Kellie Carruthers chaired today's club meeting at Gilberts. Kellie welcomed our two guest speakers, Cassidy Connor and Katrina from Headspace, and club member partner, Gary Ramage. Today's club meeting was marked as a special day to recognise the Australia Rotary Health program "Lift the Lid" on mental health - with October designated as Mental Health Month. All members were asked to wear a hat - and we saw some absolute beauties in all styles and colours and it was the men with the most colourful!. See who won prizes at the end of this report. (Note from Club Treasurer - the sum of $80 has been forwarded to Australian Rotary Health to reflect donations from members on the day. - Ian Ballantine)
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The board voted and passed a motion for club member Helen Parker to purchase equipment to donate to the general hospital in Apia, Western Samoa during her upcoming trip to Samoa for Interplast in late November. Ian B provided a visual of the equipment that outlined its use and purpose. A great initiative of Helen's that has enabled our club to meet a need that will contribute to the health and well being of patients at the hospital in Apia, Western Samoa.
- Secretary Karin Soster announced the upcoming club AGM on Wednesday 18 November 2026. The following positions are open for nominations for the Rotary year 2027-2028: Officers to serve one year 2027-2028 - President Elect, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary; and two Directors to serve two years 2027-2029. An email will be issued to club members outlining the agenda and process. This is an important meeting and all club members are encouraged to attend.
- President Neville, thanked the nomination committee and the board for appointing him as President Elect for the current year (taking up the role of President for next year 2027-2028) - adding he is both humbled and very honoured to fill this role. .
- Upcoming Club Events - Ian B listed upcoming events as displayed on the club website. These include: 24/10 - visit to RDA, 28/10 - evening meeting with guest speaker Jennifer Willis (climbed Mt Everest), 31/10-1/11 - Rotary Pacific Conference in Melb (Interplast will have a stand and seeking volunteers), 4/11 - club member Michael Josem will talk about AI, 18/11 - BMC AGM, 26/11 - evening social dinner at Cilantro, 2/12 - BBQ at GESAC for International Disability Day, 12/12 - BMC end of year function at Sandringham Yacht Club
- Ron Brownlees (BMC club youth protection officer) informed club members commencing 19/10, applications for WWCC - Working with Children Check - are now processed entirely online, and that online training is mandated and part of the application process.
- Happy birthday wishes to Margaret Toyas who is still gallivanting around Canada.
- The rosters were announced.
GUEST SPEAKERS - Headspace - with Cassidy Connor and Katrina
Headspace is a nationwide organisation that provides counselling and other services to young people aged 12-25 to support their mental health. Cassidy is a Communication Awareness Officer, and Katrina is a Practice Lead Clinician - both operating out of the Elsternwick and Bentleigh branches under the auspice of Alfred Health. Headspace commenced in 2006 as Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Cassidy and Katrina provided an overview of their operations - the services they provide, and programs that are offered, adding they operate on referrals, either from third parties, or on a self referral basis, with 15-16 year olds representing the largest age group. The most common reasons for seeking support include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, dealing with bullying , identity issues, body image, and physical and sexual health. Many have a sense of loneliness and disconnection and lack the social skills to connect. Both in house programs and online support are provided, with new programs at Elsternwick and Bentleigh that include Young Men Counselling program, and a Jewish Project for local issues. Other services include Alcohol and Drug support, Work and Study support, a Food Pantry, Parent and Family workshops, Art programs, and Awareness programs. Personnel includes qualified health clinicians, GPs, nurses, and volunteers for a Youth Advisory Committee. Cassidy and Katrina concluded their presentation answering a series of questions raised by club members. Both agree the reasons for seeking support are often complex and a reflection of our modern world for young people to navigate. Thank you Cassidy and Katrina for highlighting some of the issues many of our young people face and need to address. Your work is invaluable and fully supported by our club.
WINNERS OF THE BEST HATS FOR THE DAY - judged by our guest speakers Cassidy and Katrina
Men - The Most Stylish - none other than Tim Lynch in a very stylish hat indeed.
Men - The Most Ridiculous - but really it was the most colourful hat - a huge Mexican sombrero worn by President Neville Kruss. An absolute beauty!.
Ladies - The Most Stylish - a lovely two toned that was just ready for the races worn by Jo Impey
Ladies - The Most Ridiculous - though totally misnamed - a true blue conventional straw hat with a slight cowboy brim worn by Marg Lucas.
Congratulations to all the winners - prizes were allocated. Some of us may have looked a bit silly, but it was a lot of fun!
