REVIEW: Vienna Pops Orchestra’s NYE Gala opens era at Winthrop Hall
David Cusworth | The West Australian
Vienna Pops Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve Gala saluted the past with a glimpse of the future, moving to UWA as Winthrop Hall replaces Perth Concert Hall during three years of renovations. Musicians warming up in the undercroft, ice-cream on the lawns and drinks under the portico were a taste of things to come, but the formula on stage was constant with Mark Coughlan conducting and Strauss to top and tail the bill.
Let us all get in the festive mood and start the count down. As we prepare to ring in the new year, I want you all to spend time with your family and keep thinking of the great work we do as a community leader. The year has been a great success on many fronts, and I am sure we will keep building on it in the new year. I personally would like to thank you for your support and contribution.
The countdown has begun – just 6 weeks to Christmas! I hope everyone is starting to get excited and kicking into planning mode for the season ahead. Whether it’s organizing the Christmas party or starting on those gift lists for family and friends, now’s the time to get it all sorted. Remember, Black Friday sales are starting on 25th Nov (and some online stores have already started early!), so start making your lists and jump on the sales as soon as the boards go up.
Rotary WA’s Give a Feed campaign is a strategic, targeted, vocational and community service initiative, intended to bring new business and community contacts (and ‘new money’) in touch with local Rotary programs and local clubs, by raising awareness of what Rotary can do when working together for the greater good. You can find out more on this initiative at www.giveafeed.com.au or by following our Facebook updates at @RotaryOutWest, @HeirissonRotary or @GiveaFeed.
Thanks to a generous donation from one of our members’ employer, 25 laptops have been provided to three schools in Machakos County, Kenya—Misuuni, Miumbuni, and Kwale.
Get ready to be dazzled by the stars of the night at this year's spectacular New Year’s Eve Gala Concerts. Please go to ticketsWA to get your tickets for either the Afternoon Matinee or Evening Gala
Perth Rotary Members volunteer to help raise funds for further research into Childhood Brain Cancer at the annual Pirate Ship Foundation Backyard Cricket Match held at the Bailey Brewing Co, Henley Brook on Saturday 2 November 2024.
President Manu and the Board of Directors of Perth Rotary Club are very pleased to welcome Reflections on board as a Corporate Member of the Perth Rotary Club.
Last Monday, 21 October 2024 was Mesothelioma Awareness Day. This is one of the most important reasons Perth Rotary Corporate Member, Reflections exists, to support people diagnosed with mesothelioma, and the people who care for them.
Members are asked to reflect and perhaps send a message of support to anyone you know who is dealing with mesothelioma or has lost someone to this tragic disease.
As we prepare to celebrate Diwali – Festival of lights around the world, I am really looking forward to the celebration this year with the members of Perth Rotary on Friday, 1st November 2024. I will be attending the lunch with my family and hope I get to celebrate it with lots of members of my Rotary family.
This year we’re bringing the same magical experience you know and love to the Winthrop Hall, while Perth Concert Hall undergoes renovations. Join us for an unforgettable night of music, celebration, and joy as we ring in the New Year in style!
Choose from the Matinee Family Concert or the Evening Gala Concert and treat yourself to a night to remember
The proceeds of this year’s raffle will once again assist The Salvation Army in providing urgent care and long term support to people experiencing hardship and disadvantage.
The prize entitles the winner to a double pass to one performance of each concert at RAC Arena for 12 months, commencing on 1st January 2025 and ending on 31st December 2025.
What more could you ask for!
Ticket sales close on 12 November, so be quick to buy your tickets!
Rui Fernandes with the winner, Welisarage Fernando
On 5th September, Perth Rotary hosted this event at ANZAC House in the city. Organised by Perth Rotary and the Four Way Test Speaking Contest District Committee 2024, the event was a huge success. The 85 attendees enjoyed the evening and the venue, filling the room with a lot of fellowship and warmth on that cold night.
I write to give you a quick snapshot of a few of the ongoing youth activities in our club:
Firstly, Rotary Western Australia will receive 24 young and talented international Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students this year. I am proud to announce that our club will host a student from the metropolis of Taipei in Taiwan.
Malaria, although not common in Australia, is a significant threat to human health and life globally. Supported by Perth Rotary, Honours Student Sergiu Lospa has started his Honours project on the K. senegalensis and antimalaria research project at Curtin University. He will visit Perth Rotary to share his progress later this year.
Read more from Sergiu about this project, that will make a difference to many lives.
We should all be very proud of the resounding success of our Kimberley Dental Team (KDT) visits in 2023. In a notable change for 2024, as we transition towards retirement, we have one combined busy trip of 4 clinical weeks planned in May.
What time is it?! Newsletter time... (not 'game time' - reference for those that have watched the Last Dance)... now, where was I, newsletter time.
How are You! I hope doing well. Easter is around the corner, a lovely time to slow down from our fast paced lives and enjoy the Easter Break for what it means to you.
I woke up this morning feeling extremely positive, the sun is shining, I, along with my fellow Perth Rotary board members had a productive board meeting last night, successful client meetings yesterday, tasty dinner waiting for me last night when I got home after board meeting, great run into work this morning with little traffic - gee, does it get any better :)
Congrats to Kym, our Concert Superpass charity raffle winner Kym will receive a double pass to each concert at the arena in 2024 PLUS a $1000 food and bev voucher
Thanks to the generosity of West Australians, the raffle raised just over $56,000 for our long-time community partner, The Salvation Army WA. This amount equates to assisting over 2,000 people struggling through the cost-of-living crisis with emergency support.
The proceeds of this year’s raffle will assist The Salvation Army in providing urgent care and long term support to people experiencing hardship and disadvantage.
The prize entitles the winner to a double pass to one performance of each concert at RAC Arena for 12 months, commencing on 1st January 2024 and ending on 31st December 2024. The prize also includes a $1000 food and beverage voucher.
What more could you ask for!
Ticket sales close on 11 December, so be quick to buy your tickets!
Rotary Western Australia Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) team delivered yet another excellent two-part leadership development program this October. This is the first RLI Training Program held in Western Australia after two Rotary Districts in Western Australia were combined into one big new District 9423 on 1st July 2023.
Come meet Addheka who survived Killings Fields of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge as a teenager separated from the rest of her family, working and living in horrific conditions. Yet she went on to become an important contributor to the restoration of the people of Phnom Penh.
It's that time of the year again! Let's get ready to farewell 2023 and usher in 2024 with friends at the Vienna Pops New Year's Eve Concert! For a VIP experience, email viennapops@rotaryperth.org.au
"I extend an invitation to members across Western Australia to participate in the Rotary Leadership Institute Training. It is a great opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills and learn more about Rotary with likeminded people."
New data has revealed a 25 per cent increase in the number of deaths from prostate cancer in Australia since 2007, prompting calls for greater awareness of the disease.
Where do I begin? I know where, thanking Helen and Jeff Leach for hosting yet another Bon Fire event at their farm. 70+ in attendance, a beautiful calm night filled with joy. Long table set out where people sat and enjoyed their dinner looking out to the pasture, fire pit at the front of the residence creating a relaxing ambiance.
Perth Rotary Member Rui Fernandes has delivered on his wish to share Indian cuisine with some of his fellow members on Saturday 12th August. Supported by President Elect Manu Gupta, Rui not only organised a magnificent Indian tapas brunch at the Glassy Junction in Perth CBD. He also arranged for a Glaucoma Australia presentation on the effects of glaucoma, especially for older people.
Once again, Jeff and Helen Leach opened their farm gates for their annual bonfire evening on 19th August, inviting Rotarians and families and friends to join them. The weather was perfect. The fellowship and dancing were fantastic. The bonfire was magnificent. See for yourself in the photos below!
Creating Hope in the World is our theme this Rotary year.
At our first ever Rotary Western Australia District Cluster meeting on 17th August, our district governor Ineke Oliver inspired us to create hope in the world as we work together. We heard from the President of each of the Rotary Clubs in our cluster - Karrinyup, Beaufort, Elizabeth Quay, Perth City East, Perth - as they gave a quick brief of their latest projects.
How is it already August? Only two weeks to go till Spring! Is it too early to start asking what your plans are for Christmas?!
I hope this newsletter finds you well. It has been an exciting couple of weeks in Perth Rotary. On Friday 4 August, Perth Rotary hosted its 4 Way speaking contest. Three amazing year 10 students presented their speech in the allotted 6 minute time frame. The winner, Alfred Keane from St George's Anglican Grammar School, went on to compete in the district semi finals this week and won. A great lunch well attended, thank you to all that came along and filled the room and were a part of the great atmosphere.
Perth Rotary’s 95th President, Linken Fragomeli, was raised on the grazing lands of Mount Barker and Albany and wants to inject that passion for growth and community spirit into his new role.
Linken was sworn in as President last week at a gala dinner at the Claremont Sailing Club attended by more than 200 members.
Welcome to my third newsletter where I (with a smile) share a brief note on the arrival of Marlena, our 23/24 exchange student. Covid-19 introduced a new vocabulary to us, we began talking about the 'new normal', Zoom meetings were being locked in calendars at every chance. The acronym 'WFH' was set in stone. The ATO (a pre-existing acronym) even jumped on board with regard to a deduction for home expenses, 'WFH rate'. We saw Covid-19 stop international travel, Rotary exchange as we knew it, sadly came to a grinding halt. But that was then, we are now in the 2023/24 Rotary year and Rotary exchange is back on!
