For 22 seconds, the world loses its weight. Rotary Melbourne Bulletin Editor Patricia von Matuschka, known as Tita, experienced that moment 31 times as a member of a research team flying with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The team was investigating health phenomena that affect astronauts in space.
This week’s AFL Grand Final Lunch began with members pausing to remember our much-loved and devoted fellow Rotarian, Rodney Smith. From there, the meeting brought together football, peacebuilding and community spirit. Jessica Dudley shared an inspiring national challenge inviting students to create ideas for more peaceful schools and communities, before the winners of our 2026 Footy Tipping competition were announced. Guest speaker Rob Auld, AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, then explored the vital role of local clubs, schools and volunteers - how they are helping football grow into a game in which every Australian can feel they belong.
Jessica Dudley from Young Change Agents shared how a Balwyn funded program is helping 2,500 students across Australia design real solutions to conflict in their communities, with our honorary member Tilman Ruff AM as Ambassador.
Rotary Melbourne farewells Rodney Smith, a member for 42 years and Paul Harris Fellow, whose devotion to Youth Exchange opened the world to countless young people.
Thank you to Barbara Yerondais for last week's reflection, on Wednesday 23 September 2026.
Colder months shift our routines, and good habits can slip. Planet Ark's Ashmeeta Subra offers five easy reminders: cook with seasonal produce and use up leftovers, keep warm with layers and sealed drafts before reaching for the heater, repair and care for your clothes, and declutter responsibly while preparing the garden for spring.
With a strong El Niño building and a hotter, drier spring ahead, Planet Ark's Liam Taylor sets out practical steps to get ready: clear gutters and prune vegetation near buildings, keep a survival plan up to date, and choose local, water-wise plants. Good preparation protects our homes and our environment alike.
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This week’s duties: Sandra Hills, Rosemary Nixon (Reception), Trevor Nink (Raffle), Gerald Ashman (Photographer), Rosemary Nixon (MC), Peter Dakin (Reflection).
Membership Anniversary George Giamadakis (6 – TODAY!), Shiren Anwar (2), Peter Dakin (38), Pam Hargreaves (1), Stanley Ho (2), John Shaw (30), Barbara Yerondais (16).
Happy Birthday Mimmie Watts & Carol Bond (TODAY!), Stephen Mandie.
Club Guests Rob Auld.
Visiting Rotarians John Hancock (Bangkok, Thailand).
Guests of Members Jessica Dudley, David & Michael Scalzo (Quin Scalzo), Janet Jane (Yidan Xi), Rachel Cameron (Deb Yin Foo), Michael Gornalle (Karen Gornalle).
Owen Parnaby's book Australia's First Rotary Club tells the story of Rotary Melbourne since our 1921 foundation, its influential members, and the projects that shaped Victoria. It has long been part of the new member joining pack, giving every new Rotarian a direct line to the Club's history and figures such as General Sir John Monash.
Copies have now run out. A reprint would take time and come at real cost. If you have a copy at home, please bring it along to a lunch or drop it at the office. Your donation helps ensure new members can still discover the story that connects us all.
