus has drawn from his own experiences as a young man with mental health difficulties. Sober for over 5 years and counting, his story is a powerful one about how the little stepping stones in life can take you from drowning in addiction and suicidal thoughts, to thriving and helping others do the same.
“We all do things in life, and often get away with it, until it takes something to make us re assess & change what we are doing before it becomes too late. Luckily for me, I got that opportunity. Many don’t. Growing up in Australia, being a tradie from a very young age, you are taught to work then have a beer after – That was our reward for being a hard working ‘man’. These were the reward systems unknowingly instilled in me. Soon drinking became my answer for resolving stress & unwanted emotions as well as celebrating success. Unfortunately, the depressant can only get you so far. I moved to regular cocaine use. I still ran my business, presented well to friends and family, and didn’t feel like shit. My moment of realisation, after drinking myself into oblivion and driving home to wake to suicide notes and missed calls from concerned family. Your brain blocks out a lot of the pain, but I know I caused a LOT. Thankfully, my family stepped in. Became night watchmen & psychologists. Cleaned out my house and took me into Maroondah inpatient ward for mental health.
It still takes a lot of work to stay on the path & put the things I have learnt in place to ensure I maintain a clear mind and be able to deal with life & it’s stressors and unpredictable events that occur day to day. I decided to make sure I used my story to help others. So many men (and women) keep their mouths shut, try to stay strong, ignore the feeling of struggling or do the blokey thing and literally say – She’ll be right mate. When in fact – SHE WON’T BE RIGHT MATE. Mental health adversary and suicide rates are skyrocketing because of the stigma attached to sharing our feelings, opening up or getting help when we are struggling. Our goal is to get the conversation started and let people know its all right to not be alright.”
Running since 2019 Marcus and the team at “She won’t be right mate” have donated over $60,000 in fundraising from the event to the Eastern Health foundation supporting the efforts they make in funding specialised programs, equipment, and spaces for mental health respite.
“If this event if it helps one person out of the darkness then we have all contributed to saving someone’s life. Who can say that in a lifetime that they have been a part of something that helped change a person? I know it does. I will never forget at my very first event in 2019, a lady came up to me at the end of my speech, she said “Marcus, my son loves cars & music and he would have loved this, I would have loved him to have met you” – She gave me a hug and walked away. And this is just one example of the stories of heartbreak and hope we hear regularly from parents, partners and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide. Stories that could have had very different endings”
She Won’t Be Right Mate (shewontberightmate.net.au)

Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 1st October 2024
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro.
Please note non-Rotary club members will need to book separately if they wish to have dinner following the meeting as the venue only sets aside a limited number of seats for members and is currently under renovations.

Whitehorse Farmers Market
2024-10-13 08:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-10 08:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-08 08:00 - 13:00 | Whitehorse Civic Centre, 379 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading, VIC, Australia
The market has been run by Rotarian volunteers each and every month since 2006
The Whitehorse Farmers’ Market provides the community with direct access to fresh farm-sourced and organic food products and gives suppliers a local venue for business.
It has a wide range of stalls and a good balance of produce from fruit, vegetables and meats through to bread, cakes, pasta, eggs, chutneys and olive oils etc. You can also enjoy a bacon & egg sandwich and a freshly brewed coffee
The market is operated by the combined Whitehorse Rotary Group on behalf of Council.
The whole community receives a range of economic, social and health benefits from the market with a commitment by Rotary to put all the funds they raise towards community projects in Whitehorse.
The Whitehorse Rotary Group comprises the Rotaract Club of Whitehorse and the Rotary Clubs of Box Hill, Box Hill Central, Forest Hill, Mitcham, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills (MASH) and Nunawading.
Plastic Bag Free Market – The Farmers’ Market is a ‘plastic bag free market’ so please do not forget to bring along your own re-usable bags.
The market is held in the grounds of the Nunawading Civic Centre, Maroondah Highway, Nunawading on the second Sunday of each month from 8.00am to 1.00pm.

