By Sue Roger
In late May, members of the Greater Springfield Rotary, known as ‘Rotarians’, took the opportunity to attend the Rotary International World Convention held in Melbourne.
With 14,000 Rotarians attending from around the world, our local members were able to meet with and make new friends from many different countries, including countries like Ukraine where the Rotary Foundation has been providing much-needed humanitarian aid.
The four-day convention featured plenary sessions held in Rod Laver Arena, with presentations from Jennifer Jones from Canada – the first female Rotary International (RI) President and the incoming RI President – Gordon McInally from Scotland, and the Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans.
Attendees were invited to Imagine ‘What’s Next?’ and explore the possibilities for Rotary’s future in a constantly changing world, and to attend a selection of more specialised breakout sessions.
It wasn’t all speeches and workshops, however, as attendees were also treated to amazing entertainment from The Greatest Show, the Four Tenors, and a Bee Gees Tribute Band.
Plus, they had the opportunity to visit over 200 Rotary and Rotary partner trade displays.
Melbourne’s hotels and restaurants also benefited from the Rotary “invasion”, as the delegates found time to see some of the local sights, ride the trams, and take a few tours to enjoy the local hospitality venues.
As services director of the Greater Springfield Rotary, I personally found the convention incredible, and enjoyed it so much my husband and I have already registered to attend next year’s convention – which will be held in Singapore on May 25-29, 2024, where they will be ‘Sharing Hope With the World!’
Thank you,
Sue Roger
Community Services Director
Greater Springfield Rotary
The Greater Springfield Rotary Club meets every Thursday from 6:30pm at the Aveo auditorium, at 2 Symphony Way, Springfield Central.
