Rotary Club of Preston Melbourne

Home
Australia
Preston, VIC
Rotary Club of Preston Melbourne

Welcome! The Rotary Club of Preston is a friendly & active not-for-profit community service Organisation

"Recognise and Respect- First Nations Peoples"
The Rotary Club of Preston welcomes all backgrounds of the First Nations peoples with respect of their culture and their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We value the contributions of the First Nations spiritual, cultural, social, physical relationship and their rights and obligations. We believe the people of the First Nations hold qualities that

inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong. We are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are as a club, and to continuing to learn to do better."

19/06/2026

Preston Rotary Club was proud to recognise and award two amazing recipients of the following….

Paul Josephson Hospitality Award
Tomo Nakayama

Pride of Workmanship Award Citation
Thomas Halbish

Sponsored by Bernie & Peter Lamers Construction

The Rotary Club of Preston was honoured to present the Paul Josephson Hospitality Award to Tomo Nakayama, recognising a person who exemplifies excellence, dedication and pride in their profession.

This award was presented by Superintendent Kelly Lawson, who commended all recipients on their outstanding achievements and well-deserved recognition.

Tomo has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years, building an impressive career across Japan, New Zealand and Australia, primarily in front-of-house roles. Six years ago, Tomo made the decision to transition into the kitchen to pursue a long-standing passion for cooking…a decision that has been rewarded through dedication, hard work and a commitment to excellence.

Having recently completed a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, Tomo is now undertaking a Certificate III in Patisserie to further develop professional culinary skills. This continued commitment to learning has strengthened both technical ability and a deeper understanding of kitchen operations, reflecting the pride and professionalism that define this award.

Tomo’s ambition is to one day open a small restaurant, bringing together the skills, techniques and creativity gained throughout an extensive hospitality career. In the meantime, the focus remains on growing as a chef, gaining valuable experience in professional kitchens, and creating dishes that bring enjoyment to others.

Tomo’s passion for hospitality, dedication to continuous learning, and commitment to producing work of the highest quality embody the true spirit of the Pride of Workmanship Award.

The Rotary Club of Preston is delighted to acknowledge those joining us to celebrate Tomo’s achievement today. We warmly welcome Liz Warren and Gaetano Gentile, whose presence reflects the encouragement and support that helps individuals like Tomo achieve excellence in their profession.

Congratulations, Tomo Nakayama, on this well-deserved recognition. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Preston, we wish you every success as you continue your culinary journey and look forward to seeing your dream of owning your own restaurant become a reality.

Pride of Workmanship Award Citation
Thomas Halbish
Sponsored by Bernie & Peter Lamers Construction

The Rotary Club of Preston is honoured to present this year’s Pride of Workmanship Award to Thomas Halbish, recognising his outstanding commitment to excellence, professionalism and pride in his trade.

This award was presented by Superintendent Kelly Lawson, who commended all recipients on their outstanding achievements and well-deserved recognition.

Thomas is currently undertaking his plumbing apprenticeship with W.L. Chivers Plumbing, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication and professionalism. His passion for the trade began through work experience with his uncle, who introduced him to the rewarding and enjoyable side of plumbing and inspired him to pursue it as a career. Encouraged by one of his high school teachers to seek an apprenticeship with W.L. Chivers Plumbing, Thomas has continued to grow, develop and excel ever since.

Thomas has earned this award through his commitment to producing work of the highest standard. He is recognised for his outstanding workmanship, excellent practical skills, extensive knowledge, and the pride he takes in every job he undertakes. His polite, respectful nature and willingness to support those around him make him a valued member of the team.

Beyond his own work, Thomas willingly mentors and guides fellow apprentices, demonstrates leadership in the workplace, and is always eager to ask questions to deepen his understanding and continually improve his skills. His conscientious work ethic and consistent delivery of quality workmanship have earned the admiration of his supervisors, with one commenting, “As a plumber, I would have him work for me.”

Looking to the future, Thomas aspires to one day own and operate his own plumbing business. In the meantime, he is committed to expanding his knowledge by learning every aspect of the plumbing industry while continuing his employment with W.L. Chivers Plumbing. He also plans to further his qualifications through additional certificate studies, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.

Thomas exemplifies the values of the Pride of Workmanship Award…integrity, dedication, excellence and pride in a job well done.

The Rotary Club of Preston is delighted to acknowledge those joining us to celebrate Thomas’s achievement today. We warmly welcome his parents, Mark and Pam Halbish, his sister, Madeline Halbish, his employer Jordan Chivers, Managing Director of W.L. Chivers Plumbing, Chris Chivers, Plumbing and Compliance Manager, and from Melbourne Polytechnic, Chris Arnold, Manager…Plumbing, Electrical and High Risk. Your support, encouragement and commitment to Thomas’s development have played an important role in his success.

