Following the opening Saxophone performance from Tilly Jones, 3rd Prize winner in the 2025 Rotary Melbourne Arts Scholarship Award, Past President Bob Glindemann called the gathering to order paying respect to the traditional owners, thanking Tilly for her outstanding performance and welcoming all to the Club’s 2025 Presidential Changeover.
Past President Adrian Nelson then delivered the weekly reflection, (the full text is included later in this bulletin) following which outgoing President Catherine Baxter proposed the loyal toast.
Following the meal service break, President Catherine welcomed all to our final meeting of this Rotary year our 5083rd meeting since founded in April 1922. Catherine welcomed special guests including incoming District Governor Elect Peter Shepheard (Altona); recipients of the 2025 Arts Scholarship, Tilly Jones (Saxophone) whose performance launched the meeting, the other two Scholarship recipients including Orvokki Britton (Opera Singer); and for induction into the Club at this meeting, Catherine’s wife Jane de Git accompanied by Margaret Kerr, Ailesh Dupate and Karen Gornalle accompanied by her husband Michael and, President Elect Philip Cornish with his wife Debbie Sonin, Daughter Rachel and her partner Robin Victorino. The full list of all visitors and guests is featured under this article.
Induction of three new members:
President Catherine then invited new member candidates, Jane de Git, Ailesh Dupate and Karen Gornalle to join her on the podium accompanied by their sponsors, Benie McIntosh, Deb Yin Foo and herself, and proceeded to deliver the induction charge. She then welcomed all three as members and invited each to say a few words in response.
Presentation of the Inaugural Rotary Melbourne Music Scholarship:
Arts Committee member and champion of the Music Scholarship Karen Kim then came to the podium to explain the Award and announced recipients of the Awards following which President Catherine handed certificate and the accompanying scholarship third prize to Tilly Jones (Saxophone) whose performance launched the meeting, Second Prize winner Orvokki Britton who performed an operatic piece, and First Prize winner, un-named on request who performed on the piano.
Presentation of the Royce Abbey Award – Karen Kim
President Catherine then invited Karen Kim to return to the podium to be presented the 2025 Rotary Melbourne Royce Abbey Award which recognises a newer Club member who shows enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to Rotary ideals. To view Karen’s citation, click here.
Forth Bridge Award – Peter Berg
President Catherine then presented Peter Berg the 2025 Forth Bridge Award, and to view full details of his Award citation, click here.
2024-25 President Catherine’s Valedictory Address:
In a warm and witty valedictory address, the outgoing President Catherine Baxter reflected on a fast-moving and deeply rewarding year of Rotary service. He began by thanking his wife Jane for her unwavering support and celebrating her recent formal induction into the Rotary family.
She highlighted three standout projects: the Dangan Water Project in the Philippines, led by Ruth Carlos Martinez, which brought running water, toilets, and a library to students; the PNG Snake Bite Project, driven by Tony Battaini, which has already saved over 15 lives through ventilator-equipped ambulances and training; and the Afri-Auscare initiative, supporting youth through mentoring and sponsorship of the Black Rhinos sports teams, with thanks to community leaders Uncle Robert Fisher, Uncle Bernie McIntosh, and Uncle Jim Orchard.
On the club development front, the Rotary Melbourne welcomed 28 new members, bucking the national trend of declining Rotary numbers, with special praise for Membership Director Deb Yin Foo. A new Project Review Committee was launched to improve project readiness and impact. Fellowship also thrived with events like Run the Tan, the Architecture Walk, and the Immigration Museum Notre Dame Augmented Reality Experience. President Catherine thanked Vice Presidents Mary Barry and Reg Smith, the Board, and all members for their trust and support during what she described as a wild, joyful, and unforgettable year.
2025-26 Incoming President Philip’s Induction:
Presentient Catherine then introduced 2025-26 President Philip Cornish, highlighting his exceptional qualifications for the role anchored in over 20 years of experience across commercial, government, and not-for-profit sectors, he has specialized expertise in the health and community service industries.
click here to view full transcript of President Catherine’s Address and Introduction of Incoming President, Philip Cornish
Incoming President Philip Cornish’s Introductory Address:
Philip and his wife Debbie have three adult daughters and importantly a grandson.
In response incoming President of Rotary Melbourne Philip Cornish expressed deep gratitude for the honour of leading a club with a legacy of local and global impact. He acknowledged the contributions of outgoing President Catherine and emphasised continuity, collaboration, and innovation for the year ahead.
Guided by the Rotary International theme “Unite for Good,” he outlined five key focus areas: refreshing the club’s Strategic Plan to remain relevant in a changing CBD landscape; prioritising membership growth and retention across generations; expanding targeted humanitarian projects aligned with Rotary’s seven pillars; leveraging the club’s new Public Benevolent Institution for effective fundraising; and simplifying club operations to enhance accessibility and member engagement.
President Philip highlighted the importance of storytelling and visibility, urging members to promote Rotary through social media and community presence.
He recognised the support of his family, especially his wife Debbie, and drew on his legacy as a third-generation Rotarian committed to service above self. Referencing JFK’s famous call to civic duty, he affirmed Rotary Melbourne’s shared commitment to ask what more can be done for the community, the nation, and the world. He closed with optimism and gratitude, inviting all members to enjoy the journey and contribute meaningfully in the club’s 105th year. click here to view full transcript of Incoming President Philip’s Address
There was no recording of the Rotary Melbourne Changeover Meeting on Wednesday 25 June 25.
