Guest Speaker: Acting Lord Mayor Cr. Bruce Reynolds
We were honored to host Acting Lord Mayor Cr. Bruce Reynolds as our distinguished guest speaker on Friday, July 18, 2025. Cr. Reynolds provided members with an insightful and candid address, sharing details of his background, strong work ethic, and the business acumen that informs his approach to community engagement. He also highlighted the numerous dynamic projects currently underway within the City of Perth. Cr. Reynolds emphasized Perth's evolution into a modern, globally connected city, asserting its position not as the most isolated city in the world, but rather as a prominent gateway to international opportunities. As we watch the struggles along the Thai/Cambodia border unfold, it is timely to reflect on how fortunate we are and what can we do to make the world a better place in every corner. Our International Portfolio Members are in touch and monitoring the situation to see what support we might be able to offer to those affected by the unrest.
Membership | Perth Rotary Club welcomes you. 
gal Group have been assisting Western Australian businesses, governments and individuals with their legal requirements for over 100 years. Commencing operations in the Great Southern in 1919, our highly experienced and award-winning WA lawyers, provide tailored solutions to clients requiring legal advice and assistance for a broad range of issues across Family and De Facto, Wills and Estates, Corporate & Commercial and Property Law. In addition, we have a highly experienced and regarded Dispute Resolution and Litigation team who can assist with both commercial and personal disputes. Perth Rotary is thrilled to expand our Corporate Membership and encourage others to consider joining our club. Perth Rotary Club Business Lunch Meeting THIS WEEK - Friday 1 August 2025.
We extend a warm invitation to join us for an evening of Rotary Fellowship and our annual Four-Way Test Speaking Competition Heats. This is a valuable opportunity to support three talented Year 10 students as they present speeches crafted around the principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Your presence will provide an encouraging and appreciative audience for their dedicated efforts.
These students, representing their respective schools, will address the following compelling topics:
Ashdale Secondary College: Sienna Isaac | "Is this the Truth About Education"
Mercedes College - Perth: Yashica Kalyankar | "Educational Equality"
St. George's Anglican Grammar School: Izabella Kodituwakku | "The Media and the Illusion of Truth"
Each year, these students deliver insightful speeches reflecting their perspectives on our world and how the Four-Way Test can guide us toward a more compassionate society. This event consistently proves to be a source of inspiration. We encourage you to book your attendance via the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDGKU
Please note the following key details for bookings:
Meeting Days: The first and third Fridays of each month.
Booking Method: Bookings can be made via the TryBooking link provided in your email invitation or directly through the "Speakers and Events" tab on the Perth Rotary Website: https://rotaryperth.org.au/events/.
Booking Deadline: Bookings will close at 3:00 PM on the Tuesday preceding our Friday Rotary Business Lunch. All dietary requirements must be submitted by this deadline.
Booking Confirmation: Confirmations will be issued by 12:00 PM on the Thursday before our Rotary Business Lunch. We have negotiated a 10% allowance for last-minute adjustments should you require.
Walk-Ins: While walk-ins are welcome, we cannot guarantee lunch service from the Parmelia Hilton without a prior booking.
We appreciate your cooperation and continued commitment to Perth Rotary.
Wishes Granted: Perth Rotary Transforms Coins into Community Impact!
Last week, Rotarian Ulrich Kunzmann deposited a staggering 1,045 wishes — and A$436.75 — into the Perth Rotary Bank Account. These aren't just coins; they represent hopes and dreams collected from the iconic Kings Park Wishing Well, a powerful symbol of Perth Rotary's very first community initiative. Thank you Ulrich who patiently sorts and deposits the coins on a regular basis. Quietly supporting our Club and the Community Services & Youth Portfolios.
Congratulations:
Celebrating a Trailblazer: Edith Dircksey Cowan OBE JP
The Karrakatta Club hosted a magnificent dinner on Friday, July 18, to honor the remarkable legacy of Edith Dircksey Cowan OBE JP. The event also commemorated the installation of her statue on St. Georges Terrace, prominently situated in front of ANZAC House. Edith Cowan was truly a trailblazer for women, an enduring inspiration and a beacon of light for all. She consistently exemplified resilience, common sense, determination, empathy, compassion, and unwavering steadfastness, even in the face of significant opposition. Her tireless advocacy championed the rights of women and children, supported returned soldiers, and drove essential community and social reform. She was, without question, an altogether amazing woman.
We also wish to acknowledge our very own Perth Rotarian, Suzanne John, whose integral role was crucial in the installation and recognition of this monumental tribute to Edith Dircksey Cowan. The evening was an elegant affair, filled with inspiring storytelling, profound pride, and heartfelt praise for all those who worked tirelessly to bring this significant idea to fruition. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you for inviting Perth Rotary to witness such a momentous occasion.
John Garland Honored with Rural Hall of Fame Induction
John Garland, founder of John Garland & Co (est. 1961) and a pivotal figure in WA rural real estate, has been inducted into the Rural Hall of Fame. His career spans over 3,000 auctions and hundreds of millions in sales, including bringing AFGRI Equipment to WA and developing the unique computerized dairy milk quota auction system. A former REIWA President, he's received numerous accolades, including the FIABCI Medal of Honour and a 2007 Order of Australia (AM) for his industry and community contributions. Mr. Garland was officially inducted on July 25 at REIWA’s Rural Seminar and Awards.
Where Are They Now? Glimpsing the Future with Thomas Campbell
Many of us remember a young Thomas Campbell, coming along to Rotary events with his parents and/or Grandmother, Club Services Director, Wendy. Thomas is now in his final year at Curtin University, has grown a bit .... towering over a very proud Wendy. Thomas speaks passionately about his journey, highlighting the invaluable connections forged with his teachers and peers, and the immense privilege of learning directly from leading experts in his field.
Western Australia has unexpectedly blossomed into a global powerhouse for radio astronomy, attracting top researchers from across the globe. This burgeoning hub is perfectly exemplified by the ambitious Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project – an international collaboration poised to unlock unprecedented views of our universe and redefine our understanding of the cosmos. Thomas is not just observing this incredible transformation; he's actively preparing to be a part of it, ready to contribute to the next chapter of astronomical discovery. An exciting time to be a student; thinking about the Universe and all of the possibilities therein.
PERTH ROTARY CLUB CENTENARY 1927 - 2027 | UPDATE
BARRY MARSHALL | Research Institute for Infectious Diseases inaugural fundraising event. Have you got your ticket to this intimate and exclusive launch event?
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; $40/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.
- Perth Rotary Board Meeting, 5.30pm, Tuesday 19 August 2025. Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
- Perth Rotary Centenary Events Committee Meeting; 4pm, 5 August 2025 in the office of Wilde & Woollard Perth. Please rsvp: Jill Dawson - president@rotaryperth.org.au if you would like to join this Committee.
- Perth Rotary Business Lunch | Friday 1 August 2025. Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDGKU
- Perth Rotary Bonfire Night | Saturday 9 August 2025. RSVP - Amanda Matthews <amanda@jjleachgroup.com.au> 4pm to late. BYO everything.
- WA Centenary Event | Evening of Jazz. Thursday 14 August 2025. Octagon Theatre, UWA. www.ticketsWA.com
- Perth Rotary Business Lunch | Friday 15 August 2025. Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEDFQ
- Perth Rotary Business Lunch | Friday 5 September 2025. Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEDGC
- 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.
