My reflection today is about leaving a legacy. In 1987 the Rotary Club of Melbourne raised $242,000 to build a Heart Risk Reduction Clinic and refurbish an existing Risk Evaluation Clinic at the then named Baker Medical Research Institute, located at the Alfred Hospital.

When Thomas Baker joined Australia’s first Rotary Club in November 1922, we were in our second year. Thomas was President of the Rotary Club of Melbourne in 1928, but sadly died in office, and the shock felt at that time is written into our Club’s history.

Thomas Baker’s legacy included The Baker Trust, which encourages Rotarians to draw the attention of the Trustees to programs worthy of support. Some of the programs proposed have representatives in the room today. More than a century on Thomas’s association with his Rotary Club continues through this act of philanthropy.

The Rotary Club of Melbourne was recently registered as a Public Benevolent Institution. As a PBI we are now better structured to raise and direct funds for specific programs and collaborate with the right organisations to deliver those programs.

Thomas Baker was a visionary, as an industrialist and philanthropist. His benefaction has enabled Rotary Melbourne to continue to serve others. All communities, across Australia and our international neighbours, need more Thomas Bakers. Rotary needs more Thomas Bakers to Create Lasting Impact.

For fellowship forged in service to others, and friendships formed by good company shared over a fine meal, we give thanks.

Thank you to Tony Battaini for your reflection on Wednesday 13 May 26.  

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