Lunch to launch our new Timor Leste Project Panel of Project Experts
About this week's meeting 5 November 2025 At this meeting, we’ll be introduced more fully to the Club’s newest international, economic, and environmentally empowering project - Growing Futures in Timor-Leste. This inspiring Rotary initiative partners with Rai Matak’s 50-year plan to plant 10 million trees across Timor-Leste - generating certified carbon income for farming families, restoring deforested land, and building sustainable rural livelihoods. It’s a practical, scalable model that turns climate action into lasting community benefit. Our expert project panel will share what the project involves, how it’s funded, and the complex Rotary Foundation Global Grant process - following the model of our Centenary Project Give Every Child a Future: * Amy Stevenson, CEO, xpand Foundation Join us to celebrate the launch of Growing Futures in Timor-Leste - and be part of Rotary’s next great story of global impact.
This Week's Duties - 5 November 2025 On Duty: John Peberdy, Marg Leser (Reception), Peter Addison (Raffle), Bob Glindemann (MC), Peter Hollingworth (Reflection), Gerald Ashman (Photographer).
Member News
We’re delighted to welcome Ailesh Dupate to Rotary Melbourne. Originally from Mumbai, Ailesh brings a strong background in finance and a lifelong commitment to community service, shaped by six years in Rotaract. Now a Business Development Manager at India Growth Funds and a Master of Financial Analysis student at La Trobe University, Ailesh is eager to contribute his skills in youth mentorship and international collaboration.
by Anthony Battaini Tony Battaini, seen here with Rotary International President Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, has been on the Gold Coast this week for the Rotary Zone 8 Conference. He reports that it has been a revelation. There are so many high impact projects underway and evolving that will benefit communities across the region.
by Robert Fisher Rotary Melbourne's Past President Robert Fisher on Friday 31 October 25 completed his Walk With Us to End Polio 25. Thanks to all his generous 41 supporters – together they have raised $8,918 for Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. With the Gates Foundation’s amazing x2 matching, this becomes $26,754, a two-thirds increase on last year. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Membership Anniversary this week: Kelton Dennis (23), Peter Manger (42). Happy Birthday this week: Neville Barwick (TODAY!).
Club News
Dr Tania Miletic, Rotary Melbourne and District 9800's first Peace Fellow, last week launched her cookbook PEACEMEAL - Nourishing Hope Through Culinary Stories of Peacebuilding in Times of Conflict. Tania attended the International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo in 2002.
Our evening meeting for November is dedicated to supporting the Hush foundation in its celebration of World Kindness Day and its 25th year of operation.
Last Week's Meeting
Rotary Melbourne’s 5,101st meeting was a lively hybrid gathering at Sofitel No.35, featuring guest speaker Henry Dwyer, acclaimed horse trainer behind Asfoora, the first Australian-trained Royal Ascot winner. Henry shared his journey “from Ballarat to Buckingham Palace to Longchamp,” including a memorable meeting with King Charles III. The meeting also highlighted World Kindness Day, upcoming AGM nominations, the Rotary Melbourne Cup, and next week’s Growing Futures in Timor-Leste project launch.
by Adrian Nelson At last week's lunch, we featured the inaugural Rotary Melbourne Cup - a race call by Past President Adrian Nelson - and saw sixteen of our esteemed Past Presidents saddle up as jockeys, each riding their own legendary Rotary theme-horse. Under the expert “training” of Jo Mavros, it was a field packed with experience, enthusiasm, and just a hint of healthy competition!
by Barbara Yerondais Thank you to Barbara Yerondais for reflection for last week's reflection on Wednesday 29 October 2025.
Visitors & Guests at Meeting 29 October 2025 Guests of the Club Henry Dwyer (Guest Speaker). Guests of Members Matt Ball, Luke Ball, Andrew Barett, Todd Dewberry, Nicholas Hullet, Oli Scalzo, Michael Scalzo, David Scalzo, Chris Scalzo (Quin Scalzo), Andrew Bostock (Peter Dakin), Roswitha Horgan (David Horgan), Tim Holland (Peter Hanlon).
Other News
In Papua New Guinea, a Rotary-led Buddy Program pairs Australian and PNG midwives to build leadership, confidence, and care capacity. Together, they’re tackling one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates — ensuring safer births and stronger futures for women and families.
With just four weeks to go before the start of our 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program, Rotary District 9800 is calling on all Youth Directors and RYLA supporters to help us find more outstanding young leaders! So far, we’ve received 20 applications - but there’s still room for more. If you know someone who could benefit from this life-changing leadership experience, please encourage them to apply. Click read more below for the application form.
Rotary members across Australia have the chance to win one of 20 double passes (valued at $44 each) to THE CHORAL, opening in cinemas New Year’s Day 2026. From the award-winning team behind The History Boys, this inspiring film celebrates the power of community and music in times of hardship. This special giveaway, proudly supported by Sony Pictures and Rotary Foundation Australia, is open to all current Rotary members. Click Read More below and enter the draw today! Let’s make Foundation Month one to remember.
For the 4h 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 End Polio.
The Rotary International Fellowship page has an interesting collection of Rotarians having hobbies together. Notably, there is a Peace Fellows Fellowship open to all Rotarians who support the Rotary Peace Fellows program. There are so many other interests to join in which assists Rotarians to connect with the larger Rotary International family.
Upcoming Events
An Evening with the Hush Foundation 25 Years 25 Years of the Hush Foundation CLICK READ MORE TO BOOK
33rd Paul Harris Breakfast Prof Ross Garnaut AC CLICK READ MORE TO BOOK
Lunch with Paule Ignatio, Consul General of France in Melbourne Topic: Consul-General of France CLICK READ MORE TO BOOK
Sir John Reid Community Service Award Lunch Who will win this year?
Annual Festive Lunch Our Annual Festive Lunch
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