We, as members of our cherished Club, stand on the shoulders of our former members and community stakeholders. This is a reflection I make every day as I turn to the Club current and emerging vision and activities.
As I wandered, in amazement through the RICON 2023 House of Friendship, many of our national and international members would come up to me, look at my name tag and engage in a discussion highlighting our Club’s impact on projects and it’s international reputation. I infused the learning and ensured they were stored front on mind as the year unfolded as activities were planned.
All organisations operate with external and internal environments and our Club has actively adapted, experimented and through learnings modified accordingly. We continue to do so this year, as we delve into the past, project our expectations for the coming decade and evolve in step with the local and international realities.
The physical and psychological trauma caused by the pandemic lockdown altered the behaviours of our members, our project partners and our mode of interaction with the community. Even as at the date of writing this reflection, the dreaded infection is still ever present. It is likely that community behaviours will not return to the bygone golden era of pre 2020. We need to act accordingly.
Bold steps
The adoption of the electronic media platform, Zoom, to engage and communicate with members, committees and the community has worked well but needs constant assessment.
The Evening meetings experiment has led to unprecedented success this year, with highlights including:
Heritage events
We continue to deliver quality events, with intriguing speakers and warm fellowship.
I do note that events with music or the arts provides a healing and happy environment to us all.
Strategic Engagement
We have taken the strategic path of seeking to be part of community policy and project/solutions development.
Our belief is that the diverse expertise and relationships our members possess, our Club’s past project performance and our Club ‘DNA’ require us to actively propose and deliver projects to assist our disadvantaged members in our community.
Our partners will include:
When we met the above partners and explained our abilities and how Rotary Melbourne’s unmatched expertise and reach can provide impact, we were immediately endorsed as a valued partner – it made sense. This is in part due to the heritage of our great Club, but also to the breadth of intellectual capability and compassionate and caring members.
We believe such partnership will result in additional membership.
Community perception of Rotary Melbourne is changing
The Angus Mitchell Oration
The Angus Mitchell Oration was a standout event for Melbourne.
Not only was the event oversubscribed, but our Club management team, led by Immediate Past President Adrian Nelson, together with the ‘hands on’ assistance support of many members and Jo Mavros led to its success. Thanks also to The Rt Rev Hon Dr Peter Hollingworth AC OBE for securing the speaker.
Cudos also to Immediate Past President Adrian Nelson for developing the Acts of Kindness initiative and delivering the 300 seedlings! The Sofitel management also warrant specific mention due to their venue preparation and professional management.
Many attendees had a very antiquated perception of Rotary generally but were astonished and impressed at the quality, professionalism and breadth of our Club activities. The Hon. John Howard OM AC was also impressed with the forum and warmth of the guests.
Many guests expressed interest to attend future events and consider membership.
The Electric Vehicle Myth busting evening meeting
Our Club’s emerging leaders, heavily represented in the evening meeting team, together with Stephen Rando, warrant special acknowledgement for taking a novel idea and delivering a standout event at the Porsche showroom at Brighton, outside our CBD grounds.
The confidence of the event organising committee, together with speakers referral by President Elect Catherine Baxter and George Giamadakis, led to an informative and entertaining event, much aligned with our Club’s values. This event was also successful due to many other members that assisted in the preparation and activities during the event, together with patronage by members and their guests.
All attendees, including the Porsche management were extremely impressed with the innovation and execution of such an event, targeting a current Environment and Sustainability issue.
Many expressed interest to attend future events and consider membership.
Management practices
I thank the Board for managing the change of our governing processes to become consistent with legislative changes and also update. I have enjoyed my time as a member of the Board and the level of professionalism, respect and honesty displayed.
Fellowship and Groups
When I joined Rotary many years ago, I found the Toorak 1 group meeting very endearing and a helpful foray into the diverse activities and members of the Club.
I sincerely thank the members of several groups that have invited me to attend the Christmas celebratory event. I have immensely enjoyed the discussions, cuisine and also meeting partners and making new friends. I would encourage group meetings to be held more often, perhaps in creative formats post the lockdown and associated lifestyle changes.
Humanitarian Projects
Our Club continues to deliver outstanding community support to many worthy causes. One of our objectives moving forward is to leverage the restructure of our Trusts, through the creation of a Public Benevolent Fund. One objective is seek arrangements with philanthropic funds to house funds, which will enable significant funds to be delivered to projects.
What lies ahead this year
Strategic alignment for 2023-2025
In order for Rotary Melbourne to be a ‘leading institution’ in Melbourne, President Elect Catherine Baxter, President Elect 2025-2026 Nominee Phil Cornish and I will embark on a plan to ensure activities and Club management is consistent over a three year period to deliver this outcome.
Strategy for 2024-2026
President Elect Catherine Baxter and Horizons committee members held a highly successful meeting last month and will meet again in the new year to develop the strategic plan. Please feel free to contact members of the Horizons Committee or its Chair, President Elect Catherine Baxter, to provide your suggestions. (See the Strategy Plan report article later in the bulletin)
Governance
The operations of Committees will be reviewed, to ensure best practices are adopted. This is a standing item but will have more importance as our Club deals with issues such as risk and cybersecurity.
Major events
There are many events currently in the planning for 2024, including:
The evening meeting team is busy planning major events which will continue to be transformational for Rotary Melbourne and our community. I won’t reveal any secrets, but they will showcase both our existing projects, as well as reflect matters that impact on our society and planet over the next 50 years!
In closing, I extend best wishes and congratulations to the members and their contribution to the Club this year. Especially, thanks to my fellow Board members, committee Chairs, project Champions and of course Jo Mavros for always assisting with a smile.
Elena and I extend season’s greetings for a festive and also peaceful and relaxing Christmas and New Year 2024 with family, friends and Rotarians!
We will see you next year on 24 January 2024, for a hands-on volunteering activity at RIMERN.
Dr Chris Sotiropoulos
President Rotary Melbourne
13 December 2023
