Every month, Probus Perth invites a speaker to address members on his or her particular field of expertise or endeavour. Below are summaries of talks given recently. Summaries of various earlier talks are to be found within the “Archives” section of the website.
Artificial Intelligence and How it Will Affect Us
Schellie Jayne Price February 2024
As the first lecture of the year, Schellie held us all spellbound and incredulous as she explained the world of Artificial Intelligence. Shellie is a lawyer as well as a lecturer at Murdoch University and has been the winner of Women in Technology. She had a very engaging manner and took us through examples of how quickly questions could be answered more thoroughly than on Google. In querying what is Quantum physics, she could request simpler and simpler answers until she could understand the explanation. Also, she could change the style of language used by the computer.
Chat GPT has opened up a lot of questions as to the ethics and morality of its use. Since its innovation further refinements keep happening and newer versions appear, and now it is up to Chat GPT 4. Schellie showed us examples of ChatGPT which could be used to help us. But she cautioned that in education, lecturers needed to form challenges that could not be answered purely by the student using ChatGPT.
Artificial Intelligence has divided many people. The Law has a lot of responsibility to foreshadow what society we want in the future. This involves how Artificial Intelligence will still be in the service of humans, not diminish creativity, will be safe and accountable and not jeopardise what it is to be human. A lot of questions to be answered.
It is virtually impossible to imagine what is in store in the next 20 years.
All mind boggling!
Thank you Schellie for a very enlightening and thought -provoking morning
Wendy McCallum
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Automated Systems and Data Collection
Ty Haberland March 2024
Ty is a lawyer working at Stirling Grose Lawyers and has a great interest in artificial intelligence and the implications for society and the law.
With new devices, programs and Apps appearing almost daily, society, ethics and law are struggling to keep up with what is happening. As an example, Ty showed himself giving a short speech in English. With the press of a button, he showed himself giving the same speech in French and as his grandmother was in the audience she could confirm that Ty knew no French. This deep-fake technology would, Ty thought, be used in the coming USA elections and reach all voters. How does one know if the images one is seeing are genuine or robot generated? A mobile phone has greater processing and storage capacity than previous computers which took up a whole room.
Much AI research is being devoted to making computers act like humans. Many individuals have heard of Chat GPT which has provided a means for humans to become ‘lazy’ by accessing information and then presenting it as their own with very little effort. The popularity of iPhones has grown exponentially. In 2005 in an audience you would not have seen a phone, whereas by 2013 virtually everyone would have had one. It has become quite scary as to what computer programs can do. With little instruction, videos, letters, Powerpoint lectures etc can be generated. What has become an issue is that a lot of users are not really aware of what the program is doing. The problem then arises for those who have not had to think and organise for themselves to recognise when the output is not correct! Are we dumbing down the population?
However, all is not bad. Tutoring students can become more personalised. The program can be like a best friend and use language and examples that can be more relevant for that student, thus helping the student to become competent in what he is interested in. Creativity can be fostered.
In Industry artificial intelligence can be used to initiate any ideas and correspondence. This can be used as a starting point that can then be developed. If used responsibly these programs can be of great assistance in the work place. The output can increase greatly if the user knows how to use it. In the modern world everything has to be done immediately. Those in decision-making jobs are constantly in communication via their smart phone. There’s no time to sit and ponder over answers and this is where computer generated algorithms assist in instant responses
Artificial intelligence is making its way into just about everything. For example in washing machines to monitor if the machine is being used the most efficient way. Even in the law in America, judges have been freed to use Chat GPT to weigh up evidence and make a decision.
It certainly is ‘A Brave New World’, way beyond how most of the audience grew up!
Amazing but also frightening! Where will it all end?
A very thought-provoking talk from Ty.
Wendy McCallum
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Estate Planning
Andrew Marshall April 2024
Andrew Marshall, a deceased estate specialist, addressed the members on how important it is to have their will legally written. He explained that there were many pitfalls that he had seen over the years and the end result was the money did not end up going where the deceased person had intended.
Wills should be kept up to date, have reliable executors, be signed legally and be kept where they can be found once someone is deceased.
He explained how the Enduring Power of Attorney was only for financial affairs and was no longer relevant once the person had died.
The Enduring Power of Guardianship related to personal healthcare and lifestyle and only became relevant if the person lost their mental faculty.
The members found his talk most interesting and many went home to check on their wills!
Wendy McCallum
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Experiences!
