Meeting Highlights:
The ninth meeting of the Rotary year opened with a welcome to members, visitors, and online guests. It was noted as an important occasion with the official visit of District 9800 Governor Peter Shepheard, accompanied by members of the district leadership team, including Gary Goldsmith, David Carruthers, and Mary Barry. Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley AM, also joined online.
Meeting MC: Karen Kim
Reflection: Barbara Yerondais – see transcript in this bulletin.
A highlight was the presentation of the 2025 Student Community Service Award to Charlotte Arndt from Beaconhills College. Initially nominated for the Environment Award, Charlotte was instead recognised for her exceptional community service initiative, Play It Forward Vic. Sparked by a holiday in Fiji, where she learned that village children lacked sports uniforms, Charlotte organised collections of pre-loved netball uniforms, successfully sending nearly 200 items to Fiji, outfitting multiple teams. Inspired by the project’s impact, she has launched a similar initiative for Samoa, supported by a Rotary grant of $2,000 plus matching funds for further fundraising. Charlotte outlined her detailed plans, fundraising efforts, partnerships with local clubs, and her professional approach to budgeting and logistics, earning admiration for her vision and leadership at such a young age.
The meeting also celebrated member milestones. Special recognition was given to Professor Bruce Livett, neuroscientist, philanthropist, polio survivor, and long-time Rotarian, on his birthday. His distinguished career in medical research, contributions to Rotary (including international service and bowel scan projects), and broader community involvement were warmly acknowledged.
A Valé was observed for Roger Hall OAM, a former member and distinguished paediatric dental surgeon, who passed away on 19 August 2025. His nearly 20 years of service, including leadership roles in international service and community food distribution through SecondBite, were remembered with respect. Condolences were also extended to police officers killed in the recent Porepunkah shootings, with appreciation for their sacrifice.
President Philip reminded members that nominations are open for the Nominating Committee, which will comprise nine members, with three elected by the club’s general membership, and the 3 September deadline. Nomination forms are available from the Rotary Office and any questions should be directed to the Honorary Secretary Sue Smith by email.
Philip then introduced District Governor Peter Shepheard, to deliver his keynote address on “Uniting for Good: The Power of Collaboration.” Peter reflected on his personal and Rotary journey, his professional career at the Queen Victoria Market, and his long service within Rotary, including multiple terms as Club President and Assistant Governor. His address emphasised:
In discussion, Shepheard addressed questions on the regionalisation pilot, noting lessons learned about restructuring clusters into community groups and the need for better coordination across district boundaries. He also stressed the opportunity to align clubs working in the same countries and to focus on high impact causes such as recycling, homelessness, and domestic violence prevention.
The meeting closed with thanks to visitors, volunteers, and contributors, and a reminder of the next week’s program featuring Anna Schulze from CSL on the life-saving role of Australian anti-venoms abroad.
Watch the video recording of this meeting below: (or click here).
