Events

'Getrude Matshe is an international speaker, celebrated author, and philanthropy consultant renowned for her dynamic energy and inspirational presence. A three-time TEDx speaker and Rooney International Scholar, Getrude is also the president of the South West USA e-club Rotary. With a vibrant passion for empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, she has founded numerous successful companies and authored several books, now serving as a book writing coach.

Her professional journey began in Norway in 1989, and she has an extensive background in IT as a systems analyst, support manager, and project manager. After immigrating to New Zealand in 2001, she established eight successful businesses across various industries, including diversity and inclusion, talent agency, medical recruitment, and property investment.

Getrude is also deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting organizations like the Africa Alive Education Foundation and Walk on the Wild Side Tours, which aid HIV orphans in Zimbabwe. She has been featured on numerous platforms, including CNN iReport and the Huffington Post, and has spoken at significant events like the UN Annual Summit on the Status of Women.

M.C.: Anne Scott

Photo Credit: supplied by Gertrude Matshe

Professor Hoy is a leading clinical researcher and has been awarded three sequential NHMRC Fellowships; an NHMRC excellence award (Top Ranked CDF); and a 2017 Victorian Telstra Business Women’s Award.

Her vision is to transform the existing therapeutic landscape for cognitive disorders by developing, for the first time, truly effective therapies.

Over the last 15 years, Professor Hoy has built an internationally unique program of clinical research investigating non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of cognitive impairment.

Her research has investigated novel therapeutic targets for cognitive impairment in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, Huntington’s disease, head injury, and schizophrenia.

Building on this work, she has led a number of world-first brain stimulation clinical trials, including trials for the treatment and prevention of dementia.

Prof Hoy’s depth and breadth of experience in the field of non-invasive brain stimulation is largely unparalleled, having worked with a variety of stimulation methods, diverse patient populations, and a wide range of research methodologies.

Professor Hoy’s reputation as a leading clinical brain stimulation researcher is internationally recognised.

Photo: provided by Bionics Institute 

M.C. Tilak Dissanayake

Frederick Charles Standish was the Chief Commissioner of Police in Victoria from 1858 to 1880.  Why did he come to the colony of Victoria in 1852? What did he do in his early years in Victoria? What were his major interests?  His story tells us much about life during the gold rush period and in the era of Marvellous Melbourne.  And what was his fate? How is he remembered today?

M.C.:  Noel Halford

Described as one of Australia’s entertainment legends, Pete Smith OAM first joined the ABC after graduating from Wesley College. He worked his way to announcer on Radio Australia.

For more than 21 years, Pete's voice was well-known on the quiz show Sale of the Century.

Pete joined Channel 9, the home of In Melbourne Tonight, in 1964. He served as compere, presented advertising, and made appearances in comedic sketches. He has also served as a National Nine newsreader and was on-camera host for many programs.

He’s appeared on so many programs, and worked with many of Australia's top entertainers.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he appeared in many of the D-Generation  projects. He had a supporting role in Tony Martin's Bad Eggs and a minor part in Mick Molloy's Crackerjack. In addition, he appeared as a guest on the current affairs parody Frontline and did cabaret alongside Judith Lucy, Mick Molloy, and Tony Martin.

Pete Smith is a man of many talents.

M.C. TBA

Photo: Pixabay via Pexels
Bio Information: Various Sources

My subject is one of Rotary’s core value and that is the important topic of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.  These will be international projects in Zambia & Zimbabwe, Africa.

Join us as we uncover the extraordinary true story of a Rotary Hawthorn member, who endured time in a Turkish jail. This gripping tale is filled with twists, resilience, and revelations that will leave you speechless.

Plus....there's so much more 

Come and listen to this amazing firsthand account—a journey of survival, hope, and the unexpected. You won’t want to miss it!

M.C. Ian Bentley

Photo: Vojtech Okenka via Pixels

Katrina will be speaking on her recent experience leading a World of Difference social impact tour of Cambodia with a group of young adult legatees from Victoria Police Legacy.

Photo:  Vincent Gerbouin, via Pexels

Evie Flynn, our Exchange Student to France:  Doug McLean will conduct a 'Q and A' session with Evie. 
She will share a short update on her amazing journey as an exchange student in France—diving into the culture, school life, exciting travels, and, of course, the delicious food!  So don’t miss the chance to hear her stories firsthand!

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Dr Gula Bezhan, CEOP of the Afghan's Women's Organisation will then share insights into the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan and the work we are doing here in Australia.

'President Dorothy Gilmour writes:  Mark, Angela and I met with the CEO of Afghan Women's Organisation Gula Bezhan OAM, and members.  Dr Gula Bezhan spoke so well and has many stories to share about women's appalling living conditions in Afghanistan and her work here in Australia'.

'Gulghotai (Gula) Bezhan has been working to empower the Afghan community and more specifically Afghan women and children for more than 20 years through her work in community services and international aid. Gula has become one of the leading community workers in Victoria for her committed work in piloting and running projects, programs and workshops for newly arrived women and families, such as the provision of Victorian drivers’ licenses, Australian citizenships, legal and government support. Gula has been working as a refugee settlement support case manager for more than 14 years, where she provides culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with support and guidance in their assimilation and transition into Australian society'.

