 | Author's Name: Philip Cornish Date: Sun 18 Jan 2026 |
I was reminded recently that the name given to the first month of the year, January is derived from the mythical figure of Janus, a being who looks both backwards and forwards.
As we look forward in 2026 clearly Rotarians will want to contribute to natural disaster relief with the bushfires and floods which have occurred across the country this month.
At a prosaic level, next month the Board will be beginning the review of our strategic plan for the next 3 years. If you would like to offer some suggestions for our plans, please free to talk to me or another board member. As Rotary Melbourne we have to choose what to focus on which both contributes to the broader community and brings fulfilment to members.
The context of the community we serve has changed greatly since the last strategic plan.
As we look back on 2025, while in our family and professional lives we will be able to recognise great moments of joys, sadly there is no doubt that 2025 will be defined by the hideous violence and social disruption which culminated in the awful Hanukkah massacre in Bondi. We also had police officers in Queensland and our own state killed by socially disconnected people. And it has been stated that 77 women were killed by men in 2025, mainly partners or ex-partners.
Our international phrase for the year “Unite for Good” is more important than ever in the broader community.
President Philip Cornish
