STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Dr RYAN (Kooyong) (13:33): This weekend I had the privilege of attending the Rotary International District 9800 changeover in Melbourne. District 9800 encompasses 64 clubs from Melbourne to Echuca. It was an honour to hear from outgoing District Governor Peter Shepheard and his wonderful deputy Michael Lupino.

Three awardees exemplified Rotary at its best. Robert McQuirk led the effort against trachoma. In 2016, Australia was the only developed nation in which trachoma remained endemic in Indigenous communities.

This April, the WHO confirmed that Australia has now eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. It's a remarkable achievement. Chris Wong brought together clubs in Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington and Auckland to deliver an immunisation and cold chain project across nine Pacific nations in partnership with the WHO.

Over a period of 17 years, Kevin Love mentored more than 250 senior officers within the Victoria Police. These achievements sit alongside Rotary's ongoing contribution to the global near eradication of polio. In Kooyong, Rotary supports young people, through scholarships; backs community projects; and creates lasting positive change.

I recommend Rotary membership to anyone looking to make a genuine difference, and I encourage all levels of government to partner with Rotary to help build stronger, more resilient communities.