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Last Week's Meeting 20 August 25

Master of Cermonies: PP Philip Endersbee

Reflection: Ruth Carlos Martinez – see later in this bulletin

President Philip welcomed Members, visitors and guests, to our 5th Meeting of this Rotary Year and our 5,091^st Club meeting in our one hundred and fifth year.

Guests of the Club welcomed by President Philip: Duncan Harris (Speaker), Victoria and Cynthi Edgell Awardees Elena Suprihartono, Victoria Taseska and online Nyaluet Yan and their supporters, as well as Tasmanian online guests from Cynthia Edgell’s family: Tom Edgell (Nephew), Sarah Ebbelaar (Niece) and Henry Edgel (Brother).

A full listing of visitors and guests in included later in this Bulletin.

President Philip invited Past President Kevin Sheehan to the podium to officially introduce the inaugural Cynthia Edgell Empowerment Opportunity Gift recipients in memory of our distinguished member and Past Vice President, the Late Cynthia Edgell. Kevin introduced:

Elena Suprihartono (Awardee) - Simone Tsantarlis of Western Chances (Sponsor)
Victoria Taseska (Awardee) - Jade Applebee of Brotherhood of St Laurence (Sponsor)
Nyaluet D Yan (Awardee) - Selba- Gondoza Luka OAM of Afri-Auscare (Sponsor)

Kevin then called on President Philip to confer the Cynthia Edgell Empowerment Opportunity Gift to each of the Awardees present noting that we looked forward to meeting Nyaluet D Yan with her sponsor, Selba at a later date.

President Philip then highlighted that call for nominations to the Nominating Committee in preparation for the AGM on 19 November 2025. The full text of this notice is included later in this Bulletin.

Speaker’s Address

After completion of formalities, President Philip invited Chair of the Day Stephen Rando to introduce Guest Speaker Duncan Harris, President Australia Africa Chamber of Commerce (AACC) who addressed to topic 'Chambers: Bridging Global Opportunities. Duncan delivered a bold and unapologetic message: it’s time for Australia to stop seeing Africa as an afterthought—and start seeing it as the world’s fastest-rising hub of opportunity.

Africa is not a recipient of aid—it’s a partner in innovation.
The Elevate Africa Alliance is building a pipeline that connects Africa’s tertiary-educated youth to global skills shortages.
Mega-initiatives like Rendeavour are re-shaping urban Africa, creating seven new cities across the continent.
The African diaspora in Australia—120,000 strong in Melbourne alone—are an untapped bridge for business, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The AACC’s Economic Plan for Africa gives Australian companies a roadmap into sectors like clean energy, agribusiness, fintech, and infrastructure.

This is not just commerce. It’s a human revolution—a bridge where Rotary builds peace, and the Chamber builds prosperity.

Key Insights from Duncan’s Speech

Africa is positioning itself as “the workshop of the world”—a new frontier for joint ventures, trade, and IP transfer.
The Elevate Africa Alliance creates scalable pathways for job creation and skills mobility.
The International Chamber Congress in Melbourne (Sept 2–4) is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine Africa-Australia ties.
African First Ladies’ Forum (2026) will drive health, education, women’s empowerment, and SME development partnerships.
Trust and relationships—not transactions—are the true foundations of global trade.

Quotes that Disrupted the Room

“Opportunity should never be dictated by geography—bridges are better than walls.”
“Africa is not waiting for aid; it is demanding partnership, innovation, and respect.”
“Let us not only bridge global opportunities—let us widen the bridge and ensure all who cross it do so with dignity and hope.”
The future is African. The question is: Will Australia lead, or will we be left behind?

With thanks to Getrude Matshe for preparing this summary of Duncan’s address.

The video recording of the full meeting can be viewed here

The Speaker series video of his address can be viewed here