As of last Thursday, 23 March, 15,000 or so Rotarians have registered for the RI Convention 2023 worldwide. Among that, about 2,500 registrations are from Australia, 400 from D9800, and 16 from RC Glenferrie. In other words, 8% of Rotarians in Australia will come to RI Convention 2023, 20% of Rotarians in D9800 will attend, and RC Glenferrie proudly announces that more than 30% of our members, including their partners, will participate this once in life a lifetime event.
In Rotary’s early years since 1910, the Rotary International Convention has combined fellowship with Rotary business and inspired attendees with notable guest speakers and entertainers, workshops, and messages from Rotary leaders. Its delegates debated and voted on changes to Rotary’s Constitution and Bylaws, at the RI Convention.
As Rotary membership and RI Convention attendance grew, this process evolved. Since 1977, the Council on Legislation has become Rotary’s legislative body, and the RI Convention has remained the main event for meeting friends, celebrating accomplishments, and discussing the future of Rotary. The primary purpose of the RI Convention is to stimulate, inspire, and inform Rotarians at an international level, while advancing the organisation's strategic goals. In 2004, the RI Convention in Osaka, Japan, set a record for the largest number of paid attendees, drawing 45,381 people.
Rotary members from more than 130 countries meet yearly at the RI Convention. For many of them, participating in it is a huge commitment in terms of paying travel expenses, applying for a visa, and enjoying the food, drink and fellowship in Melbourne. I admire those who commit to coming, yet I wonder what specifically they look forward to at the RI Convention 2023 in Melbourne.
RI Convention Hosting Night on Mon 29 May – Join our Guest Speaker, Hon Josh Frydenberg, Former Treasurer of Australia and MC Hon Ted Baillieu AO, Former Premier of Victoria
The Rotary clubs of Glenferrie, Hawthorn and Camberwell will welcome Rotarians, from around the world, attending the Rotary International Convention 2023 Melbourne. This extra special combined club meeting will celebrate Melbourne's rich cultural and sporting heritage against the background of the Kooyong story, sharing with our guests our Rotary experience and learning a little of theirs. It will be a night to enjoy and Imagine Rotary.
Rotary Gala Dinner of RI Convention 2023 - 6.30 pm Thursday 1 June, Plaza Ballroom Melbourne
A prestigious gala dinner with Rotary International President Jennifer Jones and Lord Mayor Sally Capp, is to be held at the iconic Plaza Ballroom. Let's celebrate a successful Rotary International Convention and year. Enjoy a unique acoustic set by the legendary Jack Jones and finish the night off on the dance floor with The Baker Boys live band. This event is open to Rotarians worldwide, so purchase tickets or book club tables. Tickets are selling fast, so book now and decide who is on your table later! Book now at rotarygala.com.au
President Teresa