The meeting was opened by MC for the day, Tony Battaini who paid respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet. He was followed by Past President Philip Endersbee who delivered the reflection highlighting the United Nations International Day of Friendship which was to be celebrated on 30 July 2025. The transcript of his thoughtful reflection is published later in this bulletin. President Philip delivered the loyal toast following which he adjourned the meeting for the meal service break.
Following the meal break, President Philip welcomed Members, visitors and guests, to our 5th Meeting of this Rotary Year and our 5088th Club meeting in our one hundred and fifth year.
Philip then welcomed members and guests, highlighting our guest speaker, former member David Olsson AM, National President Australia China Business Council; this year’s outgoing Rotary Foundation Scholar, Ashley Chandler; and our newest member, to be inducted shortly, James Scuderi. Stephen Rando came to the podium and introduced for induction James who was warmly welcomed by members after completing the induction charge led by President Philip.
President Philip then invited our successful 2025 nominee for the Rotary Foundation Global Scholar program, Ashley Chandler, to come to the podium. She departs shortly for Switzerland, where she will undertake a Master of Law in International Dispute Settlement — a prestigious joint program between the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. Ashley delivered a brief address about her goals for the year ahead.
President Philip then shifted focus to the important commemorations involving Rotary Melbourne in the coming week, honouring the Clubs second President, General Sir John Monash, a most significant Australian for his professional, military and community leadership and service before, during and after WW1, at this time because of the 8 August anniversary of the Battle of Amiens which helped turn the tide in WWI and bring the Great War to an end. Members were reminded to
Past President Chris Wang OAM then came forward to introduce our guest speaker David Olsson AM, National President Australia China Business Council, former Rotary Melbourne Member (Solicitors - Banking & Finance) who left the Club in August 2005, having served as Sergeant at Arms for Peter Dakin in 2000-2001. His highly topical address was on the theme: “Australia and China : stabilised but where to from here?”
David began fondly recalling his time 20 years ago as a member of Rotary Melbourne. He has gone on to be appointed President of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), which equipped him to deliver an insightful address centred on the evolving Australia–China relationship. Drawing on his personal Rotary heritage and international legal and business experience, he emphasised the importance of rebuilding and stabilising Australia’s economic and diplomatic ties with China within a challenging and disrupted global environment.
David noted that Australia’s prosperity is deeply tied to international engagement, particularly with China—its largest trading partner, accounting for one in every three export dollars. He argued there is no viable alternative market matching China’s scale and capacity, making continued cooperation essential, despite geopolitical tensions.
He outlined how the Albanese Government’s measured approach — “cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and act in our national interest”— has restored diplomatic dialogue. Structured engagements have resumed under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, and recent high-level visits, including two by Prime Minister Albanese, signalling a maturing relationship. Importantly, bilateral dialogues now include business and industry leaders with a mandate to collaborate.
David highlighted promising areas of future cooperation, especially in decarbonising China’s steel industry—an initiative with both economic and environmental significance. He also noted growing opportunities in tourism, education, and technology, though warned of limits on student visa numbers that may dampen momentum.
He urged Australia to reinvest in Asia capabilities, particularly language and cultural literacy, to sustain engagement. While acknowledging security concerns—particularly around AUKUS—he emphasised that economic and strategic interests can be balanced through clear, consistent diplomacy.
David concluded on a cautiously optimistic note, stressing that sustained dialogue, principled engagement, and investment in regional understanding are essential to shaping a peaceful, prosperous future. Rotary’s own ethos of service and bridge-building, exemplified by his father’s quiet diplomacy in post-Soviet Europe, remains deeply relevant.
David’s address can be view below:
The video recording of the full meeting can be viewed here.
