This 11th meeting of the 2024-25 Rotary Year was opened by MC, Karen Kim.
Reflection was delivered by Tony Battaini – see the transcript later in this bulletin.
President Catherine Baxter proposed the Loyal toast, and after welcoming Guests, and visiting Rotarians, called on Stephen Rando to introduce Dimitrios Salampasis for induction as a member of the Club.
After the induction of Dimitrios to membership of the Club, Trevor Nink came to the podium to launch the call for members to support by committing donations to support Rotary Melbourne’s dedicated team of riders in the Bicycles Victoria Around the Bay, riding to raise money for the Smith Family.
President Catherine reminded members to have their say in the recently circulated survey about membership experience of Rotary Melbourne.
Before handing over to Chair of the day, Robert McGuirk, President Catherine announced that just this week the Peace Bells have been installed in Rotary Park, and paid tribute to Robert for his dedicated commitment to their installation.
The bells can be viewed at Rotary Melbourne Peace Park which is adjacent to the Royal Botanical Gardens on the corner of Anderson Street, and Domain Road, South Yarra.
Robert then proceeded with welcoming Guest Speaker Lorraine Findlay. Lorraine is the Australian Human Rights Commissioner and joined us in person from Canberra. She began by highlighting the comprehensive scope of human rights, which encompass civil, political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of society. She emphasized the crucial role of protecting against discrimination, noting the importance of diversity and equality.
Lorraine detailed her extensive background in law and human rights, including her roles as a prosecutor, academic, and as Senior Human Trafficking Specialist with the Australian Mission to ASEAN. She conveyed pride in her Rotary connection, recognizing its impact on her values of service, community and friendship.
In her discussion on human rights, Lorraine underscored the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, and the need to reflect on its ongoing relevance. She asserted that human rights are not guaranteed and must be actively defended, particularly in light of current global geopolitical challenges.
Lorraine outlined Australia’s high ranking in global human rights practices but acknowledged significant areas needing improvement, such as the treatment of Indigenous Australians and issues within the youth justice system. She called for a focus on improving parliamentary reforms, federalism, and the need for a potential Human Rights Act to better protect human rights in Australia.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of constructive engagement, diversity of thought, and respectful public discourse. She urged the audience to actively participate in fostering social cohesion and everyday human rights advocacy. Lorraine concluded by reaffirming Rotary’s role in promoting human rights through community service and concluded with a call to live valuing human rights daily to help actualize the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Lorraine is a long standing Rotarian recently as a member of the Canberra Sunrise Club. Bulletin readers can access the recording of the Speaker Series clicking here. The Full Meeting can be viewed by clicking here.