Anzac House, Veteran Central, Perth home of the RSL, was the perfect venue to listen to the brave exploits of a squadron of 20 Australian Spitfire Pilots during WW2.
The Hon. Peter Dowding SC. Dr. David Leith. President Linken Fragomeli.
Greetings from the Rotary Cub of Perth……….Scotland!!!
I have just taken on the Presidents role and was delighted to receive a copy of your newsletter this week. It's great to see your club thriving and having a busy schedule. I thought you might be interested in our monthly newsletter put together by our club secretary Shelagh.
Pass on our regards to President Linken and all club members.
Welcome to my second newsletter, where I focus on members coming together and building the momentum that our great club has such a history of achieving.
Did you know that our new Rotary International President, Gordon McInally, is passionate about mental health? His three initiatives are creating hope in the world for people challenged in this way. Read on for how our club can help.
KDT Update May Trip 2023We have not long returned from an excellent 4-week KDT May Kimberley trip. Preparations are now well in hand for our return to the region on the 22nd July for one week.
On 1 July 2023, the two Rotary Districts in WA will merge to become one (District 9423) and will be known as Rotary Western Australia. We invite you to join with us in celebrating Rotary Western Australia!
Perth Rotary’s traditional Chinese New Year lunch this year focussed on ways in which WA could build a stronger economy by improving entrepreneurship with Asia.
Cambodia Family Support (CFS) is a registered Cambodian non-profit organisation, founded in 2008.
The organisation is run by Cambodians for Cambodians. It works among the rural poor in Battambang province, and more recently, Pailin province, using a holistic approach to poverty reduction.
These students are inspiring and of great benefit with their involvement as interns and volunteers to the Path of Hope project. Well Done Jessica & Blake & the POH Team!
Tens of thousands of West Australian families will struggle to put food on the table this Christmas.
Hunger is a growing crisis in Western Australia with at least half a million people struggling to afford enough food to eat in the past year. Sadly more than 100,000 are children.
In 2022 Give A Feed has set a goal of providing 3,000 Give A Feed Christmas Hampers to West Australian families in need so they can celebrate Christmas and not go hungry
ShelterBox and Rotary International are official partners in disaster relief.
On Friday 9th December, ahead of this year's World Human Rights Day, you can support this vital partnership by taking part in the ShelterBox Giving Day District Challenge.
The money raised will provide meals for those who are homeless, crisis bed use, and food provisions for the breakfast meal program run by The Salvation Army.
Rotarians are invited to a FREE workshop and training day, Saturday 15 October - 9.30am - 3pm at the John McGrath Hall, 97 Hensman St, South Perth. Learn more about starting a Rotary Project through RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service). For more information please email comms.western@rawcs.org.au
Join a collection of WA’s internationally celebrated artists and local rising stars together with Musical Director Mark Coughlan and the Vienna Pops Orchestra this New Year’s Eve.
Join a collection of WA’s internationally celebrated artists and local rising stars together with Musical Director Mark Coughlan and the Vienna Pops Orchestra this New Year’s Eve.
“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent of a species that survives…. It is the one most adaptable to change”. This is a quote from a chap by the name of Charles Darwin – it is one of my favourite quotes.
We have recently completed our second KDT Kimberley trip for 2022 and are delighted to report that we were able to provide a dental service in the towns of Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing as well as visiting 5 communities detailed below.
The first team for July/August trips started from sunny Broome on Sunday the 24th July
In August 2022, parts of Pakistan received almost 3 times their national average rainfall. Over 33 million people affected (15% of population) with almost 1,500 killed.
Our Priorities:
To help people survive.
To prevent the spread of disease.
Deliver HOPE. The fire of resilience is powered by HOPE.
Your donation can help make a difference in saving lives and giving the survivors a chance to rebuild.
June Oscar AO, began her speech for the 2022 Sir Wallace Kyle Oration at the University of Western Australia with the reference to Service above Self and how we can all contribute to the community to improve our society. This relates straight to the heart of all that Rotary stands for and will resonate strongly with Rotarians and how we conduct ourselves.
June conveyed the important message that “We all need to find and use our voice together to be caring and equitable for a sustainable future”
I would like to offer my special thanks to the many Perth Rotary Club members who have offered support to the board and I over the past couple of months.
A few notable notes will follow:
We have been transitioning to a new Rotary Year and things are settling down. We are looking ahead for the coming year with many of our regular events and fundraising activities coming up.
We will have a few decisions to make at the Club Assembly on September 30th – please come along. The Friday lunch meeting will take a different format and will be a facilitated planning session.
District Governor, Ineke Oliver will be attending and has been a huge support to us all – for several months.
We will continue to hold our regular Friday meetings at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel. On behalf of the board, I would like to offer sincere acknowledgement to the Hawaiian Group for their support
On behalf of the Board and Members we all congratulate Isabella Marchesanion winning First Place in the District 4 Way Speaking Competition - last weekend. Isabella will now represent our Club and District 9455 in the State Finals to be held Thursday 8 September and hosted by the Crawley Rotary Club at the UWA Club. All Perth Rotary Members are encouraged to come along and support Isabella. Tickets can be purchased on line - www.trybooking.com/CBBRA Please purchase asap. Congratulations once again Isabella and also Perth Rotary Members Manu Gupta and Rebecca Tolstoy who gave of their time to support the students.
On behalf of the Board and Members of Perth Rotary, we extend our sincere sympathy, prayers and love to two of our Rotary Families who have experienced loss this past week.
PRID Dr Ken Collins, AM CStJ CitWA has been an outstanding example of 'Service Above Self ' and has upheld the very essence of what it is to be a Rotarian. Vale Dr Ken, our thoughts are with his wife Diane, Family members and the Rotarians of Freshwater Bay Rotary Club. Please see below for details of how you may honour Dr Ken's memory.
We also extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to DG Ineke Oliver who is currently inter-state with family after the sudden passing of her brother Ray. RIP.
Congratulations to Isabella Marchesani, Mercedes College who spoke on the topic of "Challenging Stereotypes" and won the Perth Rotary Club 4 Way Speaking Competition Heat. All three Colleges were well represented with passionate; well researched and intelligent arguments for their respective topics. Congratulations to Runner-Up, Linus Miller, St Georges Anglican College, who spoke about the "Power of a Good Book" and Harshil Khoosal, Ashdale Secondary College who's topic was "Teenage Stereotypes"
We wish Isabella all the very best as she represents our club at the District Finals to be held Saturday, 13 August. Members are encouraged to attend in support of Isabella and can book on line - www.trybooking.com/CAYUM . Thank you to Rotarians Wesley Sim; Kim Hurley and Manu Gupta who worked hard to ensure that all was in place and ran smoothly on the day.
This week we look forward to hosting our Club heat of the 4 Way Speaking Contest. For the first time we have three schools represented competing against each other to represent our club at the District Finals. We look forward to hearing from
St George’s Grammar School: Linus Miller (Topic: The Power of a Good Book)
Help us to raise funds to provide clean, potable drinking water for over 100 orphaned school children in Ndola, Zambia. We have 30 tables of 8 available for $160 per table.
Welcome to another incredible week for Perth Rotary and all Rotarians around the globe. This week we look forward to inducting our first new member for the 2022/23 Rotary Year, Susie Staton. More details about Susie below.
Please join us 5.30pm Thursday evening at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel to welcome Susie and hear from:
Past President Stephen Inouye; President Elect Linken Fragomeli and Chair of Rotary Means Business Marty Graham
as Perth Rotary puts the "Spotlight" on these esteemed members. An evening not to be missed. It promises to be entertaining; enlightening and inspiring.
Welcome to the 2022/23 Rotary Year when we are asked to "Imagine Rotary". What does Our Club look like to you? How do you "Imagine" Rotary impacts your family; your community; our world?
We have not long returned from an excellent 3-week KDT May Kimberley trip. Preparations are now well in hand for our return to the region on the 22nd July for three weeks.
Easter approaches, and once again we’re invited to think about life and death. What is it to be alive? It’s not just a theological question. It’s a question that affects how we tackle each day. It’s also a question that affects our Club.
What is to be alive? I guess we could say that, on the surface, a successful Club is one where the members are satisfied and the accounts balance. Everything flows smoothly. No waves. No anxiety. Universal contentment. And we have our four fundamental principles as our strength and stay: ‘Is it the truth? Is it fair? does it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned?’
I’d like to emphasise the importance for us to do all we can to attend our Friday lunchtime meetings. Of course there is Rotary Means Business and the occasional Thursday early evening occasion. However, our Friday meetings remain at the heart of our Club’s life.
This week our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Ukraine – with those who have fled their homes; with those who have nowhere to turn for security; with those who have remained and are facing destruction and possible death; with those who are determined to resist the invasion of their homeland by force of arms.