Congratulations, Thomas Halbish, on this well-deserved recognition. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Preston, we wish you every success as you continue your career in the plumbing industry. May your commitment to quality workmanship and lifelong learning continue to inspire those who work alongside you.

17/06/2026

Upper Plenty Merri Clean-UP. Join the Upper Merri Catchment Landcare Group Sunday 28th JUNE 10am- 11:30am
Please join the UPMCL & MCMC for a community litter clean up and citizen science litter audit. Be part of the solution as we remove litter from the Merri Creek and surrounds and discuss future actions that should be taken to protect the creek. All litter clean-up gear will be provided, though you are welcome to bring gloves. Families are welcome; children under 18 need to be supervised. BYO drink bottle, sun hat and wear closed shoes with good grip. A portable toilet will be available and a yummy morning tea will be provided.
Meeting point: Mitchell Shire Merri Creek Reserve, corner South Mountain Road & Eppings Kilmore Road Upper Plenty.
Please register for this event: https://mcmc.org.au/featured/upper-plenty-merri-catchments-landcare-group-community-litter-clean-up
Enquires: JuliaCirillo .org.au. 0493591721

Rotary Club of Preston are proud to promote this important environmental action and we heartily endorse the fantastic work by Merri Creek Management Committee

04/06/2026

The Story of Rotary Founder Paul Harris: A Vision That Changed the World

Paul Harris was more than a lawyer. He was a dreamer, a visionary, and a man who believed that friendship could change the world.

Born on 19 April 1868 in Racine, Wisconsin, Paul was sent at a young age to live with his grandparents in Vermont. There, in a small rural community, he learned the values of neighbourliness, trust, and helping one another. These lessons would stay with him for the rest of his life.

As a young man, Paul was adventurous and curious about the world. Before settling into a legal career, he travelled extensively across America, taking on a variety of jobs and meeting people from all walks of life. He worked on farms, in hotels, as a teacher, and even as a newspaper reporter. These experiences gave him a deep appreciation for humanity and a belief that people, regardless of background, shared common hopes and aspirations.

In 1896, Paul arrived in Chicago to establish himself as a lawyer. Chicago was booming. The city was filled with opportunity, ambition, and innovation. Yet amidst the energy and growth, Paul noticed something troubling. People were isolated. Neighbours often did not know one another. Business relationships were transactional rather than meaningful. The sense of community he had known in Vermont seemed absent.

Rather than accept this as the way things were, Paul imagined something different.

He envisioned a group where business and professional people could come together not simply to network, but to build genuine friendships, support one another, and serve their communities. It was a radical idea for its time.

On the evening of 23 February 1905, Paul gathered three friends for a meeting in downtown Chicago. The men met in the office of one of the members, and because the meetings rotated between their workplaces, the group became known as Rotary.

What happened next exceeded anything Paul could have imagined.

The small gathering quickly attracted others who shared the same desire for fellowship and purpose. The members soon realised that friendship alone was not enough. They wanted to make a difference. They began undertaking projects that improved the lives of people in their city. Rotary was transforming from a fellowship club into a service organisation.

Paul Harris had discovered something powerful: when people unite around shared values and a common purpose, they can achieve extraordinary things.

As Rotary spread across the United States and then internationally, Paul’s vision expanded. He dreamed of an organisation that would bring together people of different cultures, religions, and nations in friendship and service. At a time when much of the world was divided by prejudice, conflict, and suspicion, Paul believed that understanding and cooperation could create lasting peace.

He often spoke about Rotary’s ability to build bridges between people.

“The foundation upon which Rotary is built is friendship,” he said, “and on no less firm foundation could it have stood.”

Under his leadership, Rotary grew into a global movement. Clubs appeared across continents. Members worked together to improve education, fight disease, support communities, and foster international understanding.

Paul Harris lived long enough to witness Rotary become one of the world’s most respected service organisations. Yet despite its growth, he never lost sight of the simple idea that inspired it all: bringing good people together to do good things.

When Paul Harris passed away in 1947, Rotary clubs around the world honoured him not with monuments to a man, but through acts of service. It was the tribute he would have valued most.

Today, Rotary International spans more than 200 countries and geographical areas, with millions of members having served their communities over the past century. The organisation’s fight against polio, commitment to peace, support for education, and countless humanitarian projects all trace their roots back to one visionary lawyer who believed friendship could be a force for good.

