"What Does Brexit and the Politics of English Nationalism Mean for the UK, Europe and Australia?"
Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has opened a fundamental crack in the western world. Australia’s relationship with the United Kingdom was grounded in the UK’s relationship with the EU, but Brexit has changed this.
Brexit has been explained as a revolt of those ‘left behind’ by the benefits of globalisation. Yet there is evidence to suggest alternative explanations. The UK withdrawal from the EU was forced up the political agenda by parties and individuals who had a certain view of Britain’s place in the world. For the Brexiteers, Britain was a global trading nation, constrained in the regional mentality of the EU. Its global past pointed towards a global future in the Anglosphere. But this seemingly ‘British’ view was most strongly held in England, meaning that as England dragged the UK out of the EU, the British government needed to simultaneously find new allies and markets and keep the UK from splitting apart.
As Australia begins negotiations for a free trade agreement with the EU, the Australian government must act carefully to avoid being swept along in the Brexiteers’ hopeful vision of a global Britain.
Ben Wellings is Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Monash University. Before joining Monash University in 2013 he was the Convenor of European Studies at the Australian National University from 2004 to 2013.
He was educated at the University of Sussex, Edinburgh University and the Australian National University. He has worked in the House of Commons and for a public affairs company in Edinburgh advising clients on the impact of Scottish devolution.
Euan told the club about his background before becoming the CEO of the Melbourne Recital Centre. Originally from New Zealand, he has a background in music and performance, and is a professional cellist. Euan told members that his father was a long-term member of Rotary and received the 50 years’ service commendation.
The MRC was opened in 2009 and has received many awards. It has two main performance spaces, the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (gifted by Rupert Murdoch’s mother on her 100th birthday) seating 1000 people and the more intimate ‘Salon’ that seats 160 people. Euan acknowledged that there is an opportunity to better integrate with the streetscape as part of the Melbourne arts precinct and to finish the upstairs 'Beacon' room which has a beautiful glass window but is not ready to receive the public yet.
Euan spoke about the important relationship he has with the Chair of the Board, Kathryn Fagg. The MRC receives around 30% of funding from philanthropic providers, 30% from the government and raises 40% from box office proceedings.
Unusually, the MRC services are all provided by in-house staff, a point of pride for the team. There has been a big increase in the number of events per year since first opening, largely due to increased use of the Salon space.
Euan described the three major programs the MRC provides, being Local Heroes (local acts or those visiting Melbourne, playing at 6pm every night for around 60-70 minutes) and supported by RACV to tour; the Nurturing Young Artists program in association with the Australian National Academy of Music; and the Platform for Best Artists. Euan reported that the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is coming to Melbourne next month.
Euan finished by comparing his personality with his instrument – as a cellist, he is “reliable, dependable, a bit cheeky and does his best work sitting down”.
Australian Rotary Health engages with a variety of funding partners to provide Research Grants and PhD Scholarships. These projects encompass a broad range of general health areas including cancer, heart disease, children’s health, motor neuron disease, diabetes and more.
There are two ways we fund general health research:
These Scholarships support Indigenous students to undertake tertiary training in nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, dentistry and other health related degrees at university. These scholarships help Indigenous students to overcome barriers to tertiary study and qualification.
Australian Rotary Health provides scholarships for medical and nursing students to undertake placements at a rural and remote health care service. Students experience what these facilities have to offer and provide an incentive for recipients to pursue a career in rural Australia upon graduation.
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Sandra Dallimore, Rana Ebrahimi, Juliet Akello, Francisco Librojo and Jun Marcelo.
Announcements
Kevin Love provided an update on the conference, announcing a briefing for all club members next week
Frank O’Brien reported that a spreadsheet would be emailed at the end of the week on responsibilities of club members at Conference and to let him know if any information was incorrect
Herb Greenwood asked members to put a diary hold on Saturday 20 May for the wine and spirit auction fundraiser. Members are asked to provide contributions and to bring friends to the event. It is anticipated to be around $40 per person.
Project Report
Michael Lapina provided a brief summary of the recent Group Vocational Exchange trip to the Philippines. In four weeks, the team visited 40 cities, had 75 vocational engagements and were hosted by 22 clubs. The team has given a lot of thought to how to improve oral health, especially with children, in the Phil. Michael thanked the club for the opportunity to participate and lead a team.
Other
The swindle was not won, surprise! It was noted some members are doubling their investment in tickets now.
"We are opening the Store to give all an opportunity to see our District's largest hands-on project and to get a full understanding of the volume and type of goods that are available for their club projects."
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Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has opened a fundamental crack in the western world. Australia’s relationship with the United Kingdom was grounded in the UK’s relationship with the EU, but Brexit has changed this.
Euan told the club about his background before becoming the CEO of the Melbourne Recital Centre. Originally from New Zealand, he has a background in music and performance, and is a professional cellist. Euan told members that his father was a long-term member of Rotary and received the 50 years’ service commendation.
