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Meeting Information

The Rotary eClub of Brindabella meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 8pm Canberra/Sydney time. Our meetings include speakers, club business, project planning and more. Visitors are welcome.

The next scheduled meeting is THIS EVENING, THURSDAY MAY 28. See agenda below.

Please note: this Zoom meeting is scheduled weekly, but the club will only meet scheduled nights.

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Meeting ID: 935 6436 9871
Passcode: 565011

President's Column 

This week marks National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27 May to 3 June every year — dates that commemorate the 1967 referendum and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision. The theme for 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day — a reminder that reconciliation is not a spectator sport, and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action.

It's a sentiment that sits comfortably with Rotary. Service has never been something we watch from the boundary, and reconciliation asks the same of us: to show up, listen, and act. As a club, our standing Acknowledgement of Country — carried by Andrew King's artwork on the website 'the gathering as people and mobs coming together' — is one small, year-round expression of that commitment.

This year also marks Reconciliation Australia's 25th anniversary, a fitting moment to reflect on the road travelled and to recommit to the work still ahead. We'd warmly encourage members to learn something new this week, attend a local event, or simply have a conversation — and to be all in.

Agenda - May 28

  • Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country, apologies
  • "What's on your desk?" — three members share an object within arm's reach and the story behind it (2–3 min each). Zero Rotary connection required.
  • "$5K and six months" — pose to the room: if the club handed you a $5,000 grant and six months, what would you do?
  • Changeover Preview - Hayley
  • One thing for 2026–27 — each member names one thing they'd love the club to try next year to help President Hayley plan.

Meeting Recap - May 14

The team discussed Ross's progress on updating the Club's Square payment system. Travis joined the meeting late and mentioned he was in his new house in Canberra. The conversation was informal, with participants discussing the weather and Ross's temporary heating solution with oil heaters.

Travis Location Update

Travis shared updates about his recent move to Canberra, where he is surrounded by natural areas including a creek and Mulligan's Flat Reserve. He mentioned plans to explore the area and take photos. The meeting began with Travis acknowledging traditional custodians Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri, Gundagara, and Dharawal communities. Several apologies were noted.

Scholarship and Education Programs Update

The club received an update on the Club Tertiary Education Scholarship, with Ros confirming contact had been made with the University of Canberra regarding parameters and next steps. 

Wendy thanked the club for their donation to the Sindali School Sponsorship Program and shared information about the program's latest newsletter. The board also expressed interest in supporting Wendy's Nepalese project, with members showing enthusiasm for providing further support based on her previous presentation.

Scholarship Program Discussion

Ross suggested exploring scholarship programs in schools as a way to educate young people about Rotary and increase awareness of the organization. Club leadership will review the scholarship terms and potentially involving Hayley in further discussions about implementing Ross's suggestion.

Wagga Changeover Event Planning

Members discussed plans for the upcoming changeover event in Wagga, scheduled for mid to late June with potential dates including June 13-14, 20-21, or 27-28. They are seeking venue suggestions in Wagga and discussed accommodation options, with Jenny and Ros offering spare beds for out-of-town attendees. The meeting also highlighted that May is designated as Youth Service Month, with Rotary members encouraged to read a blog post about engaging Gen Z members.

Youth Engagement and Membership Strategies

The group discussed strategies for engaging younger members and potential scholarship recipients. Ross suggested targeting specific professional groups like lawyers and accountants by sending flyers and offering free membership to young people in those fields. The discussion also covered maintaining connections with scholarship recipients by adding them to weekly newsletter mailing lists. Wendy shared insights from a South Wagga Rotary membership showcase meeting, noting that many prospective members were busy professionals rather than Gen X or Gen Z, and that some expressed interest in an e-Club format. The conversation concluded with a suggestion about partnering with conventional clubs in Canberra and Wagga to help develop the e-Club.

Gen Z Engagement Strategy Discussion

Travis encouraged members to connect with Gen Z individuals to understand their interests and concerns. He mentioned the upcoming Taipei Rotary International Convention. Rob Woolley informed the group that nominations for Ryla are still open and that registration for NYSF is available, mentioning that Andrew Guimelli, former District Rotaract representative, is now working for the National Youth Science Forum.

What do young people care about?

At the last meeting, we asked members to engage in a conversation with a young person, asking what they care about. Jenny reports here 17 year old granddaughter cares about: 

Family, Friends, Food, Home, Sport, Fashion, Music, School, Dog, Work. 

2026 Changeover

Welcome President Hayley during the club's annual chanegover luncheon, Saturday 13th of June, 2026 at The Gardens Cafe and Function Centre, Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. Cost $48 pp. RSVP to hayleygollasch@gmail.com by June 5.