Geoffrey Thomas May 2024
Geoffrey again proved to be a very entertaining speaker. He began by showing the first model aeroplane he has treasured since childhood. His fascination with planes began at a very early age and he reminisced about being taken to the airport to watch planes landing and taking off.
This has led to a life totally absorbed by planes. He recounted many trips he had made by himself and with his family. One particular trip that that he wanted to involved a luxury trip to Europe and other exotic places, all provided in first class by the airline. He was very excited until his wife pointed out it would be his son’s birthday – family won, but he has never forgotten!
He spoke of his flight on the Concorde, feeling like you were in a rocket and he also told of how that felt to be going faster than the speed of sound. Luxury was the standard for all food, drinks, service etc. He was sorry the service had ended.
He admired Alan Joyce of Qantas and thought Alan had saved the airline during Covid. But despite this it didn’t prevented Geoffrey from being critical of the airline. This criticism resulted in him being banned from Qantas. However, he still kept up his contacts and related how he had saved Qantas millions of dollars and avoidance of court cases due to his diligence and collection of airline records. This was due to an advertisement where Qantas had claimed to be the safest airline and was being sued by other airlines. Due to Geoffrey’s input, Qantas won the case.
Members were kept amused by many the many incidents he had encountered at airports – brought back similar memories of frustrations and hick-ups for fellow travellers.
He finished by referring to the Malaysian Airline MH7 that disappeared over the Indian Ocean. A new plan has been drawn up by an airline enthusiast who has studied all records of contact of the flight by various agencies. An area has been pinpointed that is just outside the areas previously searched. Geoffrey told us that the Malaysian Government had agreed to the new search and it will take place later this year. There are high hopes that the plane will finally be found and thus help to solve the mystery of its disappearance.
On the 40th birthday of Probus Perth, Geoffrey proved to be an entertaining, informative and enjoyable speaker.
Wendy McCallum
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Electric Vehicles
Ant Day June 2024
Ant has been enthusiastic about electric vehicles since the was little. He grew up in South Africa and has a degree in Electrical Engineering and another in Computer Science. He came to Australia in 1999 and works in Perth as a software developer for the RAC. He is a member of the Australian Electric Vehicles Association which was founded in 1973.
Electric vehicles involve cars, scooters, bikes, boats and planes. Ant concentrated his talk on cars. But he did say that electric planes running cost is 1/3 of the normal price of those using Avgas or Jet fuel.
Each year there is a showcase to demonstrate the latest in electric vehicles. Technology is always evolving and there have been great strides in the improvement of batteries and thus the distance that can be covered before having to recharge. Of new car sales, electric ones are now 10% – 11%. It is predicted that they will be more that 50% by 2027.
Batteries can be charged at home using the AC normal plug, but this will take longer than the DC charger found in shopping centres, garages etc. Many recharging stations have been installed throughout Australia. It is possible to recharge every 250 – 300 km on the main highways. He said 14 minutes charging would give enough power to reach the next charging station. Early batteries were lead, acidic with low storage, whereas now they are lithium/ nickel and give mush more power. Greenbushes in WA is supplying 21% of the world’s lithium.
Ant went on to demystify and counteract some of the anti EV statements that have been made in the press. He explained these were often from companies heavily invested in petrol cars. He said statistics showed that electric cars were 16% less likely to burst into flames than petrol cars. Car batteries were not those that were causing house fires. Running costs are a fraction of a conventional car. Servicing is not required for the engine. The only costs are for things like new tyres, windscreen wipers etc. So for the owner it is a huge saving on a conventional car. Initial cost is greater at present but costs are always coming down. The cheapest car at present is $34000. Thus second hand sales are not really viable. A new car would be the same price as what you would want for your second hand car.
When questioned about hybrid cars, Ant indicated that they were good 10 years ago, but now it is better to buy a purely electric one.
On hydrogen as a fuel, Ant said it would never be used for passenger vehicles He said hydrogen was twice as inefficient as electric but there was a possibility for its use in freight vehicles.
He indicated that in future he could see some taxes being introduced on EVs because at present there are no petrol costs and no excise payments so there is no contribution for the up keep of the roads.
It was a very informative and interesting talk and prompted much discussion on the future of cars.
Wendy McCallum
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Therapy and Guide Dogs
Claire and Mike Webb July 2024
What a delightful morning we had with Leo the Labrador with his owners Claire and Mike learning about therapy dogs. Bill another Labrador was to have come, but unfortunately passed away earlier in the week. Claire told us lots of stories about him and what a wonderful therapy dog he had been.
