Club Guests: Sherri Bruinhout, Faith Wells (Speakers).
Guests of Members: Zara Msonda-Johnson (Sharann Johnson), Arshad Samsudeen, Benjamin Tria, Robin Whyte (online) (Deb Yin Foo).
'When Housing Comes First: Compassion, Courage and the Pathways to Ending Homelessness'
Rotary Melbourne’s guest speaker, Sherry Brunholt, CEO of Launch Housing, delivered a powerful and ultimately hopeful address on homelessness in Victoria.
Andrew introduced Dr David Horgan as “a man on a mission”, observing that David would probably have preferred to forgo his introduction altogether in order to spend more time speaking about suicide prevention. A recently inducted member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, Dr Horgan is a retired Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry who trained in Dublin and Edinburgh before establishing a distinguished career in Australia.
Soon after being invited as guest speaker at Rotary Highlands, the invitation was rescinded, as they decided to have an internal strategy day with no visitors. So my friend Nesta Hatendi (PDG District 9210 - Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Northern Mozambique), who is no stranger to Rotary Melbourne, arranged for Myra and me to attend Rotary Harare at Royal Harare Golf Club.
Membership Anniversary Peter Clements (18), Robert Zappulla (3).
Happy Birthday Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu, Karen Kim, Patricia von Matuschka, Sue McDonald, Anne O'Donovan.
This week’s duties: Marg Leser, Sue Smith (Reception), Clive Weeks (Raffle), Bernie McIntosh (MC), Philip Endersbee (Reflection), Joseph Ebbage (Photographer).
Thank you to Peter Dakin for last week's reflection on Wednesday 15 July 2026.
After Round 18, John Peberdy leads the pack on 116 points, taking home the $100 round prize. Hot on his heels are Andrew Weeks and Reg Smith on 114, with a chasing group of six more tipsters bunched on 112. With the competition wrapping up after Round 24, six rounds remain to close the gap, John's lead is handy, but far from safe!
Sambun Sambath, a Cambodian scholar supported by Rotary Melbourne and Member of Rotaract Club of Siem Reap, has provided a July 26 update. Sambun shares progress in French class, two Community Service house projects for Grandma Chien and Mrs. Run Sarout's family, and a hometown visit to stock the street library ahead of the reading campaign. A heartfelt update on language learning, giving back, and building better homes for families in need.
Cartridges 4 Planet Ark has hit a major milestone, collecting over 60 million printer cartridges since 2003, all with zero waste to landfill. A two decade partnership across manufacturers, retailers, workplaces and schools proves that small everyday recycling habits add up to something big.
Rotary Melbourne member Steve Rando shares reflections on meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing inspiration from India's scale in digital infrastructure, nation building transport projects, and technology driven inclusion. Steve highlights the growing opportunity for Australia and India to collaborate on AI, research and investment, a reminder that leadership is measured by the opportunities it creates for others.
Rotary Melbourne welcomed Dr David Horgan, founder of the Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation, who introduced WhatDoISay.org, a free resource offering over 500 medically approved phrases to help everyday people support someone at risk of suicide on 15 July 26. With most at risk people signalling distress to loved ones rather than crisis lines, this award winning tool removes the guesswork, and is now expanding internationally through Rotary networks.
If this topic raises concerns for you personally, Lifeline (13 11 14) is available anytime.
On Thursday 9 July 26, 11 Rotary Melbourne members volunteered at the Magpie Nest Café, helping the Salvation Army's Project 614 team serve 94 breakfasts and 180 lunches to people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Patricia (Tita) von Matuschka joined Rotary Melbourne in March 2025 and spends her time between Melbourne and Germany.
An academic researcher specialising in SMEs, Tita studies their role in economic systems, access to finance, digitalisation, and regional challenges. Her international work brings valuable comparative insights.
She is very aware of the importance of strong communication and digital tools in supporting active participation within the Club.