Paul Harris did not set out to build a global movement. He simply wanted to create a place where people could belong, connect, and help one another.

More than a century later, his vision continues to inspire Rotarians around the world to live by the motto:

Service Above Self.

His story reminds us that sometimes the greatest changes begin not with wealth, power, or influence, but with a simple idea, shared among friends, and a belief that together we can make the world a better place.

03/06/2026

Fifty Years of Service: Don and Joan Cox Honoured at Paul Harris Night

The Glenroy RSL was filled with admiration, laughter, memories and gratitude as Rotarians from across Victoria gathered for the 19th Annual Paul Harris Night to celebrate an extraordinary milestone…fifty years of Rotary service by Don and Joan Cox of the Rotary Club of Broadmeadows.

As guests reflected on Don’s remarkable contribution to Rotary, one simple exercise demonstrated the impact he has had over five decades. People were asked to stand if they had served with Don on a district committee, sought his advice, attended events alongside him, or worked with him through Rotary. Around the room, members rose to their feet. The visual display spoke louder than words. Don’s influence has touched countless Rotarians, clubs and communities throughout Australia and beyond.

Tributes highlighted Don’s service as District Governor in 2000-2001 and his lifelong commitment to Rotary’s youth programs including RYLA, RYPEN and the National Youth Science Forum. His support for projects benefiting young people has helped shape generations of future leaders.

One achievement that stood out was Don’s involvement in the establishment of Children First Foundation. Through the efforts of dedicated Rotarians, including Don and his colleagues, land was secured to create a place of care and support for children requiring life-changing medical treatment. It remains a legacy that continues to impact lives today.

Throughout every chapter of Don’s Rotary journey, Joan has been beside him. Speakers repeatedly acknowledged that while the recognition was presented to Don, it was equally a celebration of a partnership built on service, compassion and commitment. Together they have hosted exchange students, attended more than seventy Rotary conferences and conventions, travelled extensively representing Rotary, and supported countless projects and events.

Stories shared throughout the evening painted a picture of a man respected across the Rotary world. Fellow Rotarians recalled international conventions, district conferences, overseas adventures and the many friendships forged through Rotary. There were plenty of laughs too, with tales of conference celebrations, memorable travel experiences and Don’s famous ability to bring people together wherever he went.

District Governor Emma Davis paid tribute to Don’s leadership and ongoing contribution to Rotary. She noted that even today, Don remains one of the first people she calls for advice and guidance. Presenting a framed letter from Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, she thanked Don for his vision, wisdom and unwavering dedication to service above self.

Accepting the honour, Don spoke with characteristic humility.

He reflected on being invited to join the Rotary Club of Broadmeadows by his father more than fifty years ago and described Rotary as one of the greatest opportunities of his life. He spoke warmly of the friendships formed around the world, the projects that have changed lives, and the incredible network that Rotary provides.

“I just think I’m so lucky to have been invited to join this great organisation,” Don said.

His words captured the spirit that has defined his Rotary journey…gratitude, service and a genuine love of helping others.

The evening concluded with a toast to Don and Joan, a special commemorative cake and an overwhelming sense of appreciation from everyone present.

Fifty years of Rotary service is an extraordinary achievement. Yet what stood out most was not the number of years, the titles held, or the awards received. It was the respect, affection and admiration shown by those whose lives have been enriched by Don and Joan’s friendship, leadership and example.

For half a century they have embodied the very best of Rotary…people of action, people of compassion, and people who have dedicated themselves to making a difference.

Congratulations Don and Joan Cox on fifty remarkable years of service.

01/06/2026

World Haemochromatosis Week runs from 1 to 7 June.
This year, Haemochromatosis Australia is helping more Australians move from awareness to action throughout June.
Haemochromatosis causes the body to store too much iron, and it runs in families.
If haemochromatosis is in your family, June is a good time to talk to your family, speak with your GP and use HA’s resources to help start the conversation.

29/05/2026

A Story of Resilience, Determination and Dreams

I dropped into Preston Bunnings the other day where celebrations for the Trade Women in Apprenticeship Awards were being held. It was there I met Ana Gamero and her daughter. Ana had just won the apprenticeship award, receiving $17,000 worth of trade equipment, vouchers and support to help continue her journey.

As I spoke with her, Ana glowed with pride, humility and gratitude. It quickly became clear that behind the smile was a remarkable story of courage, sacrifice and determination. I asked if she would share some of her journey with me and, in her own words, here is a glimpse into the woman behind the award.

Ana was born in Peru and moved overseas in search of better opportunities and a brighter future for her family. Seventeen years ago, she made Australia her home, carrying with her the hopes, dreams and determination that so many migrants bring when starting life again in a new country.

