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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rotary Melbourne's Past President Robert Fisher has been overwhelmed by the response from Rotarians, family and friends to his appeal after reaching $7,128 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.
As reported in last week's bulletin Alan Trumble died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday 1st October 25.
A celebration of life for Alan Trumble will be held on 11-1pm Sunday 19 October. Details from Jo in the Rotary Office.
Our October Monthly Evening, hosted by Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick in their "Yin Foo Room" (named after our own Deb Yin Foo), featured guest speaker Steph Say from HoMie Clothing. Steph inspired us with HoMie’s mission - supporting young people affected by homelessness through employment, training, and quality streetwear. Her engaging talk highlighted HoMie’s impact, social enterprise model, and commitment to self-sustainability.
Membership Anniversary this week: Austen Burleigh (26), David Prest (49), Tilman Ruff (7)
Happy Birthday this week: Peter Doherty, Karen Gornalle, Jacques Morin.
Guests of the Club Stephanie Say (Speaker).
Guests of Members Graeme Ali, Jessica Ziersch, Andrew Massie (Deb Yin Foo), Mark Allan (Peter Berg).
This month the Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group (ESRAG) newsletter ESRAG October 2025 Volume 10 Issue 4 features an article titled 'Why Food Systems Are at the Heart of ESRAG’s Environmental Mission'. Click on read more below.
A preliminary study has found several Australian orchid species have suffered a 60 per cent decline in pollen movement and fertilisation since 1925. The biggest drop in pollination started in the 1970s, with researchers suggesting rising temperatures and land clearing may be contributing factors. Click on read more below.
If you are interested in keeping up to date with all that’s been happening with volunteers, donations, welfare agencies & clients, and the many exciting things ahead at RIMERN please click on Read More for Issue 16: August/September 25. This issue advises that TV's iconic 'Neighbours' show provided 2 truck loads of furniture, lamps and kitchenware.
Join us at the offices of Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick, Level 28, 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, for an inspiring in-person event with Steph Say, CEO of HoMie - a Melbourne streetwear label and social enterprise. HoMie reinvests 100% of profits to support young people aged 18–25 affected by homelessness or hardship, offering retail training and employment pathways. With partnerships including the AFL and Country Road, and nearly 4,000 lives impacted, Steph will share how HoMie blends purpose and profit. Arrive before 6PM—doors will lock!
Rotary Melbourne proudly welcomed Pam Hargeaves on 1 October 2025 with the classification Education Consultant. A lifelong educator and former President of the Rotary Club of North Camberwell, Pam brings extensive experience across Victoria’s education sectors and a deep family legacy of Rotary service.
The District 9800 Foundation Committee has organised a movie fundraiser for End Polio Now. "The Travellers" a movie by Bruce Beresford on Sunday October 26, 2025 @ 2pm. The Sun Theatre, 8 Ballarat Street, Yarraville $30 per ticket for seat and three raffle tickets
Click Read More below by 16 October 2025. Any questions contact: Graeme Hope graeme.hope@rotary9800.org
Rotary Melbourne's Past President Robert Fisher has been overwhelmed by the response from Rotarians, family and friends to his appeal after reaching $6,382 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.
