Master of Ceremonies: Richard Dent
Reflection: Robert Fisher – see Robert’s reflection elsewhere in this bulletin.
Immediately following the meal service break, Richard Dent returned to the podium and invited David Kram to tell the meeting about the New Generations Service Exchange (NGSE) in which a joint initiative of Rotary Melbourne and Rotary Central Melbourne annually focus on short term exchanges enabling young musicians to study in Germany and Australia. Warwick Cavell from Rotary Central Melbourne explained his club’s commitment and a recent participant, Isabell Horn spoke of her experience in Melbourne and performed a brief violin recital.
After visitors and guests were welcomed by President Philip, Philip invited Peter Berg to come to the podium to introduce Dr Ruwangi Fernando to update the Club on the activities of STEM Sisters, which she founded, in increasing participation of young people from under-served communities in career building STEM education.
After drawing the weekly raffle Philip encouraged members to attend the annual Grand Final Lunch on Wednesday 24 September at No 35 at the Sofitel on Collins. He highlighted that the special guest and keynote speaker will be legendary AFL player and coach, David Parkin.
Philip then welcomed Robert McGuirk to the podium to introduce Past District 9800 Governor, Murray Verso to speak on Building Peace Through Rotary.
Murray began by highlighting Rotary’s deep and enduring commitment to peacebuilding, both historically and in contemporary practice. His remarks coincided with the United Nations International Day of Peace, and Rotary’s role in promoting peace in a turbulent world.
He explained that peace is often seen as simply the absence of war but Rotary emphasizes “positive peace,” which involves creating the social, political, and economic conditions that prevent conflict. Referencing the Sydney based Institute for Economics and Peace he outlined eight “pillars of positive peace,” including well-functioning government, equitable resource distribution, good neighbourly relations, free flow of information, and low corruption. Rotary’s seven areas of focus align strongly with these pillars.
Murray noted that the Rotary formally embraced the advancement of international peace and goodwill at the 1921 Edinburgh Convention. In the 1930s, Rotarians organized public peace meetings and education programs. At the 1940 Havana Convention, they crafted resolutions that informed the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Rotary also played a consulting role during the formation of the United Nations in 1945. Over the decades, initiatives such as global scholarships, youth exchange, and re-establishing Rotary clubs in post-war Germany and Japan further embedded peacebuilding in Rotary’s DNA.
In 1999, Rotary made a landmark commitment by creating Peace Centres at universities worldwide. These centres provide postgraduate education and training in conflict resolution and peace studies, with programs tailored for early-career leaders (master’s degrees) and mid-career professionals (certificate programs). Murray emphasized that these fellowships, worth up to AUD 100,000, are fully funded by Rotary and highly competitive. Since 2001, over 1,800 peace fellows have graduated, working in more than 140 countries in roles across government, NGOs, law enforcement, and education.
Rotary District 9800, has been especially successful in identifying and supporting peace fellows, producing more than 40 candidates — more than any district globally. He credited pioneers such as Bob Fels, Dennis Shaw, and others for building a strong mentoring and support structure and highlighted the R M Fels Peace Award as recognition of outstanding local contributions to peace.
Murray also described complementary Rotary initiatives: Peace Builder Clubs and Districts, Peace Poles in schools and public spaces, the Peace Park in Melbourne, and the Peace Bells project, which symbolise and encourage reflection and peace education in local communities.
Sharing personal stories, he highlighted notable peace fellows and their impact: Tanya, the first Australian peace fellow who now co-directs a peace centre at Melbourne University; Stephanie Woollard, founder of Seven Women in Nepal; and others such as Afghan refugee Deleram and South Sudanese leader Peter Pal, both of whom have become powerful advocates for peace in Australia.
Murray concluded by stressing that Rotary’s peace programs represent one of its greatest contributions to humanity. Peace fellows develop practical skills in research, negotiation, project planning, and leadership, and most remain lifelong agents of peace. He encouraged clubs and members to identify, mentor, and nominate potential candidates, ensuring that Rotary continues to build a global network of talented peacebuilders.
To view the video recording of Murray’s address click here.
