The Club Lunch meeting was busy and interesting.
Arbaaz Tareen reflected in his induction into the Club his considerable Rotary experience. Baz was warmly welcomed by members.
Peter Berg, Club Ambassador updated members on the work of Rotary Safe Families and shared with the meeting the latest Safe Families video focused on Abuse of Men.
Past President Mary Barry gave us an update on the importance of mentoring to help new members experience membership of Rotary Melbourne to the fullest. The initial member mentoring program has been very successful and we need more volunteers to ensure we sustain this affective project. Existing members who enjoy helping people are free to volunteer for this unique gift of service. Mary will be running the following program of 90 minute training courses as follows:
In-person at the Rotary Melbourne Office: Wednesday 27 April, 2.30pm to 4.00pm, and Wednesday 4 May, 2.30pm to 4.00pm
On-Line on Zoom: Wednesday 11 May, 5.30pm to 7.00pm, and Wednesday 25 May, 5.30pm to 7.00pm
All members wishing to volunteer are welcome to attend, including existing mentors for refresher training if required.
Guest Speaker Professor Peter Doherty AC had the distinction of being our Club’s first on-line guest speaker in March 2020, and returned to provide an update of research and development and the creation of new vaccines and treatments based on the research undertaken right here in Melbourne.
Chair of the day, Rosemary Nixon, provided this summary of Prof Peter Doherty.
Once again, we were privileged to hear from Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter Doherty. Age certainly does not weary him! He spoke about new drugs for COVID 19, more effective vaccine targets on the virus and its likely emergence from a wild animal source. More viruses and pandemics will undoubtedly occur. Important areas for the future management of pandemics include eliminating the wild animal trade and shutting down international, not just domestic, travel at the start of a pandemic.
The meeting recording can be viewed on the Rotary Melbourne YouTube by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/lvF33v7lkUo
