John joined the Rotary Club of Melbourne 20 years ago with the classification Insurance – General, bringing with him a distinguished career in the insurance industry. Beginning with Ansvar Australia Insurance in Adelaide, he rose through the organisation to become Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following the formation of EIG-Ansvar Ltd.
Today, however, John is perhaps best known not for his business achievements but for his quiet, practical leadership in serving those most in need.
As our Vice President – Humanitarian Services, John is not content simply to oversee projects. He rolls up his sleeves and gets the job done. Whether collecting donated furniture, sorting and cleaning household goods, coordinating volunteers or welcoming families who are about to move into a home of their own, John leads by example.
As a Director of RIMERN – Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network and coordinator of Rotary Melbourne's volunteer roster, he inspires others to join him in this remarkable work. RIMERN, supported by 22 Rotary Clubs, transforms donated furniture, appliances and homewares into hope, helping people rebuild their lives after homelessness, family violence, refugee displacement and other crises.
Every week, around a dozen homes are furnished through the dedication of volunteers led by people like John. As RIMERN says, "It's more than furnishing a home; it's a new chapter in their lives."
The impact is profound. Families who once faced uncertainty gain not only furniture but dignity, stability and hope. As Launch Housing recently reported, 87 per cent of long-term rough sleepers supported by a case manager do not return to the streets. Behind every statistic is a person whose future has been transformed.
John's leadership has brought together Rotarians, community organisations, welfare agencies and generous donors into a united team that delivers practical help where it is needed most. Like the rivets of the Forth Bridge, every volunteer plays a part—but it takes a committed leader to bring that team together and ensure every contribution counts.
For his outstanding leadership, his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, and for leading a team whose work has changed countless lives, it is my great pleasure to present the 2025–2026 Forth Bridge Award to John Peberdy.