Two weeks ago we had our first lunch meeting of the year at the Duxton Hotel with a celebration of Chinese New Year. And what a celebration it was! Everything was themed – the décor, the menu, the ambiance, the topic, the Sergeant. Nan set the ball rolling with her usual Hollywood aplomb, Sandy Chong gave a superb presentation of the cultural and political factors influencing business relationships with our regional neighbors, and the intensity of the occasion was captured by our ace paparazzi Wesley Sim. Our sublime journalist Barry Thornton, who could have made a healthy living during the Watergate saga of the 70s, but is best remembered for his cricketing fame, made sure a vivid account was front and centre of the Perth Post, Chinese Community Newspaper, and Jeff Leach excelled even himself with a range of fines as broad as the Seven Seas.
Wishing all our Members & Friends of the Perth Rotary Club a Blessed Christmas and Joyful New Year. Please enjoy the holiday period, take the time to rest and relax ready to come back stronger, more energetic and enthusiastic for all things Rotary in 2022.
Please read below for events and booking links. Please book into our events as soon as possible, this will greatly assist the Club Services Fellowship Team.
The run-up to Christmas continues. Congratulations to Larry and his team for organising a highly successful Rotary Means Business Breakfast at the Duxton last Tuesday. The room was full and all those present enjoyed themselves. Well done, Larry.
We have three functions left in our calendar this year.
The run-up to Christmas continues. Congratulations to Larry and his team for organising a highly successful Rotary Means Business Breakfast at the Duxton last Tuesday. The room was full and all those present enjoyed themselves. Well done, Larry.
We have three functions left in our calendar this year.
Last week’s lunch was a roaring success, with the sports commentator Trevor Jenkins interviewing John Inverarity, former Australian Test cricketer, Chairman of Australian selectors, Headmaster of Hale School and Warden of St George’s College.
This Friday will be just as enthralling. Please look at the publicity. Then follow the trail to Try- Booking and book yourself in.
October Update | Sagar Badve Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) Exchange
Perth Rotary Member, Sagar Badve, was successfully selected for the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP), not once, but twice!
Promoting peace is one of Rotary’s main causes. The Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) is a unique program which aims to bring nations together. Since 1946, Rotarians in Georgia, USA Rotary, have promoted world peace through understanding by offering scholarships to international students for one year of study at a Georgian university.
Georgia Rotary Clubs sponsor students recommended by a Rotary Club in their home country. The students become adopted members of a Georgia “host family,” living on-campus at the school they attend, and spending time with their host family on weekends and during holiday periods. This is an ambassadorial scholarship program.
The end of the year is galloping on, and this is just the time when we look at our diaries – or computers or telephones or whatever – and wonder if we’ll ever get to see 2022.
However, stress not. Here’s the thing. Don’t look at our upcoming Rotary events as impediments to your personal equanimity but opportunities to escape the maelstrom of busyness for an hour or so a week. Rotary is the answer to keeping what’s left of your sanity. Just come along and smell the roses.
Bookings Galore are in the swing for the Vienna Pops New Year’s Eve event, which unsurprisingly falls once again on 31 December. Mezzo Soprano Ashlyn, having previously sung at a Royal Command performance at Buckingham Palace will regale us with her vocal expertise, and she will be but one of a number of musicians delighting us over the course of the evening. Get tickets now for the Evening Gala Concert, or the Matinee or both. Please click on the image below for the booking site or go to the Perth Concert Hall Page - https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/events/event/new-years-eve-gala-2021 If you would like to purchase a VIP ticket to Vienna Pops and really make a night of it, please email viennapops@rotaryperth.org.au direct.
The year is galloping by relentlessly and our commitments are mounting by the hour.
Which means, dear friends, we need to prioritise. We have only six opportunities between now and the end of the year to commit to our Rotary meeting programme, and it would be excellent if you could attend as many as possible.
At our Board Meeting last Monday we were pleased to report that our membership currently stands at 93, with 11 Honorary Members. This is very encouraging. Three new members were inducted last Friday – Michael Willett, Nicholas Gabriel and Rui Fernandes. We welcome them and assure them of a productive and enjoyable time in our Club.
We sailed out to the depths of the Great Sea. And we survived. Well, maybe except for Ulrich, that is. On completion of our circumnavigation of the Swan all that is left of Ulrich is his snorkel. So there’s quite a lot riding on Ulrich’s appearance this Friday, when the super-star of screen, radio and print – Peter Kennedy – will regale us with Tall Tales of screen, radio and print. Peter is an astute political commentator and will fill us in on the history of government goings-on over the last fifty years or so. Note – this week’s meeting begins at 12.30pm - NOT the usual 12.45. This is to accommodate three inductions – Rui Fernandes, Michael Willet and Nicholas Gabriel – without diminishing the time needed for our guest speaker.
The Liquid Gold Polio Dinner held last Friday evening was an unqualified success. President Leah of the Crawley Club was meticulous in her organisation and everything flowed along as gently as a river in the south. Past President of Crawley, Karin Cable, endowed the MC role with style and flair and is clearly headed for a stellar career on the stage. Patsy Millett gave a most moving account of her sister Robin’s incredible exploits as ‘The Sugar Bird Lady’, bringing much-needed relief and medical support to many in the daunting environment of the outback Kimberley regions. Ron Geary also spoke of the trauma and challenges associated with polio, and of Rotary’s commitment to eradicate the last, but none-the-less deadly vestiges of this dread disease.
Last Friday’s meeting was ear-marked as our Annual General Meeting, and all went well.
Traditionally AGMs get bogged down on the financial report and hours of questions and debate ensue with varying degrees of agitation. But not so for The Rotary Club of Perth. Joseph’s report was accurate, succinct, and a joy to behold. Bottom line - we’re in good financial shape and well positioned to embark on serious funding of worthwhile projects.
We knew the visit of Senator Dean Smith last Friday would be a momentous occasion because Jeff Leach made a special effort to get back from self-isolation on Christmas Island. His sea-to-air aqua-cruiser, designed and built in Marseille, aka Marseilles, capital of Provence, is testimony to French workpersonship, incorporating such subtle European features as a two-tone, triple-rinse washing machine, colour television with sound, and an indoor BBQ.
All this is by way of introduction to reminding you, gentle reader, of the Blessing of the Fleet on Friday 29 October, now but a short two weeks and something away. (Please remember, there will be no lunch meeting on this day)
Good work continues. Our fund-raising bears fruit. At our Board Meeting last evening, for example, we agreed to distribute $5000 to Australian Rotary Health, funds raised at the Rock vs Sport Quiz Night, a collaboration between the Matilda Bay; Elizabeth Quay & Perth Rotary Clubs. This follows a range of strong disbursements to other causes and needy projects – such as Passages, Hub for Homeless Youth; Salvation Army Outreach Worker FDV Unit and the Perkins Institute.
All of which emphasises the point that our community as a Club is looking outwards and embracing the challenges of contributing to people and projects needing support.
Another sensational evening at the Parmelia. Pulses raced as Zero Hour approached for the unleashing of Tickets Galore for the Vienna Pops Extravaganza. Stephen and Darren were at their most intense, doubled down over the computer, waiting for the signal from Houston informing them that the horse had bolted and tickets were now being snapped up. It was all very Blood Pressure 200 as the Live Feed momentarily went down and anxious potential customers, baying at the front desk, were stalled. But due to Stephen’s and Darren’s sang-froid, all was well and anxieties were allayed.
Last Friday’s lunch meeting was a cracker. Our former Premier Colin Barnett shared his journey in politics and recounted some of the highlights of his tenure. Perth is a changed city as a result of Colin’s influence.
The jewel in the crown is a toss-up between Elizabeth Quay, the Children’s Hospital and the Perth Stadium. All magnificent. Colin spoke of the bold decision to abort the previous government’s plan to resurrect Subiaco Oval and go with a brand-new stadium of world-class standing which wouldn’t clog up an inner-city suburb. As a result of this vision and hard-work, Perth now boasts a world-class venue. We hope Colin gets the recognition he deserves – like a stand named after him – or something.
Another Friday. Another brilliant speaker. Another effervescent gathering. And like the iceberg, what you see at our gatherings on Fridays and Thursday evenings is only 10% of the whole. 90% of the iceberg is underwater.
Last Friday we enjoyed a stimulating presentation from our District Governor Dee Buckland. She outlined her priorities for her tenure, and we found these to be very helpful and inspirational. We wish her well as she embarks on her Grand Progress through all the Rotary Clubs of the District. When Queen Elizabeth I went on her Royal Progresses throughout the Kingdom she was accompanied by a retinue of over 200 people. The cost of accommodating the whole company bankrupted many of the nobility who had to put them up and feed them for weeks on end in their country estates. Fortunately Dee was accompanied only by her husband, who spoke eloquently and persuasively of the need to support indigenous health, which we will do.
When we boil it all down, members of Rotary are volunteers who generously and unstintingly give of their time and talents to support worthy causes that benefit the wider community.
Last Friday’s presentation in the foyer of the Parmelia by Leon Pericles was stunning. Like, really stunning. If you missed it, kick yourself. And promise yourself not to miss another meeting.
Oh what a night it was. I’m not sure how many of our erudite members are familiar with Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, the first part of which is Inferno. it describes Dante’s journey through the fires of Hell.
If you haven’t read it, don’t trouble yourself with this 14th century text. Just come along to one of Jeff Leach’s Bonfire Nights in the Wilderness.
