Thank you Bev and good afternoon Rotarians and guests who have joined us for what should be a most interesting, inspirational and varied Zoom luncheon meeting.
In giving thanks today I just wanted to briefly reflect on our traditional Spring Club luncheons held over many years at the Sofitel, Windsor, Zinc, Naval & Military Club and the Arts Centre, when we celebrated the commencement of Melbourne‘s major events calendar including AFL Grand Final Week and Spring Racing.
Our Club has been most fortunate to have Members - Peter Jones and Don Hyde (events and media professionals ) ensure we were entertained over many years by high profile guest speakers and panellists creating lots of fun, laughs and challenging quizzes at our lunches.
COVID 19 has crushed our Spring celebrations this year but more importantly has tragically impacted the lives of millions of Australians and hundreds of thousands of people, previously employed in the Hospitality and Events sectors.
Let’s hope and be confident that the wonderful research work being undertaken around the world, including by our own Peter Doherty Institute which is being acknowledged today, are successful in producing a vaccine in the not too distant future.
On a lighter note I think we only have a couple of Geelong supporters in Rob Nethercote and Michael Selth and trust they will be gracious to our fanatical Tigers supporter Stephen Mandie, if the Cats win!
