2026 Monash Commemorative Service Melbourne
The Spirit of Australia Foundation was honored to host its 2026 John Monash Commemorative Service at Parliament House in Melbourne, bringing together a members of the community to celebrate one of Australia's greatest leaders. The event was a profound tribute to Monash’s legacy, inspiring a new generation of leaders to embody his vision of innovation, integrity, and service.
There were a total of 175 attendees this year - 94 staff and students from 11 Melbourne schools, in addition to the 81 representatives from a broad range of institutions: Victorian Parliament, the General Sir John Monash Foundation, Engineers Australia, Rotary Club of Melbourne, Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria Police, Monash University, St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, VAJEX, Melbourne University Regiment, branches of the Defence Force, and members of the Spirit of Australia Foundation. Members of the Scotch College Military Band added to the atmosphere.
Guests gathered in the Queen’s Hall before processions moved to the Legislative Assembly Chamber, where a bust of the esteemed General John Monash was prominently displayed.
The event commenced with Master of Ceremonies Emeritus Professor, Major General Jeffrey V. Rosenfeld AC OBE (Retd), overseeing the proceedings. The official party's arrival coincided with a ceremonial march by the Catafalque Party and the Melbourne University Regiment, setting a pensive tone for the gathering.
James Rosenberg, Chairman of the Spirit of Australia Foundation, welcomed attendees, followed by a speech from Mr John Berger MP, who represented The Hon Premier Ben Carroll. Highlights of the ceremony included a touching presentation on the significance of blue ribbons by CUO Zeke Roufail of the Scotch College Army Cadet Unit.
Colonel Scott D'Rozario delivered the James E. Barry Oration on behalf of the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle. CUO Barlow McCarthy from the Scotch College Army Cadet Unit recounted poignant excerpts from a 1916 ANZAC Day diary.
Nick Felstead JD, LLM (Columbia), 2024 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar concluded the formal addresses with his reflections on Monash's leadership.
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