"It is hard to believe that the Rotary Club of Melbourne (RCM) has just had its 18th Seniors’ Lunch. This is held at Max’s Restaurant at the Red Hill Estate. It was in March 2003 that the first lunch was held and it has occurred every year since.
The original idea came from Sir Peter Derham a member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne and Max Paganoni of Max’s Restaurant. They decided to jointly set up this occasion so the beautiful location could be shared by those less fortunate than themselves. This initially had support from
The City of Melbourne who provided the transport, but they pulled out some years ago.
After consideration of who might benefit from a visit, it was decided that there was no one better than the socially isolated senior citizens who lived in supported accommodation in the inner suburbs of Kensington, Flemington and North Melbourne to enjoy this event. This year the folk were sourced with the help of Cohealth from Kensington and Carlton.
And so the coach pulled out from Ormond Street, Kensington at 9.30 am on Monday 2 March 2020 to pick up the other group of Seniors’ from Lygon Street, Carlton and then head south for Red Hill.
On arrival, there were 34 on the coach and this included Charles Qin a member of the RCM a regular supporter of the lunch. He has the invaluable skill in being able to interpret Mandarin as the group includes Chinese who need some help with communication. This year Allan Wang, another regular supporter ,was in isolation because of a recent trip to China, so sadly he could not attend. He was bitterly disappointed.
Waiting for the group to arrive were Ian and Margaret Ross and Warren and Gillian Johnson, ensuring that the group received a warm welcome and a hand shake. It was a little cool so we moved into the restaurant where coffee was enjoyed with a build up in the of cacophony. The spectacular views of Western Port were largely taken in through the large windows of the restaurant, but some intrepid folk braved the cool air.
Warren officially welcomed the group and introduced the RCM representatives. In response a representative of the group gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to the RCM, and it was clear they really enjoyed the outing.
A delicious meal of ocean trout followed by a beautifully presented strawberry dessert followed and the seniors had the chance to take a stroll around the property after the meal.
At 1.30 pm farewells were made and the coach set off for Arthur’s Seat, to allow them to take in the magnificent view of Port Phillip on their way home.
As we all made our way home, we felt it had been a very worthwhile occasion."
Warren Johnson
