The following was spoken by Vicky as Tony's illness prevented him from speaking: "Thank you President Kevin and Past President Robert for allowing me to speak on Tony’s behalf and to accept from the Board and Members of Rotary Melbourne this honour. His double illnesses prevents him from speaking with the articulation he had in the past so I will attempt to be his voice albeit a poor second one.
Tony was nominated for membership to the Rotary Club of Melbourne in 1978 by Rabbi Dr. Hermann Sanger and seconded by Jock Reid. Hermann gave Tony the best advice that still stands the test of time for those mentoring new members: “Don’t be a lunch time member, participate, join Committees.”
As the youngest Member of the Club at 37 it did not take any time before the President of the Club John Mcfarlane approached him ”Young man I have the very Committee you should belong to – Welfare of the Young.” Tony served on this Committee for 41 years only retiring this year.
When he was appointed President for 2002-2003, which was another great honour, one of his legacies was to form the Arts Committee as he felt this was a missing element that would appeal to many Members. Under David Kram and his Committee this has now become part and parcel of another form of Fellowship for Members.
He thoroughly enjoyed participating in Bob Glindemann’s Second Biters as Tony always felt ‘hands on’ participation an important aspect for Members.
He thanks you and I thank you humbly and sincerely for making him an Honorary Member; for the Fellowship and Friendship and giving him this special moment in time." Thank you Vicky and Tony.
CITATION Presented 31 July 2019
ROTARY MELBOURNE HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP TO ANTHONY (TONY) D KOSKY OAM
Tony Kosky was born in Melbourne in 1941 and was educated at Melbourne Grammar and the University of Melbourne where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce.
After graduation, Tony worked in London for a year to gain broader experience. Upon his return he joined the family company, which was engaged in the import of fur, skins and hides as well as the manufacture of fur garments. They later established a national chain of retailers of fur and leather shops under the ‘Cornelius’ label.
With the demise of the fur industry in the 1980’s Tony established a trading and consulting business Global Business Links that established strong links with China. Tony actively supported the industries is which he worked and was
• State President of the Victoria Federated Fur Association
• National President of the Australian Fur Council
• Founding Board member and State President of the Australia China Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Vice-President of the Australia China Business Council.
Tony joined the Club in 1978 and has been most active and enthusiastic in fundraising for several major projects including:
• Operation Crossroads
• The Baker Medical Research Centre• Claremont Homes for the Aged
• The Gala at the Melbourne Aquarium• Parachute night
• Chinese Yum Cha
• An evening at the Ballet.
In addition, Tony has served on the Welfare of the Young Committee in the 40+ years since joining the Club as well as participating in the International Programs Committee, the Arts Committee (which he founded) and Toorak 1 Group. He has been a Club Director on a number of occasions, a Vice-President in 1996-97 and President in 2002-03. He was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1990.
In the 2004 Queen’s Birthday Honours Tony was awarded a medal in the Order of Australia for service to the development of Australian business links with China, and to the community through the Rotary Club of Melbourne.
Tony is married to Vicky and they have three children, who have provided them with three grandchildren. He has been a keen golfer and cheers on the Blues.
Tony’s longstanding commitment to Rotary Melbourne is acknowledged with gratitude in this Award of Honorary Life Membership.
