'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

Colin Carter, a former AFL Commissioner and Geelong Club President, has written a book that challenges the AFL’s view of its history. The book is titled Football’s Forgotten Years – Reclaiming the AFL Competition’s Earliest Era – 1870 to 1896.
 
For almost the past 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 makes it very clear that the VFL’s founders, the VFL clubs and media commentators agreed that 1870 was their competition’s first season.
 
A lot of our football history has been misplaced – 27 years of it - and Colin’s 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 recognised for their achievements. 

'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

The next meeting is our annual Hat Day Lunch at Kooyong on Tuesday 3^rd October and we encourage members to wear a hat - sophisticated or funny! We will be holding a raffle to raise funds for mental health, so please bring cash or you can purchase tickets using the EFTPOS machine. There will also be a prize for best man’s and lady’s hats.

Guest speaker will be Dr Michael Valos, with the theme Humour for Leaders. Michael has spent 30 years in academia, one of the few professions suitable for a slightly eccentric person. There has been a lot of academic research into the benefits and risks of humour and academic theories have developed. Research shows both creativity and humour can be improved with training by observing role models and understanding the formula anyone can increase to a degree their ability to observe, create and share humour.

His new life combines honorary work at Deakin University and developing a number of talks and short courses.

Many of us will remember the generous gift from George to Rotary Hawthorn that we raffled:
a copy of his beautiful, poignant book, The Art of Sacrifice.

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. Dorothy Gilmour

Photo Credit: Supplied by George Petrou

Our guest speaker next Tuesday will be renowned Melbourne artist George Petrou, 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).

M.C. Dr Peter Lugg

Steven has a strategic and management consulting firm that works with thoroughbred industries, major sporting events and not-for-profit organisations.

Come and hear an engaging and interesting speaker who will share his insights into the equine field.

Please wear a 'Melbourne Cup' hat.

M.C,. Simon O'Donoghue

Photo:  Philippe Oursel via Unsplash

Come and hear an engaging and interesting speaker who will share his insights into the equine industry.

Members are encouraged to wear a hat in keeping with our Melbourne Cup theme!

We will also have a delicious Haigh's Chocolate Hamper to raffle; tickets can be purchased by cash or credit card.

'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-metre 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'.

Photo: Mike Kotsch via Unsplash

The Annual General Meeting of Rotary Hawthorn will be held.

However, before the meeting we will hear from Nicole Gatto, Audiologist.

Nicole Gatto has over 25 years’ experience as an Audiologist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, majoring in Psychology and Neuro-Physiology. Nicole also holds a Graduate Diploma in Audiology from the University of Melbourne. She is a full member of Audiology Australia and holds a current Certificate of Clinical Practice.

Nicole’s background includes working as an Audiologist in both the public and private sectors in NSW and Victoria. She specialises in adult aural rehabilitation, working with adults to facilitate better hearing and communication and helping to reduce the frustration and isolation caused by hearing impairment. Being the daughter of teachers, Nicole has a predisposition for training and supervising Audiology students and new graduates.

M.C. for Nicole's tslk:  David Pisterman

Photo: By permission HearingWorks

Katrina Flinn: Fresh from a fascinating trip to South America, Katrina will share stories of travel and discovery. She will be bringing a wealth of first-hand knowledge and cultural insights of the rich tapestry that is South America. From breath taking scenery to the friendliness of locals and the varied cuisine – you will hear insights from a passionate traveller.

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Evie Flynn, Rotary Hawthorn's exchange student to France will give a brief update.  She is about to embark on a great journey and is
excited to experience France's rich culture and picturesque scenery. This dynamic exchange promises to be a trip of a lifetime for Evie.

M.C.: Geoff Wright

Photo Credit: Barbara Zandoval  via Unsplash

Our next Club meeting will be at Kooyong on Tuesday 28th November.  The guest speakers will be our own Katrina Flinn, world adventurer, sharing some tales from her recent trip and outbound International Exchange student Evie Flynn from MLC. 

Donations for Camcare  will be collected at our Club meetings on 28th November and 5th December. Items will be delivered to Camcare after the meeting on 5th December for distribution to those in need. Club members are also sourcing some bulk donations of toiletries which will top up our donations. Members are asked to purchase a few extra items of non-perishables when you shop to support Camcare and bring them along to our meetings.

Items requested include:

Cooking oil, Long Life milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, spreads-peanut butter, jam, honey, vegemite

Long life proteins like cans of tuna, tinned fruit and vegetables, rice and pasta with pasta sauces

Detergent: Dishwashing, clothes washing

In  Susie's talk she inspires and motivates aspiring writers, who would like to write their stories, whether they take the shape of fiction or memoir.  

