Inaugural Award For Seniors

MC: Dorothy Gilmour

Our guest speaker is Dr Kate Robb, Director and Head of Research at the Marine Mammal Foundation. With many years' experience researching dolphins across southern Australia, Kate achieved a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Freshwater and Marine Ecology and Zoology and a Doctor of Philosophy (Genetics). Her research led to the formal description and naming of a new Australian species of dolphin, the Burrunan dolphin, Tursiops australis. Kate is the former President of the Australian Marine Sciences Associations - Victorian branch, and an Honorary Fellow at Deakin, Curtin & Monash Universities. A highlight of Kate's career was personally meeting Sir David Attenborough in 2013.

'Sophie Flynn is a lawyer with around 20 years of work, mainly in international humanitarian programming and policy.'

The presentation will focus on Rotary and UNICEF's strong partnership, against the backdrop of UNICEF's role within the United Nations and UNICEF's mandate and work around the world.

Further, the presentation will zoom in on the work of UNICEF Australia (where Sophie works as a Child Safeguarding Specialist), and spotlight Rotary and UNICEF Australia’s flagship 'Give Every Child a Future Program'. The Program, started in 2021 to mark the centenary of Rotary in Australasia, focuses on strengthening healthcare and saving lives of children and women in the Pacific'. 

(Sophie is also the mother of Rotary Exchange Student, Evie).

Photo: Musa Ajit via Pexels

Our guest speaker is Sophie Flynn, a lawyer with around 20 years' experience of working in international humanitarian programming and policy. Her presentation will focus on Rotary and UNICEF's strong partnership, against the backdrop of UNICEF's role within the United Nations and UNICEF's mandate and work around the world.

Sophie's presentation will zoom in on the work of UNICEF Australia, where she works as a Child Safeguarding Specialist, and spotlight Rotary and UNICEF Australia’s flagship 'Give Every Child a Future Program'. The Program, started in 2021 to mark the centenary of Rotary in Australasia, focuses on strengthening healthcare and saving lives of children and women in the Pacific.

Sophie is also the mother of our Rotary Exchange Student, Evie.

'A rollicking account of a little-known event that changed the course of Australian history. 
How a motley crew of merchant seaman walked 600 miles to save 7000 gallons of rum.
'When, in 1796, Calcutta-based Scottish merchants Campbell & Clark dispatched an Indian ship hurriedly to the colony of New South Wales, they were hoping to make their fortune. But when the Sydney Cove went down north of Van Diemen's Land, the cargo master and 16 other crew members were compelled to walk 600 miles to Sydney Town. 

The rum? Find out by listening to Adam. 
Adam Courtenay is a Sydney-based writer and financial journalist. He has had a long career in the UK and Australia, writing for papers such as the Financial Times, the Sunday Times, the SMH/Age  and for magazines including Forbes and Company Director. Adam has a love of Australian history and biography and has written six books, including The Ship That Never Was, The Ghost and the Bounty Hunter and Three Sheets to the Wind. 

Adam is the son of Australia's best-loved storyteller, Bryce Courtenay.

M.C. David Rush

Photo:  via Harper Collins

Guest Speaker: Adam Courtney

THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND...

'A rollicking account of a little-known event that changed the course of Australian history. 
How a motley crew of merchant seaman walked 600 miles to save 7000 gallons of rum.
'When, in 1796, Calcutta-based Scottish merchants Campbell & Clark dispatched an Indian ship hurriedly to the colony of New South Wales, they were hoping to make their fortune. But when the Sydney Cove went down north of Van Diemen's Land, the cargo master and 16 other crew members were compelled to walk 600 miles to Sydney Town. 

The rum? Find out by listening to Adam. 
Adam Courtenay is a Sydney-based writer and financial journalist. He has had a long career in the UK and Australia, writing for papers such as the Financial Times, the Sunday Times, the SMH/Age  and for magazines including Forbes and Company Director. Adam has a love of Australian history and biography and has written six books, including The Ship That Never Was, The Ghost and the Bounty Hunter and Three Sheets to the Wind. 

Adam is the son of Australia's best-loved storyteller, Bryce Courtenay. 

M.C. David Rush

M.C. David Rush 

Photo: Troy Mortier via Unsplash

The guest speaker for our Anzac themed lunch will be Dr Graham Pratt and the title of his presentation is From Gallipoli to Afghanistan - the continuing place of the Anzac legend in our nation. The initial focus will be on World War 1 and then a look at the role of our defence in many theatres of war and how the community reacts.

Dr Pratt ’s career started as a cadet cartographer and then he joined the army in 1957.  He was commissioned as a lieutenant serving as a specialist officer, served in Vietnam and retired in 1987 as lieutenant colonel. He has an honours degree in commerce and a Ph D. He has lectured at RMIT as an associate professor, published in local and international journals and in retirement has pursued his interest as a military historian.

In January of 2024, Mark participated in the Ride for Rotary motorcycle ride in India. It was the 8^th such event run by Rotary District 3181 and in total has generated US 150k for ARH.

