PERTH ROTARY | PRESIDENTS UPDATE |  16 March 2021

Dear Perth Rotary Members & Friends,

 

Last week amidst increasing calls for our community leaders to be accountable for the treatment of women, particularly in the halls of our National Parliament, Perth Rotary celebrated Women in Rotary and what a celebration it was.  Our speakers were honest, candid, fair and positive in their view of where their Rotary journey started and where it has taken them.   We were privileged to have Dr Jessie Harman, Zone 8 Rotary International Director 2021/23 join us via zoom, DGE Dee Buckland, DGN Ineke Oliver and Perth Rotary's first female President, Maureen McDaniell join us and share the lessons learnt, values held and the projects that created opportunity and impact along their journey.  To top it off, we inducted Robin McClellan and Suzanne John to membership of the Club.  

 

It is interesting to note that between 1911 and 1917 an all-women Rotary Club existed in Duluth, Minnesota.  However, it was not until 1978 when the Duarte RC, California invited three women to become members that things came to a head with Rotary International. The case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court and in 1987 Women were finely granted the right to join Rotary Clubs.  Sylvia Whitlock was the first female to be elected a President of any Rotary Club – her club was the Duarte Rotary Club.  Perth Rotary Club inducted its first female members in 1990, and our first female president Maureen McDaniell in 1998/99. 

 

At times it seems we have learnt very little as a society with our community leaders, male and female failing to ensure that no matter the gender, ethnicity, socio-economic or political background, all members of our community deserve to feel valued and be treated with respect and kindness. 

 

Our children, our family, our club….. will be the community that we create by our actions. Respect and treatment of others starts with us.  Life is fleeting, we only walk this earth for such a short time, perhaps it is timely to remind ourselves to make every step count and to tread carefully, softly, purposefully and always with respect for ourselves and each other.   

 

Vale Doug Worthington, a Rotarian with 23 years-service to RI and member of Heirisson RC.  Doug was involved in an incident at Cottesloe, Sculptures by the Sea on Wednesday of last week.  Doug leaves an incredible legacy of service to Rotary WA, particularly in the area of Youth Exchange.  News of his sad passing has reached all corners of the globe with many young people devastated and reaching out for support. On behalf of all members, we extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs Worthington and family, Heirisson RC members and the D9455 RYE Exchange Committee along with the many friends Doug has throughout the Rotary network.   

 

 

 

 

 

We are still looking for volunteers to assist with the Backyard Cricket Match which is being hosted in the gardens of Government House.  We are particularly looking for anyone who is able to volunteer from 3pm – 6pm.  It is an opportunity to VOLUNTEER and HAVE SOME FUN whilst raising money for research into childhood brain cancer cures via the Pirate Foundation.  You do not need to know anything about cricket in order to assist and I am incredibly grateful to all those Perth Rotarians and Rotarians from other WA Clubs who have volunteered already.  If you are able to assist, please email me – president@rotaryperth.org.au with your name and mobile phone number.   I acknowledge that the date for this event was changed at short notice so as to avoid clashing with the AFL season opener, but it has made life very difficult for Perth Rotarians, many of whom were already committed to our Passages Race Day.   I thank PDG Graham Peden for taking the lead on behalf of the Club at this special day. 

 

 

As previously mentioned, March and April are incredibly busy months with our usual Friday lunch meeting structure somewhat interrupted.  Upcoming Events for the month of March are: