Dores Schembri was inducted on the 15 July 2026. After 38 years abroad, Doris brings international leadership experience in finance and Rotary, returning home to Australia to continue her service with Rotary Melbourne. Welcome, Dores.
Every day, about 830 women and 7,000 newborns, mainly in low- and middle-income countries, die because of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. These deaths are mostly preventable. Midwives are key to preventing them, so an initiative organised by Rotary members is supporting the essential work of midwives in Papua New Guinea and Australia.
'When Housing Comes First: Compassion, Courage and the Pathways to Ending Homelessness'
Rotary Melbourne’s guest speaker, Sherry Bruinhout, CEO of Launch Housing, delivered a powerful and ultimately hopeful address on homelessness in Victoria.
'When Housing Comes First: Compassion, Courage and the Pathways to Ending Homelessness'
Rotary Melbourne’s guest speaker, Sherry Brunholt, CEO of Launch Housing, delivered a powerful and ultimately hopeful address on homelessness in Victoria.
The Forth Bridge Award was inaugurated in 2006 by Past President Mev Connell. The trophy incorporates an original rivet from the famous Forth Bridge in Scotland and reminds us that while a great bridge is held together by thousands of rivets, Rotary is strengthened by the commitment and dedication of every member.
The award recognises the leader of a team of two or more members whose project or activity has made the most outstanding contribution to the Club during the past year.
This year's recipient, John Peberdy, exemplifies that spirit.
The Rotary Club of Melbourne Mentoring Award recognises a Rotarian who has excelled as a mentor and advocate for Rotary. The award was inaugurated honouring the memory of Past President David Wittner AM. The Board recognised David’s extraordinary commitment to Rotary spanning 54 years until his sudden passing in 2018 and his willingness to mentor many members, and indeed beyond in the community at large. The perpetual trophy of multi-faceted design is a reminder of the breadth of character that was David Wittner.
Awarded to Marg Leser
Rotary Melbourne member Dr Will Abdo was recently conferred with a PhD (Honoris Causa) in Marketing & Communications from the Dunster Business School in Switzerland. Congratulations Will.
Last week, 75 chairs, 14 sewing machines and three overlockers arrived at Canossa PreEscola in Dili, with shipping funded through a Rotary Melbourne club grant. The chairs have already been put to good use at parent–teacher meetings, while the sewing equipment will support valuable learning and practical opportunities for the Canossian community.
Club Guests: Sherri Bruinhout, Faith Wells (Speakers).
Guests of Members: Zara Msonda-Johnson (Sharann Johnson), Arshad Samsudeen, Benjamin Tria, Robin Whyte (online) (Deb Yin Foo).
This week’s duties: Karen Gornalle, Chrysanthe Pragastis (Reception), Peter Addison (Raffle), Karen Kim (MC), Ruth Carlos Martinez (Reflection), Bruce Davidson (Photographer).
Membership Anniversary Bruce Livett (2), James Scuderi (1), Clive Weeks (277), Jo Crowston (3).
Happy Birthday Mary Barry, Barbara Yerondais, Alberto Balbo.
Thank you to Philip Endersbee for last week's reflection on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
Planet Ark shares five simple habits to close out winter with sustainability in mind: eating seasonal produce and reducing food waste, staying warm through smart energy choices rather than just cranking the heater, connecting with nature through initiatives like National Tree Day, caring for and repairing your winter wardrobe, and starting to declutter and prepare the garden for spring. Small, consistent habits, not big overnight changes, make the difference. Read more: planetark.com planetark
Team Rotary is taking on this year's Around the Bay bike ride 18 October 26, and members are invited to sponsor our riders. Funds raised support The Smith Family's Learning for Life program, helping disadvantaged children access education. Download the sponsor form and send your pledge to the Rotary office, or email Jo directly.
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.