46 participants (most on 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles) from 14 different countries rode from Udaipur in the NW down to Goa in the SW. A fantastic experience with motorcycling, dodging of tuk tuks, warm rotary hosting, fellowship with other participants and some real cultural engagement.

Mark, current president of Glenferrie club, has ridden motorcycles since the age of 10 when he bought for $10 a scooter from a mate who had given up getting it going. Other motorcycling adventures included rides in the USA and Mongolia.

M.C.: Noel Halford

Photo Credit: Fazail Ahmad via Pexels

Our guest speaker will be Mark Howlett, President of Rotary Glenferrie, who recently participated in the Ride for Rotary motorcycle trip in India. It was the 8th such event run by Rotary District 3181 and in total has generated US 150k for ARH.

46 participants (most on 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles) from 14 different countries rode from Udaipur in the NW down to Goa in the SW. A fantastic experience with motorcycling, dodging of tuk tuks, warm Rotary hosting, fellowship with other participants and some real cultural engagement.

Mark has ridden motorcycles since the age of 10 when he bought for $10 a scooter from a mate who had given up getting it going. Other motorcycling adventures have included rides in the USA and Mongolia.

Dennis Shore will also share some of his highlights from their recent trip to Nepal to attend the Katmandu District conference on behalf of Rotary International.

Member Behind The Badge talks are not to be missed!

This is your chance to hear from Peter England, his experiences, accomplishments and  insights.

M.C. Charlotte England

Our meeting next Tuesday will feature a Member Behind The Badge.

Member Behind The Badge talks are not to be missed!

This is your chance to hear from Peter England, his experiences, accomplishments and insights.

Neil Cole is a multi-award winning playwright and author has won the Aspire Award in 2017 from the Supreme Court of Victoria for his ground-breaking work on psychiatry in the theatre.

He’s also a former criminal lawyer, mental health advocate, former member of parliament and Alzheimer's researcher

M.C. Andrew Crockett

Our guest speaker next Tuesday will be Neil Cole, a multi-award winning playwright and author, who won the Aspire Award in 2017 from the Supreme Court of Victoria for his ground-breaking work on psychiatry in the theatre.

He’s also a former criminal lawyer, mental health advocate, former member of parliament and Alzheimer's researcher.

Neil’s latest book is titled: Trials and Tribulations In Community Law.

The Werribee Open Range Zoo, of over 200 hectares, is tucked away just outside Melbourne and offers a fascinating voyage into the animal world.  Zoos Victoria properties include Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park and Werribee Zoo. 

Jacinda assists in overseeing the whole natives team working with a variety of native Australian species, including - Tammar wallabies, koalas, orange bellied parrots, kangaroos, emus, tortoises and some reptiles.

She is is part of a team at Werribee Open Range Zoo that does incredible work with a very endangered species: the final remaining members of a genetic line that traces its origins to around 100 million years ago, when Australia was joined to Antarctica and South America.

M.C.: Pam Crockett

Photo Credit: Aris Cologon via Unsplash

Ashley is a past RYLA participant.

He is also a climate scientist and international development practitioner.

Through his work, he is acquainted with Leopoldina Guterres (known to Rotary Hawthorn) and the Baguia area of Timor Leste.

He will share his experiences and endeavours from the time he has spent in Timor Leste, inlcuding the geographic conditions and shed light on the challenging economic landscape of the region.

He’s been described as ‘a clearly an invested, enthusiastic, and capable young professional’ by Rotary.

M.C.:  Angela Taft

Photo: Ester Wijihastuti via Unsplash

Insights Into Timor Leste

Our guest speaker will be Ashley Siedlecki, who is a past RYLA participant. He is also a climate scientist and international development practitioner. Through his work, he is acquainted with Leopoldina Guterres (known to Rotary Hawthorn) and the Baguia area of Timor Leste.

He will share his experiences and endeavours from the time he has spent in Timor Leste, inlcuding the geographic conditions and shed light on the challenging economic landscape of the region. Ashleigh has been described by Rotary as ‘clearly an invested, enthusiastic and capable young professional’.

Members are reminded to bring along donations of non-perishable food items for the Camcare Winter Food Project. All goods need to be purchased new, unopened and within expiry dates. Specific items requested include canned fish, vegetables and fruit, along with pasta, pasta sauce, rice and cooking oil. Please see the full list of items in this week's Bulletin.

Our guest speaker will be George Petrou and his topic is 'The Art of Humanity'. George proudly presents his second art project, 'The Art of Humanity', which follows his previous work, 'The Art of Sacrifice'. 

'The Art of Humanity' delves into the concept of humanity, the spirit of generosity, and the act of caring for those in need. It features inspiring stories and portraits designed to move and motivate. The book showcases 40 portraits, accompanied by their remarkable stories.

Photo:  Matheus Bertelli via Pexels

COME ALONG TO OUR CLUB FORUM

moderated by President Dorothy and Vice President Doug

Do you sometimes think about ideas and different ways that might increase the success of Rotary Hawthorn? Well, you are not on your own. The very first meeting for the Rotary New Year on Tuesday 2 July will be in the format of a Forum to discuss, share, consider and for you to have your say.

