Rotary Melbourne’s 5100th meeting, held at No.35 Sofitel and online via Zoom, brought members and guests together for a lively and engaging program led by MC Bernie McIntosh.
Proceedings opened with a reflection from Past President Adrian Nelson, followed by the Loyal Toast led by President Philip Cornish, who welcomed attendees to the Club’s 17th meeting of the 2025–26 Rotary year.
A highlight of the day was the induction of new member Kathryn (Kat) Sayers, sponsored by Bernie McIntosh. Kat joins under the classification Risk Management – ESG and becomes part of Group Toorak 1. In her short response, she expressed enthusiasm for contributing to Rotary’s work locally and globally.
Past President Robert Fisher then marked World Polio Day (24 October) with an update on Rotary’s End Polio campaign and shared a short video reminding members how close the world is to eradicating the disease.
President Cornish reported on attending the Rotary Club of Geelong’s 100th anniversary and invited members to next week’s Melbourne Cup Day Lunch, featuring leading thoroughbred trainer Henry Dwyer as guest speaker.
The keynote presentation featured Sonia Vignjević, GM & State Director of Settlement Services International (SSI), introduced by Mimmie Watts. Sonia gave an insightful overview of SSI’s 25-year journey, tracing its growth from a single program to 59 program areas across Australia. She detailed SSI’s work supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants through initiatives such as employment programs, disability support, and gambling harm prevention services.
Sonia also addressed the underutilisation of skilled migrants in Australia, proposing practical solutions including an online information hub, dedicated human navigators, and an ombudsman to oversee overseas qualification recognition. She concluded with a candid discussion of the systemic barriers, discrimination, and rising anti-immigration sentiment impacting both clients and staff.
To find out more about SSI view their video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik4vSdUwHIA which was also shown during meeting.
Mimmie thanked Sonia for her thoughtful address and presented her with an Australian-made Rotary gift.
The meeting closed with acknowledgements to volunteers, a warm welcome again to new member Kat Sayers, and the singing of the National Anthem — ending another productive and positive Rotary Melbourne gathering.
