Chairman of the day, Past President Peter Dakin opened proceedings of our 14th Meeting of this Rotary year and our 5051st all time Club meeting. After paying respects to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, Peter explained details of the footy quiz questions on each table. Answers to the questions to be announced at the meeting conclusion.  The Reflection was delivered by Barbara Yerondais and can be read later in this Bulletin.  President Catherine proposed the loyal toast and adjourned for the meal break. 

On returning to the podium, President Catherine welcomed visitors and guests (see details later in this bulletin) and thanked Past Presidents Adrian Nelson and Peter Dakin for their efforts in planning this meeting. She highlighted our guest speaker panellists, Stephen McBurney, Head of AFL Umpiring & Adrian Anderson, Vice President of the Melbourne Cricket Club, and formerly the AFL’s General Manager of Football Operations.

Catherine called on Rosemary Nixon, Project lead for the 2024 Footy Tipping Competition, to update the meeting on the results of the tipping competition and presented the winning prize to the winner of the tipping competition, Di Dakin with a cheque.

President Catherine then acknowledged two members celebrating their birthdays on this meeting day (25 September) – newly indicted member, Antwan Malouhi, and paid tribute to Bernie McIntosh 19-year member who was present at the meeting for his service to the Club as Membership lead, Welfare of the Young Chair, and contributor to the Rotary Foundation. Catherine presented Bernie with the traditional symbolic cake and candle and led the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Bernie.

President Catherine then delivered a brief update on the September Board Meeting which included:

• Formation of the President Nominating Committee
• Continuing work on transition of the Clubs Trusts to the newly created Public Benevolent Institution (PBI).
• Confirmed scheduling the AGM on 20 November 24
• Reviewed the Risk Register and updated key elements
• Approved Annual finalised financial statements.
• Dealt with two proposals brought to the Board by Iqbal Reta:
  • Arts Committee Music Scholarship, championed by Karen Kim approved
  • Vocational Service Committee - Community Engagement proposal for visiting Australian government sponsored International Fellowes - Championed by Joseph Ebbage
• Received the report tabled by Marg Leser, drafted by Garry Fowler, noting that total carbon emissions resulting from Club operations for the year to 30 June 2024 were 13.937 tonnes CO2e, compared with 11.884 tonnes Co2e for the previous year and were higher than for the previous year, primarily because of the increased attendance at events. Payment of $1060 to Withoneseed for planting of trees in Timor Lesté to offset the emissions was approved.
• Protection Policy Reviewed Rotary Melbourne’s policy is that every member must have valid Working With Children card – and this is stipulated for all new members before induction.

Chair of the day, Past President Peter Dakin, then invited moderator of the Panel discussion, Past President Adrian Nelson, to begin the panel discussion by introducing our guest panellists: Stephen McBurney who currently heads AFL umpiring and was Commissioner of the Australian Building and Construction Commission. He boasts a track record of officiating at over 400 games as an AFL umpire.  In his role he oversees 43 field umpires, 44 boundary umpires, and 27 goal umpires, as well as managing timekeepers, interchange stewards, ball steward, and the AFL Review Centre (ARC), which reviews scores and incidents.  Adrian Anderson is currently Vice President of the Melbourne Cricket Club and served at the AFL as General Manager of Football Operations. 

Stephen McBurney focused on the importance of umpiring being perceived as fair all round especially in the final’s series and the sophisticated umpire selection process for finals and grand finals. A probable highlight of Stephen’s comments was the importance of the zero tolerance of abusive behaviour towards umpires by players.  Without this approach at all levels the risk of umpire abuse across the community would make it more difficult to recruit umpires at all levels.

Adrian Anderson gave us an overview of the financial and operational impacts on the MCC due to the finals system and how umpires cover considerable distances during matches.  He highlighted the stress on umpires from both the physical and mental sides and the support systems provided by the AFL, including sports psychologists.

In the limited time available there were 3 questions

Q:  Why don’t umpires provide explanations for free kicks? A: The MCG scoreboards can show explanations, but a better system for viewers at home may be implemented next year, possibly involving retired umpires in commentary for explanations.

Q: Why is there no sin-bin system, especially for players committing misdemeanours in the last games of their careers? A: To a degree, history and tradition, - but there are few significant infractions so it’s not a major issue right now. Perhaps surprisingly players exhibit high discipline during finals games.  This may change of course.

Q: What was the umpires' reaction to OPSM becoming a sponsor?  Perhaps tongue in cheek, Stephen responded: A: Initially not great, but they were pleased after learning they would receive free designer sunglasses.

Both speakers shared personal anecdotes and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the Rotary Melbourne audience, emphasizing the importance of Rotary's community contributions.

The full recording of this meeting can be viewed by: clicking here (48 minutes)

Click here to view the video of the panel discussion (27 minutes)

To view the photos from this event click HERE

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