Member Anniversaries: Tony Battaini (2), Joseph Ebbage (10), Ted Garland (42), Christine Johnson (23), David Kram (19).
Member Birthdays this week: David Prest.
Happy years are ahead for Sam McLarty, Bionics Institute, who married Mairead on Saturday 8 March 25.
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.
Rotary Melbourne welcomed and inducted Patricia (Tita) von Matuschka on 26 March 2025 with the classification Economics – Macroeconomics. For Tita, the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" is more than a statement – it is a personal conviction and a guiding principle.
The celebration of David Jones’ life was held at his beloved MCG on Tuesday 25 March, attended by some 200 friends. The vibe in the room was really positive, with many amusing anecdotes being recounted to the audience’s great delight.
Past President Peter Dakin (Club Almoner) does a good job of checking in on members. Peter is here with Bill & Mary Lou Philip along with Di Dakin at a Rotary Melbourne catch up.
In the first of a series of past members of Rotary Melbourne, we reflect on 1954-55 Club President Sir Albert Coates.
Members of the Arts Committee recognised the contributions made by Garry Fowler and Peter Berg, at a dinner hosted by Chair, Dr David Kram AM on Tuesday 18 March 25. David presented Garry and Peter with Certificates of Appreciation for their outstanding service to the committee and to Rotary.
The Malvern Group convened its second gathering of 2025 at Chris Rodd and Susan Davis's weekend retreat in Portsea on Sunday 16 March 25.
We welcome Tokuro Furuya, Consul General of Japan, in Melbourne who joins us as an Honorary Member.
On the occasion of inducting new honorary member Tokuro Furuya, Consul General of Japan, Past President Chris Wang reflects on our very close 30 year relationship with the Rotary Club of Osaka.
On 12 March 25 PP Peter Rogers attended an event in Box Hill where he met the Foreign Minister, Penny Wong. Peter was delighted to be able to highlight and explain Rotary Melbourne's life saving collaboration in the PNG Snakebite Partnership with CSL and DFAT.
Congratulations to Grahme Bond on joining the elite ranks of 40 years of membership of Rotary Melbourne. Grahme spoke of his pleasure in service above self during his 40 years and how it continues to be important today.
Following an email from Philip Cornish on 12 March he would like to thank you all for your well wishes and will keep members updated on his recovery.
Victoria Rotaract invites Rotary Melbourne members to attend their 'Beasts & Ballgowns' ball on Friday 11 April 25 from 7-11:30pm at Roxy's Functions & Events, South Melbourne. This event is a collaboration between all the Rotaract clubs in Victoria and aims to celebrate all that Rotaract does. There will also be a guest speaker from the charity we are donating to.
Here is the ticket link: https://events.humanitix.com/rotaract-victoria-ball
Rotary Melbourne has a long, proud history of supporting the Rotary Peace Fellows program. This is the time of year to do a scan of your networks to identify a young person (25 - 35) who has a history of service above self either in their vocation or non-profit life. Information about the Peace Fellows program is linked here.
The meeting was opened by MC for the day Karen Kim, with acknowledgement of the traditional owners, and welcoming members and guests.
Member Anniversaries: Richard Parker (18) & Peter Berg (11) - TODAY!, Rosemary Nixon (8).
Member Birthdays this week: Sharann Johnson, Ruth Carlos Matinez, Malcolm Simpson.
Guests of the Club: Tokuro Furuya, Natsuko Miguchi, Melissa Nemoto.
Visiting Rotarians: Patricia Steward (Central - Cayman Islands), Aviv Palti & Maria Hicks (RC Passport Melbourne).
Guests of Members: Brian O’Kelly, Remy Abraham (Getrude Matshe), Roland Jabbour (Will Abdo), Celeste Koravos (Robert Fisher), Gladys Liu (Peter Rogers), Janet Wang (Chris Wang), Darcy Giuliani, Alice Freeman (Karen Kim).
On Duty: John Peberdy, Sandra Hills (Reception), Clive Weeks (Raffle), Bernie McIntosh (MC), John Peberdy (Photographer), Cheryl Lacey (Reflection).
Former Rotary International President Mark Maloney reflects on the role Rotary plays in tackling global environmental challenges, from grassroots initiatives to youth engagement and climate finance. Read on to learn how Rotary is making a difference.
Claire Davison, current President of the Rotary Club of Richmond, has been selected as District Governor for Rotary District 9800 in 2027-2028. A senior academic and a respected leader in higher education, Claire brings a wealth of leadership experience, strategic vision, and a deep passion for service. Her work in higher education and social impact aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission, ensuring our District continues to thrive.
Thank you to Adrian Nelson for your reflection on Wednesday 19 March 2025.
Tangly Ton, President Rotaract Club of Siem Reap, has provided an update on his studies along with details of recent Rotary projects including his excellent results in his Bachelor's Degree exams.
On 13 March 25 President Catherine, PP Mary Barry, PP Robert Fisher and Will Abdo visited members of the AmCham Australia and Australia Africa Chamber at Intenational Chamber House.
