In acknowledging our very own member and District Governor Amanda Wendt as Guest Speaker you will have noted in this week’s Bulletin that she follows other prominent Melbourne Rotarians in the role.
In giving thanks today I wish to briefly reflect on the life and contribution of Frank Newman (OBE) who became our District Governor 47 years ago.
It is somewhat ironical that the bio on Frank provided to me by Jo was written by Gillian Hibbins in conjunction with Past President John Kendall and we fondly remember Gill who passed away last week.
Frank was a leading Engineer and energetic proponent of proper job training which is so topical today. He was Chairman of the Apprenticeship Commission for 16 years and instrumental in starting our own Annual Apprenticeship Awards.
He played a leading role with a number of industry organisations and was Chairman of the Victorian Chamber of Manufacturers, Engineering & Allied Trades Section in the 1960’s. Frank was a natural leader who displayed a really warm, engaging and motivating manner.
When World War II began he joined the Royal Australian Navy and his record of distinguished service was brave and outstanding.
He was awarded an OBE for services to Victorian Post-Secondary Education and led Rotary International to adopt the ongoing Group Study Exchange Program.
Frank was our President in 1973–1974, a Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow and Rotary District Governor in 1975-76.
On a sad note of reflection I was very friendly with Frank’s son – Robert who died following a balcony fall in 1994 at the age of 48 when we were on a golfing weekend with a group of mates in Flinders.
I will never forget coming to Rotary lunch the following week and happened to be seated next to Frank and the challenging discussion we had about the loss of his son at such an early age.
Frank passed away in May 2009 at the age of 92 and had continued to be actively involved in our Club and presenting at the Annual Apprenticeship Awards lunch.
He was a fanatical Essendon supporter and was part of a group that sponsored the Club’s Coach.
I have no doubt his wisdom and counselling support is what Essendon needs today!!!
Amanda you are following in the footsteps of some wonderful Melbourne Rotarians and we wish you well in your exciting year ahead.”
Thank you to Peter Dakin for providing this reflection on 31 August 2022.
