Rotary Melbourne's 5th Meeting of this Rotary year and our 5,043rd all time Club meeting, in its one 104th year highlighted one of our Club’s founding members, and second President, Sir John Monash, celebrating his distinguished contribution as a military and business leader.
The Meeting was opened by MC Rosemary Nixon.
The weekly reflection was delivered by Tony Battaini and is published later in this Bulletin.
Vice President Mary Barry passed on the apologies of President Catherine Baxter who will be absent for a brief period with recovering from necessary elective surgery. Mary delivered the loyal toast, prior to luncheon service.
Following the luncheon meal break VP Mary welcomed all including many notable past Awardees of the Monash Medal and community leaders. The full listing of guests is included at the end of this Bulletin.
Mary took the opportunity to remind members of the formation of the 2024-25 Nominations Committee which will canvass and recommend nomination of the 2026-27 Club President and oversee nominations to the Board, and Club Office Holder positions. Committee nominations must be made within two weeks, that is, by 2.05pm on Wednesday, the 21 August 2024. Nomination forms and any questions should be directed to the Honorary Secretary, John Saunders. Nomination forms are available from Office Manager, Jo Mavros.
The theme of this meeting was the profoundly important contribution of Sir John Monash, Australia’s military and civil achievements early in the 20th Century.
Members were pleased to welcome the induction as a member of Rotary Melbourne of Professor Yanis Ventikos, Dean of Engineering at Monash University on this auspicious day.
The other meeting highlight was the presentation of the 2024-25 Monash Medal to the Honourable Josh Frydenberg, in recognition of his leadership, integrity, and service, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic (the full citation is available in a separate Bulletin article). Stephen Lake Chaired this part of the meeting and paid tribute to Josh Frydenberg for his service, and we were honoured to have Michael Bennett, great grandson of Sir John Monash on hand to present the Award.
In his response, Josh Frydenberg expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the life and values of General Sir John Monash, emphasizing Monash's exceptional leadership both in war and peace. Frydenberg outlined Monash's military achievements, specifically his humane approach to leadership and his pivotal role in the Battle of Hamel and the Battle of Amiens during World War I. Monash's post-war contributions, including his roles in education, public infrastructure, and community service, were celebrated.
Frydenberg underlined the importance of Monash’s values—leadership, service, and integrity—and their continued relevance in today's world. He drew parallels between the uncertain global political landscape and Monash’s belief in strength to secure peace.
Stressing the need for zero tolerance towards authoritarian regimes and anti-democratic forces, Frydenberg highlighted the critical need for strong leadership and democratic values.
The address concluded with Frydenberg reiterating his commitment to promoting Rotary’s values and Monash’s legacy of service and integrity.
Josh Frydenberg’s address can be viewed by clicking this link. If you would like to view the full meeting proceedings, click this link.
Citation
General Sir John Monash is the most significant Australian for his professional, military and community leadership and service before, during and after WW1.
Leadership, Integrity and Service, core values of Rotary, integral in the life of Sir John Monash, are the criteria for selecting the Monash Medal recipient.
Awarded to
Hon Josh Frydenberg
For leadership, integrity and service to our nation as an elected representative to his community, and subsequent service to three Prime Ministers in a variety of ministerial roles, including his leadership as Treasurer in overseeing the Australian Government’s economic and fiscal response to the coronavirus pandemic.
