Meeting MC: Marg Leaser
Reflection: Robert Fisher
Deputising for President Philip (away attending a family wedding): VP Carol Bond
Meeting guests and Visitors: See below
General business included:
The Membership induction of Pamela Hargeaves, under the classification of Education – Consultant who will join the Central #2 Group – her Sponsor and Mentor is Deb Yin Foo. Pamela was previously a member at RC North Camberwell.
Jim Orchard launched the Around the Bay 2025 club support for the Smith Family and spoke of the annual raffle which will be launched shortly. Jim then invited Smith Family scholar, Anna to the podium where she delivered eloquently a tribute to the Smith Family and the impact their support has had on her education and life experience.
Jim was joined by Chris Rodd calling for volunteers to represent the Club as Bike Riders in the event.
VP Carol then reminded members to book to attend the upcoming Evening meeting on Wednesday 8 October at the offices of Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick in Lonsdale Street Melbourne, at the YIN FOO ROOM for the meeting. Members were asked to note that the doors close at 6pm sharp and entry is not available after that time. The meeting will not be live streamed or recorded. Our guest speaker will be Stephanie Say, CEO of Social Enterprise retail fashion house – HOMIE.
Branko Panich then introduced Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM, Group Chief Executive Officer, St Vincent De Paul Society Victoria, on “Building a Fairer Victoria”
Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald reflected on her lifelong commitment to human services, shaped by her parents’ influence and Rotary’s ethos of Service Above Self. A physiotherapist by background and 2021 Order of Australia Medal recipient, she now leads an organisation 171 years old whose mission is to uphold dignity through compassion and practical assistance.
She traced the Society’s origins to Paris in 1833, when 20-year-old Frédéric Ozanam began helping the poor suffering under industrialisation—founding a movement that now serves millions worldwide. That founding spirit continues to animate the Society’s 3,000 members, 6,000 volunteers and 750 staff in Victoria, whose values of service, fellowship and integrity mirror Rotary’s.
Dr Fitzgerald described the Society’s three pathways of support:
Victoria faces what she called a “social emergency”: rising costs of living, deepening inequality and a 24 % increase in homelessness over five years, with 67,000 people on housing waitlists. Soup-van demand has risen 65 % in Melton, 50 % in Berwick and 35 % across southeast Melbourne. Today, not only the unemployed but working families, older women, students and parents queue for food relief.
She illustrated the Society’s impact through Bianca’s story—a woman who fled a violent marriage, faced bankruptcy and crippling debt, and regained stability through the help of a St Vincent de Paul financial counsellor. Such stories, she said, embody compassion in action.
Dr Fitzgerald emphasised the Society’s partnerships with Rotary, government, corporate supporters and communities, noting that collaborative efforts can transform hardship into hope. The annual CEO Sleepout raises awareness and funds—she reminded listeners that while she spent one safe night outdoors, over 170 people sleep rough nightly in Melbourne’s CBD, many of them unsafe young women.
Financially, the Society generates most of its own $135 million annual budget, chiefly through 120 retail stores and fundraising, supplemented by government contracts for housing and community services.
She also spoke about her chairmanship of the River Nile School in North Melbourne—a specialist school for refugee and asylum-seeker women and girls balancing education with health and wellbeing support—and her determination to build it a permanent home.
Asked what sustains her advocacy, Dr Fitzgerald cited her family values and commitment to human rights. Across four decades in health, disability and community leadership, she has sought justice and dignity for the marginalised and remains resolute: “I’ve always liked to do the hard stuff … I just want to give back everything I’ve learned and help people address injustice.”
Dr Fitzgerald’s address can be viewed by following this link.
To view the recoding or the full meeting proceedings follow this link]