Early on, the signs were ominous. We were confronted with a stack of branches, timber and tinder the size of a mostly appointed apartment block. To add to the general sense of foreboding, we were informed it was shortly to be saturated with highly inflammable liquids, gels and volatile cans of petrol.
It’s all happening. At last Friday’s lunch we were entertained and informed by the supremely talented designers and sculptors affectionately known as Smith and Smith. Their work enhances the land and seascape of Western Australia, and we were privileged to hear and see some of their most distinguished work.
This coming Friday is our annual 4-Way Speaking Contest with highly talented students from Mercedes College giving presentations. Our presence gives support to these young people who have given up a fair bit of time preparing to speak in public. As we all know, speaking in public - speaking in public well, that is – is quite an art and to set off on this path at such a young age can be a daunting prospect. So please come along to show our support to these enterprising students. Please remember to go on line and book your ticket to attend at www.trybooking.com/BSYHI
Another week. Another fabulous meeting. Last Thursday evening a sizable group of Rotarians and guests came along for an inspirational presentation by Tanya Brown on the Special Olympics. Tanya is the National Director of the Special Olympics Committee. The support and encouragement this Committee gives to aspiring young athletes is beyond remarkable, and the funds they raise enable a wide participation in these very special Games.
We assured Tanya of our support and the Board will consider an appropriate response to this wonderful enterprise.
This week we return to our Friday time-slot. Do come. Remember, we are the less without you. Yes, we are all busy and time-poor, but our weekly meetings are invaluable opportunities to get together and find out how we’re all doing.
Last Friday’s meeting was a cracker. For one thing, I’m slowly getting the hang of it. Compering, that is. Pretty soon I’ll be out of those L Plates and graduating from Learner to Probationer.
Richard Offen’s presentation was eye-wateringly brilliant. So brilliant in fact, that Richard has agreed to return to the club in the not too distant future, for part two and enlighten us some more. It was most illuminating to see what buildings were pulled down in Perth and what was built in its place. We couldn’t help but feel that something was lost in the process. Like style and beauty. But still, it is what it is.
There is no lunchtime meeting this week. Instead.....
Our meeting last Friday continued our highly successful run of brilliant Guest Speakers. Our thanks are due to Nicola, who devotes a huge chunk of time each week sourcing, scheduling, organising and preparing speakers. This is no mean task, and Nicola does it with aplomb. Last Friday’s guest was Colleen Hayward, who emphasized the need for informed and sensitive progress in understanding and appreciating both aboriginal and Western cultures and the importance of drawing on the heritage and achievements that both have to offer.
This website is designed to help you choose your Perth Rotary uniform and give you information on the items and sizes available. To purchase your uniform you will need to place an order on this website. Alternatively, you can visit the Fully Promoted Perth CBD store. When you are ready to purchase your uniform, our secure checkout makes it safe, easy and convenient.
Another week. Another lockdown. More challenges. More frustrations.
Our appetite for wearing masks in meetings and sitting a prescribed number of metres apart is waning. Zoom was fun, well, sort of, a year ago, but now many of us are over it and hanker for the real thing. Dates are changed and we find we may not be able to accommodate the new ones. All in all, a mess. We lost last Friday’s lunch meeting and have postponed our Board meeting until Monday 12 July. Sitting around the board room table sporting our masks was not an inspiring prospect. Still, we stay strong and persevere. The big news of the week is .........
There is still an opportunity to buy wine to commemorate the 100 years of Rotary in Australia. Support efforts to eradicate Polio, through the Perth Rotary - Western Australia and theRotary Club of Melville, while enjoying these uniquely branded wines from WA Cellars.
Purchases may be mixed any way you like. There is a postage charge of $10.00 anywhere in WA and $20.00 to all other states of Australia.
Pulses were hammering away last Friday as I took to the podium for the first time as President. Like watching our favourite football team run on to the field. Which way will it go? North or South? Elation or despair.
Well, you needed to have been there. To pick up the thrill of it all. You could see the tension on the faces of the crowd. Will he make it? The bookies were working overtime. Great theatre.
Past President Jeff Leach has just slept out in the cold for the twelfth year in a row to raise money for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. This year Jeff raised an amazing $20,611.00 towards an overall total in excess of $9 million nationwide. All together, Jeff has individually raised in excess of $68,000 in support of those who experience homelessness. Perth Rotary via the Passages | Hub for Homeless Youth project work alongside Vinnies to support young people find stability, work and a safe place to sleep at night. The Perth Rotary Board and Members congratulate Jeff on being ready to step up and experience an uncomfortable night so that others might benefit from the funds raised. Service Above Self at it's best.
We have just completed a very successful 3 week KDT May trip. Three teams of volunteers flew into the region, two in through Broome and one in through Kununurra, without any issues. The visits were very well received, and we saw 488 people over 500 appointments.
Plans are well in hand for our return visit in late July and early August with communities looking forward to seeing us.
My wholehearted thanks are due to Past President Jill. She has been a constant source of encouragement throughout my time as President Elect and now she is helping me to cope with my technological ignorance and make it possible for me to provide you with weekly contributions.
Someone once said that when we take on an office or responsibility we are standing on the shoulders of others, and this is especially true in my case. And not just me. We all owe Jill an immense debt of gratitude for the expertise and enthusiasm she has endowed us with this past Rotary year. She has been our Great Connector, and kept the morale of our Club at a very high level.
We have a wonderful array of speakers lined up for our Friday lunches and Thursday evening events, and it would be excellent if you were to come along to as many as possible. As I mentioned at our Changeover Dinner, the great poet John Donne once said that 'No-one is an island, entire of him(her)-self. We are all part of the main, and if any of us is missing, we are all the lesser for it. So do make a strong effort to attend. Without you, we are the poorer.
This Friday our speaker is Louise Pekan, and will give a presentation on the importance of providing help in the community for families involved in the care of children.
Friday 18 June, Perth Rotary Club celebrated the 2021/22 Changeover with a trip down memory lane to Carnaby St, London, 1966. What a great night of music, fun, memories and great company.
Thank you......... And just like that, my year as President of the Perth Rotary Club is almost done! I chaired my last business lunch meeting last Friday with the Hon Richard Court AC as our guest speaker and just the Changeover Dinner this Friday 18 June to look forward to before handing over the reins to President John.
It has been a joy and a privilege to lead the Perth Rotary Club these past twelve months and I will forever be grateful for the friendship and support of my fellow members and Past Presidents. We finished the year with a whole club photo in recognition of Rotary Australia’s 100 Years of Service. I want to sincerely and personally thank each and every Rotarian who was able to be present. We had 77% of all members present for the photo and it was our highest attended lunch meeting with a 75.53% attendance rate. It was lovely to have our Honorary Members, Bob Mickle; Barry Levin; Kerry McAuliffe; Ross Robertson & Ellis Kiel join us for the photo and then stay on for lunch.
Cambodia Family Support: a life-line for many rural poor Cambodians
We are grateful for the Rotary Club of Perth’s long commitment to the support of ‘Cambodia Family Support (CFS). Since 2008 CFS has been helping the rural poor on the border with Thailand in northwest Cambodia. This would not be possible without the ongoing support of our club and generous donations from individual Rotarians.
All Members of the Perth Rotary Club are called to participate in a WHOLE CLUB PHOTO in recognition of Rotary Australia's Centennial Year at 12 noon sharp this Friday. Apart from the opportunity to add to our Perth Rotary narrative, it will also be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with members and friends of the Club. Members are encouraged to stay on for lunch after the photo shoot, should time permit. If you have not already done so and you intend staying on for lunch, please go to https://www.trybooking.com/BRCDL to book in for lunch. Our guest speaker this week is the Hon Richard Court AC, former Premier of Western Australia and recently, The Australian Ambassador to Japan.
Plans are in full swing for the much-anticipated Presidents Changeover Event, Friday 18 June 2021 to be held at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel. Club Services Director Darren Perera and Fellowship Chair Jo Morris, along with the Fellowship Committee are working hard to ensure that this is a celebration worthy of your attention and open to everyone. Darren has requested that members forward photos of themselves taken in the 1960’s to his email – clubservices@rotaryperth.org.au which will be utilised throughout the evening. Alternatively members can bring photos to our weekly meetings and Darren will scan and copy them. Tickets can be booked by going to https://www.trybooking.com/BRIPO
Following the Wooroloo Bushfires in February, Rotary has been active across the State and the Nation to support many who have lost so much.
Over $400,000 was collected between RAWCS and Rotary District/ Club support. Many of those of whom we supported in the East have reciprocated – the Rotary network is an absolute wonder to behold – thank you everyone.
Just when you think it is not possible for our club to pull off another event, bigger and better than the last …. Our members step up. Last Saturday evening it was an absolute privilege and a pleasure to attend the Path of Hope Gala at Crown Towers in support and celebration of all those Women who have survived Family & Domestic Violence and in support of all those who are yet to escape this travesty and blight within our society.
Rotarian Rebecca Tolstoy AM and her events team; Ray Simpson; Brendon Watson; Sarah-Jane Sharp; Robyn Scotney; Sebastian Tarrant and AG Bruno Fic have worked tirelessly over the past several months to pull together all of the threads which make up a spectacular evening worthy of any organisation. I recommend that you all place Saturday 21 May 2022 into your diary now – as I am sure that next year’s Gala will be every bit as fabulous as this years. It truly is an event not to be missed and worthy of your attention.
