The Rotary Melbourne Meeting on Wednesday 19 February 25 was the annual Sir John Reid Community Service Award. It was the 30th meeting for the year and its 5,067th meeting in its 104th year. Click on read more to get the full story and view photo gallery.
MC Rosemary Nixon opened the meeting with the acknowledgment of the traditional owners and all those present and introduced the theme of service above self in the community. The meeting highlighted the dedication of two volunteers, each with a heartwarming story of commitment to their respective community causes. The importance of fulfilling the organization's primary goal of providing service to others was emphasized, with the idea that even small acts of kindness can make a difference. Past President Robert Fisher delivered the weekly reflection, which is included later in this Bulletin and President Catherine presented the loyal toast, after which the group broke for the 20-minute meal service break.
In welcoming members, visiting Rotarians and guest, President Catherine made special mention, Rade Pajic and Dildar Begum, who were attending as recipients of the 2024-2025 Sir John Reid Community Service award. The full list of guests is below.
Updates were given about the health of Tony Greenwood and his wife Wendy, and a special announcement regarding Peter Addison’s 50th wedding anniversary was made.
President elect Philip Cornish introduced the recipients of the Sir John Reid Community Service Award, Rade Pajic and Dildar Begum, both of whom were recognized for their extraordinary dedication to community service. Dilda moved the crowd by sharing her experiences as a refugee and volunteer. Rade was recognized for his dedication to supporting and connecting isolated elderly individuals within the Serbian Community and the Southern Migrant Refugee Centre.
The meeting continued with brief addresses and presentations from community members accompanying the awardees and further highlighted the volunteer efforts and community engagement of both Awardees. Full transcripts of the citations for each Awardee are included below.
The meeting concluded with a significant announcement that this year’s dual award recipient's chosen charity would receive a donation of $10,000 AUD funded by a substantial grant to Rotary Melbourne from the John T Reid Charitable Trusts.
President Catherine expressed gratitude to all contributors and announced the next meeting would be a special members lunch with project and new member updates.
You can view the full recording of the meeting by clicking this link