If you have an interesting article for the bulletin please let Tita know at editor@rotarymelbourne.org.au
What…The world is changing – and so is Rotary!
As Rotarians, we know that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes vision, commitment and community. That’s why the 2026 Zone 8 Conference is focused on building a legacy that lasts.
The 2026 theme – Future in Focus: People, Planet, Peace – places our shared future at the heart of everything we do. It calls us to step up and lead in three interconnected areas: people, planet and peace.
Whether you’re a club leader, a project champion or a passionate community member, this is your opportunity to join fellow Rotarians from across Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and beyond, as we explore what it truly means to be future focused.
Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Cynthia Edgell Empowerment Opportunity Gift:
Gayoung Baik (Awardee) Simone Tsantarlis and Juile Noonan (Sponsors) Western Chances
Razieh Parsa (Awardee) Na-Rae Seo, representing Karen Edwards (Sponsors) Vincent Care
Israt Jahar (Awardee) Sponsor, Natalie Parker (Sponsor)
Huma Ronald (Awardee) was unable to attend today Mitzi Espinosa (Sponsor) Brotherhood of St Laurence.
Rotary Melbourne's Arts Committee are planning a visit to the Villa Alba Museum in Kew (www.villaalbamuseum.org) on a private tour with a maximum of 30 people:
* Saturday afternoon 17 October
* Tour with tea/coffee approx. $30
* BYO lunch with possible optional extra of ribbon sandwiches and/or scones (being investigated).
Robert Fisher would be happy to receive expressions of interest.
Last Thursday, 9 July 26, members of the Central 2 group enjoyed a relaxed social gathering at The Lincoln Hotel. It was a great opportunity to catch up, share stories, and enjoy each other's company in a friendly setting.
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the evening such an enjoyable occasion. These regular social outings continue to strengthen the friendships and fellowship that are at the heart of our Rotary club. Karen G.
The June edition of District 9800's Networker is out, with Changeover reflections from new District Governor Graeme Hope, a WASH clean water project transforming schools in Cambodia, safe water delivered to a remote village in Myanmar's Karen State, progress updates from Yimba in Uganda, five years of Balwyn Centenary Grants, new capacity building resources from Rotary South Pacific, and a mental health initiative from Daylesford Rotary.
Rotarian Russell Board and Narelle recently visited a primary school in a poor area near Kampala, Uganda, linked to a medical centre they support. The centre was on the day's itinerary for a visit.
Russell hadn't mentioned it was his birthday, but word got out. Several classes broke into Happy Birthday for him, a moment he described as a little overwhelming.
A reminder of the personal connections that come with philanthropy abroad.
In his video message to members, RI President Olayinka H. Babalola reflects on Rotary's shared responsibility to make change that endures. This year's call: to Create Lasting Impact, by working alongside communities, investing in people's skills and leadership, and measuring progress so positive change continues long after a project ends.
This NAIDOC Week carries the theme 50 Years of Deadly, marking five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership. Since 2003, Rotary supporters have funded more than 600 Indigenous Health Scholarships across nursing, medicine, paramedicine, oral health and occupational therapy.
The program is described as more than financial support. It signals belief in a student, often the catalyst that turns hesitation into enrolment, and it builds a visible bridge between communities and the professionals who serve them.
For the new Rotary year, ten clubs are being sought to each fund a $5,000 Indigenous health scholarship, a campaign called the Deadly 10. As Yvonne Keane AM put it, scholars remember being believed in more than the money itself.
Membership Anniversary Malcolm Simpson (53).
Happy Birthday Bob Fels, Trevor Nink.
Club Guests: Dores Schembri (Inductee).
Visiting Rotarians Maria Hicks (Passport Melbourne).
Guests of Members: Arshad Samsudeen (David Carruthers), John Harddy (Online), Bianca Carmona, Michael Cassar (David Horgan), Robin Whyte (online Deb Yin Foo).
