Pope Francis was the first Pope to be a Rotarian, joining the Rotary Club of Buenos Aires as an honorary member prior to his papacy in 1999. Following his funeral on Saturday, we also reflect on the Pope's hosting of the 2016 Jubilee of Rotarians at the Vatican, with over 9000 Rotarians from around the world attending. Read more below.
Nominations closing soon! Do you know a Melbourne secondary student leading the way in environmental sustainability? Rotary Melbourne’s 2025 Environment Award offers $3000 for the winning project. Submissions close 14 May - don’t miss this chance to inspire change and be recognised!
Member Anniversaries: Susan Barton (20), Matthew Karakoulakis (10), Yidan Xi (5)
Member Birthdays this week: Peter Addison (TODAY!!)
Guests of the Club: Elias Munshya (Speaker), Ashley Chandler.
Visiting Rotarians: Margaret Brett (Yarraville), David Fernee (Packenham), Ronald Moss (Caroline Springs (online).
Guests of Members: Stephen Todd (Deb Yin Foo), James Scuderi, Minty Tafesse, Duncan Harris, Fred Alale, Bill Cole (Stephen Rando), Julie Gleeson (Peter Hollingworth), Robert Grove, Frank Opray, Rebecca Tamusuza.
On Duty: VACANT (Reception), Stephen Mandie (Raffle), Tony Battaini (MC), Bill Pickett (Photographer), Robert Fisher (Reflection).
The new annual Rotary Melbourne Music Scholarship supports talented emerging Victorian musicians who need assistance to further their careers or studies in music. Our mission is to nurture the next generation of musical leaders, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Applications close Wednesday 30 April 25 for people under 30 years of age.
We were delighted to celebrate Peter Hollingworth's 90th Birthday at last week's meeting at the Sofitel, where he also delivered the Reflection. President Catherine acknowledged his lifetime of service.
A heartwarming update from the bush (via Planet Ark) reveals that our beloved Easter Bilby is prospering more than ever thanks to years of dedicated conservation efforts that have helped stave off extinction.
Rotary SAFE Families is presenting wonderful Guest Speakers at its second global Mega Meeting online on May 14. Read more...
All the action from Sunday's Run the Tan event, raising funds for mental health, with our club volunteers, walkers and runners. Check out our photo album by clicking on Read More below.
Thank you to Dr Peter Hollingworth AC OBE for last week's reflection on Wednesday 23 April 25.
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.
Earth Day, celebrated on 22 April, is a global movement encouraging environmental awareness and action. In 2020, Rotary added the environment as an official area of focus. Even before that, Rotary members have carried out sustainable environmental projects for decades. Read more about their incredible range of initiatives.
Learn about some of the latest Rotary projects around the world this April from Ecuador to England, from the Netherlands to Bermuda.
Around 480 Rotary members from across the globe met last week in Chicago for the 2025 Council on Legislation, where 78 proposals to amend Rotary’s constitutional documents were debated and voted on — a powerful expression of Rotary’s global collaboration and democratic spirit. Our District 9800 was represented by Past District Governor Dr Murray Verso.
It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of honor that we invite you to the 50th Anniversary Ceremony of the Leonardo da Vinci International Award, to be held in Athens, Greece, from May 16 to 18, 2025.
Rotary Melbourne members and guests may be interested to read the latest Zone 8 Rotary on the Move February 25 edition (click on READ MORE). There is an interesting article on ‘Polio Eradication – Answering the Tough Questions’ by PDG Murray Verso, Zone 8 End Polio Now Coordinator.
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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 13 February/March 25. This issue is full of ways in which you can support RIMERN and the great work they do in supporting our community.
Tangly Ton, a Cambodian scholar supported by Rotary Melbourne and President Rotaract Club of Siem Reap, has provided an update on nearly completing his studies (University degree) along with details of recent Rotary projects.
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.
This Easter, Rotary is spreading community spirit across the State of Victoria through art, culture, and local events. Whether you're staying local or planning a scenic day trip, there's a Rotary event near you making a real difference. From vibrant markets to inspiring art exhibitions, each event supports local causes and showcases the best of community creativity and connection.
From Bendigo to the Bellarine, Inverloch to Alexandra, Beechworth to Mitchell River - if you're in the area—or just looking for an Easter adventure - consider visiting one of these Rotary-supported events.
Rotary Youth Exchange celebrates 50 years as an official program of Rotary International of promoting global understanding and cultural exchange. Since its inception, the program has empowered young people to become global citizens. Rotary Melbourne proudly marks this milestone, recognising the life-changing experiences, enduring friendships, and international goodwill fostered through decades of hosting and sponsoring exchange students.
On Duty: Tony Battaini, Sandra Hills (Reception), Philip Endersbee (Raffle), Carol Bond (MC), Bruce Davidson (Photographer), Peter Hollingworth (Reflection).
Thank you to Tony Battaini for your reflection on Wednesday 16 April 2025.