Claire was most informative and took us through all the ways we use dogs: for companionship, for work, for drug surveillance, police assistance, drug detection, search and rescue and assistance.
Assistance Dogs
These accompany their owners in visiting nursing homes, nursery schools, hospitals etc.
Claire explained that the Association of Animal Companions started in 2002 with 9 volunteers and their dogs. Today there are 122 volunteers of varying ages and backgrounds as well as a wide range of breed of dogs.
These dogs are all pets who are not specifically trained. However, there is a selection process for both handlers and dogs. Dogs must have a veterinary health check, be responsive to commands and then be trialled with visits. Owners must attend a seminar and an orientation course. Once assessed as reliable, visits start and may be weekly, or however it is deemed to be appropriate.
The programme has been very successful and there are a lot of places wanting therapy dogs to visit as the benefits to people have been proved. These are: Physical (a person who rarely moved got up to pat the dog), Emotional (others who seldom came out of their room came out to join in time with the dog) emotional (laughing and patting the dog), cognition (remembering the dog’s and the owner’s names).
Claire was delighted that the Association had received the RSPCA award. UWA had nominated them and they had received silver for their service to the community.
Guide Dogs
Claire then informed us that WA was the first to have a Guide dog for the blind. Professor Arnold Cook had brought one back with him from London in 1953. He had then set about getting dogs trained here and in 1981 Perth was the first place in Australia to train guide dogs. Subsequently training went to Melbourne, but dogs are now once again trained here. It costs around $50 000 for training each dog and most of this money is raised by donations.
We were reminded that if the dog had its harness on, then it was working and should not be distracted. When not in harness the dog can play and be interacted with like any other pet.
Claire went through the very intense training that these animals undergo. Depending on the requirements they are trained to cope with traffic and busy roads, to travel in all types of transport, cope with crowds in shopping centres, be obedient in restaurants, appointments etc. Some are needed to push buttons, open doors and provide support for their owners in whatever way is needed.
It was amazing to learn of all the different things the dogs are trained to do.
Finally Mike took Bill through some of his tricks, much to the delight of the audience.
It was a most informative and enjoyable morning.
Wendy McCallum
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FOOD SECURITY
Trevor Wittington August 2024
Trevor is the CEO of WA Farmers and has a wealth of information about the position and problems being faced by WA farmers. Trevor has great experience, having grown up on a farm in Corrigin, and having been the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Agriculture. Trevor was an excellent speaker, knowing all the dates and facts and background information to this longstanding debate on live animal exports.
Trevor gave us background to the present situation. He explained how the RSPCA had been formed in 1764 as a result of a cattle ship travelling from USA to the UK which had encountered a storm causing severe injury to the animals.
In Australia our first live export of cattle 150 years ago was to the Philippines. Early in the 1960s sheep were sent to the Middle East. In those days most farms were half and half of wheat and sheep. The first ships were converted carriers but in recent years they have been purpose built with all mod cons and air conditioning. Regulations came in during the 60s and 70s but like everything, occasionally things went wrong. Other countries had entered the trade and so competition was strong. However, there was no payment for dead animals so it was very important to ensure as many as possible arrived in good condition. Cultural practice meant that it was important to have a live animal to slaughter. Frozen or chilled meat is not acceptable.
Meanwhile farmers were struggling to get farm workers as the mining industry was far more lucrative for casual workers, Synthetics are more popular and wool prices have dropped so farmers ran fewer sheep. Hence the live trade also dropped. From a peak of around 38 million sheep, there are now 12+ million. The live trade has very stringent rules and conditions and is an essential livelihood for some farmers. The decision to ban all sheep trade from 2025 will be devastating for those families and also for our farming communities. Sheep are used to control weeds rather than use herbicides. Country towns are already struggling and this will be the death knell for some. The question was raised as to who would purchase these farms. Some suggested it would be the Chinese who would see a great bargain.
In contrast the live cattle trade ran into problems with a shipment to Indonesia. This resulted in a 3 month ban, which was quickly rescinded. Politics play a big part. The cattle stations are a very important employer for Aborigines and without the trade there would be no work for them. This would reflect badly on the government and hence there is no plans to ban the live cattle export.
It was very sobering and quite depressing to realise all that is at stake with political decisions being taken because of pressure groups.
