We're living in a golden age for astronomy and space exploration. Our current knowledge is the greatest it's ever been. We have the best telescopes we've ever had, and more of them, plus our digital capability is greater than ever.
Perhaps best of all is that you don't even need a telescope of your own any longer - the internet is overflowing with astronomy-related websites. And most of them are free.
Astronomy educator, author and broadcaster Perry Vlahos is a three-time President of the Astronomical Society of Victoria and currently Vice President and Press and Media Liaison. He is also the founding President of the Mt Burnett Observatory in the Dandenong Ranges.
His interest in the universe was aroused in secondary school after being introduced to the planets, stars and constellations of the late summer sky. Perry was one of a small team of authors who produced the secondary school series Science Edge and has been writing a popular weekly astronomy column for The Age since 2009.
New member Rob Soros, inducted on October 4, works at Mapfort Consulting at 114 William Street and thought it would be nice if there was a Rotary club nearby. His internet search turned us up just around the corner. The good welcome on his first three visits clinched the deal.
He got to know Rotary during his Deakin University undergraduate days, when he was with a student program to build a kindergarten in Fiji. RC Templestowe helped with the funding and members would come along to fund-raising nights. ‘They brought a really positive attitude,’ he says. ‘I really like the way Rotarians make such an impact by branching out from their own expertise. With my background and work in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, that resonates. The more I learn about Rotary, the more I like.’
As a management consultant, he mostly works on culture change, business strategy, and risk and crisis management. Industry clients include animal care, chemicals, palm oil, fishing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, aged care, fintech, defence, government, mining, healthcare, and other projects in Australia, Germany and China. The size of clients’ firms range from 20 to 120,000 workers.
Newly inducted member Daniel Lim (nicknamed “Limmy”) aged 35 is a Senior Development Engineer with USG Boral by day and director of two businesses which he runs with his wife Roslyn after work. One is Glamorazzi Events Management and the other is GlamoDesign, digital agency.
“I’m an engineer but not a boring one,” he says. “We do things like testing designs to destruction and materials for six-star energy ratings. But my life outside engineering is more exciting.” He’s been an entrepreneur for 18 years and run other businesses in UK and Asia. “I was just a teenager when I read Tony Robbins’ business and life coaching book and that inspired me,” he says.
He’s just returned from Adelaide where Glamorazzi put on the “Asia In SA” black-tie charity degustation dinner at the Adelaide Central Market. It celebrated the State’s ties with Asia, and was attended by Lord Mayor Martin Haese, Senator Simon Birmingham, Minister Honourable Grace Portolesi, and SA Governor His Excellency Hieu Van Le AC, a boat refugee from Vietnam in 1977. The governor told his life story to the guests. Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull was unable to make it, but has recorded a video of appreciation which was played during the night. The dinner escaped damage from SA’s power outage.
With the recent change of name to ROTARY CENTRAL MELBOURNE our club has been re-badged and we are now permitted to publish the new style name plates and banners;
ROY PROUDLY MODELING THE NEW MEMBER NAME BADGE
LEONIE, SUE AND TESS WEARING THEIR NEW BADGES AT THE PHF BREAKFAST.
BERNIE DISPLAYING THE NEW BANNER.
Posted by Marjorie GERLINGER
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
Rotary is now accepting applications for the world competitive Rotary Peace Fellowships program. The application deadline for submissions through local rotary clubs in District 9800 is to the District Chair, Rob Helme, by May 15, 2017.
Never has there been such an obvious need for well-trained committed personnel to foster the cause of world peace. Rotary International has been committed to this program for 15 years and has trained over 1,000 graduates who work in the fields of peace, conflict resolution, human rights, international relations, public administration, sustainable development, public health or a related field. Up to 100 fellowships are awarded annually (fifty master's degree fellowships and fifty professional development fellowships) at Rotary Peace Centres in six prestigious universities around the world. Australia has an outstanding track record in supporting and mentoring successful applicants.
President Justine Murphy opened the meeting and handed to Chairman, Rob Hines to propose a toast to Rotary International
Justine welcomed Guests
Jeffery Tan Past President Manningham Rotary Club
Stephen Read – Guest Speaker
Kerryn Powell – Guest Speaker
Rob Soros & Daniel Lim – Inductees
Michelle Crawford – prospective member
Announcements
Roger Thornton: Presented President Justine with a Rotary Club banner from Norwich, England which he had visited on his recent trip abroad.
Roger also thanked members who have already committed to assist at the GardenFest weekends and highlighted the need for more volunteers. Volunteers do not need to be Rotarians.
Marjorie Gerlinger: Confirmed that Tim Cartwright will be the Guest Speaker at this year’s Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Breakfast. Marjorie encouraged members to extend invitations to their friend, family and colleagues and booking can be made online or by contacting Marjorie.
Stuart Ellis: informed members that the Youth Services committee are seeking assistance from any member who is able to assist with driving 3 young people to RYPEN event. If anyone can assist please contact Stuart.
Kevin Love: Informed members that the next Conference Management Team meeting will be held on 15th October at Kildonan in Collingwood and all members are welcome.
Kevin also reminded members of the Conference special early bird rate for our club members and that there is still accommodation available.
Allan Driver: Updated members on Dick Mitchell’s wellbeing and that he is still in Hospital at the Epworth and would be happy to receive visitors.
Allan also informed club members that Wolfgang Jacobs is in palliative care at Corpus Christi and unfortunately is not receiving visitors but may respond to text messages.
Neil Salvano: Thanked members for supporting Blue Ribbon Day at last week’s meeting and the club raised $39.
We're living in a golden age for astronomy and space exploration. Our current knowledge is the greatest it's ever been. We have the best telescopes we've ever had, and more of them, plus our digital capability is greater than ever. 
New member Rob Soros, inducted on October 4, works at Mapfort Consulting at 114 William Street and thought it would be nice if there was a Rotary club nearby. His internet search turned us up just around the corner. The good welcome on his first three visits clinched the deal.
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