Immediate Past President Catherine Baxter presented the David Wiittner Mentoring Award to Quin Scalzo on Wednesday 3 September 25:
The penultimate action before inducting a new President is the presentation of the Rotary Club of Melbourne Mentoring Award which recognises a Rotarian who has excelled as a mentor and advocate for Rotary honouring the memory of Past President David Wittner AM.
Following his sudden death in 2019 the Club Board recognised David Wittner’s extraordinary commitment to Rotary spanning 54 years and his willingness to mentor many members, and indeed beyond in the community at large. The perpetual trophy of multi-faceted glass is a reminder of the breadth of character that was David Wittner.
At our June Presidents changeover I announced that Past President Quin Scalzo was selected as the 2025 recipient.
Quin is here today with his family of supporters and I ask him to come to the podium to receive his recognition.
Quin Scalzo joined Rotary Melbourne at the invitation of his business friend, David Wittner. As such it is apt that he is recognised with this award for his outstanding service and mentorship since joining in 2001.
A past Club President and long-time leader of key committees including, Welfare of the Young, East Timor, and Indigenous initiatives, Quin exemplifies 'Service Above Self' through sustained hands-on involvement and visionary leadership.
As founder and Executive Chairman of Scalzo Foods, he brings ethical business values to Rotary, generously supporting fundraising, employment pathways for youth, and community health. A mentor to many, Quin is always ready with practical advice and unwavering encouragement, making a meaningful difference to lives within and beyond Rotary.
Quin is an exemplar Rotarian and we acknowledge and thank you Quin for your friendship, service and outstanding support Rotary.
I am honoured on behalf of Rotary Melbourne, to present you with the Wittner Mentoring Award.
Quin Scalzo's Acceptance Speech 3rd August 25
Good afternoon, President Phil and past president Catherine.
Welcome to members and guests,
I am very honoured to receive the David Wittner award for Mentoring. David was, in my experience, one of the best mentors anyone could wish for.
There are many of us in Rotary and outside Rotary, who gained and learnt from knowing David.
Back in 1997 we both joined an organization called Family Business Australia, a newly established organization, headed by David Smorgon, and aimed at bringing together private family businesses in a supportive network.
David Wittner was on the Board and at this early period a Forum group was formed, numbering about 12 of us who were members.
The Forum group leader at the start was Jack Gance. Clearly a powerhouse of knowing business personnel was formed.
I enjoyed working with David in the forum and pleased to confirm he was involved until his passing.
David introduced me to Rotary Melbourne, and I will be forever in his debt. A man of great talent, an exceptional communicator ,who treated everybody with respect and giving them confidence and knowledge.
And who could forget his excellent joke telling abilities.
Thank you David Wittner, it was magical getting to know you.
I will cherish this award forever and will always try to follow his example.
