Master of Ceremonies, Karen Kim opened the meeting acknowledging the traditional owners and President Elect Philip Cornish then delivered the weekly reflection. A copy of this is included later in this bulletin.
President Catherine came to the podium to propose the Loyal Toast. Following the meal service President Catherine welcomed members, visitors and guests to this meeting. She invited PP Reg Smith to provide an update on the World Environment Day lunch on 11 June 2025 following which President Catherine congratulated Reg on his service through the Club since joining in May 2008. Catherine reminded members to get their updates for the 2025-26 Member directory into the office urgently.
At the end of the meeting President Catherine exchanged banners with visiting Rotarian Florian Kriegel (RC Kulmbach, Germany, District 1880).
Past President Peter Dakin then came to the podium to introduce Dr Moira Junge, CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation, who delivered a compelling talk on the importance of sleep health, current challenges, and solutions. Her presentation balanced research insights with practical advice and focused on raising awareness about sleep as a foundational pillar of health—alongside diet and exercise.
The Sleep Health Foundation’s aims to do for sleep what Beyond Blue and the Heart Foundation have done for mental and heart health. Public awareness of the Foundation is currently low and the Foundation’s funding comes from small corporate donations, philanthropy, and speaker engagements—no current government funding.
Moira noted that Sleep is an altered state of consciousness, not unconsciousness. It is biologically active, involving hormone regulation, tissue repair, and cognitive processing and healthy sleep involves multiple cycles of light and deep sleep; the brain remains active throughout.
Quality sleep is critical for alertness, emotional regulation, memory, and physical health. Poor sleep is linked to cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, increased cancer risk, dementia and accidents and injuries
Sleep-related issues cost the Australian economy $66.3 billion (2016–17 figures), caused roughly 50/50 by lifestyle (e.g. screen time, poor habits) and health conditions (e.g. insomnia, sleep apnoea). Common sleep problems include Insomnia; Obstructive Sleep Apnoea which is underdiagnosed and potentially dangerous; affecting approximately 20% of people; and restless leg syndrome which is linked to iron deficiency and often overlooked.
Sleep issues can both result from and predict mental illness. Poor sleep in youth is associated with later onset of anxiety and depression.
Devices, light & sleep hygiene are also prominent causes of sleep issues
Moira encouraged everyone to prioritise routine and consistency over specific sleep duration, avoid stimulating the brain by resisting the temptation to check devices
In closing the presentation, Moira’s closing message was that sleep is not a luxury—it is a public health priority. Improving sleep awareness and access to treatment can dramatically improve quality of life and prevent serious health consequences.
If you want to learn more about work of the Sleep Health Foundation, some interesting stories have been produced to learn more. click here. If you wish to donate, click here
To view the recording of the full meeting: click here
To view the speaker’s address: click here
