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.  
President Jill opened proceedings with an overview of the past twelve months focussing on the Perth Rotary Mission Statement - 
 
Which is - We:   Engage Extraordinary People to:
  • Foster a culture of social responsibility
  • Make a positive community impact.
Past President, David Reed OAM was acknowledged for his work and leadership over the past 21 years as Chair of the Passages Board.  David has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of young people and has raised many millions of dollars in support of the project.  Incoming Chair of the Passages Board, Ashley Ladner presented David with a framed montage of various pictures, newspaper articles and critical moments of the project over the past twenty years as a memento of the project.  President Jill then presented David with a framed picture of the Passages Board at the Passages Final Race Day, Saturday 20 March 2021.
 
Ashley Ladner was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire Pin in recognition of his work towards the Passages Race Day over 15 years.  It has been a wonderful relationship between Perth Rotary and the Passages Project with David and Ashley an exemplar in positive mentoring within the Rotary Club of Perth.  This year the Passages Race Day Committee were able to surpass the $1 million dollar mark in funds raised in addition to all of the other funds raised over the years in support of Passages. 
 
 
In Rotary Australia’s Centennial Year, Nan Walker worked tirelessly on the Centennial Gala Committee.  Not only a cross club collaboration, but cross Districts as we worked with the Melville Rotary Club.  Nan’s attention to detail, energy, demand for things to be perfect and willingness to go the extra mile were unsurpassed.    Not withstanding all of the meticulous planning – nothing and no one can account for COVID.  However, as Premier MacGowan was announcing that Perth was about to go into another lockdown effective from midnight, Friday 23 April 2021, Nan was already on the ground at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, talking with staff and liaising back with Melville so as to ensure that if at all possible the event could go ahead – and what a night it was.   The party to end all parties and one of the very few Centennial Celebrations of that magnitude to be held Nationwide.  It gives me great pleasure to award Nan Walker with a PHF, sapphire pin…… in acknowledgement of your work to celebrate and promote Rotary in Rotary Australia’s Centennial Year.    
 
 
John Garland AM, Rebecca Tolstoy AM, Wesley Sim and Larry Hirsch were acknowledged for their work this year within the Perth Rotary Club and beyond.  Each doing so much that often flies under the radar but means so much to Rotary WA as well as the Perth Rotary Club.  John was later to entertain all present with a rendition of a 'Time to Say Goodbye' in true Perth Rotary Singers Style. 
 
Judith Pinczuk was also presented with a framed memento in acknowledgment of her continued support of the club.  Judith embodies what it is to be a Rotarian and was acknowledged and applauded for her can do attitude.  She was often an inspiration to many …. a great example of carrying on and making the best of the opportunities before you.   
 
With official proceedings finished and a "pub style" meal of chicken hot pot; fish and chips and sliders served, The Perth Rotary Band, The Rotars cranked up the music and members danced the night away.  Jeff and Helen Leach took out the "Best Dressed Couple" and Diane Gale was the winner of a two night stay at Borranup Cottages, sponsored by Jane Papalia.   
 
A wonderful end to a fabulous year.  Our gratitude and thanks to Club Services Director Darren Perera and Chair of the Fellowship Committee, Jo Morris along with the Team who set up the event and also to the Parmelia Hilton for accommodating our various needs for the evening.  
 
We are looking forward to the new Rotary Year.  Our 2021/22 Rotary International Theme is ' Serve to Change Lives'.  President John will kick off his year with a lunch meeting on Friday 25 June at the Parmelia Hilton.  Bookings to attend can be made by visiting the link https://www.trybooking.com/BRYRM https://www.trybooking.com/BRYRM
 
 
 
 
 
 
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