Rotary Central Melbourne again held their successful Paul Harris Breakfast Foundation event for nearly 35 years and this year's on 12 November was not different. President Rhys welcomed all guests with a special mention of guests from Victoria Police Legacy: Chair Kate O’Neill and Community Engagement Coordinator Bob Raaymakers, and highlighted the partnership between Rotary Central Melbourne (RCM), Victoria Police Legacy (VPL) and World of Difference and the second Legatee Cambodian Tour, currently underway. He also reminded of the purpose of this marquee annual event, hosted by RCM: to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation.
The following dignitaries were welcomed by RCM President Rhys William – keynote speaker Chris Anstey, from District – DG Michael Lapiña, DGE Peter Shepheard, District Foundation Director PDG Grant Hocking and Melissa plus a number of PDGs and partners. He extended a special welcome to guests from Victoria Police Legacy: Chair Kate O’Neill and Community Engagement Coordinator Bob Raaymakers, and highlighted the partnership between Rotary Central Melbourne (RCM), Victoria Police Legacy (VPL) and World of Difference and the second Legatee Cambodian Tour, currently underway.
This marquee annual event, hosted by RCM and supported by District 9800, raises funds for The Rotary Foundation (TRF), the non-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs.
DG Michael proposed a toast to Rotary International and reminded us that whether it be building wells to provide potable water, or eradicating polio, or promoting peace, TRF is the engine that helps deliver 95% of all monies raised to their intended destinations. This is borne out by the fact that Charity Navigator (a global charity monitoring agency) has awarded Rotary Foundation the highest performance rating for 16 consecutive years.
District Foundation Director PDG Grant recognised Paul Harris Fellows, Paul Harris Society members, Every Rotarian Every Year members in attendance. He especially acknowledged Global Scholars Jazmine Emolla, Antonia Kent and Nishimura Hyuga, and Peace Fellow Laura Coburn. PDG Grant reminded us that through global reach (and local impact), good stewardship of funds, efficient implementation of projects and a continuous focus on sustainability, TRF is able to make disbursements to several hundred global grants projects, district projects and disaster relief efforts.
 
The gentle repartee, clinking of glasses and audible enjoyment was gently modulated by RCM Immediate Past President (IPP) and Chair of the RCM Foundation Committee Michelle Crawford by firstly acknowledging fellow PH B’fast Committee Members, Elias Lebbos, Kevin Love and Neville Taylor for assisting her, in organising and coordinating today’s event. IPP Michelle then introduced today’s guest speaker, former professional basketballer (most notably in Australia and USA), Olympian and international athlete and coach Chris Anstey.
 
“I wasn’t interested in basketball; I didn’t like it and wasn’t interested in playing.” With these opening remarks, the room was suddenly silenced…
Chris grew up playing tennis; his doubles-partner was Dustin Fletcher (of AFL team Essendon) and he really enjoyed the game. But at 2.13 meters tall (that’s 7 feet in the old scale) he was noticed. Chris shared with us rather poignantly how difficult and anxiety-laden it is “to be different”. And whilst he may not have had any interest in basketball, basketball certainly had an interest in him: “being tall you just stood out”. There and then Chris had an epiphany, he thought: “I’m here now – I might as well try”.
Daughter Izzy is following in her father’s footsteps and plying her skills on the basketball stage globally, whilst son Ethan, in a diametrically opposite direction, like his dad at an earlier age, shows no interest in basketball. And whilst Chris’ professional career did not have the most auspicious beginning, he can boast about being perhaps one of twenty individuals on this earth that can say “I never lost a game to Michael Jordan”, which speaks volumes about the feat, in and of itself. But also resonates of an attitude that bears the hallmarks of endeavour, courage and determination.
Chris related his experience in the NBA (National Basketball Association – the richest and best-known professional basketball league on the globe) to which he was drafted at 22 years of age as “unique – I noticed how bad I was”. Once, playing against the Chicago Bulls he started on  the bench didn’t play the first half, and his team was down by two points at halftime. Then, when lining up at the free-throw line, “I felt like I didn’t belong”. Right there and then he realised that one of the greatest life lessons is learning not to care; enjoy the next 30 seconds; revert back to habit. It’s not talent that wins out: consistency is what counts. Show up to be the best version of yourself and say “yes” more often, don’t miss out on opportunities in life. He names Brian Goorjian as his best coach, because “he cared about me”.
 
Following thunderous applause, IPP Michelle welcomed Kevin Love to the podium to introduce our auctioneer for the day, Brian Cain of JA Cain Real estate. The auction was a lively affair with much banter and interaction between auctioneer and the punters, underpinned by the pleasure of knowing proceeds were being collected for worthy causes.
The raffle was also drawn by Rob Hines with ten prizes up for grabs.
In closing, President Rhys thanked all prize donors for their support of the fundraising efforts towards TRF, all those involved in planning, organising and facilitating the event, particularly members of the RCM Foundation Committee and other volunteers on the day, the RACV City Club for ongoing support, all in attendance, and looked forward to seeing everybody for 33rd annual Paul Harris Breakfast in November 2025.
Funds raised from the event totalled $8,258.