Rotary Melbourne's 47th Meeting of this Rotary year and our 5,038^th all time Club meeting, in its one 103rd year showcased the club’s activities in 2023-24.

Meeting MC was Karen Kim. The reflection was delivered by esteemed member Rt Rev The Hon Dr. Peter Hollingworth AC, OBE and is published in full later in this bulletin.

Guests at the meeting included our outgoing District Governor Ron Payne and his wife Deb, incoming District Governor Michael Lapina and his son Alex, District Governor Elect Peter Shepheard (Altona) and Batman Cluster Assistant Governor Fabienne Nichola (Camberwell).  Guests of President Elect Catherine Baxter were her wife Jane de Gitt and guests Marg Kerr and Alexia Hojnik.

Outgoing President Chris then acknowledged birthdays of Peter Manger, a 40-year Club member, and Jim Orchard. 

He took the opportunity to announce several members afforded special recognition, including two important Club Awards - citations are published later in this bulletin: 

• The Royce Abbey Award, which is Awarded to a relatively new member who has demonstrated strong commitment to the club and is well accepted by members. This year’s Awardee is Sana Malik.
• The Rotary Melbourne David Wittner Mentoring Award, in memory of David Wittner AM, to a member who has exemplified David’s extensive mentoring of Club members. The year’s Awardee was Past President Reg Smith OAM.
• Awarding of Honorary Life Membership of Rotary Melbourne to Robert Fels for his indefatigable service in selecting and mentoring Rotary peace fellows

President Chris Sotiropoulos' valedictory address, emphasised the highlights of his year of service as Club President, including strategic opportunities that are emerging for our Club and the benefits of our forward-looking distributed leadership model that is working well for the Club in ensuring continuity of strategic leadership with each new President.

In welcoming incoming President Catherine Baxter to the podium and recited the customary President Induction charge following which he presented to Catherine the framed induction charge, the President’s lapel pin, and of course the President’s Chain which he has worn proudly for the past year.  The support of each President’s partner was also acknowledged and Catherine’s wife, Jane came to the podium to receive the traditional flowers. Chris’s wife, Elena will receive a bottle of sparkling wine on return from overseas.

Newly inducted President Catherine then delivered her welcome address

Chris’s Valedictory address, and Catherine’s Welcome address can be viewed in the recording of the meeting by clicking here.

At the conclusion of President Catherine’s address, Karen Kim returned to the podium to introduce musicians – Classical/flamenco guitarist Giovanni Riveros and Tammy Ari, singer songwriter who writes music for Hollywood movies is currently in Melbourne promoting her global music project' Dreaming Freedom’ which has had 200 top musicians around the world contributing to a song to raise awareness and funds for modern slavery (see separate Bulletin article for more details). Giovanni then entertained us with the performance of La Bamba

In closing President Catherine thanked her guests and supporters including Past President Chris, and all Club members in looking forward to the year ahead.

Next week at Sofitel on Collins #35 Restaurant, our guest speaker is Michael O'Leary, Deputy CEO, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation.  Michael will be speaking on the Melbourne Arts Precinct Redevelopment.  Lots going on there. 

Giovanni (guitar), Tammy (vocals/keyboard) and Karen (violin) played the national anthem with incoming District Governor Michael Lapina leading the singing.

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