Past President Neil Pinto was our guest speaker and he told us of a very interesting life, growing up in one culture and then migrating
to Australia.
Neil was born in 1958 in Mumbai (Bombay) in India. Religious affiliation was a feature of Indian life. The population of Mumbai was predominantly Hindu but Neil's was a Catholic Christian community. His family came originally from Goa near India. Goa was colonised and thus influenced by the very catholic Portuguese.
Neil described an idyllic boyhood. Large open areas in which to roam and indulge childhood fantasies and hunt with sling shots. Pinching fruit from neighbours trees was a favourite pastime. Living near a beach encouraged the young Neil to love water sports and today he loves fishing and boating.
The area where Neil lived in Mumbai as a boy is now sterile and overcrowded. There are thousands of cars and kids spend their time indoors playing video games. This is reflected worldwide and is now the story of Australia as well it seems.
Neil's Dad was the general manager of Brittania Bakeries, supplying bread to 20 million people. After coming to Australia to learn some new technologies, Neil's dad decided to move the whole family permanently to Australia to obtain greater educational opportunities for his three obviously bright sons.
In 1970 they made the move and were headed for Sydney but remained in Perth, at the behest of some friends. However, Perth was then a much smaller centre and there were not many job opportunities, so they moved to Melbourne.
Attending De La Salle College with his elder and younger brother who both became medical doctors, Neil opted for Dentistry. He completed his degree at Melbourne University and then joined the Air Force. Posted to Wagga and then Darwin and finally Wagga again, Neil bought a Dental Practice in 1987.
In 1995 he decided to study orthodontics, again at Melbourne University. He then spent six months in Chicago, experiencing the latest techniques and worked for 8 years part time at a cleft palate clinic in Melbourne.
Neil's othodontic practice in Fox St has been a good experience. With nine staff he has been able to cut his work load back to 2 and a half days per week.
In 1986, Neil married Nola. Their two daughters, Naomi and Nadia, have enjoyed a great life in Wagga. They have gone on to establish successful careers. Neil loves Wagga, particularly Rotary, Cycling and playing his trumpet in the Wagga Community Band. Initially reluctant to come here, Neil is so glad he did and has no intention of leaving.
Neil answered a number of questions from members and this very popular Member was given a round of applause by those present.