The Rotary Melbourne 0808 Committee works to honour the legacy of our second Club President, General Sir John Monash, and the achievements of the Australian Corps in World War I.
Each year, the Committee organises Rotary Melbourne’s involvement in the 0808 Ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance on 8 August and collaborates with the Spirit of Australia Foundation for the Monash Commemorative Service held at the Parliament of Victoria.
As part of these commemorations, our club meeting closest to 8 August features the presentation of the Monash Medal to an eminent Australian who exemplifies leadership and service in the spirit of Sir John Monash.
A number of Rotary Melbourne members attended the 0808 Battle of Amiens Service at the Shrine on Saturday 8 August 2026. The service commemorated the 108th Anniversary of the Australian Victory at the Battle of Amiens, 8 August 1918 by the Australian Army Corps led by Sir John Monash, Lieutenant-General, Commander Australian Corps.
The focus of this meeting was Award of the 2026 Monash Medal, and distinguished members the Spirit of Australia Foundation, Representatives of Engineers Australia, past recipients of the Award and the current and immediate past District 9800 Governors were present.
On Friday 7 August 2026, the Spirit of Australia Foundation celebrated the Monash Commemorative Service at the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Parliament House hosting a broad collection of Victorian secondary schools, politians, senior members of the Victorian community and Rotarians from Rotary Melbourne to share in celebrating the legacy and ongoing impact of General Sir John Monash GCMG KCB VD.
Dr. Karen McConalogue, Executive Director, Leadership Academy, General Sir John Monash Foundation delivered a powerful address "Leadership in Challenging Times"
Rotary Melbourne proudly awards the 2026 Monash Medal to Ms Lara Olsen, honouring her lifetime of leadership, integrity and service through a career dedicated to Australia's clean energy and water sectors. She led strategy at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and CitiPower Powercor. Lara’s work in actively mentoring the next generation through gender equity and diversity programs in engineering and technology reflects the enduring spirit of Sir John Monash.
Instructions and information for the 2026 0808 Battle of Amiens Shrine Service
NB THE CHANGE IN START TIME
This year's service is being held on Saturday the 8th August 2026 - plan to arrive not later than 10:15 am at the Shrine Visitors Centre - the Service starts in the Sanctuary at 10:30 am sharp.
For details of the full program click on [ Read More ... ]
Lara Olsen has been selected as the 2026 Monash Medalist.
A Rotary Exchange Student to Akita Japan in 1993 and Monash Scholarship winner in 2004.
She has had a career in leading major projects and organisations in Australia's Utilities and Energy Sectors.
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
Rotary Melbourne members and friends attended the 0808@0800 service at the Shrine on Friday 8 August 25. The service commemorated the 107th Anniversary of the Australian Victory at the Battle of Amiens, 8 August 1918 by the Australian Army Corps led by Sir John Monash, Lieutenant-General, Commander. Australian Corps. Click read more below to see photos and video.
At a meeting rich with history and fellowship, Rotary Melbourne proudly awarded the 2025 Monash Medal to Dr Robert Webster OAM, honouring his exceptional leadership, integrity, and service. Surrounded by distinguished guests and past recipients, the occasion celebrated values exemplified by Sir John Monash and alive in today’s community leaders.
We are proud to announce Dr Robert Webster OAM as the 2025 Monash Medallist — a distinguished Australian whose lifelong service as an educator, soldier, and community leader embodies the values of dedication, integrity, and public service. For the past eight years, Dr Webster has been the prominent face and voice of the Returned and Services League (RSL) in Victoria, tirelessly advocating for veterans and their families
The 0808 Committee is seeking nominations for the 2025 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 30 June 2025
The 2024 Monash Medal was presented to the Hon Josh Frydenberg for Leadership, Integrity and Service - Values of Sir John Monash and of Rotary at our luncheon meeting on 7th August at No 35, Sofitel on Collins. Our newest member, Yiannis Ventikos, Dean of Engineering at Monash University was also inducted.
Guest Speaker 2024 Monash Medal recipient The Honourable Josh Frydenberg
Topic 2024 Monash Medal Presentation and Address
Date/Time Wednesday 7 August 24 12.30 for 12.50 – 2.00pm
Venue No35 Restaurant Sofitel Hotel on Collins also Online via Zoom
Price Lunch $60 via Zoom $10
Register https://events.humanitix.com/rotary-melb-7-aug
A number of Rotary Melbourne members attended the 0808@0800 service at the Shrine on Tuesday 8 August 23. The service commemorated the 105th Anniversary of the Australian Victory at the Battle of Amiens, 8 August 1918 by the Australian Army Corps led by Sir John Monash, Lieutenant-General, Commander. Australian Corps.
Guest Speaker Richard Elkington OAM
Topic 2023 Monash Medal Presentation and Address
Date/Time Wednesday 9 August 12.30 for 12.50 – 2.00pm
Venue No35 Restaurant Sofitel Hotel on Collins also Online via Zoom
Price Lunch $60 via Zoom $10
Register https://events.humanitix.com/rotary-melb-9-aug
Last week’s meeting was the awarding of the Monash Medal to Prof Emer Peter Darvall AO FTSE FIE Aust
You can view the full recording of the meeting HERE.
The Spirit of Australia Foundation have organised several events to commemorate the Battle of Amiens and Sir John Monash's leadership. Members are invited to attend any one of the events, during August 23, commemorating and recognising Sir John Monash our 2nd President.
Guest Speaker Richard Elkington OAM
Topic Monash Medal 2023
12.30 for 12.50-2.00pm
Venue No35 Sofitel on Collins
Event
Tim Fischer AC was awarded the Monash Medal for 2018 at our luncheon meeting. He is seen here with Chair Peter Davis, Michael Bennett (Great Grandson of Sir John Monash) , President Robert Fisher, (Tim Fischer AC with Citation and Medal).
05 August: Jillian Segal AO, Chair of the General Sir John Monash Foundation. Recipient of this year's Sir John Monash medal 2020 to be awarded at this 0808 event.
12 August: Evening Meeting, TBA
19 August: Lunch Meeting - Dr. Lisa O'Brien, CEO, The Smith Family Foundation
Peter Davis provided the following report on the Commemoration of the Battle of Amiens on 8 August 2022.
