Events

'For almost 100 years, the AFL competition has been deemed to have started in 1897 when the VFL was formed after eight clubs seceded from the VFA.
But new research, by former AFL Commissioner Colin Carter, makes it clear that the VFL’s founders, the VFL clubs and media commentators agreed that 1870 was their competitions, and thus the AFL competition’s, first season. A lot of football history has been misplaced and this book outlines why these foundation years must be included in the AFL competition’s history, and the players and administrators who set up the game during those years be recognised for their pioneering achievements'.
Colin is the author of 'Footballs' Forgotten Years'

Colin Carter is a former AFL Commissioner (1993-2007), and Geelong President (2011-2020). Before he joined the AFL Commission he was a strategic planning consultant to the VFL, responsible for such seminal issues as the structure of the national competition, the draft and salary cap, and the restoration of relations between the League and the Melbourne Cricket Club which saw the development of the Great Southern Stand. In 2021, he was commissioned by the AFL to write a position paper on the potential of a Tasmanian-based AFL club. Although born in Western Australia, he is a true-blue Geelong supporter.

'Colin Carter is a decorated football administrator who has turned his mind to the history of the game, explaining in clear terms when Victoria’s football competition began and why it is the precursor of today’s AFL competition. Colin’s case for recognising the years from 1870 to 1896, an important history lost through politics and time, is supported by facts. Supporters should approach this book with open minds and lift their eyes to the great truth—the AFL is the oldest football competition in the world.'
Mike Fitzpatrick, AFL Commission chair, 2007 to 2016.

'The Carter argument is compelling. Clearly the AFL was born of the VFA. The defection of eight clubs didn’t erase their histories pre-1897. Colin’s push maybe unpalatable with clubs whose place in premiership tallies will be adjusted negatively but a true history of the game’s origins is far more important. Clearly 1870 is the AFL competition’s birthdate.'
Mike Sheahan, sports journalist and media commentator.

M.C. David Rush

**Please Wear Your Football Colours: eg: scarf, beanie**

Photo Credit : Rodger Wang

'The content of his talk, and his entertaining style, certainly had the audience laughing. But his talk had a more serious message, presented in an engaging manner, of how humour can be used as a management tool'.
President Russell Jones, President, Rotary Balwyn 2023-2024

While it means something different for each of us, it opens our thinking in how we communicate whether it is in a work, volunteer or family setting.Something in it for everyone'.
Past District Governor Peter Frueh

M.C. TBA

Photo:  Supplied by Michael Valos

Renowned Melbourne artist George Petrou is a successful graphic designer and acclaimed portrait artist. George assists in supporting the interests and welfare of ex-servicemen and women, their families, and dependents. 

In June 2020 George was awarded an OAM for 'Services to the Visual Arts and to Veterans', and in the same year he released The Art Of Sacrifice – a haunting and poignant exploration of a spirit like no other: The Anzac Spirit

George’s portraits proudly hang in museums in France, Government House Canberra, and a range of military institutions across Australia.

George has been described as one of the most inspirational speakers. 

George says: 'I am extremely passionate about the sacrifices made by our wonderful Australian men and women, especially our women who have been ignored for the last 100 years, (I would like to change that).

Have a look here at some of George's works of art.

M.C. TBA

Photo Credit: Supplied by George Petrou

?B Lugg

'The most well-known horse racing occasion in Australia is Melbourne Cup Day. It has been contested at Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November since 1861. In the state of Victoria, it is a yearly holiday. It is stated that this 3,200-meter handicap race, known as "the race that stops the nation," is the richest "two-mile" handicap in the world and one of the wealthiest turf events. It is open to horses aged three and older.  At Flemington Racecourse, there are typically more than 100,000 spectators, and the race is broadcast live to an estimated 650 million viewers worldwide.

Did you know? Phillip Island, which is about 135 kilometres south-east of Melbourne and is better known for its penguin colonies, was the home of Wollomai, the 1875 winner. Animals used to be swum across to the Narrows in ancient times, before there was a ferry service running between Phillip Island and San Remo.
Although it was believed Wollomai had little chance of winning, jockey Bob Batty guided the horse to victory in three minutes, thirty-eight seconds, in front of a crowd of 70,000 spectators.
John Cleeland, the owner, left Cape Woolomai with £22,000 after giving the jockey and trainer each £500'.

More details to come.