Our meeting on Wednesday 15 March 2023 featured Dr Jenny Gray, CEO of Zoos Victoria, speaking about the transformation of Zoos in Victoria from keeping animals to protecting and serving animals
MC for the meeting was Dasun Premadasa and was followed by Barbara Yerondais who opened with a light-hearted and pertinent reflection referencing Simon and Garfunkel’s lyrics about Zoo animals in their popular 1967 hit song: At the Zoo. Available for all to hear on YouTube, it’s worth a listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xKLBne1CoI. Signalling the tone of a very interesting speaker presentation, Barb’s thoughtful reflection was applauded by members present.
Introduced by Chairperson for the day, Deb Yin Foo, Dr Jenny Gray captured the imagination of members and guests in attendance with an informative and entertaining presentation which some suggest is one of the highlights of Rotary Melbourne’s speaker program this year. Working within its purpose of protecting animals, the staff at the Zoo have adopted the galvanising objective that no Victorian, terrestrial, vertebrate species will go extinct on their watch. Jenny spoke of the importance Zoo Victoria’s work in protecting for wildlife, connecting our community, creating special places for the wildlife their facilities host, and running a thriving, ethical business. She highlighted the importance of creating a fun experience for zoo visitors. A high priority of Zoos Victoria staff is to ensure that none of the 27 critically endangered native species in Victoria become extinct. A measure of member interest was the unusually large number of questions asked.
A truly inspired presentation which is highly recommended. Follow this link to view the video recording of Jenny’s address: https://youtu.be/0yTbgVa15t
Returning to the podium, President Adrian reminded members that AFL Footy Tipping begins this week … its not to late to sign up.
He also highlighted the exciting news with Rob McGuirk this week receiving confirmation from the City of Melbourne of the official Planning Permit for the Peace Bells.
The designer Neil McLoughlan is well underway with the production of the four bells.
As outlined in my email to all club members the total cost of the project is $120,000 and with the support of Rotary International, Rotary Districts of Victoria and others we now need to raise the final $30,000.
Your support of this legacy project is valued and can be made on enquiry to the rotary office.
In closing Adrian passed on the sad news of the death of Dick Fosbury of the Rotary Club of Kechum, Idaho, USA. Dick was known worldwide as the Olympic High Jump champion who invented the ‘Fosbury Flop’.
The winner of the Raffle for this meeting was Philip Cornish.
