Rotary's 90th Anniversary Dinner - 23rd May 2011

The celebration of Rotary’s 90th Australian birthday was a magnificent affair.  Just on 400 attendees representing 42 Clubs joined together at the magnificent MCC Members Dining Room.

Rotarians came from far and wide – many from throughout Victoria, as well as from Lightning Ridge, Sydney, Sandy Bay in Tasmania and Osaka in Japan.

Guests were entertained by a pre-dinner Jazz Quartet and throughout the evening by acclaimed opera soloists accompanied by Maestro David Kram.

The Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce was named a Paul Harris Fellow.  You can read the citiation that accompanied this award by clicking here.  Thereafter, she delivered a rousing address, the standing ovation a testament to its thoughtful content and elegant delivery.  The Rotarian from Lightning Ridge was even mentioned in her speech.  You can read the text of her speech by clicking here.

The Governor General’s graciousness was felt throughout the evening as she greeted attendees both on arrival with the Official Party and at her table during the evening.

An outstanding ‘Tribute to Rotary’ was also delivered by Past President David Wittner with coordinated slides by Chris Knight and an emotional soloist finale, all captured on in-house audio visual displayed on 25 screens installed into the ceiling of the room.  To read the text of his presentation please click here.

The celebration was truly a Gala Evening for a milestone occasion. It was a superb response from 135 members of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, their partners and friends, and well captured by Club Photographer John Tozer. A sample of his great photographs appear below.

Please click on the photo to enlarge

Dan Sheehan's quartet entertains during pre-dinner drinks GG Quentin Bryce is introduced to VP Trevor Nink and Millicent, with incoming President Austin Burleigh and Sue waiting in line President Phil Endersbee introduces GG Quentin Bryce to Janet and Chris Wang, Osaka Rotary Club visitors Shinji Higuchi and Toshiji Tokani, Melbourne Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley and Past President David Wittner GG Quentin Bryce meets Past International President Royce Abbey and Jean, with District Governor Iven Mackay and Marilyn looking on The official photo - Past International President Royce Abbey and Jean, Michael and GG Quentin Bryce, President Phil Endersbee and Jane, and District Governor Iven Mackay and Marilyn Past GG and Club member Peter Hollingworth leads the dinner in Grace District Governor Iven Mackay proposes a toast to Australia and to Rotary President Phil Endersbee welcomes guests to the 90th Anniversary Dinner John Thompson, Rotary Club of Melbourne's longest serving member, acknowledges the congratulatory applause

A message of congratulations from International President Ray Klinginsmith Past President David Whitner recalls some of the highlights of 90 years of Rotary in Australia and the Rotary Club of Melbourne President Phil Endersbee announces GG Quentin Bryce as a Paul Harris Fellow GG Quentin Bryce addresses the 90th Anniversary Dinner GG Quentin Bryce addresses the 90th Anniversary Dinner MC Tony Charlton steers the evening in his usual eloquent style Osaka Rotary Club members Toshiji Tokani and Shinji Higuchi present President Phil Endersbee with a commemorative plaque Club member David Kram leads a musical program of opera highlights Great entertainment from past and current Acclaim Award winners