MC Bernie McIntosh opened the meeting with the acknowledgments and the traditional owners and welcomed members and guests; the weekly reflection was delivered by Tony Battaini, and the transcript can be read later in this Bulletin.
Following the loyal toast and meal service break, President Catherine began by paying tribute to our beloved past president and honorary member, David Jones AO OBE KStJ following his peaceful passing this week after a long illness. David’s memorial service is planned for the MCG on Tuesday March 25, 2025 at 3pm, and details will be announced in the Rotary Melbourne Bulletin. View David cutting the Rotary Melbourne Centennial Cake accompanied by Bev Brock and Yidan Xi, at the celebratory lunch exactly 100 years after the Club was chartered in April 2021. Click here. See more info on David in this bulletin.
President Catherine welcomed members, visiting Rotarians and guests calling on our special guest from Western Chances, Julie Noonan to receive the donation of proceeds from the Club’s 2024 Festive appeal of $4,037.75 Julie responded with gratitude highlighting how the funds would support scholarship programs for underprivileged and talented young people.
Rosemary Nixon updated the meeting on the Rotary Footy competition, encouraging members to participate and pay the $50 participation fee through the Rotary Club of Melbourne Community Foundation Extension Fund.
President Catherine then alerted members to the restricted access of the Club to Sofitel on Collins on Wednesday 5 March due to a major function that will dominate the events and hospitality spaces throughout the property. Lift access to the #35 Restaurant will be restricted to the Ground floor, driveway entrance.
Chair for the day, Stephen Rando explained the focus of speakers at this meeting would be Club members focusing on member experiences and Club projects.
He and Jim Orchard then introduced "Run the Tan", a community event to promote health and well-being and raise funds for mental health initiatives and youth programs. They called for volunteers and participants to support the event.
Stephen then invited Dr. Dimitris Salampasis to the podium to share insights on emerging technologies and his recent experience at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, covering topics such as AI, fintech, and ethical governance. Click this link to view his reflections on the Davos experience. Following are further recordings of two of the panels Dimitris participated in:
Past President and current Vice President Mary Barry then came to the podium and spoke about the Cynthia Edgell Empowerment Opportunity Gift, a $100,000 bequest by the late Cynthia Edgell to support underprivileged women and girls in education and employment. This endowment will be administered by the Club’s Community Service Committee. Attached is a copy of Mary's speech.
Closing the meeting, Stephen Rando thanked all speakers and attendees and highlighted next week's speaker, Professor Alan Duffy, who would discuss space exploration and scientific initiatives. He congratulated the speakers for helping create a meeting that was rich with reflections on the club's charitable activities, and ongoing projects. Click here to view the recording of this meeting.
