Today we will hear about some of the military achievements of our great Past President Sir John Monash.

However, some of you may not be aware that he had mixed fortunes in business. Monash launched into private practice in 1894 with his friend J T Noble Anderson as civil, mining and mechanical engineers and patent agents. They struggled over the next few years with a variety of contracts in several States, then undertook successful bridge building until one of their Bendigo bridges collapsed during testing. As a result, they lost all their capital, his partner took a job in NZ and Monash was left poverty-stricken. Undeterred, Monash formed a new company, Monier, which focused on building construction in Victoria and South Australia, and over the ensuing decade developed a highly profitable business that established his fortune. Another example of Monash’s remarkable perseverance and determination.  

One of his famous sayings, oft quoted by Monash University, was “Equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit but for the benefit of the whole community”. Apposite too for us in Rotary.

For good food, friendships through Rotary and the opportunity to serve, we give thanks.

Thank you Robert Fisher.

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