Our 5,101st meeting brought Rotarians together at Sofitel No. 35 and online for another seamless hybrid session.
MC Deb Yin Foo opened proceedings with reflections on global challenges and a reminder that “kindness and consideration cost nothing but change everything.” Barbara Yerondais followed with an uplifting reflection before President Philip Cornish led the Loyal Toast.
After lunch, Past President Reg Smith previewed our upcoming World Kindness Day celebration with the Hush Foundation on Thursday 13 November, highlighting compassion and wellbeing in healthcare.
President Philip also confirmed Branko Panich as President Nominee 2027–28, and reminded members that Board nominations close 2 pm, Wednesday 12 November, ahead of the AGM on 19 November.
Laughter followed as Adrian “McAvaney” Nelson delivered his spirited call of the 2025 Rotary Melbourne Cup, keeping the room buzzing before our keynote speaker took the podium. (See more here)
Renowned trainer Henry Dwyer captivated members with tales from the racing world — from the paddocks of Ballarat to the royal lawns of Ascot.
He shared the remarkable story of Asfoora, the once-overlooked mare who became the first Australian-trained horse to win at Royal Ascot before claiming further glory in France at Longchamp.
Henry’s journey also included a brush with royalty: following his Ascot triumph, he was invited to meet King Charles III. The King, whose wife Queen Camilla is a passionate racing enthusiast, congratulated Henry on the historic win and joked about Australia’s growing dominance on the international stage — a moment Henry described as “surreal and humbling.”
🐎 “Sometimes the horse no one wants ends up taking you places you never dreamed of — even Buckingham Palace,” — Henry Dwyer
Between forgotten passports, near-missed flights, and a dream realised on French turf, Henry’s humour and humility captured the spirit of perseverance Rotarians know so well.
Chair Quin Scalzo thanked him with a pair of proudly Australian-made Rotary Wilderness Wear socks, to hearty applause.
Don’t miss our next meeting — the launch of “Growing Futures in Timor-Leste”, Rotary Melbourne’s landmark reforestation initiative creating sustainable livelihoods and a greener planet for future generations.
🗓️ Thu 13 Nov – World Kindness Day with Hush Foundation
🗓️ Wed 12 Nov (2 pm) – Board nominations close
🗓️ Wed 19 Nov – Annual General Meeting