Guest Speaker - James Szabo - Senior Producer 3AW
2024-10-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us to hear from James Szabo, Senior Producer from 3AW, who will give all the ins and outs Behind the scenes in Radio.
In his role as radio producer, sportswriter, content creator and strategist, James has the opportunity to work in an environment he truly enjoys. He has a strong passion for radio, sports, news, entertainment and social and digital media. In his current position as Senior Producer on 3AW Mornings with Tom Elliot, he is continuing his goal of contributing high-quality content through broadcasting. He is a freelance journalist and expert storyteller who enjoys the opportunity to share stories and messages with his audience.
Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 15th October 2024
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro.
Please note non-Rotary club members will need to book separately if they wish to have dinner following the meeting as the venue only sets aside a limited number of seats for members and is currently under renovations.

Whitehorse Farmers Market
2025-01-12 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-09 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-09 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-08 08:00 - 13:00 | Whitehorse Civic Centre, 379 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading, VIC, Australia
The market has been run by Rotarian volunteers each and every month since 2006 and is held in the 2nd Sunday of the month.
The Whitehorse Farmers’ Market provides the community with direct access to fresh farm-sourced and organic food products and gives suppliers a local venue for business.
It has a wide range of stalls and a good balance of produce from fruit, vegetables and meats through to bread, cakes, pasta, eggs, chutneys and olive oils etc. You can also enjoy a bacon & egg sandwich and a freshly brewed coffee
The market is operated by the combined Whitehorse Rotary Group on behalf of Council.
The whole community receives a range of economic, social and health benefits from the market with a commitment by Rotary to put all the funds they raise towards community projects in Whitehorse.
The Whitehorse Rotary Group comprises the Rotaract Club of Whitehorse and the Rotary Clubs of Box Hill, Box Hill Central, Forest Hill, Mitcham, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills (MASH) and Nunawading.
Plastic Bag Free Market – The Farmers’ Market is a ‘plastic bag free market’ so please do not forget to bring along your own re-usable bags.
The market is held in the grounds of the Nunawading Civic Centre, Maroondah Highway, Nunawading on the second Sunday of each month from 8.00am to 1.00pm.

Speaker - Cheryl Webster - Knitted Knockers Australia
2025-01-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us on Tuesday 21st January and meet Cheryl Webster from Knitted Knockers Australia.Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. Traditional breast prosthetics can be hot, heavy and sticky. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. They are adjustable, washable and can even be worn while swimming. Our special volunteer knitters provide these FREE to those requesting them.
We look forward to hearing from Cheryl.
Morie information can be found at www.knittedknockersaustralia.com
Meeting will be held in the Upton Romm at the Box Hill RSL

Guest Speaker - Leanne Batty, Eastern Palliative Care
2025-02-04 18:15 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us on Tuesday 4th February and meet Leanne Batty from Eastern Palliative Care
Leanne Batty, is a registered nurse and one of the clinical Educators at Eastern Palliative Care (EPC).
She has worked at EPC for over 10 years, starting out as a casual nurse, onto permanent part-time after 12 months and was successful in obtaining the role as Clinical Educator – In-service program, in June 2023. This role has been diverse, and included:

Developing and delivering a weekly in-service program
Planning and facilitating 3 educational Forums for clinical staff
Developing and reviewing Policies and Process Maps
Being the educational lead for working parties
Providing 1:1 education, via learning plans and also mentoring staff on visits
Navigating ‘Teams’ and learning to record and edit education sessions to be accessed via EPC’s education intranet
Building and maintaining an education intranet page
Educating staff on how to conduct Telehealth visits with clients and developed written resources for clinicians
Preparation for accreditation in January 2025

Her Clinical Education role has been an exciting and challenging switch from clinical work, which she has enjoyed!
” I look forward to talking to you about EPC and our education programs and how the generous Rotary grant was used on February 4th!” – Leanne
We look forward to hearing from Leanne.

Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 4th February, 2025
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro.
Please note non-Rotary club members will need to book separately if they wish to have dinner following the meeting as the venue only sets aside a limited number of seats for members and is currently under renovations.

