MC for the event, Past President Bob Glindemann opened the meeting and delivered the statement of respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we were meeting.
Past President Peter Dakin then delivered a tribute on the life and contrition of 50-year Rotary Melbourne member, Dr David Nurse, who sadly passed away on 9 May 2025. The full tribute to David is published elsewhere in this bulletin.
Peter then delivered the weekly reflection which drew heavily on the inspirational contribution of Dr David Nurse.
Chair for the day President Elect Nominee Dr Carol Bond then came to the podium to deliver the loyal toast on behalf of President Catherine Baxter for whom she was deputising, and invited founding Thomas Baker Orator and Rotary Melbourne Honorary Member, Dr Alan Finkel AC to come to the podium.
After the meal service break, Carol returned to the podium to welcome all to our 41st Meeting in our 104th year and our 9th Thomas Baker Oration. She extended special acknowledgement of a large list of distinguished guests which is included later in this bulletin. Carol then invited Dr Alan Finkel to introduce guest speaker Dr Megan Clark AC, Chancellor of Monash University.
In her address, Dr. Clark, emphasised the notable contributions of Thomas Baker to Australia’s technological landscape, as inventor and pioneer in dry plate photography and x-ray film manufacturing.
She paid tribute to Baker’s legacy and generosity, highlighting the continued impact of institutions like the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.
Dr. Clark also praised Rotary for its community service and reflected on her life-changing experience as a Rotary Exchange student in Brazil.
Transitioning into her main focus, she explored ‘deep technology’ advancements that profoundly change lives, beginning with the intricate positional tracking of the human brain versus satellite GPS, and delving into the inefficiencies of data centres compared to the human brain’s data-processing capabilities.
Dr. Clark discussed Australia's emergence as a regional data centre hub while highlighting the nation’s potential to lead in AI, gene therapy, and innovations in medicine.
She underscored successful Australian innovations and ventures, including:
In concluding, Dr. Clark called for stable policy settings to foster collaborations between research and industry, enhance entrepreneurial drive, and attract global capital, with a goal to make regions like Parkville and Clayton as synonymous with technology and innovation as Silicon Valley.
In closing the meeting Carol thanked Dr Clark for her inspiring address and presented the usual gifts. Carol also thanked Dr Finkel for his introduction of Dr Clark and all who were present for attending.
Carol highlighted the forthcoming World Environment Day lunch that will feature CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council, Dr Fiona Simon, at the Sofitel on 11 June 2025; and the Club’s next meeting on 21 May 2025 which returns to No35 for lunch. Guest speaker will be Dr Moira Junge, Sleep Expert, Speaking on “Why Sleep Matters”.
To view the recording of the Thomas Baker Oration event, Click here.
You can view the reflection here
