Victoria – What Is Its Aviation and Tourism Future? Join us this Wednesday as we welcome Simon Westaway, an experienced corporate leader with more than 30 years across aviation, tourism, government and public affairs. Most recently CEO of the Australian Airports Association, Simon has also held senior roles with Tourism Australia, the Australian Tourism Industry Council and Jetstar Airways.
With Victoria competing for visitors, investment and airline capacity in a rapidly changing global market, Simon will explore what lies ahead — and what the State needs to get right to stay connected, competitive and compelling.
Last week was a busy one at Rotary Melbourne, as we welcomed new member Robin Whyte, heard from outgoing Youth Exchange student Cecelia “CeCe” Nam ahead of her year in France, and welcomed District 9800 Governor Graeme Hope. Graeme challenged members to keep Rotary moving forward through a great club experience, stronger connections with the next generation, membership growth and greater use of The Rotary Foundation. It was a meeting that celebrated new beginnings while looking firmly to the future of Rotary and how we can continue to grow our impact.
This week’s duties: Robert Fisher (Reception), Reg Smith (Raffle), Peter Dakin (MC), Sana Malik (Chair), Christina Boys (Reflection), Gerald Ashman (Photographer).
Membership Anniversary Bob Burgess (50!), Antwan Malouhi (2), Dimitrios Salampasis (2).
Happy Birthday Yidan Xi, Pamela Hargreaves.
Recent flooding in Nepal has left families without homes, possessions, and livelihoods, while damaged water and sanitation infrastructure raises the risk of waterborne disease. RAWCS National has launched a fund to support Rotary Clubs and partner projects helping affected communities recover, with a goal of $2,000,000. Every contribution, however small, helps rebuild lives and restore essential services on the ground.
Click Read More below to support the Nepal Flooding Disaster Relief Fund
Rotary Canterbury is hosting a fundraiser in support of RIMERN, pitting a panel of seasoned Rotarians against the champion debating team from Canterbury Girls' Secondary College on the motion "Life is Better Now Than It Was 50 Years Ago". Moderator and guest speaker Elida Brereton will also address generational change, artificial intelligence and the future world.
Join us Monday 14 September, 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start, at Auburn Bowls Club, 2B Munro Street, Hawthorn East. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for students, including debate and supper, with all proceeds supporting RIMERN. Click Read More below to book.
Mission Accomplished this Saturday morning (29.8.26) - 2 DIK trucks loaded with furniture from Tarneit Kindergarten, to avoid going to landfill, as led by Colleen D'Offay from DIK and plenty of help from Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing and several other clubs. Cheers, Peter Clements.
Volunteer now. have some fun and help change a young life. Rotary Melbourne is stepping up its support for The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program this October, with several opportunities for members to get involved. From the Melbourne Marathon to Around the Bay, every volunteer helps raise vital funds supporting education for disadvantaged young Australians. A new Around the Bay opportunity is now available at Albert Park Lake — but be quick, volunteers are needed now!
Rotary Melbourne's longstanding support for the PNG Snakebite Partnership continues to bear fruit, from a new rescue ambulance funded by Port Moresby RC to the tenth AED donated to St John PNG, deepening a partnership St John's new CEO Kai Tane calls essential to saving lives across PNG.
You may have seen our first Rotary Melbourne Minute on our club socials this week - District 9800 Governor Graeme Hope joined us to share his thoughts on belonging, making an impact and what makes the Rotary experience so special.
Click read more below to visit the Rotary Melbourne YouTube channel for the full-length interview.
Robin Whyte was inducted on 26th August 2026 with the classification Executive Leadership – Healthcare. Robin grew up in Melbourne where she attended Methodist Ladies College and completed a Pharmacy Degree at Monash University.
She lived in the UK for 10 years where she worked in the pharmaceutical industry and completed a Masters of Business Degree at the London Business School.
Thank you to Robert Fisher for last week's reflection, on Wednesday 26 August 2026, which was delivered by Reg Smith.
Club Guests Graeme Hope (Speaker) Sue Hope, Robin Whyte (Inductee), Cecelia Nahm.
Visiting Rotarians Michael Jordan (Knoxville Volunteer Club, Tennessee USA), Shinji Higuchi (Osaka, Japan).
Guests of Members Melanie Nahm (Carol Bond).
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.
