Yes, the 2023 Rotary International Convention has finally opened in Melbourne.
Beautiful Melbourne? Well. the weather could have been a bit better . . . .
First prize for the first photo goes to Tilak Dissayanake, who sent us one from a breakfast event. However he does lose a couple of Brownie Points for not naming his companions. That’s PDG Philip Archer on the right: apart from Tilak in the centre, who else can you name?
Then we have a lovely shot of Anne Scott at the Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, with Tony, Tilak, Terry and Doug.
And how nice was the opening of The House of Friendship? There was some lovely bright music to welcome us, and an acknowledgement of the work of the organisers.
We wandered around a bit, and club doctors got chatting to the Medical Professionals Group. There are lots of lovely stalls to see. and even if you can’t attend the convention, it is worth dropping into the House of Friendship for a look around and a chat. You’re sure to meet someone you know, and someone new, but worth meeting.
As DG Amanda Wendt says: A reminder, if you’re not registered for the convention this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the action. From Monday to Wednesday, you can access House of Friendship – our own international impact expo – for free. Simply turn up to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to register and engage with the scale and purpose of our 1.4 million-strong movement.
Then the Opening Ceremony itself with RI President Jennifer Jones: what a lovely set of photos our attendees sent.
One modest member sent us “a few thoughts from a Rotarian who holds opinions which may conflict with current Rotary conventional wisdom” -
I did enjoy much of the opening session but if I had to make an observation there seemed to be great emphasis on social engineering designed to mould people's thinking, particularly on indigenous and diversity issues.
Those who have suffered in these areas and others should have their opinions respected but Rotary should be aware of the dangers of identity politics and focus on the bigger Rotary picture.
I felt it would have been much enhanced if we could "imagine" how Rotary can more effectively identify, develop and implement programs designed to resolve practical issues rather than merely identifying those who are disadvantaged according to the woke definitions.
The World President seemed to indicate there will be even more attention given to advocating programs in support of vociferous minority groups such as LGBQTI.
I was however impressed with the Global Citizen speaker Hugh Evans who seemed to recognise the importance of activism in promoting health and education to combat poverty and not restrict their efforts to those who consider themselves to be socially disadvantaged.
In summary, I believe RI is placing too great a priority on social engineering rather than addressing issues affecting the larger population e.g. Health & Hygiene, disaster relief, education to name a few.
We thank him for his thoughts, and all who sent us photos. - Ed.
Footnote:
The Opener? Yes, it was fun. But why "The Opener"?
(So Jazz buff Noel McInnes could tell you about Duke Ellington's 1964 "The Opener". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey7MAgpPuOk ) - Ed.