Speaker - Kristina Elvidge PhD - Childhood dementia Initiative.
2025-02-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us as we hear about Childhood dementia which effects one in 2900 babies globally. Childhood dementia is an umbrella group of rare, mostly untreatable neurodegenerative disorders that show symptoms before the age of 18. These conditions cause progressive deterioration of the brain and the loss of previously acquired skills such as talking, walking, and playing. Our speaker will be Kristina Elvidge PhD, Head of Research, from the Childhood Dementia Initiative.
Kris Elvidge has been wrking with rare disease patient organisations since 2008, to accelerate the development of much needed treatments. She is currently Head of Research at the Childhood Dementia Initiative, an organisation founded in 2020 to drive systemic change and transform outcomes for children with dementia. She was lead author on a study published in the medical journal Brain in 2023 which is raising awareness of the scale of childhood dementia with researchers, clinicians, governments and policy makers globally. She was previously Head of Research at Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation which funds research into Sanfilippo syndrome, one of the more than 100 rare diseases that cause childhood dementia,and has also worked with several muscular dystrophy patient organisations both in Australia and the UK. Kris completed a PhD in molecular biology at University of Western Australia and a postdoc at the University of Oxford.
We look forward to hearing from Kris.

Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 18th February, 2025
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro following the meeting.

Speaker - Trish Carr - Navigating Rotary
2025-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us as we learn about Navigating Rotary. Member Trish Carr will give us an overview of how to navigate Rotary websites and access incredible online personal development resources available for members.
Perhaps you are just interested in learning more about the opportunities Rotary available for members and volunteers. This session will give you an insight and answer questions you may have

We look forward to hearing from Trish.

Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 4th March, 2025
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro following the meeting.

Guest Speaker - Brian Cullen -Whitehorse Colts
2025-03-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us as we hear from Brian Cullen – President of the Whitehorse Colts as he tells us about the impact our 2024 Community Grants has had on the club and its members.
Our 2025 Community Grants are currently open. Grants are a maximum of $3000 each and are available to all groups within the Whitehorse Council area with preference given to those in the Box Hill/Burwood area. More information can be found on the Grants page https://www.boxhillburwoodrotary.org.au/community-grants/

We look forward to hearing from Brian.

Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 18th March, 2025
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro following the meeting.

Social Dinner
2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us for a nice meal, friendship and a chat.
All Welcome

Guest Speaker - Parkmore Primary School -BEAP Project
2025-04-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us as we hear from the student and Principal of Parkmore Primary School. who will tell us about an exciting environmental project the students are working on – BEAP – Bee Education and Protection Project.
They are hoping to represent Australia at the 2025 Future problem Solving Championships showcasing their project.
Team BEAP have found concerning information about bees that indicates bees are endangered. If the bee population continues to decline this could have a dramatic impact on human food production as well as the global environment.
So far they have successfully implemented the following initiatives as part of the project:
-Partnered with Beechworth Honey who have put QR codes on their honey jars taking people to the education centre
-Presented to the State Environmental Minister and local MP John Mullahy who is supporting our work
-Partnered with Monash University gathering native bee data in our garden
-Designed and built a Native Bee Safe garden
-Run a Native bee hotel competition with the finished product on display on the garden
-Researched and published brochures on how to protect the native bee including chemical free pesticides and chemical free weedkillers
-Gained the community support from Bunnings, Nunawading Community gardens, John Mullahy, Richard Welsh, Whitehorse Council, students, staff, parents and friends of Parkmore primary.
-Seen the introduction of the Blue Banded bee, Native honey bee, Reed bee and red Legged Cuckoo Bee in our garden on a daily basis.
-published a picture story book about how to protect the native bee in the garden at home
-Created a native bee memory card game
We look forward to hearing from this passionate group.

Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 1st April, 2025
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro following the meeting.

