Rotary Melbourne's 1st Meeting of this Rotary year and our 5,039th all time Club meeting, in its one 104th year showcased the club’s activities in 2024-25.
Meeting MC was Bernie McIntosh. The reflection was delivered by Past President Peter Dakin and is published in full later in this bulletin.
After expressing her pleasure to be Chairing the meeting, President Catherine gave a special welcome to our Guest Speaker, Michael O'Leary, Deputy CEO & Project Director, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation whose address a little later would focus on the Melbourne Arts Precinct Redevelopment project. He was accompanied by Communications colleague Maureen Clifford.
After welcoming visiting Rotarians and guests (see details at the end of this bulletin), President Catherine noted that, at the request of the Community Welfare Committee, our Club has signed a memorandum of understanding with Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus). She invited Past President and Community Welfare Committee Chair, Mary Barry to tell us about the project and our partnership agreement with GADAus. This project will give Rotarians the opportunity to participate in training and then supporting victims of post disaster family violence. Mary’s brief update is published later in this Bulletin.
Catherine then reminded members of the forthcoming Rotary Melbourne Environment & Sustainability luncheon on 24 July commencing at 12:30pm at the RACV Club 17th Floor Ballroom. Past President Reg Smith then stepped up to give a brief overview highlighting that tickets are selling fast. Reg highlighted that Christine Holgate will be our guest keynote speaker. Her sustainability leadership, combined with the extraordinary profitability turnaround she has led at Team Global Express which will underpin a provocative address that dispels the myth that corporate sustainability and profitability are incompatible. Friend of the Club, Sofitel Arts Ambassador Clive Scott AM will be interviewing Celebrity Chef Adam D’Sylva on the sustainable meal service for the event. Past RI President Ian Riseley AM will also speak of Rotary International’s commitment to protecting the environment. Tickets are selling fast and you might like to consider funding a table to enable 10 school students to attend. Bookings close on Thursday 18 July so act early to avoid disappointment by clicking here.
President Catherine then returned to the podium noting that the Club was well represented at that the weekend’s District Governor Changeover where outgoing DG Ron Payne passed the baton to Michael Lapina Our Club was recognised by a grateful District through acknowledgement of three significant member achievements:
Congratulations to all, on this recognition.
Membership - call to action: President Catherine foreshadowed an email appeal to all members seeking assistance as we work to continue to grow our new member numbers and retain those already involved in our Club. This is to enable us to continue to build on the extensive work already being done in the local, national and international communities.
Rotary Melbourne doesn’t exist without its members. We have a responsibility to continue on the traditions held dear by those who came before us, but also to adapt and change to deal with an ever-evolving world.
Our main focus this year, will be on increasing our membership and raising Rotary’s brand awareness to help us further increase the positive impact delivered through our Club.
We will focus on a few things this year:
So, if you know someone who fits the Rotary values, introduce them to the club by bringing them to lunch, and when we ask for help please consider being a mentor, volunteer to conduct stay interviews.
President Catherine noted that the 2024-25 Operational Plan that provides details of our priorities for this year is nearing completion and will be published shortly in the Members Area of our website.
Barabara Yerondais then took over Chairing the meeting and introduced our guest speaker, Michael O'Leary, Deputy CEO & Project Director, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation. Michael who spoke of the unprecedented scale of the Melbourne Arts precinct re-development. The $1.7 billion project will transform Melbourne's creative precinct – attracting visitors, creating jobs and establishing creative spaces, and expanded public spaces including a vibrant new urban garden in the heart of the city. He highlighted the upgrading of existing performance venues such as the State Theatre and expanding the National Gallery of Victoria’s exhibition capacity. This transformation is the largest cultural infrastructure project in Australia’s history.
Those present were treated to a comprehensive overview of the project.
Unfortunately, due to the sensitive information and visuals covered in the presentation, we have been asked not to publish copies of the presentation overhead slides, or the recording of the meeting.
In closing the meeting Barbara Yerondais advised that next week (Wednesday 10th July at 8:00pm on ZOOM) our monthly evening meeting will revive, virtually, our INTER CLUB VISITS Program with a visit to the Rotary Passport Club of Melbourne for their Presidential changeover night. This free event can be accessed by Clicking here.
Barbara also thanked MC Bernie McIntosh, reflection presenter Past President Peter Dakin, and our lunch setup and reception teams for their efforts.
