Events

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

Ben Rogers as Guest Speaker 

Special Guest – Mayor of Boroondara, Sophie Torney

M.C. President Dorothy Gilmour

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
 

More to come

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.: TBA

Photo: Zoos Victoria   www.zoo.org.au 

M.C : TBA

Photo:  Provided by President Dorothy Gilmour

D.Shore