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President Neville Taylor opened the meeting by welcoming Rotarians and their guests, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land that the meeting was taking place and outlined the purpose of the Annual Paul Harris Breakfast. District Governor Bronwyn Stephens shared a personal story about how Rotary Foundation funds had funded the provision of clean water to a Cambodia village then proposed a toast to Rotary International. District Foundation Director Dennis Shore and Past District Governor Peter Frueh recognized the Rotary clubs of Balwyn, Camberwell, Central Melbourne, Melbourne, Melbourne South and Wyndham for each raising more than US$1,500 for the Rotary Foundation. Dennis outlined how Rotary Foundation funds were contributing to the EndPolio program, the developing of Peace Fellows to support local conflict resolution, providing clean water and health care. Guest Speaker – Air Chief Marshall Sir Angus Houston Secretary Koren Harvey formally introduced Sir Angus and highlighted his distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve Australia in leadership roles and a variety of roles in the community. Sir Angus shared the story of Sir Albert Coates to demonstrate how effective leadership can make a significant difference in challenging situations. Sir Albert Coates served in WW1 as a medical orderly in Gallipoli and France and later served as an intelligence officer. After returning to Australia, he studied at night to become a surgeon, eventually lecturing in anatomy at the University of Melbourne. At the outbreak of WW2, Coates volunteered to serve in Melaka and also served in Singapore before being evacuated to Dutch-controlled Java. After Java’s fall to the Japanese, Coates became a prisoner of war in Burma and Thailand. During this difficult period he saved many lives with his surgical skills, creating makeshift surgical equipment from whatever was at hand (he removed a burst appendix using a common razor blade). Working with Weary Dunlop in the Thailand camp, many credited their survival to his remarkable medical skills and his indomitable attitude in the service of others. At the conclusion of WW2, Coates was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his contribution to Australia in both wars. Coates was a key witness at the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal and the RSL delegate at the signing of the Peace Treaty. The people of Melbourne and Australia were the beneficiaries of his surgical skills, his knowledge and dedication to serving others in his subsequent post-war career. Drawing conclusions from Coates’ life of service and his own personal experiences, Sir Angus shared the following principles for effective leadership: Set a clear direction Develop the right culture Develop leadership at all levels of the organization Communicate, communicate, communicate Develop strong working relationships
Secretary Koren thanked Sir Angus and presented him with a gift. President Neville stated that the $5 EndPolio contribution made by 95 attendees, auction expertly ran by Bryan Cain and raffle drawn by Suzette Taylor had raised $8,032.50 for the Rotary Foundation. President Neville concluded the meeting by thanking Foundation Director Frank O’Brien and the organizing committee, our generous sponsors, Sir Angus Houston and all attendees for making the 26th Paul Harris breakfast a great success. |
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