Perth Rotary was absolutely buzzing at our meeting last week with a room full of members and guests in full concentration as we listened to our guest speaker, Dr Jemma Green de-mystify blockchain and how our energy market is adapting as we move towards renewable energy source markets. Technology at its most innovative, if not still a little complex. It was also a delight to welcome Raffaele Iannizzotto to the club. We look forward to getting to know Raffaele and working together on projects.
Last week we were privileged to have Kristy Staples, State Manager of the Salvation Army Family Domestic Violence Unit speak to us on the value and importance of our continued support via Path of Hope for the Salvation Army outreach services and refurbishment of the women's refuges here in Perth and regional WA. We were fortunate to also have Di Gipey, Salvation Army State Manager | Family Domestic Violence Unit NT & QLD also visit with us. Di left our lunch meeting inspired and on the phone to Rotary Clubs in the NT before she was even out the door to share the message of “Hope” for those who are affected by Family and Domestic Violence.
The month of May is a wonderful celebration of Women, starting with Mother’s Day on Sunday 9 May. At Perth Rotary we combine the month of May with our Path of Hope Gala, to be held Saturday 22 May at The Crown Towers. The Gala celebrates Women who have experienced Family and Domestic Violence; Women who have been victorious in overcoming this terrifying and debilitating scourge on our society. Have you purchased your ticket? www.pathofhope.org.au is the place to go as tables are selling fast. Don’t miss out.
The Perth & Peel regions were placed into a 3 day lockdown at midnight last Friday which significantly & adversely impacted major Rotary events planned for the ANZAC weekend and through to the end of April. Whilst this is regrettable, I particularly wish to thank all Rotarians and Board members who quickly and efficiently adapted our planning efforts to ensure that there was minimal financial impact to the club and/or our chosen charity. I particularly wish to thank Wesley Sim and David Wee who had worked so diligently in setting up all of the arrangements for the ANZAC Gunfire Breakfast only to have to unravel all of the planning Friday afternoon. This was done with efficiency, care and grace along with superb communication with all of our volunteers and suppliers of goods for the BBQ.
This week is Rotary Australia’s 100th Birthday and on behalf of the Perth Rotary Board and Members we have sent our very best wishes in particular to the Melbourne Rotary Club who are acknowledged as the first Club to charter on the 21 April 1921. As has been mentioned many times, Rotary’s Centenary is a time of celebration. It is a time to reflect on our past, and take pride in all that has been achieved. Congratulations & our very best wishes once again to Perth Rotary Member John Garland AM on making it through to the final three nominations for the inaugural Dr Ken Collins AM Cit.WA Award for Excellence in Service to Rotary. We wish John all the very best and hope that all those Rotarians from the Perth Club and Clubs across Western Australia enjoy a wonderful night of celebration at the Centennial Gala to be hosted at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. I would especially like to thank Nan Walker, Ashley Whitworth and George Etrelezis who have had pivotal roles along with Melville Rotary Club Members in organising this event on behalf of all Rotarians in Western Australia. It has been a wonderful collaboration of clubs across the two Rotary Districts in WA.
Nowhere in the world are the effects of the world paralysis in terms of ability to visit and do good works felt, than South East Asia where many Rotary Projects have been stalled whilst NFP's struggle to raise the necessary funds and get the require personnel into the field. Rotarian Mike Gurry provides the following update on the projects he is connected to in Cambodia.
Republican or Royalist, I think all would acknowledge that the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh signalled the end of an era and significant moment in history. HRH, Prince Phillip did indeed embrace the Rotary theme of “Service Above Self” throughout his life. The loss of any family member is tough and reminds us all to hold a little tighter to those we love, to be a little kinder or perhaps more tolerant. RIP, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved family members particularly during these difficult times.
Happy Easter – what a difference twelve months can make. Last year we were all in lock down and this year we’re all able to visit with family and friends to celebrate Easter. Peter and I enjoyed a quick trip to our little farm, precious time spent with family and friends and a bit of marital bonding over a flat tyre.
Last week was the 200th anniversary of modern-day Greece. For many of our members an important occasion and moment in history. Similarly, 2021 also marks an important milestone in Rotary Australia’s History as we celebrate 100 years of Service to the Australian Community. If you have not already done so, please consider going on line at http://bit.ly/R100Ball and purchase a ticket/s to the Centennial Gala Ball, Friday 23 April 2021. A Celebration for ALL ROTARIANS IN WA in recognition of our Centennial Year.
Last weekend was one of the busiest weekends Perth Rotary Members have experienced in quite some time with club members and resources stretched to the limit whilst Perth turned up the temperature with a 38 degree day on Friday and 37 degrees on Saturday – Summers last hooray as we record the worlds second hottest temperature for the month of March since record keeping began in 1880.
Past President, Stephen Inouye was announced the winner of the 2020 David Reed Award at the Presidents Cocktail Party held at the Crystal Club, Crown Towers, Friday 19 March 2021.
The criteria set down by Past President Ted Wilhelm and the Perth Rotary Board for the David Reed Award is as follows:
To recognise an outstanding person who has made an exemplary contribution to club life
The contribution to be determined for any of the Objects of Rotary, as set out, or for the advancement of the club in any of the five avenues of service being Club Service, Vocational, Community, International and Youth.
This award would be for those who make their contribution to the activities to the Rotary Club of Perth as distinct to the District.
Professor Jorg Imberger will be presenting on Monday 22 March with his third talk as part of the IAHR Seminar Series : Improving Water Security Through Connecting With Nature. The third talk in the series is titled - Implementing the Solution and will be delivered via zoom at 15.00hrs (AWST Time). To watch click https://www.iahr.org/index/detail/307
Last week amidst increasing calls for our community leaders to be accountable for the treatment of women, particularly in the halls of our National Parliament, Perth Rotary celebrated Women in Rotary and what a celebration it was. Our speakers were honest, candid, fair and positive in their view of where their Rotary journey started and where it has taken them. We were privileged to have Dr Jessie Harman, Zone 8 Rotary International Director 2021/23 join us via zoom, DGE Dee Buckland, DGN Ineke Oliver and Perth Rotary's first female President, Maureen McDaniell join us and share the lessons learnt, values held and the projects that created opportunity and impact along their journey. To top it off, we inducted Robin McClellan and Suzanne John to membership of the Club.
Yesterday was International Women’s Day (IWD), a day celebrated the world over highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements and progress of women and the community we live in. It is also a call to action, for everyone to work towards leaving our world a better place for those who are yet to be born. The first IWD was held in 1911, when very few women had the ability to influence public policy or to shape the community they lived in. Look how far we have come and how far we are yet to go.
Whilst one usually associates the "Silly Season" with the months of November/December, we are about to enter the Rotary "Silly Season". SO please get your diaries out and take note as there is a lot of events and projects coming to fruition over the next 6 - 8 weeks. It greatly assists those of us who are coordinating events, if members and friends could please rsvp (even if you are unable to attend). This will significantly reduce the number of email traffic and stress behind the scenes. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world, it will be known by the results it achieves."
Paul Harris, Founder of Rotary. Excerpt taken from Rotary International - History of Rotary
We have changed the dates and the sessions from 3 to 2
To All Rotarians
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) provides a great opportunity for Rotarians to update and expand their knowledge of Rotary and for new Rotarians the greatest benefit you are likely to get from this course is a knowledge about Rotary, how it is structured, how it works and its wide breadth of programs. You will meet Rotarians from other clubs and share experiences and learn about different projects.
Gong Xi Fa Chai! Happy Chinese New Year 2020, and what a start to the New Year it was. Ken Wu and his Lion Dancers never fail to excite, inspire and enthuse the crowd as they perform their acrobatic moves. The Lion Dancers play an important role in Chinese mythology, performing each year to bring us good luck, joy & prosperity for the year ahead. The lion symbolizes power, wisdom and superiority and a wonderful way to start the New Year with a festive spirit.
52 Years of Service Above Self. Don Mazzucchelli, PHF.
I first met Don Mazzucchelli at a lunch meeting. It was to be my induction into the Rotary Club of Perth. Don got me up in front of over 100 members in attendance and proceeded to recite the Induction Charge staring me straight in the eye. I did say recite, not read. In his almost 2 minutes of unbroken stare straight into my eyes while reciting the Induction Charge, Don made me realise how serious he was in the words he rendered. Because of that conviction, I still live by that promise I made all those years ago for Service Above Self to my community.
A heritage game discovering WA's forgotten Pioneers along Route 120 (from York to Albany) while supporting a local charity
The Challenge
The challenge started in July 2020 and will end on June 30 2021. It is an annual event in which you can participate at a time of your own choosing. Your objective is to find and photograph nine Pioneer headstones, answer a quiz and submit a short account of what you have learnt about Pioneers. Your participation will also assist the country towns you visit on the way. You can enter a challenge as an individual, a family or in a team of friends and you can choose a portion of Route 120, or all of it from York to Albany. Entries will win prizes during the year and a grand prize at the end of the challenge.
