This week marks a special time in Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Rotary history when we celebrate the establishment of Rotary in our region a century ago with the chartering of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, followed very shortly after by
Rotary Sydney, then Auckland and Wellington. I am sure all Rotarians in District 9800 join me in congratulating Rotary Melbourne in our District 9800 and acknowledge its incredible contribution. There is no doubt the Club will continue to be a beacon of giving over the next 100 years.
I recently attended the launch at Government House, Canberra of the hard copy book Humanity in action: Celebrating 100 years of Rotary Clubs in Australia and island neighbours, written and compiled by a representative committee of the Rotary International Zone 8 Australia Institute and edited by Bob Aitken. In his address at the launch, the Governor-General of Australia remarked:
“When you read the text and when you meet Rotarians, what jumps out is the enjoyment and fulfilment that comes from all who are in Rotary and that they are always looking for the next project.
“The book also provides a superb coverage of what Rotary ‘is’ and ‘plans to be’ in the future. The inspiring projects and topics – international, regional and local – reflect every avenue of service from caring for communities to lifting vocational ethics and working for world peace.”
I think this perfectly sums up what this book is about and I encourage you to purchase a copy quickly, as the production is quite limited. I congratulate Bob Aitken and all those involved in producing this wonderful gift to Rotary’s history in Australia.
Our Multi District Conference, Virtual Victoria, is fast approaching, and I would like to encourage you all to book for both the online event, as well as District 9800’s Breakout and Showcase at Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields. Don’t forget to invite your sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews along to the event. Children under 15 can be booked at half price.
Enjoy the week ahead in service above self.
Rotary District 9800 Governor Philip Archer
