Distinguished guests, President Noel and Fellow Rotarians

I’d like to acknowledge traditional owners here today and a special greeting to elders and leaders present.

As recorded in the language of the day in the 2025 Annual Report of Rotary Melbourne that;

“A new club was formed under the Direction of Commissioner W. A. Osborne … in Bendigo. Judging from the quality of the foundation members and their enthusiasm, the club bids fair to go ahead successfully. Seven of our members attended the inaugural luncheon, and a number of Melbourne Rotarians sent messages of greeting”

It is not recorded whether the Melbourne Rotarians came by Train or Motor vehicle, but I’d like to imagine them coming in Model T’s and the like.

And who was this Commissioner Osborne?

Professor W. A Osborne the first Professor of Physiology at University of Melbourne. He was Melbourne Rotary’s first President in 1921-22, indeed Australia’s first club President. He handed over the Presidency of Rotary Melbourne to Sir John Monash. Professor Osborne was appointed by the newly named Rotary International as a Rotary Commissioner for the states of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia in 1922. Professor Osborne attended the Rotary International Conference in America in 1922.

It is hard to recall now that the formation of Rotary clubs were greeted with great enthusiasmby communities. Service clubs were seen as important additions to Municipalities. Why?

What was Australia in 1925 like? Well Melbourne was closer to 900,000 in population and Bendigo around 25,000.  And while Canberra had been established Melbourne effectively remained Australia’s capital for some time. Unemployment was over 10% and continued to climb until reaching a peak during the great depression and stayed quite high until WWII. In this environment Rotary played an important part in Australia’s civic society, helping returned servicemen and many parts of the community which desperately needed support. And Rotary’s message of peace appealed to a world recovering from major conflict.

And what of today?

In preparation for my year as President I asked and surveyed a number of our members. While for many the community/fellowship was important, for most it was a mix of service and community but for all of the members  I asked service was the overwhelming goal. Leaving the world a better place. And sure, why not have some fun doing so.

I would put to you that we need Rotary and it’s ethic of service locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as much today as we did in 1925 when the founders of this club thought so. And our commitment to peace building is as important now as before. Let us celebrate the achievements of your first 100 years and we all look forward to your contribution over the next 100 years.

Philip Cornish
President Melbourne Rotary Club

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