Dear Perth Rotarians,
 
Plans are in full swing for the much-anticipated Presidents Changeover Event, Friday 18 June 2021 to be held at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel.  Club Services Director Darren Perera and Fellowship Chair Jo Morris, along with the Fellowship Committee are working hard to ensure that this is a celebration worthy of your attention and open to everyone.  Darren has requested that members forward photos of themselves taken in the 1960’s to his email – clubservices@rotaryperth.org.au which will be utilised throughout the evening.  Alternatively members can bring photos to our weekly meetings and Darren will scan and copy them.  Tickets can be booked by going to https://www.trybooking.com/BRIPO
 
The Parmelia Hilton have extended a discount code for booking rooms should members wish to make a night of it and stay the night in town.  Please note when using the booking link, you must change the date to the 18 June by clicking on the ‘edit stay’ button.   http://group.hilton.com/GSMRF  
 
 
 
A quick google search of Rotary History explains why the Rotary Year runs with the fiscal & administrative year.  Rotary’s first fiscal year began the day after the first convention ended, on 18 August 1910. The next August, the Board of Directors ordered an audit of the International Association of Rotary Clubs’ finances. The auditors recommended that the organization end its fiscal year on 30 June to give the secretary and treasurer time to prepare a financial statement for the convention and board, and to determine the proper number of club delegates to the convention.
 
The executive committee agreed and, in April 1913, designated 30 June as the end of the fiscal year. This also allowed for changes to the schedule for reporting club membership and payments. The term “Rotary year” has been used to signify Rotary's annual administrative period since at least 1913. Ref:  https://www.rotary.org/en/history-why-rotary-year-begins-1-july
 
• Read other stories about Rotary's history
 
Speaking of History..... Friday 11 June 2021 - we would like to take a WHOLE CLUB PHOTO of as many members, INCLUDING OUR HONORARY MEMBERS who can be available in Rotary Australia's Centennial Year.  I understand that not all members are able to take time out of their Friday afternoon's and for this reason, the photo shoot has been scheduled for 12 noon sharp prior to the Business Lunch.  Members may elect to drop in for the photo opportunity only, or they may choose to stay on for lunch.  Either way can you please do the following:  
  1. Email me and let me know if you are able to be there for the photo shoot - 12 noon at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel.  president@rotaryperth.org.au 
  2. If you are choosing to also stay for lunch, please go on line and book - https://www.trybooking.com/BRCDL  
 
 
2020/21 has been an incredible year, not least because of the unusual worldwide circumstances we find ourselves in.  There is no doubt we have been incredibly fortunate here in Australia, however, our members have also taken every opportunity to maximise their efforts in service of others and their efforts are not only worthy of recognition but having a positive impact and influence far and wide.  It is important that we record the history of our club and I thank you for your assistance in so doing. 
 
This week:  We are hosting a joint meeting with the United Nations Association of Australia this week in recognition of National Reconciliation Week and our joint interest in promoting peace within our communities.  Our guest speaker is Dr Robert Issacs  an accomplished, highly respected Aboriginal Elder from the Bibilmum Noongar language group, Robert Francis Isaacs has dedicated his life  to breaking down cultural barriers and improving the lives of disadvantaged people.
 

 

A member of the Stolen Generation, Robert began his career with the Community and Child Health Services in 1973. Since then Robert has successfully introduced practical, innovative policies and programs to assist Aboriginal people. He’s achieved outstanding results in Aboriginal Affairs, Housing, Health, Education and the Community – and is considered an expert in each of these areas.  Key career highlights include: establishing the first Aboriginal Medical Service and associated dental, rehabilitation and health care clinics; negotiating the first land use and mining royalties arrangement; improving relations between Aboriginals and the justice system; assisting in establishing Clontarf Aboriginal College; and leading ground breaking housing initiatives.

Robert has held a number of senior roles including Chairman Administrator of the Aboriginal Housing Board and Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister for Housing and Aboriginal Affairs. He is the former President and Chair of the Aboriginal Medical Service (now known as the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service), previous Chairman of Clontarf Aboriginal College, and current Chair of the Marr Mooditji Aboriginal Health Workers College. Robert was also the first Aboriginal person to be elected to local government in his previous roles as Councillor and Deputy Mayor for the City of Gosnells.  In recognition of his service to the community, Robert has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Member of the Order of Australia (AM), NAIDOC 2016 Male Elder, West Australian of the Year, Freeman to the City of Gosnells, and Order of Australia Medal.  He now continues his community work through board appointments, ambassadorships, his work as a Justice of the Peace, and speaking engagements.

Last week:  We had the privilege of hearing Dr Lesley Williams, President of the Karrakatta Club be our guest speaker.  Whilst we were an intimate group, the atmosphere and fellowship was of gigantic proportions.  Dr Williams painted a picture of Perth in the 1890's, a very basic lifestyle, with little or no electricity, running water or sewerage.  A hard life in so many ways with women and children often bearing the brunt of poor health, limited services and/or options to live a healthy and happy life.  Members of the Karrakatta Club had an important and immediate positive effect in shaping social policy to better represent and assist those most in need.   Dr Williams spoke of Edith Cowan most noted as the first female to enter the Parliament of Western Australia, but who was active throughout her life in caring for others, notably soldiers returning from WW1, hence the close association to this day with the Returned Services League here in WA.  Dr Williams also spoke of Dr Jull, the first woman to establish a medical practice in WA for women.   The focus of the Karrakatta Club in 2021 is to continue to advocate on social issues primarily affecting women with the view that through education and reform, Women and children can and will live an improved life which will benefit generations to come.   
 
