It was 1928 when Groups were created to provide a more satisfying and enduring fellowship experience for Rotary Melbourne Members.
By 1930-31, there were 24 separate suburban Groups, each with a Captain, and each holding at least one interfamily evening and one intergroup card, theatre of tennis party. By 1935-36, 80% of Members were attending Group meetings and the number of Groups was reduced to twelve, meeting monthly.
Since their creation, Groups were invaluable in helping new members to feel accepted in Rotary. Groups spent part of evening discussing Rotary business, and Members were rostered for service with agencies the Club was assisting, including Port Melbourne Settlement and the City Newsboys Club.
Fascinating email update from Trevor Nink regarding CaSPA Care. Thanks Trevor.
There is much activity and success for our newly created Seventh area of Focus for Rotary International: Environment Sustainability. A very efficient and focused team of Melbourne Rotarians (Rotary Action Group) are working hard to get our attention to supporting our environment.
You are invited to attend the final event for 2020: "Marvelous Melbourne Mentoring" in Rotary. Panellists include: PP Robert Fisher, new Member Carolyn Ballagh, PP Austen Burleigh and Dorothy Gilmour, with PP Mary Barry as MC.
Wednesday, 25 November – LUNCH MEETING
Meeting Registration https://www.trybooking.com/BMYWH
Topic Members Monthly Lunch
Chairman Chris Stillwell
Trevor Nink wrote: "We have now drawn the line on our activities on Around the Bay for 2020. Due to the overwhelming participation and generosity of Melbourne Rotarians, we have been able to collect a princely sum of $20,451 to support scholarships for disadvantaged children in the Learning for Life program of The Smith Family. The presentation to The Smith Family will take place at our club meeting on Wednesday 2 December. All this without the riders taking to the road!" (Bravo ATB Team!)
Members enjoy Reflection at our meetings, and very much the offerings of Philip Cornish.
Salvatore provided a spirited presentation around Victoria's "Belt and Road" Agreement with China and was fascinating in his wealth of knowledge. You may watch Professor Babone's address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pwjCX4wT7M
In 1928, Lord Somers attended a luncheon meeting of the club to gather support of Members for a camp to bring together youths from all walks of life to develop greater tolerance and understanding. The Club supported and pledged funds to allow the project to proceed. First two camps were held at Anglesea in 1929 and 1930, and 1931, the camp moved to its own camp site on the coast between Balnarring and the Flinders Naval Base and was named Somers.
Hon Sec. Russell Board needs to be thanked for generously sharing this email with Members. Check out the fascinating offer and saga of Ernie's Lost Barrell and its connection to Rotary Bacchus Marsh.
"Well we’re out of lockdown and the masks are gone! Time for our 100th year to blossom. There is a bit on for the last few weeks to Christmas. All the usual events and fundraising, including the wine sales are there for members to choose from.
Our proactive Membership Team have lined up the final event for 2020: "Marvelous Melbourne Mentoring" in Rotary. Panellists include: PP Robert Fisher, new Member Carolyn Ballagh, PP Austen Burleigh (Pic.) and Dorothy Gilmour, with PP Mary Barry as MC.
Jacques Morin (Phoeniks) is pictured here after donating 100 plus cooked chickens to FareShare. Another example of our members always looking for opportunities to give back. Jacques is a specialized Hospitality Equipment supplier.
Here is the link for the Environmental & Sustainability District November 2020 Newsletter for your downloading: FINAL_D9800_November_2020.pdf
Our Hon Member, Her Excellency the Governor invested PE Reg Smith with his Order of Australia in a fine ceremony at Government House last week. The opportunity to converse directly with the Governor was a highlight as she talked of Reg’s long-standing service with the AFS and enquired how we were managing our Rotary projects during these challenging times.
What topics would our Members like to be covered from our Evening Meetings? Simply send your suggestions to: Renata Bernarde (Chair of Evening Meetings) renata@pantala.com.au or Kerry Kornhauser: kerry.kornhauser@gmail.com
Delightful to receive the following note of appreciation of being a Sir John Reid Awardee 2019-20 from Libby Clarke (VSK). Libby (centre) is seen here with Margaret Ross and Jean Hadges, daughters of Sir John Reid.
President Marion has forward the following letter of appreciation from RI President Holger Knaack (pic.) and KR Ravindran, Trustee Chair, The Rotary Foundation 2020-21.
From hygiene to humour, the Happy as Larry lunch event was terrific. Mark Balla was a passionate adviser of healthy hygienic routines who took us where 'angels fear to tread!' Shane Jacobsen described how much impact his father has had on who he is and what he respects in life. There was much humour and sincerity from Shane. Pic shows: David Carruther, Kerry kornhauser, Suresh Marcandan and President Marion - actually meeting face to face again!
Congratulations to our President Nominee for 2022-23 Chris Sotiropoulos. This announcement was made at our 99th Annual General Meeting last week.
Over the past few weeks we have been encouraging members with families and friends to join in an environmental project this spring and summer by growing flowering plants whether it be in front and back gardens, patios, balconies or pots in the Colour your World project. Now check out this terrific upcoming event information featuring Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
02 Dec Lunch Meeting: Dr. Simon Longstaff, AO, Executive Director, The Ethic Centre, Sydney
09 Dec Evening Meeting: Prof. Dr. Christoph Schommer, co-Director Robolab, University Luxembourg
Meeting Registration https://www.trybooking.com/BNEDV
16 Dec Lunch Meeting: Christmas Celebration Meeting & Partners Day – Final meeting for 2020
Meeting Registration https://www.trybooking.com/BMYUW
13 Jan Lunch Meeting: Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, Consulate-General of Japan in Victoria
Sadly, we were advised by Ann Campbell of the passing of PP Murray Campbell in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Murray is seen here with PP Clive Weeks and Hon Members Peter McCall enjoying the moment. Members please note funeral arrangements over page.
25 Nov Lunch Meeting: Members Lunch
02 Dec Lunch Meeting: Dr. Simon Longstaff, AO, Executive Director, The Ethic Centre, Sydney – note change in speaker
09 Dec Evening Meeting
16 Dec Lunch Meeting: Christmas Celebration Meeting & Partners Day – Final meeting for 2020
13 Jan Lunch Meeting: Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, Consulate-General of Japan in Victoria
Sir Aaron Danks, (Pic.) in the 1920's, son of the founder of John Danks & Co., represented the hardware industry in Rotary Melbourne. The bathrooms of almost every home in Melbourne had fittings manufactured by Danks.
Thomas Luxton, later to be Lord Mayor of Melbourne, represented retail hardware through his family’s firm of McEwans.
Later, Past President John Edmonds, Chairman of Rogerseller, represented the industry with the classification BATHROOM FIXTURES - DISTRIBUTION.