What RAWCS does - Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd (RAWCS) works in harmony with the Rotary Foundation and its ‘Areas of Focus’, delivering humanitarian aid through the Australian regional network of Rotarians, Clubs and Districts by empowering:
Projects – volunteer work teams and/or funding for Rotary projects undertaken locally, nationally and internationally;
Rotarians Against Malaria – providing supplies, equipment and volunteers to support the elimination of malaria in our region by 2030;
Donations-in-kind – collecting and transporting surplus goods from Australia to where they are needed overseas;
Communications – delivering Rotary in action to the public, the corporate sector, philanthropists and governments and linking Rotarians and Clubs with RAWCS activities.
It is with a great deal of relief that Perth welcomed a cool change last weekend. Whilst the bushfires are now under control, the devastation caused will take much longer to recover from. With this in mind District 9455 has been leading the way in coordinating a district led response to provide support to those on the ground and targeted to where it is most needed. DGN Ineke Oliver has been facilitating on-line zoom meetings with District Governance Officer Peter Durant researching and providing direction.
It is with a great deal of excitement and pride that we can announce Perth Rotary Member, Sagar Badve, has been successful in being selected for the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP), not once, but twice!
Promoting peace is one of Rotary’s main causes. The Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) is a unique program which aims to bring nations together. Since 1946, Rotarians in Georgia, USA Rotary, have promoted world peace through understanding by offering scholarships to international students for one year of study at a Georgian university.
The WA Police Academy, Joondalup was officially opened on 15 February 2002. The academy is located in Joondalup, adjacent to Edith Cowan University and the North Metropolitan Tafe Campus. It was with a great deal of excitement and anticipation, that members of the Perth Rotary Club gathered to experience a day in the life of a recruit at the WA Police Academy.
What a difference a week can make. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those currently battling fires in the Shires of Mundaring, Chittering, Northam and City of Swan. The loss of homes is devastating and Perth Rotary Board Members are monitoring the situation to see how and when we may be of service to the community. We have been in contact with our members who reside in these Shires and to the best of our knowledge, all are currently safe and working within their communities to help fight the fire and/or keep their homes and family's safe.
RI President-elect announces 2021-22 presidential theme
by Ryan Hyland
Incoming Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta urged members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
Once again, Happy New Year and Happy Australia Day, we are so privileged to live in this wonderful country – a land of wide open spaces and opportunity.
David Cusworth | The West Australian Fri, 1 January 2021 3:12PM
Perth Concert Hall marked the New Year as few venues could in 2020 — with a full orchestra and a live audience. And the Vienna Pops Orchestra’s 33rd New Year’s Eve Gala, sponsored by Perth Rotary, put a COVID-19 survivor front and centre.
Perth Rotary Club along with Vienna Pops Musical Director Mark Coughlan are excited to welcome Devon Lake to the 2020 Vienna Pops New Year's Eve Gala Concert. Devon is our 2020 Rising Star and has a bright future in front of him. Tickets are selling fast to the "Biggest Show in Town | Vienna Pop's New Year's Eve Gala Concert"
Please go to https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/ to get your tickets to the evening concert or the Afternoon Matinee. Wonderful Christmas present for that "hard to buy for family or friend". All proceeds are directed back to our Community Projects via the Perth Rotary Community Fund.
We really are so very lucky at Perth Rotary to belong to such a vibrant club full of talent, fun and mischief. Last Friday’s Family Christmas Breakfast was a joyful celebration (as it always is) of the half way point in our Rotary Year.
HO, HO, HO….. And A Rotary Merry Christmas to all of our Bulletin Readers, Members, Family and Friends of Perth Rotary Club.
This week we meet for our annual Family Christmas Breakfast, 7.15am at The Westin Hotel. Have you booked your ticket on line? www.trybooking.com/BMOBT Plenty of parking in the City of Perth ‘Firemans’ Car Park adjacent to the hotel and/or valet parking at The Westin or park underneath the hotel in the Wilson Car Park. If catching public transport – Red Cat Bus will drop you adjacent to the hotel.
HO, HO, HO...... Merry Christmas to all our Family and Friends.
Don't know what to buy them for Christmas, how about some chocolate? It is scientifically proven to make your family and friends feel happy and you're helping to support the Perth Rotary Community Projects at the same time. What could be better?
On behalf of the Crawley and Perth Rotary Brave Shavers we sincerely thank you for your support of our efforts to raise funds for medical research at the Harry Perkins Institute. It’s not often I go out for the evening and come home with no hair!!
D9455 Rotary Means Business | Tuesday 1 December 2020
"What Resolutions Should We Really Be Making?" Major General John Hartley (Retired); CEO Future Directions International is our guest speaker. Tickets are available by going to www.trybooking.com/BKTRC or clicking on the image below.
Bald and Beautiful Brave Shave for Perkins Institute
Word is out! Perth Rotary President Jill, along with Past Presidents Wes and Larry, and ROC President Karin and ROC Members Shane and Blake, have committed to the Brave Shave! 💇♀️💇♂️
Losing our hair will not be heartbreaking; however, watching those we love lose theirs because of chemo and radiation is.
This is why Rotarians from Crawley and Perth Rotary Clubs have joined together and committed to the Brave Shave. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way. We want to challenge ourselves and you, to make a difference.
Congratulations to Dr Tristan Campbell on his recent graduation and research success with the development of a model which can successfully predict good and bad seasons for honey thus protecting bee hives in the bad seasons and maximising production in good seasons. It is wonderful to see many years of hard work pay off for Tristan and his family and we look forward to hearing more of his success in the days to come.
Perth Rotarian Tristan Campbell and "Honey I'm Home" entrepreneur has developed a prediction model for bee keepers to maximise production in a world first. Kate Emery, Reporter for the Countryman takes up Dr Campbell's story in the publication below.
With less than 4 weeks till the big night – all stops are being pulled out to make this event bigger and better than ever. Steeltoes & Stilettos mission is to bring the risk of asbestos to the BIG STAGE when tradies are dobbed in and sponsored to walk the catwalk with a model. Funds raised will support the work of Reflections to reduce the impact of asbestos on the community.
The Silly Season has arrived and my diary is in overdrive.
This Friday is a very important meeting for our club members to attend as we finalise the 2020/21 and beyond Strategic Plan. I invite all members to please join us at The Westin Hotel for lunch, Friday 20 November. We also have the pleasure of Rohan Zakharia, Vienna Pops 2020 Rising Star and New England Conservatory Scholar as our guest performer.
“Climate is what we expect | Weather is what we get.” Mark Twain…. And so the “Blessing of the Fleet” has been postponed until further notice. In the mean time we count our blessings; our Family; our Friends; our Work; our Health and Rain ….. which makes our gardens grow and puts water in the dams ahead of a long dry summer.
President Charles Waterton of the Melville Rotary Club explains the "The WA State Government Containers For Change (CFC) scheme".
The CFC was previously referred to as the Containers Deposit Scheme. The CFC, generates a financial incentive for the community to recycle most glass and plastic containers, by putting a refundable 10₵ levy on such containers and setting up a system to collect and sort these containers and refund the collected levy to the collectors. This system is being coordinated by a newly established NFP organisation, WARRL https:/https://warrrl.com.au WARRL reports directly to the WA Minister for the Environment.
MEDIA RELEASE (https://www.naidoc.org.au/news/waigana-wins-coveted-naidoc-2020-poster-competition)
Tyrown Waigana, a Perth based artist and designer, has been named as this year’s winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC Poster Competition.
His winning entry - Shape of Land - was judged by the National NAIDOC Committee to have best illustrated the 2020 NAIDOC theme: Always Was Always Will Be.
Last night the Membership Committee hosted a ‘New Members Evening’ at the Perth Rotary CBD Office. It was a fabulous turn out of Rotarians, all of whom are exemplars of various stages and lengths of service to the community in which we live. Central to new member engagement is fostering a sense of belonging within our club. The buzz around the room and genuine conversations and exchange of ideas was wonderful to hear and see. Our aim is to engage, serve and positively impact the community in which we live, work and play.
Some days just make you happy……last Thursday evening’s combined club meeting with Crawley Rotary Club was an exceptional evening of fellowship between two clubs striving to make a difference, whilst celebrating adversity & determination exemplified in Val Cearns, Rosemary Hannon; Marion Wragg, Bryant Stacey and the Hon Mr Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia. All spoke so candidly about the trials and tribulations of living with polio whilst displaying incredible courage and positivity. I sincerely thank all Perth Rotarians for their support of this combined club event. A total of $3712.55 was raised and will be forwarded to the Rotary International End Polio Now Campaign on behalf of both clubs.
The United Nations Association of Australia (WA div), will celebrate their 75th Anniversary, Friday 23 October 2020.
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. To Rotarians, these foundations are very familiar and so no surprise that Rotary was integral in the formation of this organisation.
Summer is knocking on the door with a week of beautiful sunshine ahead. Club Services Director Darren Perera, Perth Rotary Nominee Eileen Hao and their daughters flew the flag for Perth Rotary at the Mullaloo Beach Clean-Up, Sunday 11 October. I particularly wish to thank and acknowledge Darren for his dedication to providing opportunities for Perth Rotary members to volunteer in our community and I urge all members to seriously consider joining the team. It is great fun, rewarding and has an immediate positive impact on the organisation who we are assisting. Please check in on the link http://bit.ly/VolunteerPerthRotary for updated information on upcoming opportunities and consider volunteering some of your personal time over a weekend.