Past Member Condolences: On behalf of the Board of Perth Rotary and Members we extend our sincere sympathy to Frank Bongers’ family.  Frank was a member of Perth Rotary sometime back and recently passed away after a long illness. 
 
News from the DG:  This past week DG Jon Bilson published his final video update for all members to view.  Please click on the following link -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ3o-wgF0J8
 
Rotary Means Business is TONIGHT - at the Duxton Hotel.  It is not too late to go on line and book your ticket, but please do so as soon as possible to help us with numbers and catering.   https://www.trybooking.com/BRPHJ
 
 
Club News:  And whilst you’re on the youtube link you might like to have a look at the Path of Hope Gala 2021 wrap-up video https://youtu.be/KDlZ2WAFU00.   
 
 
We were privileged to have Adrian Galante perform at the Gala in tribute to Jack Harrison, a musician of note who performed with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for 42 years.  In 1941, Jack won the Australia’s Amateur Hour Competition with a rendition of Moon River on his harmonica – the song most often linked to our theme for the 2021 Gala – ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’.  It was a magical moment in the evening with Rotarians and guests taking to the dance floor as Adrian carried us all away on a musical treat.  A special acknowledgment and thank you to Past President John Garland for facilitating this opportunity on behalf of our club and all of the guests who attended the 2021 Path of Hope Gala. 
 
President Elect, John Shepherd and I are meeting on a regular basis as we get ready to transition from the 20/21 Rotary Year to the 21/22 Rotary Year.  There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes, not least with regards to our membership data base .  Perth Rotary is nothing without its members and we are grateful for your on-going support which enables our club to do so much.  Please be on the look out for your 2021/22 Perth Rotary Membership invoices which Treasurer Joseph Wambua will be sending out along with a letter of Invitation from President Elect John in the next week. 
 
Perth Rotary Band, The Rotars were flying the flag for our club in the North West town of Onslow over the weekend.  Rotarians Ashley Whitworth; Ashley Ladner and Brendan Watson say they were kept busy with sound checks so missed the gas plant tour, however, they still managed to have fun and promote Rotary as well as our project - Passages | Hub for Homeless Youth.  No trip to the North West is complete unless you have an overnight stay in a Donga (a transportable housing unit the shape of a rectangle).  It would seem the whole of WA received a good drenching, and band members were wakened by the torrential downpour in the early hours but with more rain in the last 6 months than the previous 6 years the landscape was very green. Shell museum fascinating and Onslow museum a real snapshot of a town from yesteryear.
 
 
The year is slowly winding down and we look forward to our June Meetings and Changeover Events.  A reminder to all Rotarians that you are invited to attend the District Changeover in support of DG Jon Bilson and DGE Dee Buckland on Saturday 3 July.  Please check below for various events along with the relevant booking links. 
 
Our program for the next few weeks is as follows: 
  • Friday 4 June – Perth Rotary Business Lunch | Dr Robert Isaacs.  Venue – Parmelia Hilton Hotel. Booking link - https://www.trybooking.com/BRENH
  • Friday 11 June – Perth Rotary Business Lunch | Richard Court AC, Former Premier of WA.  Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/BRCDL   ** WHOLE CLUB PHOTO to be taken at this meeting.  Arrival time 12 noon.  Venue – Parmelia Hilton Hotel.  Please rsvp to Jill Dawson direct - president@rotaryperth.org.au and advise if you are available for the photo shoot at 12 noon. 
 
  • Friday 18 June – Perth Rotary Changeover Dinner at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel.  Evening Event and a fun event for members and partners. Booking link - https://www.trybooking.com/BRIPO
  • Saturday 26 June – Rotex D9455 Charter Night.  Prince Lane Rooftop Bar, 356 Murray St, Perth  WA  6000.  Booking link – https://www.trybooking.com/BPEXG
  • Thursday 1 July – Crawley Rotary Club Changeover Night.  join us for dinner as we celebrate the Rotary new year. You are welcome to a arrive from 5:30pm for a 6pm sit-down. This will be a dinner to reflect the year past and hear the vision for the year ahead. We look forward to celebrating the Rotary new year with you!
  • Saturday 3 July – District Changeover.   Burswood on Swan, 1 Camfield Drive, Burswood.  6.15pm – 8.30pm.  Light cocktail food and welcome drink.  $60/pp  booking link – https://www.trybooking.com/BRITD
 
 
 
As we do come to the end of our Rotary year, members are encouraged to log onto the ‘Member Area’ within club runner and check that their personal data is up to date.  Should you require any assistance with this, please contact our Club Secretary Jacques Phillips and/or Club Services Director Darren Perera.   Emails are listed below.

Take care and welcome to the first day of Winter 2021.  
 
 
 
PERTH ROTARY 2021/22 BOARD EMAIL - Our Next Board Meeting – Monday 5 July 2021
 
President:   Rev Dr John Shepherd AM    president@rotaryperth.org.au ;  john.h.shepherd@bigpond.com
Past President:         Jill Dawson               jill@quairadingearthmoving.com.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               emma@oneenergyfps.com.au
Club Service:           Darren Perera           clubservice@rotaryperth.org.au
Fellowship Chair:    Jo Morris                    fellowship@rotaryperth.org.au     
Media Chair              Barry Thornton         barrythornton@hotmail.com
Speaker Program     Nicola Johnston       programmechair@rotaryperth.org.au
Membership              Ashley Whitworth    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                                                          youth@rotaryperth.org.au