President Neville closed the meeting - Create Lasting Impact.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Karin Soster <karinsoster@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Subject: Club meeting report Wed 21 October for the bulletin
To: Ian Ballantine <ianballantine@rotary9815.org.au>
From: Karin Soster <karinsoster@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Subject: Club meeting report Wed 21 October for the bulletin
To: Ian Ballantine <ianballantine@rotary9815.org.au>
Hi Ian
Below is last week's club meeting report for the bulletin. thanks, Karin
CLUB MEETING - Wednesday 21 October 2026
Kellie Carruthers chaired today's club meeting at Gilberts. Kellie welcomed our two guest speakers, Cassidy Connor and Katrina from Headspace, and club member partner, Gary Ramage. Today's club meeting was marked as a special day to recognise the Australia Rotary Health program "Lift the Lid" on mental health - with October designated as Mental Health Month. All members were asked to wear a hat - and we saw some absolute beauties in all styles and colours and it was the men with the most colourful!. See who won prizes at the end of this report.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The board voted and passed a motion for club member Helen Parker to purchase equipment to donate to the general hospital in Apia, Western Samoa during her upcoming trip to Samoa for Interplast in late November. Ian B provided a visual of the equipment that outlined its use and purpose. A great initiative of Helen's that has enabled our club to meet a need that will contribute to the health and well being of patients at the hospital in Apia, Western Samoa.
- President Neville, thanked the nomination committee and the board for appointing him as President Elect for the current year - adding he is both humbled and very honoured to fill this role. .
- Upcoming Club Events - Ian B listed upcoming events as displayed on the club website. These include: 24/10 - visit to RDA, 28/10 - evening meeting with guest speaker Jennifer Willis (climbed Mt Everest), 31/10-1/11 - Rotary Pacific Conference in Melb (Interplast will have a stand and seeking volunteers), 4/11 - club member Michael Josem will talk about AI, 18/11 - BMC AGM, 26/11 - evening social dinner at Cilantro, 2/12 - BBQ at GESAC for International Disability Day, 12/12 - BMC end of year function at Sandringham Yacht Club
- Ron Brownlees (BMC club youth protection officer) informed club members commencing 19/10, applications for WWCC - Working with Children Check - are now processed entirely online, and that online training is mandated and part of the application process.
- Happy birthday wishes to Margaret Toyas who is still gallivanting around Canada.
- The rosters were announced.
GUEST SPEAKERS - Headspace - with Cassidy Connor and Katrina
Headspace is a nationwide organisation that provides counselling and other services to young people aged 12-25 to support their mental health. Cassidy is a Communication Awareness Officer, and Katrina is a Practice Lead Clinician - both operating out of the Elsternwick and Bentleigh branches under the auspice of Alfred Health. Headspace commenced in 2006 as Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Cassidy and Katrina provided an overview of their operations - the services they provide, and programs that are offered, adding they operate on referrals, either from third parties, or on a self referral basis, with 15-16 year olds representing the largest age group. The most common reasons for seeking support include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, dealing with bullying , identity issues, body image, and physical and sexual health. Many have a sense of loneliness and disconnection and lack the social skills to connect. Both in house programs and online support are provided, with new programs at Elsternwick and Bentleigh that include Young Men Counselling program, and a Jewish Project for local issues. Other services include Alcohol and Drug support, Work and Study support, a Food Pantry, Parent and Family workshops, Art programs, and Awareness programs. Personnel includes qualified health clinicians, GPs, nurses, and volunteers for a Youth Advisory Committee. Cassidy and Katrina concluded their presentation answering a series of questions raised by club members. Both agree the reasons for seeking support are often complex and a reflection of our modern world for young people to navigate. Thank you Cassidy and Katrina for highlighting some of the issues many of our young people face and need to address. Your work is invaluable and fully supported by our club.
WINNERS OF THE BEST HATS FOR THE DAY - judged by our guest speakers Cassidy and Katrina
Men - The Most Stylish - none other than Tim Lynch in a very stylish hat indeed.
Men - The Most Ridiculous - but really it was the most colourful hat - a huge Mexican sombrero worn by President Neville Kruss. An absolute beauty!.
Ladies - The Most Stylish - a lovely two toned that was just ready for the races worn by Jo Impey
Ladies - The Most Ridiculous - though totally misnamed - a true blue conventional straw hat with a slight cowboy brim worn by Marg Lucas.
Congratulations to all the winners - prizes were allocated. Some of us may have looked a bit silly, but it was a lot of fun!
President Neville closed the meeting - Create Lasting Impact.
