Thank you to Peter Dakin for last week's reflection on Wednesday 15 July 2026.
This week’s duties: Marg Leser, Sue Smith (Reception), Clive Weeks (Raffle), Bernie McIntosh
(MC), Philip Endersbee (Reflection), Joseph Ebbage (Photographer).
Membership Anniversary Peter Clements (18), Robert Zappulla (3).
Happy Birthday Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu, Karen Kim, Patricia von Matuschka, Sue McDonald, Anne O'Donovan.
Rotary Melbourne welcomed Dr David Horgan, founder of the Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation, who introduced WhatDoISay.org, a free resource offering over 500 medically approved phrases to help everyday people support someone at risk of suicide on 15 July 26. With most at risk people signalling distress to loved ones rather than crisis lines, this award winning tool removes the guesswork, and is now expanding internationally through Rotary networks.
If this topic raises concerns for you personally, Lifeline (13 11 14) is available anytime.
After Round 18, John Peberdy leads the pack on 116 points, taking home the $100 round prize. Hot on his heels are Andrew Weeks and Reg Smith on 114, with a chasing group of six more tipsters bunched on 112. With the competition wrapping up after Round 24, six rounds remain to close the gap, John's lead is handy, but far from safe!
Sambun Sambath, a Cambodian scholar supported by Rotary Melbourne and Member of Rotaract Club of Siem Reap, has provided a July 26 update. Sambun shares progress in French class, two Community Service house projects for Grandma Chien and Mrs. Run Sarout's family, and a hometown visit to stock the street library ahead of the reading campaign. A heartfelt update on language learning, giving back, and building better homes for families in need.
Cartridges 4 Planet Ark has hit a major milestone, collecting over 60 million printer cartridges since 2003, all with zero waste to landfill. A two decade partnership across manufacturers, retailers, workplaces and schools proves that small everyday recycling habits add up to something big. Read more here
Rotary Melbourne member Steve Rando shares reflections on meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing inspiration from India's scale in digital infrastructure, nation building transport projects, and technology driven inclusion. Steve highlights the growing opportunity for Australia and India to collaborate on AI, research and investment, a reminder that leadership is measured by the opportunities it creates for others.
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.
Rotary Melbourne's Arts Committee are planning a visit to the Villa Alba Museum in Kew (www.villaalbamuseum.org) on a private tour with a maximum of 30 people:
* Saturday afternoon 17 October
* Tour with tea/coffee approx. $30
* BYO lunch with possible optional extra of ribbon sandwiches and/or scones (being investigated).
Robert Fisher would be happy to receive expressions of interest.
Club Guests: Dores Schembri (Inductee).
Visiting Rotarians Maria Hicks (Passport Melbourne).
Guests of Members: Arshad Samsudeen (David Carruthers), John Harddy (Online), Bianca Carmona, Michael Cassar (David Horgan), Robin Whyte (online Deb Yin Foo).