Example of topics to be included: 

• Projects
• Membership
• Fundraising
• Special events
• Avenues of Service

Every member is important to Rotary Hawthorn and we need to hear from you and will value your opinion.

We encourage as many members as possible to attend and help us plan for the year ahead. If unable to attend, we will email you the Forum questions for you to complete and return to us.

Photo: Simon Berger via Pexels

John Perry

Next week's meeting will feature a Member Behind the Badge presentation by John Perry, who will tell us about his many and varied trips around the world.

Please note that Kooyong have advised that from 1st August members who wish to purchase a drink from the bar will need to pay by credit card as they are no longer accepting cash.

This is also a reminder for members to bring along donations of food to support the Camcare Winter Food Project. Items most requested by Camcare clients are canned fish, vegetables and fruit, pasta, rice, cooking oil, coffee, tea and hot chocolate, as well as spreads like peanut butter, jam, honey and vegemite.

Details via the Rotary Hawthorn Bulletin and direct emails.

M.C. : Tilak Dissanayake

Photo: provided by Bionics Institute 

Our guest speaker on Tuesday 30 July is Robert Klupacs, CEO of the Bionics Institute.

The Bionics Institute is an internationally recognised, independent medical research institute that solves medical challenges with technology. They lead the world in the research and development of innovative medical devices and therapies to improve human health, including Alzheimer’s disease, hearing impairment, Crohnʼs disease, chronic pain, Parkinsonʼs disease and arthritis. 

M.C.: David MacNamara 

Photo Credit: J Weeks 

Rotary Club of Hawthorn

Schedule of Club Meetings and Special Events

August to December 2024

Our guest speaker next week will be ROSS HEPBURN, CHAIR OF CRICKET VICTORIA.

Mr Hepburn has a long-standing association with Dandenong Cricket Club following a successful career in senior marketing and management roles in state and local government and small business. He was a consultant to former Victorian Premier, John Cain, on a number of key projects during his tenure.

Mr Hepburn is currently Chair of South East Community Links – a community universal service provider dedicated to achieving better social and economic outcomes for people in Melbourne’s south east.

Join Cheryl, Boroondara’s Home Library Service Librarian, to find out how you can make the most out of your library membership. Cheryl has been the Home Library Librarian at the Hawthorn branch of the Boroondara Library for 5 years and has held many roles throughout her career in public libraries.

She’ll be sharing her tips and tricks so that you can take full advantage of the library’s collection and services.

Cheryl will be sharing her expertise on things like accessing new releases; online newspapers, magazines, movies, documentaries; and how to get involved in volunteering.

Guest Speaker is Cheryl Walker.

Join Cheryl, Boroondara’s Home Library Service Librarian, to find out how you can make the most out of your library membership. Cheryl has been at Boroondara for 5 years and has held many roles throughout her career in public libraries. 

She’ll be sharing her tips and tricks so that you can take full advantage of the library’s collection and services. 

Cheryl will be sharing her expertise on things like accessing new releases; online newspapers, magazines, movies, documentaries; and how to get involved in volunteering.

Vasso is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences. 

'She is a world-renowned researcher who has been recognised with more than100 awards, including the Premier’s Award for Medical Research, Young Australian of the Year (Vic), Greek Australian of the Year, Woman of the Year was named one of the most successful Greeks abroad by the prestigious Times magazine. She was the first to develop a method of immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system in the early 1990s, which today is used by hundreds of labs around the world Vasso has applied several immunotherapies to other diseases including MS, diabetes,  Alzheimer’s’ disease. She is committed to driving her research and programs to help people age healthy. Vasso has recently moved to RMIT'.

M.C.:  Ian Bentley

Photo Credit: Chokniti Khongchum via Pexels 

Overview, Health and Biomedical Sciences, Immunotherapy

Speaker: Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos

Vasso is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences. 

'She is a world-renowned researcher who has been recognised with more than100 awards, including the Premier’s Award for Medical Research, Young Australian of the Year (Vic), Greek Australian of the Year, Woman of the Year was named one of the most successful Greeks abroad by the prestigious Times magazine. She was the first to develop a method of immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system in the early 1990s, which today is used by hundreds of labs around the world Vasso has applied several immunotherapies to other diseases including MS, diabetes,  Alzheimer’s’ disease. She is committed to driving her research and programs to help people age healthy. Vasso has recently moved to RMIT'.

M.C.:  Ian Bentley

Prof Clive May is from the Preclinical Critical Care Unit of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

Clive: 'His team have made a very important discovery, he first treatment that reverses the effects of sepsis, a condition that is the main cause of death in hospitals and accounts for 20% of world deaths.
This treatment is now being tested in a clinical trial'.

'Septic patients commonly suffer a range of complications that can cause cognitive impairment and disability'. (Florey Institute)

M.C. : Kevin Rose

Photo Credit: The Florey via Prof. Clive May