13/09/2026
I found this old bench near Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens… but it has a story most people probably walk straight past.”
“This red granite bench was placed here in 1953 by the Rotary Club of Melbourne.”
“It was made to honour the friendship between Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, and Sir Angus Mitchell — the first Australian to become President of Rotary
“And this spot goes back even further. In March 1935, Paul Harris came here and planted a Brush Box tree — on his only visit to Australia.”
“Years later, Angus Mitchell became Rotary International President in 1948–49 and travelled around the world promoting international understanding.”
“I’ve walked past so many little pieces of Melbourne history like this. Would you have stopped to read this plaque?”
📍 Rotary Melbourne Peace Park, near the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne