The meeting was opened by MC Richard Dent.  Peter Hollingworth gave an insightful reflection highlighting that Launch Housing is an independent Melbourne based community organisation formed from the merger of Hanover Welfare Services and HomeGround Services, on 1 July 2015.  You can read Peter’s reflection in a separate item in the bulletin.
 

If you prefer, Peter's reflection can viewed as part of the Club’s video recording of the Meeting.  

In addition to the traditional agenda matters, President Chris led the meeting in a tribute to Rotarian Ian Jones who passed away just a few days earlier.

Past President Mary Barry, Chair of the RICON Host Organising Committee (HoC) came to the podium to acknowledge the work of everyone involved from Rotary Melbourne, and in particular acknowledged Peter Jones who led the creation of several signature Convention events.  She noted that the pandemic restrictions in 2021 meant that the HoC was asked to take more responsibility in planning major events.  Mary reminded us of the efforts of many in delivering Club and home hospitality to visiting Rotarians, and of course the iconic Rotary Melbourne Peace Bells, created through the exceptional drive and energy of Rob McGuirk, and resulted in the Bells being lauded and supported by RI President Jennifer Jones as a convention legacy project. 

Mary took great pleasure in passing to Past President Adrian the plaque presented to her by Jennifer Jones for safe keeping and display in the Rotary Melbourne Office.  She thanked Rotary Melbourne for what all the Club did in driving the bid for RICON, and making it a success in so many ways.

Richard Parker then introduced the CEO of Launch Housing Bevan Warner, who had been invited to talk about the challenges being tackled right now in social housing.  Bevan's address provided a succinct but deep overview of the patchy, poorly co-ordinated and bleak housing situation that exists currently in Victoria and into the foreseeable future.  

Bevan was clearly appreciative of the Club’s project Make a House a Home and for Rotary Melbourne’s continuing support. He certainly provided a challenge as to how we might work with City of Melbourne, Launch and other key players to create systemic and lasting change to the current paucity of effective vision, policy and funding in addressing the deep housing crisis in this State and Nation.

Bevan also provided information on their new website 'Melbourne Zero' where they want more for Melbourne - a liveable city for all of us. They want to be Australia's first city to end street homelessness. 

The video of Bevan’s address can be viewed in the Club’s YouTube Channel HERE.

The full meeting can be viewed HERE.