MC for the day Tony Battaini opened the meeting. The reflection, a copy of which is posted later in this bulleting was delivered by Past President Robert Fisher.
In welcoming guests and initiating formal proceedings, President Catherine Baxter reminded members of the opportunity to book tables for the upcoming Thomas Baker Oration which will feature guest speaker Dr Megan Clark AC, Chancellor of Monash University.
As the end of the Rotary year approaches, she also remined members to check and update their details in the Members directory as requested by email.
Catherine thanked all those who supported the recent Run the Tan event where several members ran the race and the Clubs visibility increased among many participants and observers.
Those viewing the meeting on Zoom were able to join the meeting just as the President was welcoming guests. Catherine then asked Julie Hindkaer, a former youth exchange student from Denmark hosted by Rotary Melbourne in 2014 to join her on the podium and update members of her life after the exchange year.
She now lives in Copenhagen, has completed a master's degree in economics and business administration with a specialization in information management, and has been working as a management consultant at a Danish company called Ramble for the past three years. Julie is currently visiting Melbourne to catch up with her host families and other contacts from her exchange year.
After completing formalities, President Catherine invited Rob McGuirk to introduce our guest speaker, Royal Botanic Gardens Landscape Architect, Andrew Laidlaw.
President Catherine welcomed Rob McGuirk to introduce guest speaker Andrew Laidlaw, Landscape Architect at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Andrew delivered a compelling presentation on the evolving role of botanic gardens in urban environments—highlighting their growing importance in the face of climate change and urbanisation.
Andrew underscored the Gardens’ significance as a biodiversity hub and their role in promoting human health and well-being. He shared recent scientific findings that show even brief exposure to green spaces can measurably improve mental and physical health—an insight that is now driving increased funding for green infrastructure globally.
Acknowledging the Gardens’ location on Wurundjeri Country, Andrew reflected on its 175-year colonial history and the vital need to integrate Indigenous perspectives and foster deeper connections with the natural world.
He spoke about the Gardens’ ongoing transformation through a process known as landscape succession—an effort to adapt to warmer climates by gradually introducing new plant species while preserving the historic beauty envisioned by original designer William Guilfoyle.
Among the Gardens’ standout projects:
Andrew also shared his involvement with Global Gardens of Peace, a non-profit working to create healing garden spaces. While a major project in Gaza was halted due to conflict, the initiative now focuses on creating gardens for vulnerable communities across Melbourne—including a wheelchair-accessible green room and therapeutic gardens in psychiatric care settings.
Complementing Andrew’s address, Rob McGuirk shared highlights from several meaningful landscape projects:
Andrew’s presentation was a powerful reminder of the role green spaces play not only in environmental sustainability but also in supporting community health, heritage, and resilience.
The video of the full meeting can be viewed: Here
The recording of just Andrew Laidlaw’s presentation is accessible: Here
