We take this opportunity to thank Phil Endersbee for your valued service to Rotary. Your dedication and support over the years have made a lasting impact and truly reflect the spirit of “Service Above Self.” Today we celebrate not only your birthday but your outstanding service to the Rotary Club of Melbourne.
Since joining in 1994, aged 40, and one our youngest members at the time, you’ve brought boundless energy, vision and generosity to everything you do. Within months, you were serving as Minute Secretary, then Director, Vice-President and, memorably, Club President in 2010/11, leading a spectacular celebration of Rotary’s 90th anniversary in Australia.
Your leadership was instrumental in one of the Club’s proudest achievements, the initiation and facilitation of the construction of the Timor-Leste Embassy in Canberra. This project was to lay the foundations for an enduring relationship between the two nations based on equality and mutual respect.
You are a master at mobilising support and securing resources. Through your efforts, over $1.27 million was raised from philanthropic trusts, bequests, matching grants and Club contributions, significantly funding international and long lasting Indigenous programs and vital support for the homeless.
You’ve served on or chaired nearly every Club committee, launched the enduring wine raffle, helped secure a permanent Club office in the CBD, and have always led by example from Donations in Kind to hosting and mentoring students.
Recognised with a Paul Harris Fellow, a Sapphire, and the Forth Bridge Award, you embody Rotary service at its finest.
Philip, we thank you — and wish you a very happy birthday and a year ahead as inspiring as your contributions have been.
