Opening ceremony of the annual Rotarian convention.
More than 14,000 Rotarians from 120 countries descended on Melbourne
in May 2023 for its annual convention, celebrating the work of the
community-focused organisation with the support of its members and
generous donors.
The conference provided a forum for attendees to discuss Rotary’s
humanitarian activities including peace building, disease prevention and
treatment, protecting the environment, maternal and child health, and
economic and community development.
Rotarians attending the annual convention in Melbourne could see more
of the city and surrounds with a variety of tours available to
delegates.
Tours were organised by Australian DMC Arinex with options ranging
from two to three hour periods on the water on a tall ship - the ONE
& ALL – the host vessel of Rotary D9510’s Youth Sailing Challenge
project which aims to transform the lives of teenagers seeking a new
direction.
Tours started at Docklands Wharf near to the Melbourne Convention
& Exhibition Centre, sailing down the Yarra River towards Port
Phillip Bay.
Great Ocean Road: among the many places Rotarians explored. Photo Credit: Adobe stock/Greg BraveOther Melbourne tours included a visit to the Melbourne Zoo,
exploring the inner sanctum of the Melbourne Cricket Group, a three-hour
walking tour through Melbourne’s arcades and lanes, a balloon flight, a
Melbourne Foodies Tour, and a tour to the Queen Victoria Market.
Travelling farther afield, delegates could rejuvenate at the
Peninsula Hot Springs Bath House in the Mornington Peninsula, experience
the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, travel along Great Ocean Road, or
sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley.The 2023 Rotary
International Convention was won in 2019 following a three-year bid
journey with two rounds of bid submissions – the first with competitive
bids from 13 cities from across the globe, and the second round with
Melbourne’s main competitor, London.
The bid, led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau with support from the
Victorian Government and Tourism Australia, saw this event return to
Melbourne for the second time, marking the 30th anniversary of the 1993
convention.
The 2024 Rotary Convention will be held at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre and National Stadium from May 25-29.