Rotary Melbourne marked World Environment Day 2026 with a thoughtful and inspiring luncheon focused on environmental stewardship, youth leadership, practical action and public policy reform.
The luncheon opened with an Acknowledgement of Country, recognising the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation and honouring their enduring connection to land, sea, community and the care of ecosystems over countless generations.
In his opening reflection and loyal toast, President Philip Cornish invited those present to pause and consider why gatherings of this kind matter. He observed that care for the natural world is inseparable from care for communities, future generations and one another. He highlighted environmental sustainability as one of Rotary’s major areas of focus and emphasised its links to health, peace, education, food security, biodiversity, economic opportunity and social cohesion. He also celebrated the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Rotary Melbourne and the xpand Foundation to support the Growing Futures initiative in Timor-Leste, helping communities restore forests, strengthen livelihoods and build long-term environmental and economic resilience.
Barbara Yerondais, chair of the Rotary Melbourne 2026 Environmental Sustainability Award presented the awards at the luncheon which celebrated young environmental leaders. You can read more about the presentations in a separate article. This year the award was shared between two outstanding school projects. Students from Killester College, Springvale, presented Bridget’s Blessings, a student-led school op shop designed to reduce textile waste, encourage ethical consumption and make affordable clothing available within the school community. The students described how the project had developed teamwork, communication, enterprise and problem-solving skills, while also promoting circular fashion and social justice.
Students from Eltham High School presented their Community Indigenous Garden project. Speaking with maturity and conviction, they explained how the garden would support learning about Indigenous culture, native foods, environmental responsibility and connection to Country. The project grew from a student leadership experience and aims to give young people a practical way to contribute positively to their school and wider community. Their remarks were a strong reminder that young people are not only future leaders, but active contributors now.
The keynote address was delivered in a fireside-chat format, with Professor Graeme Samuel AC in conversation with Past President Adrian Nelson. Professor Samuel spoke candidly about his independent review of Australia’s environmental laws and the long journey from review to legislative reform. He described the previous system as overly process-driven, burdened by uncertainty, “weasel words” and excessive ministerial discretion. In his view, the reform task was to shift the system from process to outcomes, creating clearer environmental standards, greater certainty for proponents and regulators, and stronger accountability when standards are not met.
He also reflected on the challenge of bringing together business, farming, scientific, Indigenous, environmental and government interests. His approach was to listen carefully, but ultimately form an independent view grounded in the public interest. Professor Samuel rejected the notion that environmental protection and economic development are inherently
in conflict, arguing that well-designed market mechanisms can allow biodiversity to be valued and protected while enabling sustainable economic activity.
Drawing on examples from environmental, tax and competition reform, he emphasised the importance of courage, communication, collaboration, consensus and integrity. He concluded that meaningful reform requires listening widely, resisting vested interests, understanding political realities, and maintaining a clear commitment to future generations.
The event concluded with acknowledgement of the luncheon’s carbon footprint and Rotary Melbourne’s commitment to purchase carbon credits to offset emissions. Proceeds from the event supported the xpand Foundation’s Growing Futures initiative and SecondBite/FairShare, reinforcing the day’s message that practical partnerships can deliver environmental and social impact.
Follow this link to view the video of the whole event.
Click here to view Professor Graeme Samuel’s fireside chat.
