Rebuild Rotary Melbourne

I agree with Rob McGuirk’s comments

I’m hoping the worthy objectives of this petition can be achieved.

My comments are made without access to all of the information as to what has transpired and what is transpiring that has caused this petition to be written. The fact that such a petition is considered necessary and from the comments to date it is obvious that what is happening has caused great distress and the resignation to date of several prominent and very valuable members of the club. I also note that the members affected are mostly women which is terrible considering all the work that has been done over many years to address the problem of women being underrepresented in Rotary. What is happening will damage the club and should be of concern to all members, hence, it is beholden upon the Board to outline to all members what steps it is taking to address the concerns outlined and also to attempt to retain or reinstate the members who have tendered their resignations. If the current Board believe that it is in the best interests of the club to proceed with a course of action that will potentially continue to cause concern and distress, and potentially the loss of more members, in my view they should present a case to support this course of action. This information should in the interests of transparency, be available for all members (who choose to be informed) and, as this has become such a significant issue, again all members (who choose to) should have the opportunity to make an informed decision as to how this matter should be handled.

My full support for whatever it takes

Reading through the comments, Dorothy has summarised the situation perfectly.

My father often said, "You can't change the past but you can learn from it". This is an opportunity to grow into a stronger Club where all members are treated with dignity and respect.

I totally support this peteition. Well done

Let us remember we joined Rotary to serve humanity. We cannot serve without respect and honor, and as RI Pres. Shekhar said increase our ability to adapt to change. For the sake of humanity, let us move forward.

4 years ago Featured

As a Board member who worked tirelessly for the good name of Rotary, I was personally offended when I heard that the issue which convulsed the Club last year and consumed so much of the Board's time, was going to be re=prosecuted. Does anyone have any idea of the reputational impact to our Club if Hugh Bucknall's email and video got into the press? We worked soooo hard to make sure that didnt happen and that all processes were followed including natural justice for all aggrieved parties - its just such a shame.

thank you for your comments Catherine

thank you for your contribution Marion

thank you for your comments Pam

thank you for your comments Nina

Thank you for your contribution Dorothy. you will be sadly missed

thank you for your support Bronwyn

As District 9800 Governor 2018-2019 I was a member of RC Melbourne for that year. My interest in the Club members' wellbeing continues. I wholeheartedly support the statements in this petition.

As I am no longer a member of Rotary Melbourne, I have not signed the petition. However, I hope this petition will see some Members reflect on their position and behaviours. I very sadly resigned after believing I could have a quiet year, recovering from the August 11, 4.51pm email I received, along with 23 Members, inc. DG's and Clubs. My integrity, morals and character were blatantly defamed and abused. Never did I think I couldn't trust Rotary Melbourne to defend me and keep me safe from this despicable act. The President and the Board acted responsibly and honourably with the governance they had at their disposal. I was supported by Victoria Police and the ESafety Commissioner to have charges laid, I refused as I did not want destructive media attention for the Club and remained loyal to Rotary Melbourne. This year, taking into account a derogatory comment from a Member, two accusatory emails and being told there was discussion with your President and his small group of agitators, to reinstate Hugh Bucknall in some form, I duly resigned to take care of myself. I always trusted that Rotary Melbourne would be part of my life and was committed to making a difference. I am very saddened by this group of sexist extremists. I wish to thank the group of wonderful stalwarts of Rotary Melbourne, as they try to realign the Members to a Club that honestly applies the Four Way Test and the fantastic achievements and fellowship of 100 years as I wrote in my book: "100 Moments in 100 Years - Rotary Melbourne." Maybe those who picked fault with this book, should read it to understand what they have destroyed. Shame on them. Onwards and Upwards, Dorothy

I’m saddened that this petition is even required. I’m disappointed in the continual & it would appear continued harassment of the 20/21 Board. We have lost good & hard working members and kept the agitators voice going! To the agitators, as you are so unhappy, please leave and start the club you want. That allows you the right the wrongs, set it up the way you want, get what you want and stop whinging - a win/win It is impossible to recommend this club to people, in particular women, at this point - thinking that maybe you’re exposing that person to bullying & harassment.

4 years ago Featured

No Board or President should ever have to withstand the amount of bullying through false allegations, degrading emails, calls for censure, and rude phone calls that were experienced last year. The suggestion of re-opening the investigation and accusing Board members of collusion in a cover-up is simply a further attempt to extend the harassment we endured for 12 months. It is time to STOP the bullies or the club will shrivel into a small group of miserable agitators.

4 years ago Featured

I wholly support these standards -these were similar to the guiding principles that the Board worked tirelessly last year to uphold. We must not revert to a climate of intimidation and silenced voices. I have been honoured to be part of Melbourne Rotary but not this behaviour. The toxic few have done so much damage to this club and I've watched over the years as newer members have quietly left - the damage to the club and its reputation will be immense if we don't move forward.