District News | District 9815

RAWCS Distinguished Service Award

Past District Governor Merv Williams

Pictured: Heather Chong, RAWCS Chair, Merv Williams, and Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC Past District Governor Merv Williams joined the Board of RAWCS in 2019 and served as National Projects and Volunteers Manager for six years. This is one of the most time demanding roles of our volunteer Board, which Merv fulfilled with distinction.

This period required that RAWCS pivot to cope with Covid and the cessation of overseas travel for volunteer teams, whilst striving to continue the meaningful impact of existing projects.

With the level of uncertainty surrounding overseas projects and the sustainability of charities and Not for Profit’s during and post Covid, Merv joined the Committee of Management and made a significant contribution. His excellent reporting was a feature of this crucial time.

During Past District Governor Merv’s tenure, he helped establish and had oversight of RAWCS Disaster Response Committee and made a significant contribution to developing an effective Disaster Response capability including further developing the processes and governance of the Rotary Australia Relief Fund and Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants.

Following Covid restrictions, Merv took to the road in his caravan, however he didn’t neglect his role with RAWCS, always maintaining his availability to Projects and Volunteers. Many projects eventuated because of his guidance and support.

We acknowledge Past District Governor Merv Williams

Congratulations Jeff Harvey OAM

Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port

Service Above Self

Jeff Harvey OAM

Fifty-five years of Rotary, a lifetime of giving — a humble man who doesn’t just talk about service above self, he lives it.

OAM

Years a Rotarian

Years with Bowens

Year St Vincent de Paul medal

OAM

Medal of the Order of Australia

Jeff Harvey was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community through numerous organisations — including Rotary. After 55 years as a member of the Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port, he remains a very active and inspiring presence.

Much of Jeff’s energy continues to go towards supporting the young people of Western Port, working closely with the primary schools of the area and Western Port Secondary College. For many years he has also helped the Salvation Army by organising the Red Shield Appeal through the Rotary club.

A lifetime of giving

Jeff’s service reaches well beyond Rotary, touching faith, sport and the people in his community who need a hand the most.

★

Rotary & young people

55 years with the Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port, supporting local primary schools and Western Port Secondary College.

❤

St Vincent de Paul Society

A volunteer since 1981 and recipient of a 45-year service medal. As a member of the Seaford Conference, he has served as both volunteer and delivery assistant, bringing practical help directly to people experiencing disadvantage.

Salvation Army

Organised the Red Shield Appeal through the Rotary club for many years, helping raise vital support across the community.

⛪

St Anne’s Catholic Church

Continues to serve his faith community through St Anne’s Catholic Church, Seaford.

A friend to local cricket

Jeff has given his time to a long list of cricket clubs across Melbourne and the Peninsula:

Fitzroy Doncaster Prahran Oakleigh Baxter Frankston Peninsula

Sixty-five years at Bowens

Jeff’s working life tells its own story of dedication. He has spent an incredible 65 years working for Bowens — formerly Bowen & Pomeroy Pty Ltd — a milestone highlighted by Nine News last year, and recognised by Bowens when he celebrated 50 years of service back in 2011.

Thank you, Jeff

“Jeff continues to inspire all of us. He is a humble man who doesn’t simply talk about service above self — he lives it.”

— Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port

Photo courtesy of Bowens.

2026 Club Awards

Presidents' Meeting and District Club Awards Celebrate a Year of Leadership

On Friday 29 May 2026, the Presidents of District 9815 gathered for their final Presidents' Meeting of the Rotary year. More than simply the last meeting on the calendar, it marked the culmination of a year-long journey of leadership, learning and collaboration.

The Presidents' Meetings play a vital role in the success of Rotary Clubs across the District. Throughout the year, Club Presidents come together to learn from District leaders and subject matter experts, gaining access to new ideas, proven strategies and practical tools to strengthen their Clubs. Topics such as membership, public image, community engagement, leadership development, fundraising and service projects all contribute to helping Clubs become more vibrant, visible and impactful within their communities.

Equally important is the opportunity for Presidents to learn from one another. Every Club faces different challenges and opportunities, and the meetings provide a forum for sharing experiences, successes and innovative approaches. These conversations often spark new ideas that can be adapted and implemented within individual Clubs, improving both the member experience and the Club's ability to serve its community.

Over the course of the year, the meetings also foster strong relationships between Club leaders. These connections create a valuable support network, encouraging collaboration, mutual assistance and the sharing of resources across the District. As a result, Presidents return to their Clubs better equipped to lead and with a broader perspective on what is possible through Rotary.

The evening concluded with the District Club Awards, recognising the Clubs that had excelled in key areas throughout the year. While the awards celebrated outstanding achievement, they also highlighted the collective commitment of Clubs across District 9815 to continuous improvement and community impact.

Congratulations to all award recipients, whose achievements have set a benchmark for excellence and provided inspiration for others to strive towards. Their success demonstrates what can be achieved when strong leadership, a willingness to learn and a commitment to improvement come together in service of Rotary's mission.

Please feel free to view the many photos from the night captured by our photographer Alannah Vidic-Wirth, and edited by Mat Wise (Rotaract Club of Casey-Cardinia) Click HERE

PDG Peter Behm's Family Project

I’m proud to share a very special initiative close to my heart: instead of a Partners project, we will have a family project for our children and grandchildren targeted to assist and help our local primary schools.

This initiative is not designed to raise money for one worthy charity. Instead, I am inviting all clubs across our District to partner with their local Primary Schools to make, provide, and supply essential resources.

The basis of the plan includes your choice of Primary school for new equipment, safe and engaging play areas, and even organizing fun days or festivals that create joyful memories for the students. All moneys you raise will go directly to the school of your choice. The return on investment for us will be advertising in the schools such as large sign boards you see from Real Estate companies and the chance to connect with both parents and teachers.

The ultimate return will be the school fraternity wanting to become more involved in our great organization. It’s a project that brings together everything Rotary stands for: service, visibility, impact, and community.

How Can Your Club Get Involved?

Getting started is simple—and the impact can be extraordinary. Here’s how your club can make a meaningful difference through the District Family Project:

Connect with a Local Primary School
Choose a school in your community and start a conversation about what support would be most valuable to their students.
Choose a Project That Brings Joy and Value
Projects can be big or small—whatever suits your club's capacity and the school's needs. Ideas include:
- Building a new playground with community-donated funds
- Supplying updated learning tools or classroom equipment
- Hosting a fun day or sausage sizzle with your club’s help
- Creating a memorable event that puts smiles on students’ faces
Promote Rotary’s Presence
As part of your project, kindly ask the school to display Rotary signage prominently helping raise awareness and celebrate our shared impact.
Engage Your Sponsors
If additional funding is needed, consider inviting one of your club’s trusted sponsors to contribute. Many local businesses will welcome the opportunity to support children and education.
Build Strong Relationships
Once the project is complete, invite the school principal and key staff to one of your club meetings as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill.
Celebrate Your Impact
Share your story with the broader community! Promote the project through local newspapers, radio, or social media.
Keep Us in the Loop
Let the District team know about your project so we can help amplify it on the District website and communication channels.