MC Past President, Bob Glindemann opened the meeting in the usual way and acknowledged the traditional owners of the land on which we meet. 

Peter Hollingworth presented the weekly reflection (published later in this Bulletin) and President Catherine’s invited the loyal toast.

On resumption after the meal service, President Catherine announced this was Rotary Melbourne’s 9^th Meeting of the current Rotary year and our all-time 5047th Club meeting.

Catherine warmly welcomed guest speaker Katherine Ellis, CEO of Leadership Victoria, Minh Nguyen ROMAC Southern Region (Vic/Tas) Chair who accompanied by project beneficiaries Elina and her mother Enneth Lapurem, and two new Members, Daniel Koutzamanis and Antwan Malouhi, who were to be inducted later in the meeting.

All visiting Rotarians, and guest of the Club and visitors and guest are listed at the conclusion of this bulletin.

Past President Dr. Chris Sotiropoulos and Jim Orchard then came to the podium and in turn introduced new members for induction: Daniel Koutzamanis and Antwan Malouhi following which President Catherine conducted their induction reading the standard Induction charge.  Daniel and Antwan then made impressive response addresses and were welcomed warmly by members present.

Peter Addison then introduced Minh Nguyen ROMAC Southern Region (Vic/Tas) Chair who addressed the meeting.  Minh’s presentation is referenced in a separate article in this bulletin, and can be viewed by clicking the link provided at the end of this report.

President Catherine then highlighted that nearing conclusion of the 2024 Men’s AFL Season, with the prizes to be awarded to the winners of the Club’s tipping competition to be presented at the Club meeting on Wednesday 25 September 2024.

Catherine then announced that with the commencement of the AFLW competition on 30 August 24 and for the first time members and friends can tip weekly on this competition for the bargain cost of $20!

An email will be sent to all members shortly.

Catherine then noted that member nominations for 3 members of the Nominations Committee were closing just 5 minutes after this meeting concluded.

Meeting Chair Richard Dent then assumed control of the meeting and introduced guest speaker Katherine Ellis, CEO of Leadership Victoria.

Katherine Ellis, CEO of Leadership Victoria, address focused on the importance of adaptive leadership in tackling complex societal issues. She underscored the following key points:

1. Personal Background and Introduction to Leadership: Katherine briefly shared her personal journey, including her experiences as a Rotary Exchange student in Japan and her career path leading to her current role.
2. Youth Leadership: She emphasized her long-standing commitment to youth leadership, citing her roles in the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretariat's Division of Youth, and as CEO of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria.
3. Current Challenges for Youth: Katherine discussed the mental health struggles of today's youth, exacerbated by global issues such as climate change, homelessness, and gender-based violence. She highlighted the shift in the happiness curve, indicating that today’s young adults are experiencing levels of unhappiness similar to those in midlife.
4. Barriers to Positive Change: She identified societal and systemic barriers, including vested interests and a lack of resources or influence, that prevent positive change.
5. Role of Adaptive Leadership: Katherine stressed the importance of adaptive leadership, characterized by the ability to navigate complex problems, build deep connections, and mobilize collective action. She highlighted the importance of leaders having empathy, understanding diverse perspectives, and being willing to deal with discomfort.
6. Leadership Victoria's Mission: She outlined the mission of Leadership Victoria to develop adaptive leaders through programs such as the Williamson Community Leadership Program. The organization brings together leaders from diverse backgrounds to build leadership skills, broaden perspectives, and create enduring connections.
7. Examples of Impact: Katherine provided examples of Leadership Victoria alumni making significant contributions, such as supporting First Nations leadership and promoting women of colour in leadership roles.
8. Call to Action: She encouraged the audience to focus on their own leadership capabilities, support other leaders, particularly those from marginalized communities, and contribute to systemic change.

Katherine’s address concluded reinforcing the importance of leadership in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable community.

To view the full recording of meeting proceedings, please click here.  If you would like to only the keynote speaker, click here

The meeting closed with Richard Dent giving a reminder that, next week we meet here at No.35 for lunch and our Guest Speaker will be District 9800 Governor Michael Lapina.

Share this with your friends