Tribute to the Baker Foundation by Rotary Melbourne Member, Robert McGuirk
In a heartfelt tribute, Rob McGuirk acknowledged the crucial role of the Thomas Baker Foundation in enabling Rotary’s successful EndTrachoma Project — a decade-long national initiative that has contributed to the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.
Rob explained that the project began in 2016 when Rotary sought a major Indigenous-focused initiative to mark Rotary’s centenary. Following discussions with Professor Hugh Taylor, Rotary learned that Australia remained the only developed nation with endemic trachoma, a preventable blinding eye disease affecting Indigenous Australians.
Recognising the need for professional coordination, Rotary applied to the Baker Foundation for support. The Foundation responded with a transformative grant of $87,500 per year over three years to fund project management. Rob noted that this support was pivotal, as it enabled nearly all subsequent Rotary fundraising to be directed into practical community programs and services.
Supported by Rotary Melbourne, the Rotary Club of Hall, and Rotary clubs nationwide, the project has now raised more than $1.2 million. The initiative has delivered over 15,000 hygiene kits, 21,000 towels, 8,000 mirrors, community laundries, water stations, washer-dryer trailers, and interactive water trailers to remote Indigenous communities most affected by trachoma.
The program also strengthened Rotary’s collaboration with more than 40 Indigenous, government and non-government organisations, including the Australian Trachoma Alliance chaired by former Governor-General Michael Jeffery.
Rob described it as “extremely exciting” that on 20 April 2026 the World Health Organization formally announced that Australia had eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. He emphasised that this milestone was achieved through persistence, collaboration, and sustained community support.
On behalf of Rotary Melbourne, project leaders, district champions and Rotarians across Australia, Rob expressed deep gratitude to the Baker Foundation and its trustees, noting that without their early and sustained support Rotary could never have contributed so significantly to this historic national achievement.
Thomas Baker Oration – Professor John Greenwood – Wednesday 13 May 2026
The Rotary Club of Melbourne marked a milestone occasion with the 10th Thomas Baker Oration, held during the centenary year of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.
Chair of the Day, Past President Peter Rogers AM, reflected on the significance of the event and the enduring legacy of Thomas Baker — former Rotary Melbourne President, entrepreneur, scientist and philanthropist — whose vision and generosity helped establish both the Baker Institute and the associated Baker Foundation almost 100 years ago. Peter also acknowledged the presence of former Baker Orators, leading researchers, and trustees of the Thomas Baker Foundation.
The 2026 Oration was delivered by Professor John Greenwood, Director and CEO of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. In a deeply personal and inspiring address, Professor Greenwood traced his own journey into cardiology to witnessing his mother suffer a heart attack when he was just seven years old. That experience, combined with the limited treatments available at the time, shaped his lifelong commitment to medical research and innovation.
Professor Greenwood described the extraordinary evolution of the Baker Institute from a single laboratory behind The Alfred Hospital into one of the world’s leading cardiovascular and diabetes research centres. He highlighted how the founding vision of Thomas Baker, his wife Alice, and Eleanor Baker continues to drive cutting-edge scientific advances today.
A major focus of the address was the Institute’s bold pursuit of transformational “moonshot” medical innovations. These include the development of mRNA-based therapies designed to prevent heart attacks by targeting inflammation in arteries before a cardiac event occurs — effectively creating the possibility of a “vaccine” against heart disease. Professor Greenwood explained that the same mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccines and emerging cancer treatments is now being applied to cardiovascular disease research at the Baker Institute.
He also outlined groundbreaking work aimed at regenerating damaged heart tissue following heart attacks. Researchers are developing injectable therapies intended to reprogram scar tissue cells back into functioning heart muscle cells, potentially allowing damaged hearts to heal and recover.
Another highlight was Australia’s leadership in artificial heart technology through the BiVACOR total artificial heart program. Professor Greenwood described the remarkable achievement of the first patient being discharged home earlier this year with a fully implantable artificial heart — a milestone achieved in Australia through collaboration between researchers, universities, hospitals and industry partners.
Professor Greenwood also spoke about the Institute’s use of advanced imaging, artificial intelligence and robotic-assisted ultrasound technology to improve diagnosis and treatment, particularly for rural and remote Australians. He expressed hope that advanced cardiac MRI imaging, already standard internationally, would eventually become accessible through Australia’s public health system.
While celebrating these extraordinary advances, Professor Greenwood warned of the significant challenges facing Australian medical research, including funding pressures and the loss of talented young researchers overseas. Nevertheless, he urged Rotarians and the broader community to support medical research through advocacy, philanthropy and leadership.
In closing, he reminded the audience that cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, claiming around 20 million lives annually. Yet, inspired by Thomas Baker’s legacy, he expressed optimism that the next century of research could fundamentally change the future of heart disease and diabetes through prevention, regeneration and technological innovation.
The meeting concluded with thanks to Professor Greenwood, the Thomas Baker Oration Committee, and the many researchers, donors and supporters who continue to advance the Baker Institute’s life-changing work.
To view the Event recording click here.
