South Wharf Rotary coup

More than 20,000 Rotary members from around the world will be heading to postcode 3006, with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) to host the 2023 Rotary International Convention.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula last month announced that Melbourne had edged out London to win the right to host the event.

The 2023 Rotary International Convention is the most valuable convention ever secured for Victoria and will attract 20,000 delegates, delivering more than $88 million to the Victorian economy and creating 530 jobs.

The decision was handed down following a successful site inspection with key decision makers from Rotary International.

To be held between MCEC and Melbourne Park, City Rd and Southbank Promenade will provide key transport and pedestrian links in allowing Rotarians easy access between venues.

Convention bids of this scale are made possible by the recent expansion of MCEC. The expansion has added nearly 20,000sqm of new exhibition and multipurpose space, which will boost Victoria’s visitor economy by $167 million annually.

“Events of this calibre put Melbourne and Victoria on the world stage and boost our economy. That’s why we’ve backed this bid to bring the 2023 Rotary International Convention to Melbourne,” Mr Pakula said.

“Securing the 2023 convention allows us to showcase the very best that Victoria has to offer visitors from across the globe, provides opportunities for local business and creates jobs.”

Rotary’s International Convention is held annually, serving as a networking platform to bring members together to share projects, advice and to establish new friendships from around the world.

Locally in Australia there are 1064 Rotary clubs and 28,000 members. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.