Everyone has a special story to tell.

Susie inspires people to start on this literary adventure by sharing personal experiences, helpful tips, and a profound passion for the craft of writing. 

M.C. Terry Kitchen

Photo:  Nick Morrison via Unsplash

Our guest speaker will be one of our newest members, Susie Anderson, who will speak about Writing Fiction or a Memoir. 

In Susie's talk she inspires and motivates aspiring writers, who would like to write their stories, whether they take the shape of fiction or memoir.  Everyone has a special story to tell; Susie inspires people to start on this literary adventure by sharing personal experiences, helpful tips and a profound passion for the craft of writing.

A reminder to members about bringing along non-perishable goods and cleaning products to support Camcare.  

More details to come.

Jacqueline has completed a PhD at the University of Melbourne. Her greatest passion is improving children’s health and well-being.

M.C.:  Angela Taft

Photo Credit: Australian Rotary Health

Not to Be Misssed.

Come and hear from the very interesting and dynamic Rotary Hawthorn member, Noel McInnes.

There's lots to hear from Noel: (eg: business person, jazz enthusiast, organiser and volunteer, creating a positive impact on the community).

M.C. Dennis Shore

Our guest speaker next Tuesday will be Noel McInnes, an Experienced Member Behind the Badge, whose topic will be "Martial Arts and Music". We can certainly expect an entertaining presentation from Noel!

A reminder too about our new Club project "Every Rotarian Every Year" to commemorate the 119th anniversary of Paul Harris establishing Rotary on 23rd February in Chicago. We ask members to consider a donation of $100 to the Rotary Foundation which will be acknowledged in the member's name and is tax deductible. Donations can be made by credit card at the meeting.

Marine Biomedical is a Western Australian biotech company dedicated to developing and manufacturing innovative and life-changing medical products sourced from the pristine waters of Western Australia, in particular the Kimberley coast.

We believe Australia’s marine environment offers a unique bounty of materials yet to be explored by medical science. Through a collaboration between leading orthopaedic researchers and marine biologists, guided by an ethos of sustainability, we aim to harness the full potential of our oceans to revolutionise the biomedical sector and benefit patients worldwide.

Patrick Moase  (B.A.S., Dip Mgmt., GAICD) Chief Executive Officer
With over 24 years marine biological experience as a scientific researcher, Patrick Moase has extensive knowledge of the Australian marine commercial sector and has advised on legislative direction and research programs.

Patrick has worked directly in the pearling and fishing industries for the past 30 years and sees the vision for medical device development of some of Australia’s greatest sustainably certified and ethically sourced marine resources.

Patrick is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds various Board positions, and is the current Chair of Broome’s St Mary’s College.

M.C,:  Noel Halford

Photo: Marine Biomedical

Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou, is the Founder and Chair of the Food for Thought: an inclusive Greek Australian Women’s Network.

She is a multi award winning educator who has left her imprint indelibly marked in many sectors. For the last 21 years, she has devoted her life to the promotion of women’s issues. Her latest achievement is the publication of an oral history book, 'Her Voice, Greek Women and Their Friends', about the personal and professional lives of 42 women living in Australia.

This  ground-breaking  collection of stories features relatable role models, whose strength and resilience will inspire anyone who reads it. It is aimed to be read by everyone, men and women. 

'Life for many of these women has not been easy; starting over in a new country, or born here to migrant parents, with heightened expectations, experiencing bullying, racism, sexism,  disengaged partners, domestic violence and mental health issues just to name a few. At points, some lost their way – and their voice. I was inspired to help them find it.'

The women featured in the book, from all walks of life, are academics, educators, entrepreneurs, writers, municipal counsellors, journalists, lawyers, scientists, politicians  and more. Selected with a diversity lens in mind, the women featured present an intersectionality of age, class, marital status, sexuality, faith, disability and race, representing different professional and business backgrounds. Everyone will know someone in the book and relate to many of the stories and  issues raised. It is a conversation starter.

M.C.:  Charlotte England

Photo Credit: Permission by Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou

The next Club meeting will be our International Women’s Day lunch at Kooyong on Tuesday 5^th March. The guest speaker is Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou, the Founder and Chair of Food for Thought: an inclusive Greek Australian Women’s Network.

Varvara is a multi award winning educator and for the last 21 years she has devoted her life to the promotion of women’s issues. Her latest achievement is the publication of an oral history book, 'Her Voice, Greek Women and Their Friends', about the personal and professional lives of 42 women living in Australia.

We encourage members to bring along guests to enjoy Varvara's presentation. Please indicate whether you have special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, GF or if you prefer a smoked salmon salad).

Inaugural Award For Seniors

MC: Dorothy Gilmour