It’s time for some heart-felt congratulations.
Two weeks ago we had our first lunch meeting of the year at the Duxton Hotel with a celebration of Chinese New Year. And what a celebration it was! Everything was themed – the décor, the menu, the ambiance, the topic, the Sergeant. Nan set the ball rolling with her usual Hollywood aplomb, Sandy Chong gave a superb presentation of the cultural and political factors influencing business relationships with our regional neighbors, and the intensity of the occasion was captured by our ace paparazzi Wesley Sim. Our sublime journalist Barry Thornton, who could have made a healthy living during the Watergate saga of the 70s, but is best remembered for his cricketing fame, made sure a vivid account was front and centre of the Perth Post, Chinese Community Newspaper, and Jeff Leach excelled even himself with a range of fines as broad as the Seven Seas.
Which reminds me. To test the intelligence, not to say perspicacity of our present cohort, can anyone name the Seven Seas? Who or what were the Seven Seas? And is seven excessive? Could we have got by with six? Or gotten by, if you hail from Alabama. Waiting to hear. It will also be a test as to whether anybody actually reads this.
Breaking news from Vienna Pops. A crucial announcement will be made at our 4 March lunch, already made vibrant because of our guest speaker, former Governor Kerry Sanderson AC, as well as coinciding with our solemn observance of International Women’s Day. Be sure to be at it. Then you’ll be the first to hear the news. Men also welcome. Booking link for this event is: https://www.trybooking.com/BWMCS
But back to this Friday. One of our most innovative, energetic and insightful strategic thinkers and planners for the City of Perth – its layout, development and future possibilities – Adrian Fini – will speak on a vision for the future of the City of Perth. This lunch will be a cracker, so be sure to register by clicking on the following link - https://www.trybooking.com/BWKPO.
It is incumbent on us to remember the HMAS Sydney, sunk during the Battle of the Sunda Strait, 1 March 1942, with tremendous loss of life. Tuesday of next week is the 80th anniversary of this tragedy. We also remember the USS Houston and its crew, sunk that same day.
Passages Race Day is all but upon us. Saturday 12 March. Please give this important event in our Rotary calendar your utmost support.
Proceeds from the day will go towards the alleviation of youth homelessness in Perth and Peel. Passages provides safe, friendly and positive places for vulnerable young people in the 12 to 25 age bracket to come for support – food, care, clothing, shelter and advice, including referrals to essential services and preparation for job interviews.
Passages has been a major Perth Rotary project for many years, and we are committed to keeping it flourishing - Floreat: let it flourish.
Book now, and if you want inside tips on likely winners on the track, speak to Ashley Ladner. He is Our Man In The Know. Email events@svdpwa.org.au to secure your booking for this event.
In the meantime, waiting to hear about the Seven Seas. Hot tip – Lake Monger does not, repeat not count.
President John.
Rotary Means Business | Insight Series| Business Networking Event - TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2022
IN CONVERSATION WITH JEFF LEACH - Jeff was the founding chairman of Friendlies Pharmacies franchise which was sold to HBF in 2013. Today, he is Chairman of the JJ Leach Group, which has introduced iconic international brands such as Apple, Nespresso, Zara, and the H&M subsidiary COS to our high streets. Jeff is an active investor in startups through his JJL Group Property Hub.at the Duxton Hotel.
Please book by clicking on the link - https://www.trybooking.com/BXLWZ
