The Axle Award 2024-25 Citation
Tony Battaini
16 July 2025
A trophy in the form of an axle which represents the hub of the Rotary wheel is given to a Rotarian who, during the Rotary year, has given that little bit extra in “service above self”. This award is voted upon by the Board and is presented as the Vice Presidents’ encouragement award.
The last Rotary year, President Catherine’s Board selected Tony Battaini for recognition.
Awarded to
Tony Battaini
Tony was inducted into the Rotary Club of Melbourne in April 2023 and in his two years as a member has championed the highly impactful Papua New Guinea (PNG) SnakeBite project which is already achieving life saving results with huge potential to accomplish more in the challenging logistics of PNG. The project is strongly supported by CSL the suppliers of snakebite anti venon and support on the ground from Rotary Clubs and medical first responders.
In addition Tony has already brought his experience in governance of arts organisations to the fore through the Arts Committee as a strong supporter of the Music Scholarship Award, and the proposed Rotary Melbourne Photography Competition.
On top of that Tony has found time in his busy schedule to rescue food waste as a volunteer collector for SecondBite at Prahran Market. He has also been an articulate and thoughtful ‘Reflection Giver‘ at weekly meetings of the Club.
By his selfless commitment to ‘Service above Self’, Tony is a worthy recipient of the Axle Award.
