Australian startup Little Green Panda, co-founded by our member Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu, secured a partnership with 818 Tequila for its Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival activation after a series of creative videos on TikTok caught the brand’s attention. The Melbourne based sustainable packaging company, known for plastic free packaging made from food waste, turned an unconventional social media strategy into a major business breakthrough, highlighting how younger brands are increasingly building partnerships through direct digital engagement.
President Philip Cornish welcomed Members, visitors and guests to the 38th Meeting of Rotary Melbourne for 2025-26 on Wednesday 22 April 2026. In particular, he welcomed Caroline Pilot, to be inducted as a Member at this meeting, and Guest Speaker Don Farrands KC, to speak on the topic Life on the Western Front – a Stretcher Bearer’s Perspective.
Somewhere far away, there is war and famine. Yet here we are, gathered together at RMIT on Thursday 23 April 26 - and perhaps we can make a small difference. Even a little can mean the world to someone.
The Kew-North Balwyn group had a day out at the football, enjoying an excellent lunch and watching Melbourne just prevail against Brisbane, much to the delight of Deputy (Group Captain) Peter Dakin!
Thank you to Rt Revd the Hon Dr Peter Hollingworth AC OBE for last week's reflection on Wednesday 22 April 26, which was delivered by Robert Fisher.
A Small Jab, A Safer Future - Kiribati
UNICEF Australia and Rotary are working with Kiribati's Ministry of Health to deliver HPV vaccinations to girls across the remote Pacific island nation, where cervical cancer rates are significantly higher than in Australia. All 15 health facilities on the main island now deliver the vaccine through schools, community outreach, and fixed health sessions - made possible through Rotary's "Give Every Child a Future" program. unicef
A timely read for World Immunisation Week (24–30 April). Full article here.
Following last week's article on David Wittner's Rotary Melbourne's 90th Birthday presentation President Philip received a lovely note from Past President Keith McNeil. Click read more to find out what he said.
Rotary Melbourne ticks over another year with our anniversary of first meeting on 21 April 1921.On 23 May 2011 David Wittner delivered a moving Presentation on the 90th Anniversary of Rotary in front of Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, then Governor General and other distinguished Rotarians and guests.
RCM’s Golf Special Interest Group was recently relaunched at Burnley Golf Course on a perfect autumn morning. Initiated by John Saunders, the inaugural group included Tony Battaini, David Carruthers and Peter Carmichael. With the course in excellent condition, the group enjoyed a great start and plans to continue with occasional 9 hole social games. Members interested in joining can contact Jo for details of future games.
It is with great sadness that Rotary Melbourne advises the death of our dear friend and colleague, Past President Peter McCall OAM. Peter passed away on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
Message from the Chair
Jennie Herring reflects on a productive month for Rotary South Pacific, with Directors meeting to review progress and strengthen strategic alignment for the next phase of the pilot. Members are encouraged to read the results of the recent Rotary Community Leader elections and welcome the 2026 to 2028 cohort of leaders. Upcoming workshops in May will support those stepping into these roles with learning and practical guidance. Looking ahead, the Epic Day of Service in May offers clubs an opportunity to showcase Rotary’s impact across communities. Please find all the latest news of Rotary South Pacific here.
Membership Anniversary Susan Barton (21).
Happy Birthday Peter Addison.
On Duty: Sandra Hills (Reception), Marg Leser (Raffle), Anthony Battaini (MC), Robert Fisher (Reflection), Bruce Davidson (Photos).
Many women who live in poverty are forced to give birth in dirty places without professional medical help. Sometimes well-meaning friends or relatives will cut the umbilical cord with an unclean objects such as a piece of bamboo. Infection during delivery threatens the lives of both mothers and babies. These kits will be distributed to communities in need.
This month the Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group (ESRAG) newsletter ESRAG April 2026 Volume 14 Issue 7 has an article by Chair Michael Terrelonge which opens with a focus on EarthX 2026 in Dallas (19–22 April), where Rotary will be prominently featured through "The RotaryXperience" — a 30,000 sq ft showcase area curated by Steve Bender, with a keynote from 2018–19 RI President Barry Rassin.
Club Guests: Don Farrands (Speaker), Caroline Pilot (Inductee), Abiola Akinbiyi.
Visiting Australian Rotarians: Quentin Parker (Kununurra, WA).
Guests of Members: James Panagiotopoulos (Deb Yin Foo).
We are delighted to invite you to a special Rotary Melbourne event featuring one of Australia’s most influential public policy leaders, Professor Graeme Samuel AC.
As many will know, Graeme led the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act—work that ultimately shaped Australia’s most significant environmental reforms in a generation.
An email has been sent to all Rotary Melbourne members to check their online Directory data in preparation of the 2026-2027 printed Directory. Please ensure you have checked both the hardcopy and online directory and advise any changes including updated photos. Please send your updates to the Directory Editor directory@rotarymelbourne.org.au
Wednesday 3 June 2026 is the date scheduled for Rotary Melbourne’s 6th Annual World Environment Day Lunch.
Our confirmed guest speaker will be Professor Graeme Samuel AC, and his topic will be “Developing a Fit for Purpose Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act – A 7 year project.”
Have you ever thought about the great network that you could advertise your company to. Rotary Melbourne is currently seeking advertisers for the next edition of the members Directory 2026-27. The cost to advertise is $900 for colour and $450 for B&W full page advert. Contact Jo at the office if you are interested.
