Charles Nelson, a VCE media studies high school student in Melbourne, recently interviewed some club members for his short documentary film about Rotary Melbourne.
What does Rotary Melbourne do and why do our members want to make a difference? It's all about Service Above Self.
Watch his film below (expand to full screen):
What an incredible initiative, Charles! 
Your short documentary beautifully captures the essence of Rotary Melbourne and the profound impact of living by our motto, Service Above Self. 
Hearing the personal stories of your members and their unwavering commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring.
This video not only showcases the heart of Rotary but also serves as a shining example of how creativity and passion can spotlight the power of community action. 
Thank you for using your talents to share the Magic of Rotary with the world, reminding us all of the transformative power of giving back.
Rotary District 9800 Governor 2024-25 Michael Lapina
"Service Above Self," a short documentary by high school student Charles Nelson, is a warm portrayal of Rotary Melbourne's dedication to community service. Nelson captures the essence of Rotary through insightful interviews with Club President Catherine Baxter, Past President Mary Barry, and Member Deb Yin Foo, who each share their personal Rotary journeys and highlight the life-changing impact of the organisation’s projects.
The film showcases Rotary Melbourne’s commitment to making a difference, emphasising its core value of "Service Above Self." Each interview is thoughtfully conducted, with the participants offering compelling anecdotes that demonstrate the power of Rotary’s work in fostering positive change, both locally and globally. He is not afraid to focus on issues challenging Rotary today.
Nelson's direction is polished and focused, especially impressive for a high school filmmaker, and his ability to weave together the personal stories of Baxter, Barry, and Yin Foo with broader messages of hope and service is a testament to his skill. The film’s pacing keeps the audience engaged, while the stories of Rotary’s initiatives — whether in humanitarian aid or community development — are uplifting and motivational.
"Service Above Self" not only highlights the work of Rotary Melbourne but also serves as a call to action for viewers to consider the impact that service organisations can have on their communities. It’s a powerful reminder that through dedication and collaboration, significant change is possible.
This documentary will undoubtedly leave its audience inspired by Rotary Melbourne’s enduring legacy of service, and by the passion and enthusiasm of its members. Charles Nelson has created a film that is both informative and moving, and a wonderful tribute to the spirit of Rotary.
