Newsletter #2 | President Jill 

Dear Perth Rotary Members and Friends, 
 

Celebrating NAIDOC Week and Embracing "Makuru" in Our Rotary Year 

We kicked off the Rotary year with a meaningful celebration of NAIDOC Week, an event that set an inspiring tone for the months ahead. Our guest speaker, Gordon Cole, Chair of the Noongar Chamber of Commerce, provided an overview of the Chamber's work with First Nations businesses. He highlighted the profound impact of empowerment in driving positive change within these communities.

One particularly insightful aspect of Gordon's presentation was how the Chamber thoughtfully integrates the six Noongar seasons—Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, and Kambarang—into their business planning model. This unique approach resonated deeply with our commitment to community-centric development.

Coincidentally, we find ourselves currently in the season of Makuru. While Makuru is traditionally known as the wettest and coldest time of the year, often accompanied by gales and storms, it also carries a powerful symbolism: it's the Fertility Season. This period signifies the natural early gathering of ideas and the crucial scoping of project themes and narratives.

In alignment with the spirit of Makuru, Perth Rotary is actively in an incubation phase for new ideas and initiatives. We're currently nurturing and developing several promising concepts, much like the fertile ground of Makuru bringing forth new life. We look forward to sharing more about these exciting developments as they mature.

 
 

 
Youth Exchange Program | We recently bid farewell to our exchange student, Abby Lin, who safely returned to Taiwan on Saturday, July 5th. We're pleased to report that despite a typhoon striking within hours of her arrival home, Abby is settling in well and enjoying her time back with family. A huge thank you once again to our dedicated host families for the 2024/25 year: Graham & Susan Peden, Ian & Viola Belton, and Kathryn & Andrew Wackett. Your generosity and support are invaluable to the success of this program.
 
We're also excited to extend a warm welcome to our incoming exchange student, Elliot Notelaers, who will arrive in the early hours of Thursday, July 31st. Elliot, hailing from Belgium, will begin his exchange staying with my family and attending St. George's Anglican Grammar School. His first club meeting will be on Friday, August 1st. Please make sure to give Elliot a warm Perth Rotary welcome!

 

Board Meeting Outcomes | The Perth Rotary Board convened for its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, July 8th. It was a highly productive session, marked by robust discussions, effective team building, and comprehensive planning for the year ahead.

We are committed to keeping our members informed and engaged. You can expect a quarterly update in September detailing our goal setting, project advancements, and membership engagement strategies. To further this, Board Directors have been requested to hold portfolio meetings, either via Zoom or in person. We kindly ask for your commitment and support if you are invited to join a discussion group; your participation is crucial in guiding our club toward positive outcomes. Imagine the collective impact we could achieve with 100% member engagement! Our next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Perth Rotary Club Business Lunch Meeting THIS WEEK - Friday 18 July.  Have you registered to attend?  We have Cr Bruce Reynolds, Deputy Lord Mayor of Perth as our Guest Speaker.  We look forward to developing closer links to the City of Perth, particularly as we build up to our Centenary Year and invite all members to make a special effort to attend this luncheon.  Cr Bruce Reynolds topic is :

"The green light to grow today’s City for a bright future".  He will share with us what's coming up for the City of Perth, and where Perth Rotary can collaborate with the City for our Centenary and beyond.

Booking Link:  https://www.trybooking.com/DCSKL   At this meeting we look forward to welcoming HHG Legal back as a Corporate Member; Ali Oma and Nan Walker as Members of Rotary International.  Please book in today.  (Registration closes 3pm, Tuesday 15 July) 
 

PERTH ROTARY CLUB CENTENARY 1927 - 2027

Perth Rotary Centenary Committee: Call for Members

Planning for our significant Centenary Year is well underway, and we're actively seeking members to join the Centenary Committee. This committee will be instrumental in organizing both celebratory events and overseeing key projects for this occasion.