Social Family Lunch - Matthew Flinders Hotel
2025-04-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Matthew Flinders Hotel, 667 Warrigal Road, Chadstone, Victoria, 3148, Australia
Members and families are welcom to attend a casual lunch at the Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone. Contact Rob Fenton for more information

Whitehorse Farmers Market
2025-04-13 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-11 08:00 - 13:00 | Whitehorse Civic Centre, 379 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading, VIC, Australia
The market has been run by Rotarian volunteers each and every month since 2006 and is held in the 2nd Sunday of the month.
The Whitehorse Farmers’ Market provides the community with direct access to fresh farm-sourced and organic food products and gives suppliers a local venue for business.
It has a wide range of stalls and a good balance of produce from fruit, vegetables and meats through to bread, cakes, pasta, eggs, chutneys and olive oils etc. You can also enjoy a bacon & egg sandwich and a freshly brewed coffee
The market is operated by the combined Whitehorse Rotary Group on behalf of Council.
The whole community receives a range of economic, social and health benefits from the market with a commitment by Rotary to put all the funds they raise towards community projects in Whitehorse.
The Whitehorse Rotary Group comprises the Rotaract Club of Whitehorse and the Rotary Clubs of Box Hill, Box Hill Central, Forest Hill, Mitcham, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills (MASH) and Nunawading.
Plastic Bag Free Market – The Farmers’ Market is a ‘plastic bag free market’ so please do not forget to bring along your own re-usable bags.
The market is held in the grounds of the Nunawading Civic Centre, Maroondah Highway, Nunawading on the second Sunday of each month from 8.00am to 1.0opm

Guest Speakers - Behind The Badge
2025-04-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill Golf Club, 202 Station Street, Box Hill South, VIC, 3128, Australia
Our newest club members give us a glimpse into their lives.

**Please note this meeting will be held downstairs at the Box Hill Golf Club as the RSL is not available
Dinner is still available in the Golf Club Bistro

Guest Speaker - Team Med Uganda
2025-05-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us as we hear from Monash University students who travelled to Uganda to provide medical needs, supported financially by our club.
Formed in 2009, TeamMED is a student-led organisation that provides Monash University students with opportunities to experience and contribute to global health. Part of the Monash Students Association (MSA), we aim to instill an enthusiasm and passion for healthcare in less developed communities by helping students get involved in both local and global practical initiatives.
Our programs include medical outreach trips across the globe (currently to Nepal, Tonga & Uganda), local volunteer opportunities, medical resource collection, information evenings, and skill development and fundraising events.
Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 6th May, 2025
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro following the meeting.

Community Grants Presentation
2025-05-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Each year the Rotary Club of Box Hill Burwood supports local community groups within our locale through our Community Grants Program.
Grants assist local groups to provide necessary services that benefit our local community.
Over the last 22 years Rotary Box Hill Burwood have been proud to support over $1 million dollars worth of projects locally and internationally.
Join us as we hear from our 2025 Grant recipients.
Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 20th May, 2025
There will be no Zoo0m meeting on this evening
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro following the meeting.

Guest Speaker - Alli Parker
2025-06-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us for a special evening with an amazing guest speaker – Alli Parker.
Alli Parker is a Japanese-Australian author and screenwriter who lives on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
Her debut novel At the Foot of the Cherry Tree is based on the true story of the first Japanese war bride to arrive in Australia, Cherry Parker, who is also Alli’s grandmother.
The book became an instant bestseller and was shortlisted for Dymocks Book of the Year and an ABIA Award for Best New Writer.
She has written episodes of Jack Irish, Secret Bridesmaids’ Business and Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries and worked in the script departments of Irreverent, Sunshine and Please Like Me.
We look forward and are excited to her from Alli .

Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 3rd June, 2025
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro following the meeting.

Guest Speaker - Leo Chapman - NYSF
2025-06-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Road, Box Hill, VIC, 3128, Australia
Join us as we hear from Leo Chapman – our sponsored student to the National Youth Science Forum. The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a not-for-profit organisation that runs a number of programs to encourage young people in their passion for science.
Leo will tell us about his experience and his passion for Science.
We look forward to hearing from Leo.

Meeting in the Upton Room, Box Hill RSL
6pm for 6:15pm start, 15th April, 2025
Or join via Zoom on link on home page
Dinner is available in the RSL Bistro following the meeting.