Life, however, has not always been easy.

Ana lost her father when she was just 15 years old and, more recently, lost her beloved brother Paco, who had become a father figure throughout much of her life. Those losses deeply shaped her, but they also taught her resilience, gratitude and the importance of community.

Today, Ana is a proud single mother of four amazing children who inspire her every single day. They became the driving force behind her decision to rebuild her life and pursue a career in the trades…entering an industry where women are still greatly underrepresented.

Ana is now a welding apprentice studying at Chisholm Institute while working toward becoming a qualified tradeswoman and, ultimately, a welding inspector. Along the way she has been supported by mentors, teachers, employers and organisations who believed in her, even during moments when she struggled to believe in herself.

Recently, Ana was honoured with the Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Award. But for her, this recognition represents far more than an award.

It represents second chances.

It represents perseverance.

And it proves that it is never too late to begin again.

One of Ana’s greatest passions is encouraging other women, migrants and parents to believe that their circumstances do not define their future. Her journey is living proof that with determination, support and hope, incredible things are possible.

Ana shared how excited she is to work alongside Rotary and give back to the community. Throughout her own journey, many people extended a helping hand to her and her family, and now she hopes to do the same for others.

Ana was excited to learn more about the community engagement and service work Rotary undertakes. Her passion for helping others was obvious from the moment we met. She cannot wait to visit our club and, truthfully, we are just as excited to welcome Ana and her family into the Rotary family.

Stories like Ana’s remind us that strength is often forged through hardship, and that hope, when supported by community, can build extraordinary futures.

29/05/2026

Fellowship, Fun and Changing Lives at Jacob’s Well Foundation Trivia Night

Jacob’s Well Foundation held its annual Trivia Night at the Melbourne Bowling Club in Windsor, and what an incredible evening it was. This fundraiser is like no other… bursting with energy, enthusiasm, laughter and an amazing array of auction items, silent auctions and raffles that kept the excitement flowing throughout the night.

A huge crowd poured into the bowling club with every seat quickly filled as friends, families and supporters gathered together in the spirit of generosity and fellowship. The room came alive with conversation, cheering and laughter as teams prepared themselves for a night of fun…all while supporting a cause that continues to transform lives across the world.

Founder Joan Roose warmly opened the evening, sharing heartfelt reflections on the extraordinary journey of Jacob’s Well Foundation over the past 21 years.

Joan spoke passionately about the young adults whose lives have been changed through education opportunities they otherwise may never have received. Many have now gained degrees, started families and built brighter futures. She also reflected on the more than 150 villages that now have access to clean water because of the support and generosity of people attending nights just like this one.

She thanked the many supporters who have walked beside the foundation over the years, along with her family who sacrifice so much while she spends months each year helping communities in need. Joan also acknowledged the wonderful efforts of Sally, Kate and the family members who help organise the trivia night each year, while grandchildren enthusiastically moved throughout the room selling raffle tickets and spreading joy.

As the trivia rounds wrapped up, raffle winners celebrated and auction bids closed, the atmosphere remained vibrant and warm. Long after the games had finished, the room continued buzzing with laughter and conversation as people of all ages reflected on a truly meaningful evening.

Everyone left knowing their participation, generosity and support would help make a genuine difference in the lives of others.

Members of Preston Rotary attended the evening in support of Joan and the incredible work of the Jacob’s Well Foundation. It was a beautiful example of fellowship in action…a community coming together with compassion, kindness and purpose to help create a better future for others.

A wonderful night filled with hope, humanity and heart.

29/05/2026

Partnerships Make Big Visions Possible

Partnerships are important when your vision is big.

As the colder days settle in, I was contacted by Elders in Darebin asking if Rotary could help deliver firewood to families in need. I reached out to our local Preston Bunnings and without hesitation they said yes.

Today I collected a trolley load of wood and delivered it to three families…all smiles and deeply appreciative. Some of the wood will help keep homes warm through winter, while some will be used for important smoking ceremonies.

It’s always important to ask organisations, businesses and individuals if they can help, because more often than not, the answer is a loud YES.

Thank you to Preston Bunnings for your generosity and community spirit.
Picture with Uncle Talguim happy to receive some warmth.

Address

402 Bell Street
Preston, VIC
3072

Telephone

+61488983621

Website

http://www.rotary-prestonaust.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rotary Club of Preston Melbourne posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Rotary Club of Preston Melbourne:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Preston?

Rotary Club of Preston Melbourne

19/06/2026

17/06/2026

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

01/06/2026

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category