Thank you to Quin Scalzo for your reflection on Wednesday 10 December 25 sharing stalwart member John Mitchell's last THANKFULL REFLECTION in 2016.
MC – PP Bob Glindemann OAM
Reflection: PP Quin Scalzo AM delivered our traditional festive reflection composed by John Mitchell (deceased) a few days before his sudden death in 2016 – included later in this bulletin, John’s words are as relevant today as they were 9 years ago.
Rotary Melbourne is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Maudie Palmer AO, recipient of the 1997 Vocational Service Award. She was a guest of the Club at this year's Vocational Service Award to Andrew Mahar AM on Wednesday 15 October 25. The Tarrawarra Museum of Art published the attached reflection on Maudie's life.
On Wednesday 10 December 25, Rotary Melbourne rceived a thank you letter from Jaqui Garnsworthy, Events and Program Coordinator, Western Chances. Noting 'we would like to extend our sincere thanks for your continued support of the Western Chances scholarship recipients attending the RYLA camp and the Rotary Young Achievers Award opportunities.'
On Friday 12 December 25, 15 current Rotary Melbourne members and 5 retired members attended the funeral of Tony Greenwood at St James' Old Cathedral on a lovely sunny day. Peter Rogers gave the Euology on behalf of Rotary Melborne along with family members. Valé Tony.
The Kew-North Balwyn group met up for their annual Christmas BBQ on Sunday 7 December at Rosemary Nixon’s house in East Ivanhoe, with her brother James providing both BBQ skills and photography! The group also raised funds for our Christmas charity, Homie.
MITS (Melbourne Indigenous Transition School) has shared their latest newsletter. Edward Tudor, Executive Director noted 'Last week, we were thrilled to welcome over 450 guests to the MCG for our MITS Student Celebration Dinner, including more than 200 family members from communities across the Top End and regional Victoria. Together with our students, staff and supporters, 300 First Nations people gathered - likely the largest such gathering ever in the Members’ Dining Room!.' Click on read more to read the newsletter.
We’re delighted to welcome David Horgan who was formally inducted as a member on 10 December 2025 with the classification of Medical and Health Services-Psychiatry. David sees being introduced to Rotary by his sponsor Dr Suresh Marcandan as a new dimension in his life, surrounded by dedicated and friendly like-minded individuals.
Guests of the Club: Peter Shepheard, David (inductee) & Roswitha Horgan, Nic Sutherland & Helen Durham (Inductees), Will Brown, Sara Deeb, Tilly Borwn, Tania Watson-Leishman.
Visiting Rotarians: Mikaela Stafrace (Southbank), Antonio Parsons, Santiago Aubone-Parsons (Buenos Aires).
Guests of Members: Robert Frost, Angelo Marasco (Stephen Rando), Sajjad Ahmad (Deb Yin Foo), Chrysanthe Pragastis (Sue McDonald), Millicent Nink (Trevor Nink), Michale Cassar (David Horgan), Jan Fowler (Garry Fowler), Julie Gleeson (Peter Hollingworth), Vanessa Hall (John Peberdy), Clare Kaczkorski, Noelene Linard (Christina Boys).
Membership Anniversary 1-21 January 26: David Hayes (12), Bill Pickett (33), Charles Qin (9).
Happy Birthday 1-21 January 26: Jim Barry, Chad Brendish, Philip Cornish, Alan Finkel, John Green, Trevor Hill, Andrew Morrice, Puja Roy Gangopadhyay, Antonio Pajovic.
The Mornington Peninsula Group had a most enjoyable luncheon party with 21 present on Sunday 7th December. Usually held at Phil and Jane Endersbee’s home with Lisa and Kevin Sheehan assisting, but Phil is rebuilding, so it was held at the Sheehan’s home with Phil and Jane assisting.
The First 6 months
Well 6 months of this Rotary year have gone, indeed a quarter of this century has gone. How’s it been then?
In a short review of these 6 months we can’t include everything, but at our regular meetings with their varied group of informed speakers, a special privilege has been hosting a number of club awards.
We’re delighted to welcome James Scuderi who was formally inducted as a member on 30 July 2025 with the classification of Business & Trade - International. Jame’s is Founder and/or Company Director of several local and international businesses, across fields spanning project supply, manufacturing, human life-sciences, agricultural sciences and funds management.
This Sunday’s SecondBite collection at Prahran Market was another special experience. Reg & Sue Smith, Gertrude Matshe and Trevor Nink providing hands on assistance collecting surplus food from the Market’s generous vendors for delivery to the Salvation Army at 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne.
21 Melbourne Rotarians and partners participated in a vibrant night of fellowship and games at the Malvern Hotel on Thursday 4 December 25.
Little Green Panda has secured a strategic growth investment from Everkind, a newly formed sustainable investment vehicle backed by entrepreneurs in the packaging industry and owners of Queensland-based Shawparth Food & Packaging.
The 2025 RM Festive lunch will feature anecdotes and music performances coordinated and led by Arts Committee Chair David and Music Scholarship Champion Karen. The program will range from piano pieces by Debussy played by Monash University student Sara Deeb to the ever popular singalong, with Tilly Jones’ special rendition of Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire on cello and computer.
Rotary Melbourne’s crowded conference room on a balmy summer evening was the venue for our final evening conversation for the year.
Hosted by President Philip, this gathering of Rotary Melbourne members and guests exemplified what we do best: convivial conversation amongst ourselves. Formalities were restricted to a brief address by President Philip who reflected on his first 6-months as President, thanked everyone for their support, and wished us all well for a happy and relaxed festive season.
It was a fitting end of year event and a jolly good time was had by all.
Inspired by Japan’s unique ‘trash-picking sport,’ discover how Australia’s first spogomi World Cup qualifier turned waste collection into a fun and eco-friendly competition.
For the 5h edition of District 9800 October 25 Networker for 2025-2026, please click on Read More below. In this issue they there is an article on Call to Action: Be Part of a Life-saving project in Cambodia.
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ROMAC provides surgical treatment for children in Australia and New Zealand from developing countries from our Pacific Region in the form of Life Giving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.
If you would like to read the latest ROMAC Chairman's Message and articles on successful medical cases for November 2025 please click read more below.
On Thursday 4 December 25, Richard Parker, Trevor Nink, Jim Orchard, Jan Moffatt, Deb Yin Foo and Sue Smith picked up car loads of toys from Launch Housing HQ in Collingwood. The donated toys were delivered to their facilities in Dandenong, South Melburne, East St Kilda and St Kilda, bring cheer and happy faces to those less fortunate.
