Search through our archive for our historic meetings and events, including photos, videos and reviews.
Last week’s meeting, led by MC Dr Carol Bond, featured a moving reflection by Past President Peter Dakin, an update from Rotary Scholar Harry Baugh, and an insightful presentation by Dr Coco Ma on independent film production in Australia. President Philip also presented the 2024–25 Axle Award to Tony Battaini.
More than 20 members and guests braved a chilly Melbourne evening on Wednesday 9 July for Rotary Melbourne’s first Evening Conversation of the 2025–26 year. Held at the Imperial Hotel, the meeting featured engaging talks from Global Scholar nominee Alexander Tashevski-Beckwith and Rotary Peace Fellow Ika Trijsburg.
Our first meeting of the Rotary year featured an update on breakthrough neuroscience from Dr Christos Papadimitriou and welcomed back long-time member Professor Jeremy Oats AM. Click read more to catch up on photos, key moments, guest insights and full presentation links inside the bulletin.
The 2025 Changeover on 25 June was a vibrant celebration of Rotary Melbourne’s achievements and a warm welcome to incoming President Philip Cornish. Highlights included musical performances by our inaugural Music Scholarship winners, the induction of three new members, recognition awards, and inspiring reflections from outgoing President Catherine Baxter.
Master of Ceremonies began the meeting paying respect to the traditional owners of the land on which Rotary Melbourne meets. Past President Adrian Nelson delivered the weekly reflection.
Our 2025 Environment Lunch celebrated sustainability and innovation with inspiring guests, including students from across Victoria. Highlights included a compelling keynote by Dr Fiona Simon on Australia’s green hydrogen future, a Sofitel-led discussion on sustainable cuisine, and the 2025 Environmental Sustainability Award presentation to St Monica’s College for their student-led eco-initiatives.
Read more and see all the photos by clicking link below.
Major Brendan Nottle delivered a powerful address on how the Salvation Army is tackling homelessness through dignity, partnerships, and action. From urgent housing to legal aid, his stories moved the room - and will move you too. Click through to watch the video and read more about this inspiring presentation.
From club updates to an enlightening address by sleep expert Dr Moira Junge, last week’s meeting offered food for thought - and action. Discover why sleep should rank alongside diet and exercise as a public health priority.
From tribute to innovation—our 41st Meeting featured heartfelt reflections on Dr David Nurse and a visionary Thomas Baker Oration by Dr Megan Clark AC, exploring Australia’s deep tech future. Discover her insights on AI, biotech, and the brain’s brilliance in the full article.
Last week’s meeting, chaired by Hon Sec John Saunders in the absence of President Catherine, featured a compelling keynote address from urban design expert Mark Allan. With Melbourne’s population expanding at unprecedented rates, Mark explored the critical role of smart planning, green public spaces, and cutting-edge digital twin technology in shaping sustainable, people-centred cities.
President Catherine Baxter welcomed members and guests, including former exchange student Julie Hindkaer. Guest speaker Andrew Laidlaw, Royal Botanic Gardens Landscape Architect, delivered an interesting talk on the Gardens’ evolving role in urban resilience and wellbeing. Members were also reminded to update directory details and book for the Thomas Baker Oration.
Past President Adrian Nelson MC'd last week's meeting, followed by a reflection from Dr Peter Hollingworth. In her announcements, President Catherine Baxter honoured Dr Hollingworth's 90th birthday, and Stephen Rando then introduced guest speaker Dr Elias Munshya, who outlined Zambia's trade opportunities and discussed Rotary's impact on malaria eradication.
The meeting was opened by MC Peter Dakin with the acknowledgement of tradition owners and this present. Tony Battaini delivered the weekly reflection, the transcript of which is included later in this bulletin. VP Mary Barry deputised for President Catherine proposing the loyal toast, and returned to the podium to welcome members and guests, in particular guest speaker AK Tareen.
Over 20 Melbourne Rotarians joined other volunteers for meal packing, on behalf of FORaMEAL, at RMIT last Wednesday, 9 April 25, led as always by President Catherine. Over 8,000 meals were packed in 1.5 hours.
Rotarian Richard Dent was MC and opened the meeting with acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which Rotary Melbourne meets. Barbara Yerondais delivered the weekly reflection and a transcript is included later in this Bulletin.
MC for the meeting was Bernie McIntosh who opened proceedings in the customary manner. President Catherine was unable to attend due to a Military Reserve event at the Avalon Air Show, and Vice President PP Mary Barry deputised to preside over the meeting and deliver the loyal toast.
The meeting was opened by MC for the day Karen Kim, with acknowledgement of the traditional owners, and welcoming members and guests.
The Rotary Melbourne Meeting on Wednesday 5 March 25 and the guest speaker was Professor Alan Duffy, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Swinburne, speaking on the Topic: Australia's Return to the Moon. Click on read more to get the full story and view photo gallery.
The Rotary Melbourne Meeting on Wednesday 26 February 25 was the Member Meeting which included presentations from Dr. Dimitris Salampasis on DAVOS and Mary Barry on the Cynthia's Gift. Click on read more to get the full story and view photo gallery.
A group of 30+ people comprising Rotary Melbourne members, partners and guests joined Barb Yerondais for an architectural walking tour around the Streets of Fitzroy on Friday 28 February 2025.
The Rotary Melbourne Meeting on Wednesday 19 February 25 was the annual Sir John Reid Community Service Award. Click on read more to get the full story and view photo gallery.
The Rotary Melbourne Meeting on Wednesday 12 February 25 was the Annual Evening Picnic in the Rotary Peace Park for members and guest. Click on read more to get the full story and view photo gallery.
The Rotary Melbourne Meeting on Wednesday 5 February 25 was the Annual State of the City Address with Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece. Click on read more to get the full story and view photo gallery.
The Rotary Melbourne Meeting on Wednesday 29 January 25 was the Vocational Services Panel with Moderator Jenny Taing and panelists Joseph Ebbage & Carol Bond discussing the topic Ethics in Marketing. Click on read more to get the full story and view photo gallery.
The 1st Rotary Melbourne meeting was on Wednesday 22 January 25. It was a RIMERN Volunteering Day.
