The meeting was opened by the day’s Master of Ceremonies, Past President Bob Glindemann OAM, who paid respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we were gathering.
Former CEO of Sofitel on Collins, Clive Scott AM then came to the podium for a conversation with the Chef responsible for the sustainable meal served at the event: Clive introduced John Savage, Executive Chef, a role which he has held for more than 22 years and worked in Europe developing his French culinary expertise and has collaborated with other chefs, like Philippe Mouchel and Scott Pickett.
We learned about action across the Sofitel network to reduce food waste and introduce more sustainable practices. The informative conversation ended with a discussion about the meal for the event featuring Humpty Doo Barramundi, grown in the wetlands near Darwin and the vegetable hors d'oeuvres served in welcoming guests to the event.
President Catherine Baxter then welcomed distinguished guests - Past Environment Award winners Claire Moore of Sweet Justice and Manon Beauchamp -Tardieu from Little Green Panda. She also welcomed students and schools that demonstrated focus on environment and sustainability and have accepted our invitation today, with students and teachers from:
St Leonards College, Brighton East; Beacon Hills College, Berwick; Kew High School; Salesian College, Sunbury; Mt Lilydale Mercy College; Catholic Regional College, Sydenham; MacKillop College, Werribee; and Templestowe College. As well as the 2025 Environmental Sustainability Award winners: St Monicas College, Epping.
Rotary Melbourne member Barbara Yerondais, Chair of the Rotary Melbourne Environment Award then came to the podium to introduced the Environment sustainability Award – the transcript of her address can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
She then introduced Co-founder of SecondBite, Simone Carson AM who spoke briefly about the founding of SecondBite 20 years ago. Finally, Barbara read this year’s Award citation for the competition winners, representing St Monica’s College, Epping. The Award Certificate was accompanied by a Grant of $3,000 for investment in sustainable initiatives.
A copy of the citation is included below. Simone Carson then presented the Award to the team leader. Five of the ten students in the St Monica’s team spoke briefly of their project experience, and St Monica’s Sustainability Co Ordinator, Ben Coleman, spoke briefly about the fine work of the students.
President Nominee, Dr Carol Bond then came to the podium to introduce keynote speaker, Dr Fiona Simon, CEO, Australian Hydrogen Council. Dr Simons’ address began with a call to action on hydrogen, framing it as both a national opportunity and a global necessity for achieving net-zero emissions. She emphasised that hydrogen — including its derivatives like ammonia and methanol — is crucial for the hardest-to-decarbonise sectors, such as shipping, aviation, heavy transport, fertilisers, and green steel production.
While electricity plays a central role in the energy transition, around 80% of Australia’s energy use still relies on molecules. Unlike electrons, hydrogen molecules can be stored long-term and transported across great distances, supporting both domestic decarbonisation and Australia’s role as an energy exporter to Asia. As a trusted energy supplier, Australia has the responsibility and potential to lead in green hydrogen development.
Dr Simon acknowledged that progress is difficult. Hydrogen infrastructure must be built from scratch — not just production, but also storage, distribution, and market creation. The so-called “commercial gap” remains a major barrier: green hydrogen is uncompetitive with fossil fuels because carbon emissions are not properly priced. Governments must bridge this gap with public investment to unlock private capital.
Australia has taken meaningful steps, including a Hydrogen Strategy (updated in 2023), a $6.7 billion Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive, and targeted support for low-carbon industries like green iron. However, high construction and electricity costs — worsened by global disruptions like COVID and the war in Ukraine — have slowed momentum. Politically motivated setbacks, such as Queensland’s reversal of hydrogen project commitments, have further complicated the landscape.
Despite these challenges, Fiona remains optimistic. She noted that the fundamentals of hydrogen’s role in the energy transition have not changed. Australia remains well-positioned with renewable resources, political will, and growing industry expertise. Importantly, there is a shift toward recognising the need to start with demand — understanding end users, their business drivers, and crafting supportive policies.
She stressed that we must not wait for a perfect hydrogen economy. Interim solutions like hybrid fuel systems, blends, and dual-fuel technologies can provide reliability and market entry points without locking in fossil dependency. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of supporting key industries now reliant on fossil fuels — such as ammonia and methanol production — to keep them viable for future decarbonisation with hydrogen.
Finally, Dr Simon invited Rotary to play a unique role. With its legacy of community leadership, Rotary can convene cross-sector conversations, advocate for cleaner procurement, support entrepreneurs, and mentor communities through transition. “You may not build the electrolyser,” she said, “but you can make space for hydrogen in your communities and conversations.”
You can view Dr Simon’s address on Rotary Melbourne’s YouTube channel by clicking this link and read the unedited transcript of her address by CLICKING HERE.
In closing, Dr Simon underscored that hydrogen is a long-term investment. It requires patience, public-private collaboration, and realistic expectations. With shared vision and community leadership — values Rotary embodies — Australia can seize the hydrogen opportunity and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
At the conclusion of Dr Simon’s address Carol Bond returned to the podium to express appreciation in the usual way.
Bob Glindemann then presided over the drawing of the event raffle. All prize winners were present. The winner of the 2005 Grange first prize was Tony Battaini, and 2nd Prize - a night at the Sofitel on Collins, was won by Vice President Mary Barry.
Bob then thanked all, reminded members of next weeks Vice President’s Reporting day lunch and adjourned the meeting.
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARD 2025
Awarded to
EnviroFriends
Teresa Lau, Saheb Singh, Nathan Murer, Amna Raza, Aira Patel, Hannah Cleary, Clare Joseph, Arman Hajihashemi and Chesna Fernando.
St. Monica’s College, Epping
Citation
The Rotary Club of Melbourne Environmental Sustainability Award for 2025 recognises the distinguished service of St Monica’s Students Teresa Lau, Saheb Singh, Nathan Murer, Amna Raza, Aira Patel, Hannah Cleary, Clare Joseph, Arman Hajihashemi and Chesna Fernando, and their teacher, Sustainability Co Ordinator Ben Coleman, towards Rotary International’s Seventh Area of Focus, Supporting the Environment.
Through this Award, Rotary Melbourne recognises and applauds the St Monica’s College student’s willingness to put service above self with their inspiring and important project to explore Ecological Restoration, Cultural Learning, Food Sovereignty and Nutrition with Community Engagement.
The project titled, “Growing Country; Restoring the Land with First Nations Knowledge” is a student‑led environmental restoration initiative guided by the school’s Environment Team - EnviroFriends. Rooted in First Nations ecological knowledge, students immersed themselves in traditional land‑care practices—learning directly from Elders and cultural educators how to work with Country rather than against it. Wetlands, grasslands, and river corridors across both campuses have been targeted for regeneration through the reintroduction of locally indigenous plants and culturally significant bush tucker species. Restoration at this scale, rebuilding habitat and forming reconnections to the cultural wisdom that has sustained this land for millennia.
The students conducted Flora Surveys to map existing vegetation, soil types and hydrology. Though Elder guidance, selected species that support each other, pollinators and local fauna, and created zoning plans to ensure micro-habitats for specific areas and outcomes. Creating Biodiversity and complexity. Pollinator return, and specific success with the Yam Daisy.
The “Growing Country” project exemplifies how education, culture, and environmental science can intertwine to restore Country—both ecologically and spiritually. Through student passion, Elder guidance, and community collaboration, we are not merely planting seeds but nurturing connections that will sustain Country for generations to come.
Presented on behalf of the Club
Catherine Baxter, President
11 June 2025
