Posted by Sam McCurdy:
Approximately 14,000 Rotarians and guests attended the 2023 Rotary International Convention held at the Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, from 27th May to 31st May.
Here are some of the highlights from the perspective of several of our Club members who attended the Convention.
Jen Marshall:
- Volunteering for 7 hours on Saturday and the amazing people I got to meet. Many were Rotarians who had just got off an overseas flight, so they were happy to have a chat.
- Saturday night Interact drinks at the Melbourne Aquarium. I met a lot of other Rotarians in their 30's, just like me, with lots of ideas and a passion for Rotary.
- The House of Fellowship was buzzing! I walked around with the biggest smile on my face, in awe of all the amazing work Rotary is involved in.
- Igniting my passion for the End Polio work being done in Afghanistan and Pakistan and hearing from one of the doctors leading the vaccination programs there.
- Watching a selection of songs from The Greatest Show musical production.
- Hearing the most inspirational presentations from Rotarians and feeling connected to the work being done by Rotary around the world.
There are so many more notes I could make, but these were my highlights.
PP Isobel Caulfield:
Some of my highlights from the Melbourne convention in no particular order, are:
- The enthusiasm of Rotarians from all over the world. Everyone always had a good word and a happy smile on their face.
- The variety of projects to get involved with. All very worthy, but how to choose which to support???
- The entertainment at the opening and closing ceremony. Some moving, others had us up and dancing.
- The amazing ability and resilience of the keynote speakers. Many overcoming horrendous situations and now giving back to the world.
- Being a volunteer was a joy to meet and help so many visitors. Even in the pouring rain outside Rod Laver arena.
- Meeting up with old friends and meeting new ones.
- RI President Jennifer Jones. She is a softly spoken person who gets things done, while being treated like a rock star.
The overall organisation of the event. A huge task that appeared to run without a hitch!