Rotary Melbourne proudly welcomed Kat Sayers on 22 October 2025 with the classification Risk Management – ESG. A leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Risk Management, Kat joins Rotary Melbourne with a passion for building a more sustainable, equitable world.
Guests of the Club Sonia Vignjevic (Guest Speaker), Liana Tranis, Kat Sayers (Inductee).
Guests of Members None.
On Duty: Bill Pickett (Photos), Karen Gornalle (Reception), Clive Weeks (Raffle), Barbara Yerondais (Reflection), Philip Endersbee (MC).
Membership Anniversary this week: Stephen Mandie (23), Gerry Johnston (43).
Happy Birthday this week: Vaideek Chaudhary & Satish Menon (TODAY!), Joseph Ebbage, Cheryl Lacey.
Rotary Melbourne’s 5100th meeting featured the induction of new member Kat Sayers and a powerful address by Sonia Vignjević from Settlement Services International, who shared insights into supporting refugees and migrants, addressing barriers to skilled employment, and promoting inclusion across Australia.
Thank you to Adrian Nelson for reflection for last week's reflection on Wednesday 22 October 2025.
The Rotary Club of Melbourne extends warmest congratulations to Honorary Member Bill Pratt on his 100th birthday on 25th October. A true pioneer in business and a lifelong Rotarian, Bill’s century of service, leadership and innovation is an inspiration to us all. Happy Birthday, Bill!
Join us this week to hear from **Sonia Vignjevic**, a passionate advocate for community inclusion and one of Australia’s most respected leaders in multicultural affairs, migration, and settlement. With over 25 years’ experience in the multicultural sector, Sonia has played a key role in shaping policies and programs that enhance the wellbeing and integration of vulnerable people.
Holding qualifications in psychology, international law, and trauma counselling, and as a former Victorian Multicultural Commissioner and registered migration agent, Sonia brings both professional expertise and deep compassion to her work. She has led and contributed to significant national and global initiatives, building strong partnerships across government, academia, and civil society.
Sonia’s presentation will explore how civic leadership, collaboration, and grassroots action can drive inclusion, belonging, and resilience in our communities. Join us for an engaging and inspiring session with a true champion of multicultural Australia.
This week we honour the Rotary Club of Geelong - chartered by Rotary Melbourne on 19 October 1925 and now proudly known as the Rotary Club of Greater Geelong. From its humble beginnings at the ABC Café in Moorabool Street to a century of remarkable community service, the club’s story reflects Rotary’s enduring spirit of fellowship, innovation, and commitment to humanity. Click read more to learn more about their proud history
Rotary's World Polio Day is on October 24th, a day dedicated to raising awareness and funds for polio eradication efforts. Rotary and its partners, including health organizations, host events to highlight the progress made in fighting the disease and the urgent need for continued global commitment to eradicate it completely
Rotary Melbourne's Past President Robert Fisher has been overwhelmed by the response from Rotarians, family and friends to his appeal after reaching over $7,500 this week. The campaign remains open and let’s just keep going, remembering that whatever Robert raises will be tripled by the Gates Foundation. Please help support us to End Polio Now by clicking Read More below.
Thank you to Peter Dakin for reflection for last week's reflection on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Planet Ark reports that Renewable electricity generation has surpassed coal for the first time, both worldwide and in Australia – marking a powerful step in the global transition away from fossil fuels.
Bionics Institute CEO Robert Klupacs has been named a finalist in the 2025 InnovationAus Leadership Awards in recognition of his unique approach to accelerating medical innovation through philanthropy, investment, and commercialisation. The winner will be announced in November.
The Bionics Institute is a Corporate Member of Rotary Melbourne.
In a celebration of purpose and innovation, at last week's meeting Rotary Melbourne honoured Andrew Mahar AM with the 2025 Vocational Service Award for his trailblazing work harnessing technology and enterprise to empower communities - from founding Infoxchange to greening Timor-Lesté through WithOneSeed. Guests were inspired by Andrew’s story of courage, compassion, and creativity, while President Philip kept spirits high with race-day humour, community updates, and a call to support upcoming Rotary causes. A meeting that reminded us all: service, at its best, transforms lives.
Rotary leaders recently visited Pakistan and met with government officials, who reaffirmed their commitment to polio eradication. The delegation included RI President Francesco Arezzo, Trustee Chair Holger Knaack, International PolioPlus Chair Michael K. McGovern, and aide to the president John de Giorgio. They were hosted by Aziz Memon, chair of the Pakistan PolioPlus Committee.
Membership Anniversary this week: Carol Bond (5), Bruce Davidson (24), Branko Panich (14), Ian Ross (53).
Happy Birthday this week: Robert Anthony, Shiren Anwar, Bill Pratt (100!!), Robert Read.
On Duty: Bruce Davidson (Photos), Bob Glindemann, Sandra Hills (Reception), Trevor Nink (Raffle), Adrian Nelson (Reflection), Bernie McIntosh (MC).
Guests of the Club Andrew Mahar (Awardee), Kathy, Jessica, Jacob, Alice Mahar, Simone Carson, Robert Pradolin, Bruce Parker, Marg Leggatt, Maudie Palmer.
Guests of Members Valentine Chi (Mimmie Watts), Chrysanthe Pragastis (Sue McDonald), Adam Murray (Will Abdo), Dave Chauhan, Mark Allan, David Horgan (Deb Yin Foo).
Congratulations to Andrew Mahar AM, recipient of the Rotary Melbourne Vocational Service Award 2025–26. A visionary social entrepreneur, Andrew has dedicated over three decades to advancing digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment across Australia and Timor-Leste. His leadership in founding more than 15 social enterprises and his lifelong commitment to social justice and innovation truly embody Rotary’s ideal of Service Above Self.
Sunday morning (12 October 25), 60,000 runners filled Melbourne’s streets for the 2025 Nike Melbourne Marathon, and Rotary Melbourne was proud to be part of the action.
The 3 eggs were laid in early September 25. On 2 October 25 two eggs hatched with the 3rd hatching a day later.
Connect with Rotary members from around the world as we unite for good in Taipei City, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention, 13-17 June 2026.
The convention is a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be inspired in a vibrant city rich in culture, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights.
Read more by clicking below.
See all our Rotary Melbourne volunteers in action at the 2025 Melbourne Marathon in this photo gallery. Many thanks to photographer Michael Waller for the images.
This week is Anti-Poverty Week (October 12–18), a time to reflect on how we can help end poverty in Australia. Rotary Melbourne proudly supports The Smith Family, a national children’s education charity, in their efforts to break the cycle of disadvantage. This year, their focus is on bridging the digital divide, ensuring every child has access to the technology needed for learning. Rotary Melbourne is proud to make a difference supporting their educational programs.