Life is so busy at the moment; I hardly know which news item to start this week’s bulletin off with! GreenBatch Foundation have been selected as a finalist in the 2020 UN Day Awards for Environmental Actions AND the Container Deposit Scheme is finally up and away. We have just inducted our tenth new member for the year at Perth Rotary, Maree Masamayor. The Wishing Well project at Elizabeth Quay is gaining momentum once again. Vienna Pops NYE Gala Concert tickets are selling like hot cakes!!
And…… Our R100 Liquid Gold Polio Dinner Fundraiser, Thursday 22 October is shaping up to be the most inspiring of evenings, if you have not already done so, please visit http://bit.ly/LiquidGoldDinner to secure your ticket.
Maree hopes that in sharing her personal story it will empower each and every person to realise their merit in this world and become the epitome of their own success.
Welcome back after a long weekend like none other – How could we survive the last weekend in September without an AFL Grand Final to watch or The Perth Royal Show to attend? How very un-Australian?
Apparently we can do it and no doubt discovered other healthy pursuits, family and friends to keep us busy.
Last Thursday 24 September was the launch of the 2020 Vienna Pops New Years Eve Gala Concert at the Cottesloe Central Shopping Centre. 164 people registered to attend the event and we were thrilled beyond words with the professional manner in which Showman & Vienna Pops Musical Director, Mark Coughlan ignited the crowd with a description of not just a New Years Eve Concert… but what might be “The Only Show in Town” come New Years Eve!
Another epic week at Perth Rotary – Last Friday was an outstanding meeting attended by 82 members and guests of the club. The 2021 Path of Hope Gala Ball was launched by Hon Judi Moylan MP. Mrs Moylan AO GAICD was elected to the Federal Parliament in 1993 and served as the Member for Pearce for twenty years until her retirement in 2013. Mrs Moylan held senior positions in the Federal Parliament for most of those years, including as Minister for Family Services and Minister for the Status of Women.
On a wet and windy Sunday, twenty Rotarians along with family members braved the weather to walk ten kilometres around the Swan River. We walked a collective 200km's in support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and raised $6412.00 towards their overall effort of $1,237,574.00 raised nationally.
Welcome from Zone 8 Conference Convenor, Noel Trevaskis
G’day,
I would like to welcome you to our first Virtual Conference for Australia and New Zealand. This is due to the fact we aren’t able to go to Alice Springs as planned due to COVID19. This gives us an exciting opportunity for all Rotarians to participate in this conference, for which registration is free.
Path of Hope Foundation Acknowledges Volunteers at the Launch of the 2021 Gala Ball
On Friday 18 September, Path of Hope Foundation Chair, Rebecca Tolstoy AM acknowledged the tremendous amount of time, effort and talent volunteered towards the Path of Hope Foundation.
Seb was introduced to the Perth Rotary Club by Rebecca Tolstoy AM on Friday 18 September as a prospective member. Past President John Garland AM inducted Seb as a member during our lunch meeting.
Robyn was introduced to the Perth Rotary Club by Rebecca Tolstoy AM on Friday 18 September as a prospective member. Past President John Garland AM inducted Robyn as a member during our lunch meeting.
Thursday 10 September is known as R U OK? Day… a national day of action, Australians are reminded that any moment of any day is just the right time to check in with your family, mates or work colleagues and ask them….. Are YOU Ok? There is no doubt that 2020 has been a more challenging year than most and so it was fitting that our guest speaker last week was Perth Rotary Corporate Member, Di Wilcox. Di is the founder of the Magic Coat for Kids program, which aims to create confident, calm and caring kids who know how to problem solve, feel safe and manage their emotions appropriately. Di is a passionate advocate for those children who through no fault of their own live a life dominated by adult decisions, fear, poverty and lack of security. Di and The Magic Coat foundation equip the children with the skills needed to feel safe and have some control over viewing their worlds through more positive lenses.
“My Mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’” Forrest Gump, The Movie 1994. Rotary is a little like a box of chocolates, you never know where or what the next opportunity will be…..Sometimes they come in unexpectedly amazing guest speakers, sometimes they come in giving of your time to volunteer, but rest assured, the opportunities to serve your community are plentiful and varied.
Kimberley Dental Team Ltd was founded by Jan and John Owen in May 2009 after a trip to Halls Creek with the Madjitil Moorna Choir. In 2009, Jan and John were afforded the opportunity to see first hand the devastating results of a lack of dental services in the region for the children. Halls Creek District High School welcomed their dental expertise and the Kimberly Dental Team was born. Since this time, Jan and John have traveled to the Kimberly twice yearly with volunteers to carry out vital work and education within the communities.
Spring has Sprung.... or has it? A return to wet and windy weather today, please take care out on the roads if you are driving and we all look forward to a return of the glorious sunshine of recent days.
THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION CHALLENGE: The Long Run is an awareness and fundraising event for Australian men and families impacted by prostate cancer.
Rotary members have played an invaluable role in the effort to rid the African region of wild polio. We should be proud of all the hard work that we’ve done to eliminate the wild poliovirus throughout Africa and in nearly every country in the world.
Ramblings of a Munro Bagger – John Fok, Rotarian from Perth in Scotland writes an entertaining account of life in Scotland and his hobby of walking the hills....... I never set out to be a bagger. Indeed, when I started climbing my first few Munros, I was unfamiliar with the terms bagger and completist.
Tim had been living on the streets and visiting our Perth Passages Youth Engagement Hub regularly, frequenting one of the Hub’s in-reach services Homeless Healthcare, which identified some health issues and referred him to hospital. The Passages team worked alongside youth accommodation services to ensure he could find a stable and safe residence after spending weeks in the hospital. Due to COVID-19, many services had either reduced their operations or were not taking in new referrals so finding a place for Tim was very challenging.
Australian Rotary Health's commitment to Mental Health research is still progressing well, unabated, and luckily not greatly impacted by the tragic and challenging Covid-19 pandemic.
Being a member of any Rotary Club is a privilege, Being a member of the Perth Rotary Club is a JOY! What a week!!
I urge all members of Perth Rotary and friends of Perth Rotary to please be vigilant and wary of scam emails which are once again doing the rounds and may appear at first glance to be originating from our club. Please check the email address behind the name, if it looks suspicious please delete. No member of the Board of Perth Rotary will request members to purchase gifts on behalf of the club.
Each week I am amazed at how much is achieved by Perth Rotarians in our community. This week, we return to The Westin for our lunch meeting and I look forward to celebrating with Past President Bryan Mickle and all Perth Rotarians, former and present members on this very special occasion.
Perth Rotary Club Members along with Rotarians from Quairading, Subiaco and Western Endeavour Rotary Clubs planted trees 5km's north east of Quairading on Saturday 1 August 2020.
What a week it has been in Perth Rotary – It never ceases to amaze me how much energy is generated from one organisation. Your time, efforts and service above self are greatly valued and appreciated by the Perth Rotary Board and the many charitable entities who benefit.
Please note, this week is a “Week of Action and Service Above Self” for the Perth Rotary Club and therefore there is no formal lunch meeting on Friday 31 July 2020.
Greenbatch joins the Perth Rotary Club as a Corporate Member on Thursday 23 July 2020.
Greenbatch is the second organisation to be inducted to Perth Rotary Corporate Membership for 2020/21. Perth Rotary is very excited to bring on board our first corporate member with an environmental focus immediately following the Rotary International announcement of Friday 26 June of the 7th Area of Focus for Rotary International:
Jon Bilson is District 9455 Governor for 2020/21. Jon is a Past President, Youth Director and Secretary of the former Bay View Claremont Rotary Club. A country boy at heart, he is a relative newcomer to Rotary and joined largely due to Rotary’s Motto – Service above Self – something that is learnt at an early age in small rural communities.
Please note there are SCAM EMAILS which may appear, on first glance to be coming from Perth Rotary Board Members asking you to purchase i-tune cards, gifts or donate money.
Magic Coat for Kids joins the Perth Rotary Club as a Corporate Member on Friday 17 July 2020.
Di Wilcox is Founder and CEO of Magic Coat for Kids a social/emotional well being program for children. After 20 years of teaching, Di realized that our children are under increasing stress and pressures which was increasing their anxiety and anger levels leading to mental health issues at a young age.
Ciao, Buongiorno, buonasera, A presto! ….. Last week an unusual phenomena seemed to affect many Perth Rotarians as they all started speaking Italian….. It was such a delight to Welcome Mr Nicolo Constantini, The Italian Consul of Western Australia as our guest speaker.
Our Rotary Centenary is a time to celebrate the past and to create the future.
On Friday 10 July 2020, the Governor-General His Excellency David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley officially launched Rotary’s centenary year in Australia at Government House, Canberra.
I am so sorry that I was not able to attend the very first meeting of the 2020/21 year due to an unexpected specialist appointment, however, the club was in good hands with the Very Reverend Dr John Shepherd AM available to chair this inaugural meeting and I sincerely appreciate his calm support and your understanding as I navigate this unexpected health speed bump.