Please see more here 

M.C. Angela Taft

Photo: Chris Montgomery via Unsplash

Rochna Banerjee, C.O.O. COTA (Council of the Ageing)
Special Guest – Mayor of Boroondara, Sophie Torney

The Rotary Hawthorn Service to Seniors Award is a heartfelt tribute, created by the Rotary Club of Hawthorn to recognize extraordinary individuals who dedicate their time and energy to enriching the lives of seniors in the Boroondara community. This special award honors those who embody Rotary’s spirit of “Service Above Self,” making a real and lasting difference through their kindness, generosity, and commitment to supporting our older community members.

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Speaker, Rochna Banjeree, is the Chief Operating Officer at COTA. She is an experienced commercially astute executive with over 20 years of experience leading teams in non-profit and for-profit organisations. She continues to serve on various NFP Boards. 

M.C. President Dorothy Gilmour

Photo: COTA (Vic)

Michael is a foundation student of Monash University and chairs the alumni group The Monash Pioneers comprising students from the first five years 1961-65. In 2022 he was made a Fellow of the University.

His professional life included the cofounding of the Australian Centre for Retail Studies at the David Syme Business School at Monash University and from 1995 - 2014 Managing Director of Retail Synergy Group Pty Ltd.

In 2013 he initiated the Sir John Monash Sculptural Project at Monash University and chaired the Project Board.  The statue by Peter Corlett OAM was unveiled by the then Governor of Victoria the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC in April 2015.

In 2016 former Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Tim Fischer AC asked Michael to join the newly formed Saluting Monash Council as the Victorian Director with the objective to obtain an honorary rank of field marshal for Sir John Monash.

Michael is a former member of Military History and Heritage Victoria and is currently a member of The Spirit of Australia Foundation, an Affiliate Member of Box Hill RSL Sub- Branch and recognized authority on Sir John Monash.

M.C. Ian Bentley

Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial, ART 02986
 

Prepare yourself for a mind-blowing and funny storytelling session in which three imaginative brains will conjure up an incredible story around their mystery objects! 

The catch? While some aspects may be purely fictional, some may be accurate! Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Bring your creativity, put your investigative abilities to the test, and take pleasure in an exciting, surprising, and magical storytelling session!

This is also a fantastic opportunity to invite a special guest and share the excitement!

M.C.:  TBA

Photo:  Anna Shvets via Pexels

Chris Banks has worked in zoos since 1969, based mostly at Melbourne Zoo. From 1969 to the late 1980s, reptile and amphibian husbandry and management was a major focus, as keeper and curator. He initiated Zoos Victoria’s international conservation engagement in 2000, commencing with a suite of project support in south-east Asia in 2000. 

Chris transferred to Zoos Victoria’s Wildlife Conservation & Science Department in 2012 and now manages international conservation partnerships in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Uganda, Rwanda and French Polynesia; and two sister zoo  partnerships in Papua New Guinea and Uganda. His portfolio also includes Zoos Victoria’s annual international conservation grants program.

M.C.: Henry Drury

Photo: Zoos Victoria   www.zoo.org.au 

Simon is a businessman and humanitarian. With 30 years of executive experience, including 22 years as CEO/Director of large private, public and not-for-profit organisations, he understands the complexities of business and the critical importance of building a culture that unites people around an inspiring purpose.

As the head of one of Australia’s largest private companies, he was responsible for 32 operating entities, employing over 14,000 people. In 2011, Simon changed his focus from pursuing success to pursuing significance. He left corporate life to take on a voluntary role with the United Nations, focusing on reducing food insecurity and poverty across sub-Saharan Africa. He remained in Africa without his family for 8 years.

Simon is a problem solver on a global scale. He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to successfully lead commercial teams in overcoming seemingly impossible tasks. His leadership of a global consortium, responsible for identifying and addressing the systemic issues that cause food loss and poverty in developing countries, has resulted in over a million families living significantly better lives today.

Simon now shares his knowledge and proven expertise to develop successful managers into inspiring leaders. His clients in Australasia, the USA, Canada, and the UK range in scale and scope from sole proprietorships to large, international corporations across a broad range of industries. 100% of Simon’s coaching fees are given to charity.

• Simon was appointed Senior Officer of the Order of Australia for outstanding service to business and humanity.
• He was a finalist in the Australian of the Year Award.
• He received the Pride of Australia Medal for his selfless service to disadvantaged individuals both internationally and within Australian society.
• He received the Global Humanitarian Award from the UN for his impact and innovations in developing countries.
• His work in combating hunger was a critical component of the UN/WFP being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.
• He has led teams that have been awarded the Australian Family Business of the Year and the Leading Supply Chain Company (Australasia).

M.C.: Mark Pinoli

Photo: Provided by President Dorothy Gilmour