The Guest Speaker for this meeting was Ciaran O'Toole, Conciliation Resources, Director South East Asia/Pacific, speaking on the topic ‘Climate Change and Conflict Risks’.
Presidents Notices and other updates
Marvellous Melbourne Cocktail Party at the RI Convention: President Adrian announced Rotary Melbourne’s 2022-23 signature event – our Marvellous Melbourne Cocktail Party at the Hotel Windsor on the evening of Sunday 28th May. If there’s one event you attend as a club member this year, this is the one. You’ll meet members of our sister clubs from around the world, our friendship clubs, the clubs founded by James Wheeler Davidson, the first clubs of each country, and the Australian capital city clubs. It will be a special night for Rotarians in Melbourne from around the globe. See booking details in this Bulletin and please invite partners, friends and guests.
Click here to book for the Marvellous Melbourne Cocktail Party
Peace Bells: President Adrian reminded members of the work Rob McGuirk and his team continue to do on the Peace Bell installation at the Rotary Melbourne Peace Park which are still on track. He was pleased to announce that Past President Mary Barry – who is also chair of the Host Organising Committee – will be leading the presentation of the bells on stage at the Opening Ceremony at the Convention.
There is still some fundraising to be done and in the next week you will receive further information about the Club’s fundraising campaign.
Contact Jo in the Rotary Melbourne office if you are able to donate.
Carol Bond joined President Adrian to announce three important opportunities now on offer:
Any resident of Victoria who has been accepted to a master’s degree program for a September 2023 start in the northern hemisphere (typically USA, UK, Japan, Canada, Europe), excluding lineal descendants of Rotary members is eligible to apply.
This scholarship is designed to enhance the profiles of Victoria’s most promising university graduates and support the further development of their careers.
The 2022-23 Award will be for either 1 scholarship, to the value of USD$60,000 or 2 scholarships, to the value of USD$30,000 each – the awardee(s) can spend this money on any education related expense, including living costs.
This opportunity is funded by Rotary District 9800 and Rotary International. Applications close on 31 March 2023. For more information click: www.rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/foundation/scholarships
Rotary Peace Fellows become leaders and catalysts for peace and conflict resolution and typically go on to work in national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, peace education, media, and grass roots community organisations.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, course materials, room & board, round-trip transportation, internship/field work expenses; and insurance
This opportunity is funded by Rotary International. Applications supported by District 9800 Clubs close: 15 May 2023.
For more information click: URL: www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
Guest Speaker
Past President Robert Fisher introduced guest speaker Ciaran O’Toole, Department Director, Southeast Asia and the Pacific for Conciliation Resources – an international Peacebuilding NGO.
Ciaran delivered a fascinating and impactful presentation on Climate Change and Conflict Risks in the Pacific.
In discussing the work of Conciliation Resources, Ciaran’s presentation revealed complexity relating to multiple factors, including cultural differences, clarity of land ownership and tenure, diverse governance processes, gender and local leadership ambiguities that dictate in many cases of conflict, which invariably needs intensive effort by conciliators at the community level.
He highlighted the risks of violent conflict in the wake of natural disasters, displacement, and the need for relocation due to progressive climate change, land use issues, and a tendency towards authoritarian government responses in the absence of democratic traditions.
It seems clear that climate change and accompanying impacts are intensifying competition for land and resources in the Pacific Islands and the risk of violent conflict
Ciaran’s presentation can be viewed on Rotary Melbourne’s YouTube Channel in due course.
President Adrian also welcomed visiting international guest online Nesta Hatendi, International Development Consultant Zimbabwe, and in person James & Judy Elliott, Rotary Club of Columbia Missouri, who exchanged banners and Rebecca Elde from Rotary Club of Sedro-Woolley, Washington State.