On Friday 10 July 2020, the Governor-General His Excellency David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley will officially launch Rotary’s centenary year in Australia at Government House, Canberra.
Don’t miss the Rotary International virtual changeover ceremony hosted by John Hewko with special guests President Mark Maloney and President-elect Holger Knaack. Watch it here: https://on.rotary.org/changeover
Thank you once again for your very warm welcome last Friday at the 2020/21 Perth Rotary Changeover Luncheon. I along with the 2020/21 Board of Directors are looking forward to serving the Perth Rotary Club members in Rotary Australia’s Centennial Year. A year of celebration and opportunity for Rotarians to come together and celebrate a rich history of making a difference to many lives here and abroad. On behalf of the members I thank Past President Vangelis Katsaitis for his year of service and congratulations to the recipients of recognition for service to the Club during 2019/20.
This Rotary year will be remembered for the many changes - some planned and some unexpected - that found our Club strong and in control of every situation thanks to its members.
Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just like to stroll in the great outdoors - let’s join our fellow Rotarians across the world for the 2020 ROTARY VIRTUAL CONVENTION WALKING CHALLENGE.
Perth Rotary's last meeting for the current Rotary year on the 26th of June will be a Presidents’ Changeover Lunch!
This meeting will be available on Zoom on https://zoom.us/j/99006532523, and you are welcome to join us in this moment of fellowship and gratitude.(Friday 26th June from 12:30pm AWST)
From Friday 19/6 our much missed Rotary lunches at the Westin resume and I’m sure you are all looking forward to return to our usual weekly routine of Rotary meetings and Perth Rotary fellowship.
In less than a month we close the Rotary year of 2019-2020.
As we will have the opportunity to refer to the activities and the highlights of this year in the coming weeks, at this point I’d like only to focus on this month’s ZOOM IN meetings which also touch upon the attributes that shape the profile of our Club: Community Service - Career and Family – Innovation and Growth
Thanks to the City of Vincent, and for their generous grant of $200,000 which will ensure the continued operation of the Passages Youth Engagement Hub in Perth through to November.
A “storm” of very special speakers on Perth Rotary ZOOMIN is coming…
Rotarians and friends of Perth Rotary,
I hope this update finds you and your loved ones safe after the stormy weather that brought us well into the winter mood.
However, this storm finds us also in a “storm” of Rotary activities and in particular with a line-up of some very special guest speakers for our Rotary ZOOMIN meetings.
Mental Health is one of the biggest challenges that we face together, especially at the moment when we all face the threat of Covid-19. I am sure that we are all concerned about and looking after our families and our mates.
We would be delighted to have our very own members from Perth Rotary, inspire our Western Australian community through Path of Hope's social media challenge with Curtin University interns and Rotarians by inspiring everyone in our community to educate themselves on 'What is a healthy relationship?'.
One night isn't a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference.
This winter, I'll be sleeping outdoors on one of the coldest nights of the year to help raise money for people experiencing homelessness in my city. Help me have the biggest impact I can by supporting the Vinnies CEO Sleepout today. Your donation will help the St Vincent de Paul Society provide housing, food and empowering support to the people who need it most.
Some of you may think that your Club is in Rotary recess these weeks or months that everything moves slow.
However, in Perth Rotary the situation is exactly the opposite. Of course we have our ZOOM IN meetings but this is just the easiest to be seen.
From one side we have the current flow of activities that take place and on the other side we have the planning of the next year’s strategy and action plan that are thoroughly discussed among the new Board.
Professor Jorg lmberger invites you to attend a zoom presentation to a Rotary Club in Malta on the 28th of May at 23:00 Perth time (16:00 UK time). Please email Anne Marie Bianchi (annemariebianchi@gmail.com) the talk organiser in Malta and she will send you instructions on how to join the meeting.
I need to start this week’s newsletter with my excitement about our Club having so far purchased 2 cows for the Buy A Cow initiative that will provide food to the poor Cambodians. These 2 Perth Rotary cows will be feeding 20 families! Let me remind you that:
To celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand, Rotary has teamed up with UNICEF to give life-saving vaccines to 100,000 children across the Pacific. Rotary Give Every Child A Future is a sustainable project that will ensure generations of children and women are protected against cervical cancer, rotavirus and pneumococcal disease.
The gradual loosening of the restrictions and the special COVID-19 measures find us excited with the thought that soon we will all get back to our much missed Rotary meetings at the Westin. However, it will be seriously considered that our ZOOMIN sessions continue on a periodic basis as they engage a wider audience and provide us all with an exposure and learning that goes far beyond the limits of our Friday Rotary meetings.
Australian Rotary Health is producing a series of interviews with some of our successful Mental Health Research Grant recipients, and are sharing them with you.
Three days after grizzling about surgery on his smashed ankle being delayed because of the Pandemic, Barry Thornton received a phone call telling him to pack his pyjamas and be at Fremantle Hospital at 6.30 am on Friday May 1.
Good to know our busy Health Minister still has time to keep himself informed about the heart aches of those not yet stricken by the virus!
After covering the Coronavirus cycle “traveling” from Australia, to China and Italy, tonight we completed one more journey in the orbit of major external forces that affect our lives which are the world economy and the environment. We explored the world economy in its current state and the role of cryptocurrencies in live connection with New York University and Prof. David Yermack, while tonight we studied the connection of Climate Change to migration, poverty and war with Prof. Grammenos Mastrojeni in live connection with Barcelona Spain.
Cancer Council WA is calling for more Western Australians to complete the free life-saving bowel screening test, with new figures showing only four in 10 eligible Australians are participating in Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Our 10 year celebratory Sundowner for all KDT volunteers and supporters held at the Royal Perth Yacht Club on Friday 18th October 6-8pm was very well attended and an excellent evening of fun and reminiscing.
Well here we are, fellow Rotarians. At home. No real time meetings. No Sergeant’s Sessions. No President’s wise words. No Jill. No Kirstin. And no Larry!
In October 2019, I travelled to Cape Town South Africa with a group of final year nursing students to work with SHAWCO. SHAWCO is a student run non-profit organisation that provides mobile, primary health clinics to rural communities in South Africa.
PERTH ROTARY | PRESIDENTS UPDATE | 10th April 2020
Rotarians and friends of Perth Rotary,
Who would ever believe that the grief for having to suspend our Rotary meetings due to COVID-19 would give its place to the excitement of opening up to the world and travelling thousands of miles away from Perth.
Seeing the point of Easter is like seeing the point of a joke.
When we get it, it’s marvellous. In a flash of recognition, it possesses us. It doesn’t need any explanations. It raises no questions. In fact, explanations and questions will ruin it. What happens is pure involuntary response.
Club media manager, Barry Thornton, was far from ecstatic when he heard all elective surgery in WA hospitals would be put on hold until the Pandemic was over.
It started with a simple sound and video check at 5pm on Wednesday with Professor Vincenzo Canzonieri from his office in Aviano, Northern Italy to the home of the Past President of Perth Rotary, Wesley Sim, in Mount Claremont. It was all good. Between 5:45pm and 7pm, it became an international assembly of over 40 Rotarians hosted by the members of Perth Rotary. The meeting facilitated through Zoom was attended by Rotarians from cities spread across the world from Italy to Malta, Africa, Belgium, Taiwan, China and back.
"Perth Rotary | ZOOM IN" will connect live with Rotary China next Wednesday and with Rotarians from a number of local Clubs to discuss: “China, The Day After”.
“After having started from our country, presenting the entry level in this COVID-19 cycle with Dr. Nick Kontorinis and later connecting live with Dr. Canzonieri in Italy, a country sitting at the peak stage of this pandemic, next Wednesday we’ll be live with Rotary China to find out how different life at the end of the cycle. Details - below.”
PERTH ROTARY - PRESIDENTS UPDATE - 03rd April 2020
Rotarians and friends of Perth Rotary,
The pandemic and the recent restrictions which keep most of us in limited action and activity have given the opportunity to our club to open a “Window to the World”!
We will continue with our speaker program and with a series of "Zoom-In" Club meetings online. It is possible to join either by telephone or using your own device (personal computer, smart phone or tablet).
We have created a relaxed "private" area for members to stay in touch and post about how they are going, or anything else they would like to be in touch with other club members about.
Members of Perth Rotary between 1981 and 1999 would remember Felix, who was Director of Finance at the Water Corporation until 1966. Felix attended Perth Rotary as ‘make-ups’ for Holdfast Bay in South Australia to the end of June. (Holdfast Bay had a perfect membership attendance for the 1980/81 year and Felix promised to ensure that they would not lose this through him.) In July 1981 he became a member of the Rotary Club of Perth. Averse to admitting to failing eyesight Felix retired from Rotary in 1991.
On March 23rd 2020 the DGN group held an extensive Zoom meeting about the following issues and suggestions in regard to the YEP program in light of COVID19 restrictions and limitations:
Kym will receive a double pass to each concert at the arena in 2024 PLUS a $1000 food and bev voucher 
Perth Rotary’s 95th President, Linken Fragomeli, was raised on the grazing lands of Mount Barker and Albany and wants to inject that passion for growth and community spirit into his new role.