Wendy McCallum
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Red Cross and Services Supplied
Simon Allan September 2024
Simon is the Senior Officer ofAged Care Business Development WA. He began his talk by giving background about how the Red Cross was founded. Henry Dunant a Swiss National was appalled when he witnessed the horrific wounds inflicted on both the Austrian and Italian soldiers during the Battle of Solferino. He began lobbying and eventually founded the Red Cross. This had an inverted Swiss flag as its symbol. Members were to be volunteer helpers who were impartial and who would treat any of the wounded. Following the establishment of the Society he was then instrumental in the setting up of the Geneva Convention.
The Society was then founded in many parts of the world and depending upon religious views the symbol and name remained the Red Cross or became the Red Crescent or the Red Crystal.
The Red Cross was founded in Australia in 1914 following the outbreak of WW1. It’s ideals followed the original ones with, Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality and Voluntary The work covers many areas in the community. The best known is for collection of and donation of blood. Breast milk is also collected and donated. This section of Red Cross operates separately from other areas.
People in nursing homes are given help to wade through all the government documents. Others with stress and mental problems are able to chat with volunteer visitors.
First Aid courses are run for students and the general community. Volunteers help with driving patients, visiting lonely people in homes, having long chats on the phone, or doing quick calls each day to check on those living alone.
In some areas the Red Cross runs soup kitchens or supplies meals for those living on the streets or in dire circumstances.
Funding is by donations, some government grants and the profit from running the Red Cross second hand shops.
Simon indicated that Red Cross is always looking for volunteers in all areas and would welcome any members who had some time and would like to help.
Wendy McCallum
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‘Plus Life’ (Perth and Bone Tissue Bank.Inc)
Nadine Liechti October 2024
Plus Life is a voluntary organisation founded in Perth in 1992. For 32 years it has been helping in many life changing events. It is a not for profit organisation so relies heavily on government grants and donations. It began at Hollywood Hospital but now has its own purpose built building in Nedlands where tissue is stored at -80 degrees. It collects, screens, stores and distributes donated human bone and tissue grafts for transplant purposes.
When a person is having a hip replacement they are asked if they would like to donate the excised femoral head bone. Following many tests this bone is then treated and prepared – this takes up to 12 months for the release of the allograph. These finely and coarsely milled bone allographs are used in spine, hip joints and bone cancer operations. They provide a scaffold for new bone to form. Bone graft procedures are common, second only to blood transfusions. So far in Perth there has been 18,900 donors and 15,700 recipients with 26,500 allographs implanted.
Nadine explained the very vigorous and detailed examination that takes place before a donor is accepted. Once accepted there is very thorough and continuous examination of the donated bone to ensure that all is sterile and meets the toughest standard to be available for implant. There is no need for tissue matching and there is continuous demand from surgeons. There is no cost to the patient. Due to all needed requirements there are many potential donors that are not suitable and have to be rejected.
Nadine then had a video of two patients who had been recipients of allographs following cysts and cancer in their femurs. Both had recovered and were leading very active lives, due to the dedication and expertise of those running Plus Life Organisation.
A most worthy cause.
Members were very interested and impressed about this process which many knew nothing about and which provides such a valuable service in the community.
Wendy McCallum
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Sustainable Population Australia
Peter Strachan, November 2024
Peter discussed the growth in population over recent years. In 1974 it was 13 million when Gough Whitlam when Prime Minister quoted that 15 million was the ideal maximum for sustainability. Now it is 26.6 Million.
Sustainable Population of Australia was formed to educate the public on the problem of uncontrolled population growth and the problems it would bring.
Senator Pockock has advocated “Say No to Big Australia. Don’t let the developers decide our future.”
Many influential people are part of this group, but there are also many who are only self interested and not able to appreciate the message of Sustainable Australia.
It is obvious that the Earth is a fragile planet, with limited resources. If the population continues to increase as it has been in the past few decades, we will soon exhaust all minerals and coal and food supplies will very quickly be depleted.
Some countries are taking more than their fair share of commodities. For example, in the North Sea the Cod Fishing Industry has collapsed because of overfishing and the stock was not able to be replenished. Animals like guerillas now only number 230,000 whereas there is that number of humans born each day.
Peter is part of a group who are keen to get this message out to hopefully make people not have large families and to take note of what they consume and try to keep a sustainable Earth. He is not advocating legislation – the Chinese one child policy showed that did not work as many male babies were born and mysteriously not many females – so now there are very few females of marriageable age.
It was a very thought provoking talk and Peter provide us with facts and figures to illustrate that if we do not change our ways, Earth is heading for unsustainablility.
Wendy McCallum
The Probus Club of Perth Inc. 