At last week's meeting President Adrian highlighted the work of Rob McGuirk in his leadership of the Rotary Melbourne Peace Park – Peace Bells project. Through the efforts of Rob and many Rotary colleagues the targeted fund-raising has nearly been achieved.
Most members know of the significance of the Park in the life of the Club since 1934, with visiting Rotary International Leaders, being welcomed by the Club and dedicating a tree or a plaque honouring the work of Rotary. The most recent dedication was made by Rotary Foundation Chair, K. R Ravi Ravindran in 2019, who was welcomed by Past President Kevin Sheehan.
At the Evening Meeting on 8 February at Rotary Park the special guest and speaker was expert harmonious bell designer Associate Professor Neil McLachlan Designer of the Birrarung Marr Federation Bells, who together with Rotary Melbourne member, Rob McGuirk told us about the legacy Peace Bells Project which will be unveiled at the RI Convention in late May 2023 by RI President Jennifer Jones.
The Peace Bells are a big deal!!
The 4 bell installation, located adjacent to gate D of the Botanical Gardens will represent a step every person can take for peace-building being:
1) to be at peace within themselves,
2) to talk of the importance of peace for all peoples including indigenous Australians,
3) to write messages of peace and
4) to celebrate peace and International Day of Peace.
The investment in the Bells is being shared among 4 Rotary contributors:
1) Rotary Club of Melbourne
2) Rotary District 9800
3) Rotary International - Presidents' First RI Convention Legacy Project
4) Other Rotary Districts
Rob McGuirk talked of the extensive work he has led in gaining the support of the City of Melbourne, Heritage Australia and the traditional owners of this land, the Bunurong people. Initially the installation will be temporary (6-months), alongside the much loved St Kilda Rd Floral Clock situated opposite the NGV on the Cnr Linlithgow Avenue and St Kilda Rd. Neil McLachlan explained the innovative aluminium construction of each bell and the unique harmonic experience that will be enjoyed by those close to each bell when it is struck. A major design constraint was the need to protect local residents from unwanted noise. Ideally each bell will have a QR code that directs visitors to web site to learn more about one of the 4 peace themes and the local indigenous connection with the land.
The funding required is more than $120,000. We are well on the way to meeting this target but we ask all members to consider making a donation to help leaving the funding in no doubt.
Contact Rob McGuirk or Jo Mavros if you would like to contribute to this inspiring Convention legacy project.
