PDG Murray Verso will take on the role of End Polio Now Coordinator from 1 July 2022. A strong supporter of Rotary’s Foundation, Murray has served at Zone level as an Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator and is currently the Rotary Foundation Chair for District 9800. He is a Major Donor and member of The Rotary Foundation’s Bequest Society and Paul Harris Society. Murray is a member of the Rotary Club of Williamstown in Melbourne and was Governor for District 9800 in 2014-2015.

Professionally, Murray and his wife, Irene, are both retired medical practitioners. They worked for 36 years in their general practice in the seaside suburb of Williamstown. As the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Williamstown, Murray developed an interest in infectious diseases and the delivery of vaccinations to all age groups; an interest which stands him in good stead for his new position.

According to Murray he is looking forward to supporting Clubs as Rotary gets closer to its goal of a polio free world. “With the eradication of poliomyelitis now in sight, I hope to encourage every Club and individual Rotarian in the zone to contribute, so that they can take genuine pride in being part of this historic milestone” he said. “I am happy to speak at Club and District events and plan to produce a newsletter highlighting End Polio Now activities in Australia and New Zealand” he added.

Murray has very big shoes to fill, taking over the role of End Polio Now Coordinator from PDG Bob Aitken, whose five-year term concludes on 30 June 2022.  

Bob has been an enthusiastic and steadfast champion of Rotary’s polio eradication efforts at both Zone and international levels. He has used his journalistic background to keep polio eradication front of mind for Rotarians as well as the broader community. He spearheaded the campaign which saw the sails of the Sydney Opera House lit up with Rotary’s End Polio Now message and has actively championed and supported a range of national and District End Polio Now fundraising events. Bob has developed an excellent working relationship with Governors throughout the zone, due in no small part to his frequent and clear communication.

As he reflects on his time in the role, Bob is happy that Rotary’s Polio Eradication initiative continues to maintain broad interest and support. “I am happy that twenty years on, most Clubs and District leaders realise polio eradication is NOT complete and that Rotary still gives the campaign priority status” he said.