The meeting was opened by MC for the day, Rosemary Nixon AM, following which Past President Adrian Nelson delivered the reflection – read the transcript here. President Philip delivered the loyal toast and adjourned the meeting for the meal service break.
Following the meal break, President Philip welcomed our special, guest Young Achievers’ Award presenter, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, and then acknowledged our other special guests, the 2025 Young Achiever Awardees: Billy Chen, Pailene Lim, and Mursal Rezai and their accompanying supporters.
He expressed pleasure in welcoming Young Achiever Award alumni members: Edward Lee, Joseph Alkarra, Laura McArthur and online, Wasi Abidi.
President Philip also welcomed District 9800 Governor Peter Shepheard and Gary Goldsmith – Rotary Community Leader for attending.
The full list of visiting Rotarians, visitors and guests of members are listed in the bulletin and the full details of Young Achiever Awardees are provided here.
Jim Orchard then stepped up and called for volunteers for the Melbourne Marathon
as part of our volunteering and fundraising effort to support the Smith Family. More volunteers are needed. If you would like to join in, contact Jim Orchard by phone or email - (refer Club Directory). Click here for more information.
President Philip then reminded members to book their tickets for the NGV Winter Masterpieces exhibition on Friday night, 1 August 2025.
With Presidential announcements complete, President Philip invited Iqbal Reta to take charge and call on Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria to make introductory remarks before presenting this years Award.
Iqbal began by expressing his pride in celebrating the 2025 Rotary Young Achievers Awards, honouring three exceptional young leaders.
Iqbal also highlighted the release of the first Rotary Young Achievers Alumni Yearbook, now available in a separate article. He then introduced our guest of honour Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria. Iqbal reminded us of her inspiring address in 2021, when as Monash University Vice Chancellor she presented the fifth Rotary, Melbourne Thomas Baker Oration, - a memorable occasion that reflected her deep commitment to education, leadership, and civil engagement.
Her Excellency began by acknowledging the Wurundjeri and the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation and also paid respects to Elders past, present and future and to Indigenous Australians present at this event, following which she delivered a warm and inspiring address.
She acknowledged Rotary Melbourne’s proud legacy — Australia’s first Rotary Club — highlighting its century-long dedication to community service, education, and youth leadership.
Reflecting on Victoria’s rich volunteer spirit, the Governor praised Rotary’s enduring mission to nurture young leaders who serve others with purpose.
She celebrated the diverse achievements of this year’s awardees and affirmed that their future impact will be even more powerful.
Commending the club’s vision, she emphasised that fostering leadership in the next generation is central to creating a better world.
Her Excellency concluded by thanking Rotary Melbourne for its commitment to uplifting young Victorians and expressed pride in presenting the awards, noting they reflect both the recipients’ excellence and the high standard of education in Victoria.
The presentation of Awards then proceeded, and the three Awardees made their own impressive addresses.
Pailene Lim expressed heartfelt thanks to Rotary Melbourne for the Young Achievers Award, calling it a full-circle moment as her mentor once received the same honour. A PhD candidate at WEHI, Pailene is developing a malaria vaccine targeting strains prevalent in the Asia-Pacific. Her work, published in Nature Microbiology, is deeply connected to her Southeast Asian heritage. She spoke passionately about cultural inclusion, mentorship, and the importance of diverse leadership in science. Beyond research, she mentors students, supports water safety initiatives in CALD communities, and performs with the Western Region Concert Band.
Billy Chen could be characterised as championing equity and youth empowerment. He reflected on his journey growing up in a migrant, working-class family in Melbourne’s west. Inspired by his parents’ resilience, he committed to tackling inequality and ensuring young people aren’t limited by their postcode.
Billy has led impactful initiatives through Brimbank Youth Council and the Victorian Youth Congress, co-designed youth employment strategies, and helped create the Youth Nav life-skills platform.
A long-time beneficiary and advocate for Western Chances, he now gives back through fundraising and peer mentoring.
Billy aspires to a future in public policy or law, dedicated to driving systemic change.
Last but definitely not least, Mursal Rezai – presented on her journey from refugee to future advocate. Arriving in Australia as a 15-year-old refugee, Mursal Rezai found hope in education.
Now in her fourth year of a double degree in law and business at Swinburne University, she credits a Western Chances scholarship with giving her confidence and opportunity.
Mursal has completed internships at major institutions and passionately gives back through mentoring, student leadership, and community advocacy.
She aims to use her legal career to amplify silenced voices and drive systemic change.
Her vision is clear: justice should be a promise, not a privilege. This award affirms her belief in resilience, equity, and empowerment.
If you want to absorb more of the Young Achiever Award presentation, check out the video recording of the meeting below.
Read more about our YAA Award Winners here.
