 | Author's Name: Adrian Nelson Date: Thu 24 Jul 2025 |
Good afternoon, fellow Rotarians, partners, and friends.
Think back nearly 100 years, to 1928. The Australian Parliament sat in Victoria, the Governor-General resided at Government House, and the Governor of Victoria was based at Stonnington in Malvern.
That January, the then-Governor of Victoria, Lord Somers, attended a Rotary Melbourne luncheon and shared his vision for a youth camp. The club pledged its support and funding to allow the project to proceed. The first camps were held at Anglesea in 1929 and 1930, before moving to a permanent site near Balnarring and the Flinders Naval Base - an area we now know as Somers.
The camp brought together boys from all walks of life to promote understanding, leadership, and service. Rotarians mentored participants, provided transport, and visited the camp. From this initiative, the Power House community and sporting organisation was also born.
Rotary Melbourne’s role was pivotal - reflecting our enduring commitment to youth development and helping establish a program - the Lord Somers Camp - that still shapes young Australians to this day.
And so today, in the presence of our current Governor of Victoria, we proudly continue this legacy as we celebrate young people through our annual Young Achiever Awards.
For good food, good fellowship and the opportunity to serve, we give thanks.
Thank you Adrian Nelson
