MC for the day, Philip Endersbee OAM paid respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet. Barbara Yerondais delivered the reflection for which the transcript is included later in this bulletin.
President Catherine delivered the Toast to Australia and Rotary International, and on returning to the podium after meal service conducted the induction ceremony for our 23rd new member for 2024-25 – Professor Mimmi Watts. Congratulations Mimmi. We are glad you have joined our Club.
After other formalities, in particular a strong pitch for Members to attend the World Environment Day Luncheon featuring the presentation of Rotary Melbourne’s 2025 Environment & Sustainability Award, and the keynote address by Dr Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council.
President Catherine invited Past President, Reg Smith OAM to the podium to introduce Major Brendan Nottle, who leads the Salvation Army Melbourne to address endemic homeless in Melbourne and surrounds.
Maj. Brendan Nottle began by lauding Rotary's worldwide contributions to the community.
He shared the story of the historical influences in Melbourne’s foundation that were significant in shaping the long history of the Salvation Army in developing its compassion-based social work in Melbourne.
He highlighted Henry Reed's values—'no one left behind,' integrating outsiders into the community, and reforming systems that create victims—as the foundation of these efforts. He recounted Reed's collaboration with John Batman in founding Melbourne and later, how Reed supported the nascent Salvation Army, significantly impacting social work globally.
Brendan detailed the Salvation Army's initiatives at their Bourke Street facility, offering services such as healthcare, social support, legal assistance, and food security. Specific examples included a man with severe headaches who ignored treatment due to financial constraints; the team facilitated his recovery after an emergency due to an aneurysm. Co-health's on-site GP service and Alfred Hospital's mental health clinic exemplify the comprehensive support system that the Salvation Army now operates.
He shared a story of a mother and daughter escaping domestic violence, who found urgent housing through a partnership with Collingwood Football Club, which now supports 50 houses. Another initiative, a cafe transformed into a dignified dining space, addresses food insecurity and social poverty, serving 600 people daily.
Additionally, Brendan highlighted assisting individuals with complex mental health issues to get on the right benefits, and the collaboration with Services Australia and a pro bono lawyer to resolve minor offenses and warrants that burden vulnerable populations. A notable instance involved a man fined over public transportation infractions, who regained peace after legal resolution of his warrants facilitated by regular attendance of Vic Pol representatives at the Salvation Army’s café.
Brendan emphasized the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to fighting homelessness and social poverty, showcasing how creative community partnerships and sustained effort can significantly impact the lives of Melbourne's most vulnerable populations.
The video recording of Brendan’s address is a ‘must see’. You can view it below or by clicking here.
If you would prefer to view the full meeting recording, just click here
