Speakers

Alistair has been a Landscape Architect for twenty years and for the past 15 years he has practiced with Tract Consultants, a leading national firm specialising in: planning, urban design and landscape architecture.  Alistair is currently a Senior Principal and Manager of the firm’s Melbourne office and its 130 plus staff.   Alistair will discuss the breadth of Tract’s planning and design work in shaping some of Australia’s most recognisable places and the role that integrated planning and design plays in Melbourne’s liveability and sustainability.

Bachelor of Planning & Design (Hons) University of Melbourne, Masters of Landscape Architecture, University of Melbourne.

Registered Landscape Architect – Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), UDIA – Enviro Development Professional.

Alistair is currently the Manager of Tract’s Melbourne office and brings together Tract’s core disciplines of: Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture and Media.

He has worked in the private sector for over fifteen years and during that time he has been involved in the project management and constructed delivery a range of private sector projects including; residential communities, golf course development, public open space, sporting facilities, aged care and retirement, institutional and landscape planning projects and wetland design.  

This week's meeting is replaced by the Club Changeover Dinner on Friday 29th June

Bronwyn joined the Rotary Club of Melbourne South in 2008.  After undertaking Rotary Leadership Institute and President Elect Training she was Club President in 2009-2010

Since then she has served the Club in various capacities including Bulletin Editor, Secretary and Treasurer.  She has chaired the World of Difference project for her Club.

Other involvement at District level includes Assistant Governor Stonnington Cluster 2013-2016.  Leading a Vocational Training Tour of 4 teachers to Cambodia in January 2016, where they provided two four day workshops for 160 Cambodian teachers, was a highlight.  She was the  Community Services District Chair 2016-2017.

Mark is equally passionate about Rotary and joined Rotary Club of Melbourne South in 2010; in fact Bronwyn inducted him a member at President Changeover.  He served as Club President for 2 years.    

Bronwyn is a Royce Abbey Awardee and a Paul Harris Fellow recipient, as is Mark. They are both members of the Paul Harris Society.

Bronwyn’s parents were both Rotarians in the Melbourne South club.  Very sadly Bronwyn’s mum Esme died 10 years ago but she was a Paul Harris Fellow and highly respected in her club.  Dad Trevor was twice President of Melbourne South Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.  He continues to be a much loved and respected mentor for Bronwyn and Mark.

Bronwyn is a retired nurse. In her career she enjoyed exploring various specialties – Accident and Emergency, Cardiac Care, Remote Island Nursing and Day Surgery.  For the last 12 years of her career she and Mark owned and operated a small private hospital with 2 operating theatres and 10 beds. Bronwyn acted as both a clinical nurse in all areas of the hospital and also administered the accounts and employees.  Mark is a Gastroenterologist in private practice.

Bronwyn volunteered during her career on 2 major peak bodies in healthcare. Australian Council of Hospital Standards (ACHS) surveyor and Australian Credentialed Gastroenterology Nurses  (COGEN) reprocessing educator, surveyor and board member.

Bronwyn and Mark have 3 adult children. Jane is a school teacher in Adelaide and Kate is a nurse in Queensland married to Ciaren. Will is an environmental engineer. Will, whilst not yet a Rotarian has led a World of Difference Schoolies alternative tour of students. His long term partner Lisa is much loved by the family and also very involved in Rotary through her and Will’s trips volunteering in Cambodia.

Bronwyn loves everything about Rotary.  Her favourite day of the week is Tuesdays when she sorts books at “Donations in Kind” warehouse.

Youth Projects is an independent charity that provides critical and unique front line support to vulnerable people experiencing disadvantage, unemployment, homelessness, alcohol and other drug issues. Rotary Central Melbourne has supported Youth Projects over a number of years. They deliver primary health services, AOD counselling, Youth Employment & Skills Development programs, Night Nursing on the streets of Melbourne's CBD, unique Drug Safety programs and a wonderful Social Enterprise.

Youth Projects take a harm minimisation approach with No Judgement, Full Stop! They are a change makers and trail blazers. They go where others won't and support those who needs us most!

Ben Vasiliou was the former CEO of SkillsPlus and BRACE, an innovative non profit organisation delivering education and employment support for young people, refugee’s, people with a disability and those who are unemployed. Ben led the organisation through considerable growth underpinned by a unique partnership model. Harnessing the theory that it takes a village to raise a child, Ben brought together Industry, Employers, Government and the Community to deliver holistic responses to the needs of vulnerable people.

Ben is well versed in the need to modernise and sophisticate the non profit way of thinking, whilst anchoring the DNA and purpose of such organisations into our every day thinking. Ben wants to shift the narrative, from UNemployment to EMployment. From Homelessness to Pathways OUT of Homelessness.

Ben was appointed as CEO of Youth Projects in September 2017 and is leading the way in prevention and early intervention for young people, giving them the opportunity to be the best they can be!