Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Cynthia Edgell Empowerment Opportunity Gift:
Gayoung Baik (Awardee) Simone Tsantarlis and Juile Noonan (Sponsors) Western Chances
Razieh Parsa (Awardee) Na-Rae Seo, representing Karen Edwards (Sponsors) Vincent Care
Israt Jahar (Awardee) Sponsor, Natalie Parker (Sponsor)
Huma Ronald (Awardee) was unable to attend today Mitzi Espinosa (Sponsor) Brotherhood of St Laurence.
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.
What…The world is changing – and so is Rotary!
As Rotarians, we know that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes vision, commitment and community. That’s why the 2026 Zone 8 Conference is focused on building a legacy that lasts.
The 2026 theme – Future in Focus: People, Planet, Peace – places our shared future at the heart of everything we do. It calls us to step up and lead in three interconnected areas: people, planet and peace.
Whether you’re a club leader, a project champion or a passionate community member, this is your opportunity to join fellow Rotarians from across Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and beyond, as we explore what it truly means to be future focused.
Patricia (Tita) von Matuschka joined Rotary Melbourne in March 2025 and spends her time between Melbourne and Germany.
An academic researcher specialising in SMEs, Tita studies their role in economic systems, access to finance, digitalisation, and regional challenges. Her international work brings valuable comparative insights.
She is very aware of the importance of strong communication and digital tools in supporting active participation within the Club.
If you have an interesting article for the bulletin please let Tita know at editor@rotarymelbourne.org.au
This NAIDOC Week carries the theme 50 Years of Deadly, marking five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership. Since 2003, Rotary supporters have funded more than 600 Indigenous Health Scholarships across nursing, medicine, paramedicine, oral health and occupational therapy.
The program is described as more than financial support. It signals belief in a student, often the catalyst that turns hesitation into enrolment, and it builds a visible bridge between communities and the professionals who serve them.
For the new Rotary year, ten clubs are being sought to each fund a $5,000 Indigenous health scholarship, a campaign called the Deadly 10. As Yvonne Keane AM put it, scholars remember being believed in more than the money itself.
Rotarian Russell recently visited a primary school in a slum area near Kampala, Uganda, linked to a medical centre the Club supports. The centre was on the day's itinerary for a visit.
Russell hadn't mentioned it was his birthday, but word got out. Several classes broke into Happy Birthday for him, a moment he described as a little overwhelming.
A reminder of the personal connections that come with the Club's work abroad.
The June edition of District 9800's Networker is out, with Changeover reflections from new District Governor Graeme Hope, a WASH clean water project transforming schools in Cambodia, safe water delivered to a remote village in Myanmar's Karen State, progress updates from Yimba in Uganda, five years of Balwyn Centenary Grants, new capacity building resources from Rotary South Pacific, and a mental health initiative from Daylesford Rotary.
In his video message to members, RI President Olayinka H. Babalola reflects on Rotary's shared responsibility to make change that endures. This year's call: to Create Lasting Impact, by working alongside communities, investing in people's skills and leadership, and measuring progress so positive change continues long after a project ends.
On Thursday 9 July 26, 11 Rotary Melbourne members volunteered at the Magpie Nest Café, helping the Salvation Army's Project 614 team serve 94 breakfasts and 180 lunches to people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
The 0808 Committee is seeking nominations for the 2026 Monash Medal.
The Monash Medal is awarded for Leadership, Integrity and Service Values of Sir John Monash and of Rotary to an outstanding Australian who has made a significant contribution to the Australian community and beyond.
Nominations should be submitted on the attached by Monday 13 July 2026
