Agent TypeOrganisationActivities & OccupationsService organisationsHistoryRotary in Australia originated in Melbourne sixteen years after Rotary International's inception in 1905. The Melbourne faction was created by Paul Harris and the first meeting was held at Scotts Hotel Collins Street on 21 April 1921. Prof. W.A. Osborne, the first President, and 38 Charter members were present. The Rotary Club was developed from the idea of `getting together' to encourage the ideal of service to the community. Meetings were held in rotation, hence the word rotary.
Accession
Rotary Club Of Melbourne. University of Melbourne Archives, accessed 27/06/2026, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/nodes/view/60423