At the Rotary Melbourne meeting on Wednesday 10 April 24 Dr Chantelle Thornton, Specialist Breast Cancer Surgeon at Epworth hospital spoke.  

The MC for the meeting was Karen Kim, and a thoughtful reflection was delivered remotely and under difficult circumstances by Past President, Robert Fisher. The transcript of Robert’s reflection is included later in this Bulletin.

President Chris began proceedings paying tribute to much loved member, Bev Brock who passed away surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday 7^th April 24 after a battle with cancer for the past 2 years. His delivered a heartfelt obituary highlighted her contributions and impact within the Rotary Club of Melbourne.  The transcript of President Chris’s tribute is included later in this Bulletin.

After welcoming members, visiting Rotarians and guests, President Chris conducted the induction and welcomed new member Kenza Dairi, who was introduced to the Club by Sana Malik.

He then invited Rotarian Peter Jones to the podium to introduce Breast Cancer surgeon at Epworth hospital, Dr. Chantelle Thornton to address the Club at our special Breast Cancer awareness lunch. In doing so he highlighted Chantelle’s long-standing collaboration at the Epworth Hospital.

After sharing her background, including childhood aspirations to become a doctor and her journey through medical school and specialized training, Dr Thornton’s delivered a wide-ranging address sharing her perspective on:

• The importance of fundraising for research projects in Australia to retain intellectual property and scientists locally.
• The pivotal moment during her medical career when she successfully performed a procedure that deeply impacted a patient, solidifying her decision to pursue surgery.
• The multi-faceted treatment options for breast cancer patients, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the need for estrogen inhibition post-surgery.
• The importance of teamwork in the context of the diagnostic consideration of treatment options, delivery of treatment, and supporting patients through the challenging treatment and recovery journey
• How treatment has involved over recent years and the likelihood that surgery will be eliminated as a treatment option as new drug treatments are developed.
• Towards the conclusion of her address and with the assistance of President Chris, Chantelle gave us a demonstration of how women and men should self-examine to identify any abnormalities lurking in their breasts.

President Chris announced that Rotary Melbourne fundraising campaign was in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia.  With members and guests generous support, we can achieve our starting target of $2,500.  Every donation, no matter the size, will contribute to the success of this important initiative and support women battling the disease. Please join us in our fundraising efforts and help us create a better tomorrow for all. If you haven’t already made a donation via Humanitix you can donate direct using by clicking on the following link [Rotary Melbourne in PINK LADY EVENTS 2024 (grassrootz.com)]

After Peter Jones thanked Chantelle for her outstanding presentation with the traditional gift of Rotary Socks, together with a floral arrangement, President Chris asked Carol Bond, International Service Director to come to the podium to invite members and friends to bring to the attention of promising young people the opportunity for applying for a Rotary Foundation Peace Fellowship which provides generous support for tuition costs and expenses associated with post Graduate peace studies at one of the Rotary Peace Institutes in respected global Universities.

In closing the meeting President Chris expressed our sadness at the recent passing of friends of Rotary Melbourne – Dr Joe Tucci, CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation, and Les Twentyman.  Both were leaders and highly influential advocates of supporting less privileged young people in our community.

He reminded that RI President Gordon R. McInally will be in town after the Rotary International Convention in late May as guest of the Rotary Districts of Victoria.  Two opportunities will be available on Sunday 2nd June at a luncheon at RACV in Cape Schanck alongside Professor Patrick McGorry. [12.00 noon for a 12.30pm start, tickets are: $95 pp for 2 course lunch]. To book Click here.  The next morning (Monday 3rd June) RI President Gordon will be attending and speaking to Rotarians at a mental health forum over breakfast at the Frankston Arts Centre [tickets are $38 per person. Book using the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/CQOWE]

President Chris then reminded us that next week’s meeting will be addressed by Tony Pearce, Inspector-General for Emergency Management, Department of Justice & Regulation, Director and Board Chair of the Emergency Service Foundation.

The meeting links for our 10 April 24 Meeting Links:  
Speaker series - https://youtu.be/JB-UfUmc14c   
Full meeting - https://youtu.be/bBjQpNszM0o

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