Significant progress is already being made on our major Centenary Initiatives:

  1. Club Project | Tiny Homes: This impactful initiative is being led by Community Services Director Graham Peden and Rotarian David Wee. A dedicated committee is already in place under the Community Services Portfolio.

  2. WA Rotary Project | Barry Marshall Research Institute for Infectious Diseases: President Jill Dawson and Rotarian John Garland are spearheading this vital project, with its committee established under the Community Services Portfolio.

Rotarian Karin Cable is chairing the Centenary Committee and is currently coordinating various activities and projects with District 9423 and the Perth Rotary Club for the next two years.

We are specifically looking for Perth Rotary Members to join the Centenary Committee to assist with the planning of Club Centenary Events under the Club Services Portfolio. These events include:

  • Perth Rotary Reunion Luncheon (June 2026)

  • Perth Rotary Member Celebration of the Club Charter – Thursday, April 15, 2027

  • Perth Rotary representation and liaison with District 9423 Centenary events, centered around the weekend of April 15-18, 2027

  • 2026/27 Vienna Pops Centenary Concert

  • Any other Centenary Event planning as required.

If you are interested in joining this planning committee, please RSVP to Jill Dawson at jill@quairadingearthmoving.com.au. Our first meeting will be held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, July 16th, at Jill's home. Subsequent meetings will take place in the board room of Wilde & Woolard (Graham Peden) on a mutually agreed upon day.

BARRY MARSHALL | Research Institute for Infectious Diseases inaugural fundraising event 

Join us for an elegant evening of captivating jazz with the acclaimed Adrian Galante, dedicated to establishing a leading Research Institute for Infectious Diseases right here in Western Australia.  This special event honors the remarkable legacy of Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, whose groundbreaking work has profoundly impacted our understanding and treatment of infectious diseases. Indulge in an enchanting night of soulful melodies and intricate rhythms, all while directly contributing to the vital funds needed to create an institute that will continue Professor Marshall's spirit of innovation.   Your attendance will directly support efforts to combat infectious diseases and improve global health outcomes for generations to come. We can't wait to see you there!

Also available on the night – cash bar in the beautiful University of Western Australia grounds.  Access to Octagon Theatre and surrounds.

DATE:   Thursday 14 August 2025 

Venue:  Octagon Theatre, UWA 

Time:    6pm doors open; Concert 7pm - 9.30pm 

Cost:    $55/adult;  $45/Student    $50/pp groups 6+ 

 

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.

 

Wishing those who celebrate Bastille Day an enjoyable day of celebrations wherever in the world you might be.  
 
 
Kind regards,
Jill Dawson OAM | President Perth Rotary 2025/27
 
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CLUB COMMITTEE & SUB COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
  1. Perth Rotary Board  Meeting, 5.30pm, Tuesday 12 August  2025.  Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au 
  2. Perth Rotary Centenary Events Committee Meeting; 5.30pm Wednesday 16 July 2025.  Please rsvp:  Jill Dawson - jill@quairadingearthmoving.com.au if you would like to join this Committee. 
UPCOMING EVENTS - PERTH ROTARY CLUB
UPCOMING EVENTS - D9423 AND BEYOND
  • KDT Outback Dental Adventures - Book Launch.  7pm, Friday 1 August 2025.  Owen Homoeopathics, 443 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe.  RSVP - janowen@h-e-c.com.au 
  • RMB - 1st Tuesday of the Month.  5.30pm, ANZAC House.  
  • Rotary WA Facebook group ESRAG WA Interest Group.   You may be aware of ESRAG (the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group) globally, and its Oceania chapter.  Rather than create another WA administrative chapter locally, we encourage those interested in Environmental Service to join ESRAG.  
  • Homelessness Interest Group - Thursday 7 August 6.30-8.00pm - by Zoom    RSVP via Humanitix.com  Rental levels in WA are at  unprecedented highs. As a result homelessness is at epidemic proportions. Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends interested in projects addressing homelessness are invited to join with your Homeless Hub at our Zoom gathering during Homelessness Week 2025.
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CORPORATE MEMBERS