In 2008 the Rotary Club of North Balwyn ran its first Fun in Retirement Expo at the Boroondara Sports Complex in Belmore Road. The aims of FIRE were:

– To showcase to the community of Boroondara the wealth and variety of activities, products and services available to the 50+ age group approaching and considering retirement

– To encourage and assist the older members of the Boroondadra community to become more active and engaged with their community

– To provide an opportunity for the businesses and agencies which offer services or products to the 50+ age group to show their wares

– To enable clubs and groups which seek the involvement and support of the 50+ community access to this group

– To provide an entertaining and informative programme for visitors to FIRE

– To support local charities with any proceeds which may be generated

The second FIRE was run at the Boroondara Sports Complex in 2009. Each FIRE assembled approximately 71 exhibitors, and had between 2000 and 3000 visitors from Boroondara and surrounding districts. The feedback sheets completed by many of FIRE's visitors report that they regard the Expo as friendly and helpful, while being professionally well run. However we failed to achieve the significant increase which we hoped we would get in both exhibitors and visitors in FIRE 2009.

The committee which ran FIRE in 2009 is reviewing the results, and considering whether and in what form to run future FIRE events. Time, venue and format are all being considered; along with how well FIRE fits in with the various local and nearby events which surround it. A decision will be made as to the future of FIRE with the Rotary Club of North Balwyn early in 2010, and the committee would welcome any comments or suggestions, which can be directed through the club's secretary.