Events

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

Dr Tucker is urrently a Fellow at the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Mt. Stromlo Observatory at the Australian National University.

'I have my hand in a variety of things, but the majority of my work involves Exploding stars called Supernova and Cosmology, the study of the Universe. A certain type of supernova, called a type Ia, can be used as a standard candle that can trace our Universe's history.

For this work, I am involved with a number of supernova surveys. I have been working on the ESSENCE Project, The CfA Supernova Search, The Carnegie Supernova Project and also using Mt. Stromlo's new SkyMapper telescope. I am one of the leads of the Kepler Extra-Galactic Survey, KEGS, a Kepler Space Telescope Key Program, to understand why and how stars blow. I am leeading a project to build a network of ultraviolet telescopes in the upper atmosphere which are being built at Mt. Stromlo.

I originally hail from Sacramento, California, USA. I did my undergraduate studies in Physics, Philosophy, and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, and my PhD at Mt. Stromlo Observatory, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. In addition research, I frequently give talks to school groups and the general public about Astronomy and have regular segments on various radio stations talking about Astronomy news and events. Among other things, I have developed a series of Astronomy coins in conjunction with the Royal Australian Mint, consulted on science fiction movies, advised on Astronomy-themed art projects, and has been featured in specials on the National Geographic Channel'. 

M.C. Noel Halford

Photo:  The Australian National University, Dr Brad Tucker

Mel Key is the General Manager Programs and Operations of the Education Chances Foundation.

'Education CHANCES is passionate about supporting young people in Boroondara in Melbourne’s East, to achieve their ambitions and pursue their goals'.  Their Vision is 'to nurture and promote hope, self-belief and future pathways for young people in Boroondara'.

Mel will be joined by a scholarship recipient.

M.C.:  Doug McLean

Photo Credit: Education Chances Foundation 

M.C.  President Dorothy Gilmour

Photo Credit: Darrel Und via Pexels

After working extensively throughout Nepal in community development, Ross says 'After hearing so many horrific stories about innocent young women being trafficked, I got to a point where I could not stay on the sidelines of human trafficking, I had to do something'.

As the proud founder of EDM, Ross often speaks of the privilege it is to advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves and to ensure as many as possible find genuine hope and freedom.

More than 3,676 young women have been rescued and intercepted since the start of Every Daughter Matters

MC: Noel Halford

Ari is the Public Image and Website Chair at Rotary Hawthorn.

Join us for an engaging and informative session as Ari Talantis presents an interesting, motivating and helpful talk so our club can make the most of our club’s website and social media presence. 

Don't pass up this chance to gain knowledge from a social media enthusiast and leave with immediately useful information.

Photo Credit: Visual Tag Mx

'At It’s the Little Things Community, our meals are more than just nourishment—they are a symbol of care, dignity, and human connection. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared in a home-style manner, using fresh, wholesome ingredients and guided by compassion. We craft every meal with the goal of bringing comfort, warmth, and a sense of normalcy to those experiencing hardship.

Whether it’s a hearty casserole for a family seeking refuge from domestic violence, a nutritious lunch for someone experiencing homelessness, or a lovingly packed dinner for a child in hospital care, our meals reflect the kindness of the volunteers, schools, and businesses who come together to make them possible'.

M.C.:  

Photo Credit: Kampus Production via Pexels

Tony Coyle is a Boroondara resident of 26 years.

Electrify Boroondara is a community-led alliance dedicated to accelerating the transition to a clean energy future.Electrify Boroondara is non-partisan and has no affiliations with any political party; and does not support or endorse candidates in any elections.

M.C. TBA

'If you have been attending club meetings regularly you would be aware that Dennis is frequently not at club meetings or events.

M.C. Henry Drury 

Photo: Supplied by Dennis Shore 

Elizabeth Drozd OAM

Elizabeth arrived in Australia in 1982 as a Special Humanitarian Entrant, escaping her life from a communist regime in Poland. 

During her life she experienced the whole gamut of migrant experiences ranging from having to learn English upon arrival to completing her Bachelor in Multicultural Studies, followed by Masters in Social Sciences. 

She was a Victorian Multicultural Commissioner between 2008-2015 and in 2019 won a Scholarship from the Harvard Club of Victoria to study at the Harvard Business School. 

In 2022, she won the National Executive Leader Award for her work and impact with migrant ageing communities. In 2023, she was awarded the Order of Australia for her 32 of service and achievements.

Up until June 2024 she was the CEO of the Australian Multicultural Community Services and since then has been enjoying life as a new gen retiree and is currently the President of the Rotary Club of Footscray.

M.C.: David Rush

Photo: Prasad Sinhabahu

Reverend Natalie Dixon-Monu has been the coordinator at BCO for 18 years.

She holds a B.A., B.Theol. and a Grad. Dip. In Human Service-Counselling. Alongside a part-time employee she leads a team of 55+ regular volunteers to offer a variety of supports to vulnerable people in Boroondara.

Reverend Natalie has over 35 years of experience supporting people with complex needs in a variety of contexts from work in adult and juvenile correctional facilities, outreach in rooming houses, grief counselling and family and youth support services.

M.C.:  Kevin Rose 

Photo Credit: Boroondara Community Outreach

Professor  Kistler is 'director of electrophysiology at The Alfred and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. 
The results of two international studies led by Alfred cardiologist, Professor Peter Kistler, show that coffee can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary disease and heart failure.

'We hear that about 80 percent of doctors advise patients experiencing heart issues to stop drinking coffee, but the research tells us that people shouldn’t feel discouraged in their coffee habits'.

Ross Pritchard Principal of Auburn High School. Ross arrived at the school in 2020 as Assistant Principal of the Senior School and has been Principal since July 2023.

He will talk about how education has changed, the programs at AHS and how Thinking Beyond the status quo is key to engaging students, and retaining teachers.

M.C.: Doug McLean

Photo Credit: element5-digital

Mike Rikard-Bell - Director TeamSports4All

Mike comes from an engineering background.  He co-founded a Melbourne tech startup that became a global leader in managing environmental impact.  It was acquired by a London listed conglomerate so then his focus moved to mentoring early-stage businesses and community service work focussed on youth disadvantage.  

Mike joined the TS4A team in 2017 to help drive its scale up, from supporting around 50 kids then to over 1,000 today.  

M.C.: Noel Halford

Photo Credit: Pavel Danilyuk

Des Tobin has crammed more lives into his 86 years than your average cat.  He has variously been a failed student, a discontented apprentice panel beater, a youth worker, a springboard diver, a junior pole-vaulter, a VFL and Olympic Australian Rules footballer, a 10-Pin bowling instructor, a successful business executive within the funeral industry, a golfing tragic, a university lecturer and a prolific writer.

His most recent book ‘It’s in the Genes – Australian Football Families tells the stories of some of the many families who have produced multiple generations of VFA/VFL/AFL/AFLW footballers stretching back to the late 19th century.

M.C.: David Rush

Quentin Beresford is an award winning author. 

'Author of more than a dozen books, Quentin is a multi-award winning non-fiction writer. Adopting a narrative style, he tells compelling stories about contentious, contemporary issues setting them in their historical, political and social context. He has written about environmental disasters, environmental campaigns, political corruption, Indigenous rights, corporate failures and biographies of notable public figures'. 

His latest book is 'Rogue Corporations: Inside Australia's Biggest Business Scandals'

M.C.: Katrina Flinn 

Photo Credit: Quentin Beresford website