This Rotary Melbourne weekly meeting was opened by Past President and Master of Ceremonies, Bob Glindemann OAM. After extending our respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we gather, and welcoming all members and guests, President-elect Philip Cornish, came to the podium to deliver the weekly reflection. The text of Philip’s reflection is included in this Bulletin.
President Catherine then proposed the loyal toast, and adjourned the meeting for meal service.
After the meal service, President Catherine welcomed by name several visitors and guests who are listed in this bulletin.
She then proceeded with the membership induction of Professor Tristan Kennedy one of three new designees of Corporate Member, Monash University. Tristan is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Vice-President of Monash University and will be mentored in his early days in Rotary Melbourne by Past President Dr. Peter Rogers AM, and as a new club member, Tristan was lauded for his contributions to Indigenous education and health.
President Catherine then called on Barbara Yerondais to tell us about the 2025 Environmental Sustainability Award, and before handing over acknowledged and congratulated Barbara on the very successful Architectural Walk held on a balmy Friday evening last (28 February 25). Barbara began by reminding members of the forthcoming Notre Dame Virtual Reality Tour at the Immigration Museum, date to be announced shortly.
Expressions of Interest in the 2025/26 Environmental Sustainability Award have been sought from secondary schools around the greater Melbourne area, and the Award will be presented at the Annual Environment sustainability Luncheon on Wednesday 11 June 2024.
Dr Dimitrios Salampasis then came to the podium to introduce the keynote speaker for this event, Professor Alan Duffy from Swinburne University speaking on the topic "Australia's return to the moon". Professor Duffy projected a vivid and forward-thinking approach to the current and future developments in relation to this significant leap in Australia's growing presence in space exploration.
Reflecting on Prof. Duffy's presentation, it is clear that Australia is a key player within the global space industry with established international partnerships, leveraging at the same time the country's unique capabilities, expertise and resources to contribute to lunar exploration.
The mission is not only about reaching the Moon but paving the way for future lunar habitation and further deep space exploration. The return to the Moon is not only a scientific endeavour but a strong statement of Australia's national pride in terms of reinforcing the country's place in the era of interplanetary exploration and humanity's next frontier.
The full meeting recording can be viewed by clicking this link. To view the Speaker series video of Professor Duffy’s presentation click here
