Josh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to the wonderful work undertaken by Rotarians throughout the world, particularly the 10 local Rotary organisations that play an active role in the electorate of Kooyong. Founded in 1905 by Chicago lawyer Paul Harris, Rotary's mission is, in its own words, to provide service to others, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. From a seed of an idea first countenanced over lunch between Harris and three business friends, the organisation derived its name as early meetings were rotated between the offices of the members. The exponential growth in its membership over the last hundred-plus years now sees the organisation comprising 1.2 million Rotarians, belonging to over 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. Its values are universal and transcend any form of national boundaries or explicit race, religious or linguistic ties.

Rotarians are exemplified as individuals who do not seek fame or fortune but are motivated by an active intent to contribute to their local communities. Rotarians in return enjoy some immense satisfaction from their contribution to humanity and the fellowship they share with their fellow members. In Kooyong, I have been fortunate to have met many fine Rotarians and indeed I am an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Canterbury. I have seen firsthand the fantastic work each club does in our community. I would like to pay tribute to each club individually.

The Rotary Club of Balwyn is extremely active and well known. It has raised a significant sum of money over the years and distributed to it many deserving causes, including scholarships for Indigenous youth, medical research, disaster and drought relief and, importantly, youth leadership programs. I pay tribute to outgoing president, Ken McQualter, and incoming president, Peter Freuh.

The Rotary Club of Canterbury has also had an extremely busy year under the presidency of Kyle Wightman. Its work supporting children with disabilities at Bel­more School, the Boroondara Cares program for communities suffering the impacts of drought and in the Philippines, including an eye screening project, is to be commended. Best of luck to incoming president, David Chudasko.

The Rotary Club of Boroondara has supported Camcare, Cancer Council, youth leadership awards and international projects in the Philippines and Tibet. Best of luck to incoming president, Rosemary Waghorne, and thank you to outgoing president, Greg Vero.

The Rotary Club of North Balwyn has done terrific work for the community of Tulagi in the Solomon Islands, including the refurbishment and provision of equipment for the community school and the medical centre. It has helped the Eva Tilley Home locally and been responsible for the establishment of Jack Nankervis House, which I have visited which provides a home for young people in need. Well done to outgoing president, Findley Cornell, and welcome to incoming president, Matthew Pauli.

The Rotary Club of Mont Albert and Surrey Hills has focused on leadership and education programs, including the dictionary project, the youth science forum and primary and secondary schools speech competitions. It has also done important regional work. Congratulations to outgoing president, Joe Somers, and welcome to incoming president, Tony Kuc.

The Rotary Club of Glenferrie under Ian Salek has been renowned for its work at the Boroondara farmers market and contributed much locally and internationally, particularly through its eye-care projects in West Sumba, Indonesia. Best of luck to incoming president, Don Heath.

The Rotary Club of Hawthorn, where I recently enjoyed their changeover dinner, has done much under the presidency of Meredith Hayes and we look forward to the presidential term of Geoff Dumayne. The club's work in establishing the Hawthorn Community Chest decades ago is still running today and their work providing toolboxes to the people of East Timor and immunisation services in Mumbai has made a real difference.

The Rotary Club of Kew, under outgoing president, Jonathan Shepherd, and now with new president, Michael Stillwell, has done much through its local design projects, inclu­ding the Kew Rotary Garden DesignFest and internationally in East Timor with its village women and children project, training people to work in soap-making cooperatives.

The Rotary Club of Camberwell under the outgoing chair, Robert Davies, and incoming president, David Baker, is in its 44th year of the Camberwell Rotary Art Show. It supports Boroondara Cares, including its drought relief program in the Moira Shire on the Murray River.

The Rotary Club of Kew on Yarra, under David Shave and new president, Ed Brown, supports a number of not-for-profit charit­able organisations, including Guide Dogs Australia, Camp Getaway for young disadva­ntaged people and is also doing important work with drought relief in towns of Cobram and Yarrawonga.

All these groups deserve to be congratulated for their efforts at being fine Rotarians and significantly contributing to the community of Kooyong. Thank you from a grateful local community.