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Celebrating A Century Of Rotary
During the Centennial Year of Rotary 2004/2005, the Rotary Club of Melbourne organised a Centenary Dinner to celebrate 100 years of Rotary Service. A Photo Gallery of the event appears below.
Rotary Centenary Dinner
"One night ..... One hundred years in the making....."
The Rotary Club of Melbourne resolved to plan a special celebration in recognition of the significance of the Centenary of Rotary, which coincidentally fell on a Wednesday, the day our Club normally meets.
The Club felt that to let the occasion pass without some special event marking the milestone would be a sad reflection on it, and Australian Rotary at large. The Club felt a special responsibility in this regard because of the privilege of having been the first club formed in Australia.
When District Governor Judy Nettleton learned of our intentions to plan a special event, she asked us for it to be structured so as to involve as much of Victorian Rotary, and the clubs in our own District in particular, as possible.
Because it was a regular Club meeting, make-ups were recognized. But the evening was anything other than regular and some special features were included in the program designed for it to be both memorable and enjoyable.
Let us tell you about the program:
The enormous success of the function on Wednesday 23 February 2005 would not have been possible without the involvement of so many Melbourne Rotarians & others, including:
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The presence of our Honorary Members, The Governor of Victoria, John & Lynne Landy, The Lord Mayor, Cr John So and Lady Mayoress, Wendy Cheng and Past RI President Royce Abbey and Jean, as well as District Governor Judy Nettleton and John Nairn.
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Dame Elisabeth Murdoch
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Peter Jones and his staff from 'Peter Jones Special Events'. The evening ran like clockwork, and the presentation of the function room was magnificent with blue and yellow flower arrangements on each table, along with two large video screens showing the speakers & entertainment. Everyone could see and hear! A video of proceedings was also made.
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Past RI President, Royce Abbey, who proposed the toast to RI.
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The Royal Australian Army Band and their Commanding Officer, Major Gordon Lambie, in their red formal attire set the scene, fanfared the Official Party in and provided a short musical interlude.
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David Wittner, who presented the RCM Centenary Bell to DG Judy Nettleton. Judy responded accepting it on behalf of future new Rotary Clubs. The background of the Centenary Bell project, and a photo of the Bell, can be viewed by clicking here.
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Professor Garry Jennings, who outlined and launched the Healthy Hearts project, along with a video showing the assessment process.
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Mr John Rashleigh, President of the Victorian Health Benefits Council, presented a cheque for $40,000 as the first contribution towards the $350,000 RCM has committed to support the Project.
Thank you to the Health Benefits Council
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Sir Gustav Nossal for his excellent and stimulating address, a transcript of which can be viewed by clicking here, who in his concluding comments said: "Rotarians, in your second century, don't just keep up the good work. Expand and deepen your global vision".
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Mev Connell for the vote of thanks.
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The Three Exchange Students, alias the Australian Opera Divas, who gave an unforgettable entertaining performance including, amongst others, David Jones & Royce Abbey!
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Professor Harry de Kulaus, alias Rodney Marks, managed to con the majority present with his wit and wordplay. At the end, when revealing himself, he added his nom de plume could be interpreted as: Professor 'How Ridiculous'!
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Photographer, John Tozer, who quietly and professionally captured the night's procedings.
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Tony Charlton, Master of Ceremonies, who once again contributed his talent to yet another major Rotary event.
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Lee O'Grady, who worked conscientiously in the RCM office over recent weeks, handling bookings and banking.
Planning for the event commenced 18 months ago under the experienced chairmanship of Chris Wang. David Wittner contributed in so many ways paying specific attention to the running sheet, speakers and speeches. David Richards oversaw the final reservations and seating/table arrangements. No mean task with 607 present!
Keith Burren being serenaded by the Australian Opera Divas
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Other members of the Centenary Committee were: Rod Armitage (Secretary), Bob Miller (Treasurer), Pauline Burren, Tony Kosky, Robert Barnes, Helen Bird, Bob Glindemann, Bob Cook and Arnold Mayfield.
President Anne Jacques expressed her sincere thanks to everyone involved, as well as those present, which included over 600 guests of which well over 300 were RCM members and their wives and partners. It was a memorable occasion.
Event Photo Gallery
Click On Photos Below To Enlarge
Before The Dinner
Pre-Dinner Drinks |
The Official Party |
Sir Gustac Nossal, Janis & Garry Jennings with Dame Elisabeth Murdoch |
Speakers At Dinner
Master Of Ceremonies Tony Charlton |
President Anne Welcomes Guests |
Past RI President Royce Abbey proposes the toast to RI |
Past President David Wittner presents the Centenary Bell |
Rotarian Garry Jennings introduces the Healthy Hearts Program |
John Rashleigh announces initial $40,000 donation to Healthy Hearts Program |
John Rashleigh presents cheque to President Anne & Garry Jennings |
Keynote Speaker Sir Gustav Nossal |
The Entertainment
Australian Army Band |
The Exchange Students |
Australian Opera Divas |
Professor Harry de Kulaus |
Around The Tables
The Function Organiser
The Club owes a special debt of gratitude to Rotarian Peter Jones for his fantastic organisation of this very special event. Peter is the Principal of Peter Jones Special Events (to visit his website click here) and it is with much appreciation that the Club acknowledges Peter's enthusiasm and dedication to making this a night to remember. Peter is seen below welcoming Guest Speaker, Sir Gustav Nossal.
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