Perth Rotary Newsletter |  10 August 2021 

Posted on Aug 10, 2021
Dear Rotarians and Friends,
 
Oh what a night it was.  I’m not sure how many of our erudite members are familiar with Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, the first part of which is Inferno. it describes Dante’s journey through the fires of Hell.
 
If you haven’t read it, don’t trouble yourself with this 14th century text.  Just come along to one of Jeff Leach’s Bonfire Nights in the Wilderness.
 
Early on, the signs were ominous.  We were confronted with a stack of branches, timber and tinder the size of a mostly appointed apartment block.  To add to the general sense of foreboding, we were informed it was shortly to be saturated with highly inflammable liquids, gels and volatile cans of petrol.
The first highlight of the evening, however, was a spectacular fireplace experience whereby the base of Jeff’s BBQ, lovingly but lightly supervised by Nigel of the Hip, completely disintegrated, causing fireballs of logs, coals and shattered sheet metal to burst out over the assembled company, who luckily were sufficiently inebriated as to be unaware of the seriousness of their predicament.  Jeff was lost in a cloud of acrid smoke as he gallantly picked up the flaming logs and scorching metal with his bare hands and threw them back underneath the sausages, which by now had been reduced to blackened stumps.
 
 
This once-in-a-lifetime episode was but the prequel to an even more life-threatening experience.  I was given a bow and arrow, both plastic, Jeff being not sufficiently financial to afford the real thing.  The arrow was lit and thanks to all my wasted years watching Errol Flynn – that reprobate from Tasmania – play Robin Hood, I fired into the pyre (Greek for highly, nay dangerously combustible material) – all the while wondering if I’d left a record of my four favorite hymns with my next of kin.
 
In a moment, in the flash of eye, the whole thing erupted in a giant volcanic explosion worthy of Mount Vesuvius and terror-struck, we beheld this other-worldly phenomenon.  Those privileged to be there have been through the valley of the shadow and have survived.  It was Saturday 7 August – St Cajetan’s Day -and there we were, we happy few, we band of brothers and sisters, with Henry the Fifth’s stirring words rattling around our minds – ‘he who outlives this night, and comes safe home, will stand a tip-toe when the day is named, and strip his sleeve and show his scars and say, “These wounds I had on the fields of Jeffery the Apothecary, and Rotarians back home in Perth and now a-bed shall think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their membership cheap whilst any speak that scorched with us upon St Cajetan’s Day”’.
 
On a lighter note, this Friday lunchtime sees Leon Pericles analyse his art work in the Parmelia foyer – sign-up if you haven’t already.  https://www.trybooking.com/BSZIC Lunch will take place in the foyer of the Parmelia Hilton Hotel in front of the art installation.  For this reason, seats are limited and if you have not booked on line we cannot guarantee a place for you.  Please book to ensure there is no disappointment on the day.  
 
 
On Friday 20 August the Lord Mayor joins us to unpack his vision for Perth.  This lunch is very popular.  To be sure of getting in before spaces fill, book early.  https://www.trybooking.com/BTCZF
 
The Wallace Kyle Oration is Wednesday 25 August, and is to be given by Malcolm McCusker, former Governor of Western Australia.  Tickets are fast running out for this one.  Please register to attend.  
 
 
The Four Way Speaking Test was very well handled by Kim Hurley and Manu Gupta and the winner goes on to present on a wider stage – also on 25 August at the District 9455 Finals.  
 
Congratulations to all concerned.
 
John.
 
NEWS FROM THE FELLOWSHIP PORTFOLIO:

Sports vs Rock Quiz Night | Saturday 18 September 2021 

An opportunity was presented to Elizabeth Quay, Matilda Bay & the Perth Rotary Clubs for us to collaborate and “road test” a fundraising event which could be utilised by any clubs around the traps.  We anticipate a hilarious night of music & sporting brain-busters & fundraising for all.   Should you wish to come dressed as your favourite "Rock Star or Sports Star" you will go into the draw for a fabulous prize worthy of the effort to dress up.  

Members are invited to start organising their tables and book to attend the inaugural Rotary Sports Vs Rock Quiz Night.  Tables of 10 and/or individual tickets are available by clicking on the link https://www.trybooking.com/BTKUB.  Your ticket includes a platter of food/per table and automatic entry into the draw for an overnight stay at the Duxton.  Should members wish to make a night of it and stay at the Duxton Hotel, please let the booking clerks know you are a Rotarian to receive a 10% discount off best available rates.  

Gala Bid will provide items for auction - silent and live.  

Profits raised on the evening will be directed to Australian Rotary Health australianrotaryhealth.org.au.  and Rotary Community Projects from the participating clubs - Perth; Matilda Bay & Elizabeth Quay.

Here’s a sneak peek at how your night will shape up:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PJLrmvDYOw and some background on the boys:  https://www.icmi.com.au/rock-v-sport/

 

NEWS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP PORTFOLIO: 

This week we look forward to welcoming two new members to the Perth Rotary Club at our lunch meeting, Friday 13 August.  

David Woods                                             Dimitri Tsagaris

David Woods is the founder and managing director of CTD Management Group (CTD). An international business development strategist and commercial management expert, David supports progressive organisations to enter new markets and create profitable networks.   Establishing CTD in early 2015, David has brought together a team of talented global professionals capable of delivering complex international projects and market entry solutions that target Australian companies looking to expand into the Middle East and East Africa.  Specialising in the establishment of compliant and sustainable business foundations, David is trusted by startups, multinationals and medium sized private enterprises to build networks, validate sales channels, and facilitate cross border expansion and development.

Dimitri Tsagaris is a UWA student currently undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Business Law and Political Science + International Relations. Dimitri also works part time as a researcher and general electoral officer at Senator Dean Smith’s Greenwood office, and am the Vice President of the Greek Students Association at UWA.  Dimitri was first exposed to Rotary on an exchange trip in 2018, in which he was sponsored by the club of Mill Point to go to Canberra during budget week. During this experience Dimitri saw how welcoming and loving Rotarians were, and came to realise how they truly embody the mantra of “service above self”.  

Perth Rotarians look forward to welcoming David & Dimitri.  If you have not already done so, please book your ticket to attend lunch at the Parmelia Hilton, Friday 13 August.  Due to the special nature of this lunch, places are limited and only those who have booked will be guaranteed a seat. 

 
PERTH ROTARY 2021/22 BOARD EMAIL - Our Next Board Meeting – Monday 6 September 2021
 
President:   Rev Dr John Shepherd AM    president@rotaryperth.org.au ;  john.h.shepherd@bigpond.com
Past President:         Jill Dawson              pastpresident@rotaryperth.org.au 
President Elect:        Maree Gooch           maree@valuecreators.com.au 
Treasurer:                  Joseph Wambua      treasurer@rotaryperth.org.au
Secretary:                  Jacques Phillips      secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
Rotary Foundation   Emma Cork              ecork@hphsolutions.com.au
Club Service:           Darren Perera           clubservice@rotaryperth.org.au
Fellowship Chair:    Nan Walker               fellowship@rotaryperth.org.au     
Media Chair              Barry Thornton       barrythornton@hotmail.com
Speaker Program     Nicola Johnston       programmechair@rotaryperth.org.au
Membership             Jill Dawson              membership@rotaryperth.org.au
Vocational                 Jonas Edner             vocational@rotaryperth.org.au
Community               David Wee                community@rotaryperth.org.au
International             Wesley Sim               international@rotaryperth.org.au
Youth                        Manu Gupta              youth@rotaryperth.org.au