Newsletter #14 | President Jill

Hello Rotarians and Friends,

As we move into the holiday season and reflect on a busy year, I’m thrilled to share that our Carols in the City volunteer effort was a resounding success. Thank you to everyone who gave their time!  

While many of us are now in holiday mode, we have one beautiful tradition left on the calendar: Vienna Pops New Years Eve Concerts.  This isn't just a world-class musical event; it is a fundraiser for the Salvation Army’s Family Domestic Violence programs. Your ticket purchase provides direct support to women and children in need during what can be a very difficult time of year.

Please visit www.ticketsWA.com to book your spot without delay. We would love to see a strong Rotary presence there to close out 2025!

Items for your IMMEDIATE attention - please click on the links for more information. You will find more information about each item below.

NYE: Vienna Pops Gala 2025 | a FABULOUS last minute Christmas Gift idea.... 

Tickets

Booking Link :

Afternoon Matinee - TicketsWA.com      Evening Gala - TicketsWA.com     

Evening Gala VIP - Please email - viennapops@rotaryperth.org.au 

Perth Rotary Christmas Breakfast Wrap Up.... 

Thank you to all those who were able to attend the Christmas Breakfast, Friday 19 December 2025.  We had 105 Rotarians, Family Members and friends in attendance which made for a festive atmosphere.  
 
Whilst we attended the breakfast to celebrate, there is no doubt that it had been a difficult week for Australia following the senseless violence at Bondi.  In times of crisis, Rotarians naturally ask: 'What can we do?'  From this side of the country, it may feel like there is little we can do. But as community leaders, our influence is significant.
 
Leadership isn't just about big projects; it’s about how we conduct ourselves in our daily lives—how we treat people on the street, in our businesses, and within our families. Rotary is a movement for peace, and that peace starts with us.   Rotary’s mission is to build peace.  In times like these, we must stand united, reaffirming our shared humanity.
 
Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families. I also ask that we show compassion for those in our community who may face misplaced prejudice due to the actions of a few. Let us lead by example and uphold the values that truly unite us. 
 
Rotary in collaboration with the NSW Government and the Jewish Board of Deputies has set up the Unite for Bondi - Bondi Terror Attack Appeal to provide benevolent relief and support to injured survivors and direct next of kin of those deceased following the fatal shootings which occurred in Bondi NSW on Sunday 14 December 2025.   The aim is to speak with one voice, as Rotary, under a unifying umbrella of compassion, peace and community.    The appeal has just been launched, please access it here.  
 
We honoured the following Rotarians last Friday: 
 
Irwin Palmer; Manu Gupta; Bill Hicks; Kim Hurley and Jeffrey Leach.  Read all about it by clicking on this link
 
We also inducted our newest Rotarian to the club.... It is with great excitement that we welcome Sharon Wood-Kenney to membership of the Perth Rotary Club.  Sharon joined us as a volunteer at the Carols in the City Saturday Night and we cannot wait to see what awaits us as we build towards our Centenary of Celebrations in 2026/27.   Welcome Sharon.  
 
Ray Simpson provided a summary of the work of Path of Hope and the Christmas Appeal.  Dawn Mills, State Manager for the Salvation Army FDV unit was on hand to accept the presentation of gifts for those women and children in the care of the Salvo's this Christmas.   Once again, we were able to thank Helen Leach for coordinating the Christmas Appeal.  
 

True North Perth Carols in the City

Thank you to all those Rotarians from Perth and Heirisson Clubs who gave of their time to man the BBQ's so as all those who volunteered to bring the event together for the community were fed.  We also had the opportunity to share the work of all those connected with Shelterbox, the Homeless Hub and promote Vienna Pops.  A great effort by all concerned.  A special thank you to Wesley Sim for coordinating the troops; Manu Gupta for organising the food supplies and Don Burnside for providing the BBQ's and equipment.  A fabulous night and great opportunity to showcase Rotary.  

Perth Rotary Board 

The Board next meets Tuesday 3 February 2026.    Portfolio Directors are calling members to committee meetings so as to progress our various projects.  You are asked to please attend when invited so as to share the load of our Community Engagement and Project Work.  

D9423 | UP, UP and AWAY... 2026 Conference. Have you registered?  

 

Registrations are now open.  Join us in Northam from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026, for a weekend of fun and fellowship whilst celebrating 80 years of service to the Avon Valley Community.   More information regarding booking procedures and list of speakers can be found by clicking on the following link: https://rotaryperth.org.au/Stories/district-conference-march-2026

 

PERTH ROTARY | FELLOWSHIP DATES for your diary.... 

Wednesday 31 December | Vienna Pops New Years Eve Concerts.  www.ticketswa.com  | Vienna Pops Afternoon Matinee or Vienna Pops Evening Gala. 
Thursday 29 January 2026 | Presidents Cocktail Party TBC. 
 

Centenary Merchandise

In the meantime, you can show your support and pride by ordering our special Centenary Shirts and Caps.

Please click on the following link to place your order: https://shop.fullypromoted.com.au/perthrotary. You have the option of ordering shirts in either Blue/Yellow or White/Navy color combinations. A special thank you to Ashley Whitworth for his dedication in developing the logo and ensuring these items are available at an affordable price.

For members of other Rotary clubs, Ashley can also include your club's logo in place of Perth Rotary's. The Centenary of 100 years of Rotary Service to Western Australia is a celebration for all in WA Rotary, and we encourage everyone to join us in marking this significant milestone.

 
 

 

A heartfelt personal thank you to all our members—for your collective and individual efforts this year in keeping our wonderful Rotary Club active, relevant, and moving forward.  Wishing all members, their families, business colleagues, and fellow Rotarians a Blessed Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year.
 
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our Community.
 
God Bless,
Jill.
Jill Dawson OAM | President Perth Rotary 2025/27
 
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CLUB COMMITTEE & SUB COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
  1. Perth Rotary Centenary Meeting Date tba.   rsvp - president@rotaryperth.org.au
  2. Perth Rotary Board Meeting  5.30pm, Tuesday 2 December 2025.  Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
UPCOMING EVENTS - PERTH ROTARY CLUB
  • Christmas Breakfast | Friday 19 December 2025 
  • True North Perth Carols in the City | Saturday 20 December 2025
  • Vienna Pops NYE | Wednesday 31 December 2025 
  • Presidents Cocktail Party TBC | Thursday 29 January 2026
 
UPCOMING EVENTS - D9423 AND BEYOND
  •  D9423 Conference | March 2026
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CORPORATE MEMBERS