Good afternoon Rotarians & Guests
We are fortunate today to have our Member, Professor Jeremy Oats AM as Guest Speaker . His contribution volunteering as an Obstetrician & Gynecologist undertaking numerous trips supporting and educating women in East Timor has been remarkable.
This led me to reflect on the proud history of our Club and Members who have initiated and supported international health projects.
Two Members who I knew well particularly through our Kew- Camberwell Group activities for their outstanding Rotary service were Dick Galbraith and George Tippett. They were engaging individuals with inimitable styles and true characters of the Club.
Dr J.E.K.( Dick ) Galbraith OBE was a Member of the Club from 1971 – 1996 and was on the International Service Committee.
Dick was an outstanding Opthalmologist and one of Australia’s pioneering corneal surgeons.
Throughout his professional life, Dick worked to better the eye health of those in need and for 20 years led annual eye teams assisting the people of the Solomon Islands.
He received our Vocational Service Award in 1974.
Dr George Tippett AM was a Member from 1981 until his passing in 2001.
George commenced his professional career as a GP going on to be a distinguished Anaesthetist.
He worked and volunteered far and wide initiating health programs in India , Cambodia , Thailand and Vietnam and received our Vocational Service Award in 1993.
Some of you will recall George parking his Harley Davidson motorbike on the pavement when he arrived for Rotary Lunch.
We do of course have current Members supporting vital ongoing health projects including End Trachoma, PNG Snakebite and Rotarians Against Malaria.
Thank you Peter Dakin
Thank you to Peter Dakin for last week's reflection on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
