Good afternoon Rotarians & guests and welcome to you all for such an important occasion on our Rotary calendar.
My name is Peter Dakin and I am your MC and will also provide “the thanks & reflection”.
We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri and the Bunurong people of the Kulin nation and also pay our respects to elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all indigenous Australians present today.
This past week has seen some important milestones for Rotary International including celebrating our own clubs 103rd birthday on Tuesday.
It is hard to believe that 3 years has passed since our inspiring collection of centenary events in 2021.
It was also the birthday of our founder, Paul Harris who was born on 19 April 1868 in Wisconsin, USA and passed away on 27 January 1947.
He was the founder and organiser of the first Rotary Club of Chicago in 1905 and it is wonderful that so many of our members and non-Rotarians have been named a Paul Harris fellow.
Our club continues to provide outstanding community service following in the footsteps of some of our distinguished leaders.
It is fitting on the eve of ANZAC day that we reflect on the incredible contribution of Sir John Monash our second President in 1922-23 and each year we award the Monash Medal to an outstanding Australian who has made a significant contribution to the community.
And today, we acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of Thomas Baker – scientist & philanthropist who was appointed our 9th President for 1928-29 and sadly died midway through his office.
His legacy continues as we will hear today.
Peter Dakin
Thank you to Peter Dakin for providing this reflection on 24 April 2024.
