Newsletter #15 | President Manu

Dear all
 
This may well be my final address as President of Perth Rotary, though I just might squeeze in one more before my term concludes. While our official Changeover is scheduled for 20th June, the Rotary year technically runs until 30th June 2025. I’ll chat with President Elect Jill and see if I can put my foot down one last time—it’s worth a shot!
 
Reflecting on this year, I can wholeheartedly say it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not only did I have the honour of serving as President, but I also gained a deeper understanding of Rotary’s incredible work—both globally and right here within our own club. I’ve built friendships that I will cherish for life and, as I said at the start of my journey, I have embraced Perth Rotary as my family. I will always be grateful for this opportunity and will continue working towards our shared community goals in my new role as Immediate Past President—and beyond.
 
At our 16th May lunch meeting, we heard from retired nurse and midwife Anita Clayton, who shared her unique journey in her talk titled “An Unusual Nursing Career: Serendipity.” It was also a moment of pride for our club as we celebrated Suzanne John, recipient of the ADSA Emeritus Professor Eric G. Saint Memorial Award 2025, recognising her unwavering commitment to the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia. The award was presented by Hon. Kate Doust MLC on 5th April 2025. Congratulations, Sue—your dedication continues to inspire us all.
 
 
On 24th May, we gathered for a wonderful Mother’s Day High Tea at the C Restaurant with 50 guests in attendance. The event was both a celebration and a fundraiser in support of Cambodia Family Support (CFS). Emma Cork shared her upcoming plans for Cambodia, and together, we raised critical funds to support vulnerable communities in remote areas. Special thanks to Emma Cork, Helen Keane, Jill Dawson, and Harsha Gupta for their tremendous efforts. I’m thrilled to share that in just 10 days, through donations, fines, and the High Tea event, we raised in excess of $2,500.00 —a fantastic result!
 
 
Looking ahead, our next club luncheon is on 6th June 2025, where we’ll spotlight our Youth Projects:
  • Abby Lin, wrapping up her Exchange year with Perth Rotary
  • Niamh Bingham, who recently returned from her Exchange year in Denmark
  • Priya Ravichandran, our scholarship recipient for tertiary studies
  • Sam Dixon (Team Reflections), sharing her experience at RYLA
This event showcases Rotary’s deep investment in our youth—the future of our community—and it's a cause close to my heart. Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DBQZB
 
 
 
And of course, I look forward to seeing you all at our Changeover Dinner on 20th June 2025. Whether it's the theme, the menu, or simply the joy of gathering together, there’s something for everyone! Most importantly, let’s come together to celebrate President Elect Jill Dawson OAM, who is making history as the first-ever Past President to be re-elected, stepping up as our 99th President. What a momentous occasion! Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DBREX
 
Finally, please pencil in 27th June 2025 for a Special General Meeting during lunch. It will be the first opportunity for Jill to take the stage and share highlights of her vision for the year ahead. A formal notice and booking link will follow soon.
 
Thank you for your continued support—and I’ll see you all on 6th June!
 
Kind regards,
Manu Gupta
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CLUB COMMITTEE & SUB COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
  1. Perth Rotary Board Planning Meeting, 9am - 12 noon, Saturday 7 June 2025.  Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au 
  2. Membership Committee Meeting; 2pm , Friday 6 June 2025, Parmelia Hilton Hotel.  Agenda and Minutes emailed to Committee Members.  Please rsvp:  Jill Dawson - jill@quairadingearthmoving.com.au
UPCOMING EVENTS - PERTH ROTARY CLUB
UPCOMING EVENTS - D9423 AND BEYOND
  • D9423 Changeover Dinner | Saturday 14 June 2025, Leederville Function Centre.  Booking Link:  (click on the image )
  • Healthy Mouths Brighter Smiles program.   SMILE: Sustainable Mobile Initiatives for Long-term Equity in Oral Health 
    Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 
  • Summary:  Tooth decay, a silent epidemic, disproportionately impacts underserved populations, causing pain, school absenteeism, and systemic health challenges and remains the most common chronic condition in the world. This innovative project brings mobile dental care and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) treatment directly to rural and remote communities, bridging the gap in access to vital oral health services. SDF is a painless, non-invasive treatment that can stop decay from progressing, offering a simple, effective solution for at-risk patients. Our research in this space has shown reductions in emergency hospitalisations, greater uptake of treatment and adaptability in low resources settings.
  • The proposed framework of mobile dental care does more than treat; it also educates and empowers. By integrating dental student placements, this program creates a unique learning platform that trains the next generation of culturally aware, patient-centered professionals. Students gain hands-on experience addressing real-world oral health inequities while contributing to critical care for patients using treatments such as SDF to arrest decay and improve quality of life. The framework extends our current oral health promotion programs by providing dental treatment within remote schools, daycare centres and community groups.
  • Impact:  This work builds on successful pilot programs in the Pilbara and Central Great Southern regions that continue to show significant benefits to the community and increasing access to care. The dual-purpose initiative tackles immediate health and workforce need while providing a much-needed service that utilises non-invasive evidence-based technologies such as SDF and drives systemic change by training future dental practitioners to address health disparities in vulnerable communities.
  • Why Philanthropy?  Philanthropy drives transformative change by overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and red tape, enabling rapid deployment of mobile dental units to the communities that need them most. This initiative not only delivers immediate care but aims to build lasting infrastructure, ensuring sustainable access to dental services while empowering future professionals to lead the charge for equitable care
  • Time: 6.30pm - 9pm
    Venue: University Club of Western Australia
    Queries: events-alumni@uwa.edu.au
    RSVP: Friday, 23 May 2025
    Booking Link:  Click Here
 
 
NSW FLOODS - YOUR HELP is needed.....  As communities across New South Wales face one of the most devastating flood emergencies in recent memory, we are once again called to act with compassion and urgency.  In just two days, parts of the state have received four months’ worth of rain, triggering flash floods that have inundated homes, cut off entire towns, and tragically claimed lives. Over 50,000 residents have been warned to evacuate or prepare for isolation, with major flooding affecting areas such as Taree, Wingham, Dungog, and the Mid North Coast.
 
Emergency services are stretched thin, conducting hundreds of rescues while many residents remain stranded. The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding, and the need for coordinated support is growing by the hour.

Rotary District 9660 is mobilising to assist affected communities. Disaster coordinators are being appointed, and collaboration with local authorities is underway. As with the Queensland response, mental health support will be a critical focus in the recovery phase.

How You Can Help:

There are two trusted ways to contribute:
 
  • District 9660 Disaster Fund Account
    (For immediate use by clubs and districts – not tax deductible) 
            Account Name: Rotary District 9660
            BSB: 082798
            Account Number: 599 583 002

                                         and/or
  • Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund
    (Tax-deductible in Australia – ideal for individual donations, in support of the Disaster
  • Response Grant application that is being prepared by the district)
    DONATE HERE 
Your generosity will directly support those in need, helping to provide emergency supplies, shelter, and long-term recovery assistance.

Thank you all, across our region, for standing with our Australian communities during this time of crisis.

Yours in Rotary Service,
 
DG Bruce George
Rotary District 9660
M: 0419380059
bkg5762@activ8.net.au

DRFC Ken Hall
Rotary District 9660
M: 0419613982
 
PERTH ROTARY CORPORATE MEMBERS