These students are inspiring and of great benefit with their involvement as interns and volunteers to the Path of Hope project. Well Done Jessica & Blake & the POH Team!
Tens of thousands of West Australian families will struggle to put food on the table this Christmas.
Hunger is a growing crisis in Western Australia with at least half a million people struggling to afford enough food to eat in the past year. Sadly more than 100,000 are children.
In 2022 Give A Feed has set a goal of providing 3,000 Give A Feed Christmas Hampers to West Australian families in need so they can celebrate Christmas and not go hungry
ShelterBox and Rotary International are official partners in disaster relief.
On Friday 9th December, ahead of this year's World Human Rights Day, you can support this vital partnership by taking part in the ShelterBox Giving Day District Challenge.
The money raised will provide meals for those who are homeless, crisis bed use, and food provisions for the breakfast meal program run by The Salvation Army.
Join a collection of WA’s internationally celebrated artists and local rising stars together with Musical Director Mark Coughlan and the Vienna Pops Orchestra this New Year’s Eve.
Join a collection of WA’s internationally celebrated artists and local rising stars together with Musical Director Mark Coughlan and the Vienna Pops Orchestra this New Year’s Eve.
We have recently completed our second KDT Kimberley trip for 2022 and are delighted to report that we were able to provide a dental service in the towns of Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing as well as visiting 5 communities detailed below.
The first team for July/August trips started from sunny Broome on Sunday the 24th July
“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent of a species that survives…. It is the one most adaptable to change”. This is a quote from a chap by the name of Charles Darwin – it is one of my favourite quotes.
June Oscar AO, began her speech for the 2022 Sir Wallace Kyle Oration at the University of Western Australia with the reference to Service above Self and how we can all contribute to the community to improve our society. This relates straight to the heart of all that Rotary stands for and will resonate strongly with Rotarians and how we conduct ourselves.
June conveyed the important message that “We all need to find and use our voice together to be caring and equitable for a sustainable future”
I would like to offer my special thanks to the many Perth Rotary Club members who have offered support to the board and I over the past couple of months.
A few notable notes will follow:
We have been transitioning to a new Rotary Year and things are settling down. We are looking ahead for the coming year with many of our regular events and fundraising activities coming up.
We will have a few decisions to make at the Club Assembly on September 30th – please come along. The Friday lunch meeting will take a different format and will be a facilitated planning session.
District Governor, Ineke Oliver will be attending and has been a huge support to us all – for several months.
We will continue to hold our regular Friday meetings at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel. On behalf of the board, I would like to offer sincere acknowledgement to the Hawaiian Group for their support
Rotarians are invited to a FREE workshop and training day, Saturday 15 October - 9.30am - 3pm at the John McGrath Hall, 97 Hensman St, South Perth. Learn more about starting a Rotary Project through RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service). For more information please email comms.western@rawcs.org.au
On behalf of the Board and Members we all congratulate Isabella Marchesanion winning First Place in the District 4 Way Speaking Competition - last weekend. Isabella will now represent our Club and District 9455 in the State Finals to be held Thursday 8 September and hosted by the Crawley Rotary Club at the UWA Club. All Perth Rotary Members are encouraged to come along and support Isabella. Tickets can be purchased on line - www.trybooking.com/CBBRA Please purchase asap. Congratulations once again Isabella and also Perth Rotary Members Manu Gupta and Rebecca Tolstoy who gave of their time to support the students.
On behalf of the Board and Members of Perth Rotary, we extend our sincere sympathy, prayers and love to two of our Rotary Families who have experienced loss this past week.
PRID Dr Ken Collins, AM CStJ CitWA has been an outstanding example of 'Service Above Self ' and has upheld the very essence of what it is to be a Rotarian. Vale Dr Ken, our thoughts are with his wife Diane, Family members and the Rotarians of Freshwater Bay Rotary Club. Please see below for details of how you may honour Dr Ken's memory.
We also extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to DG Ineke Oliver who is currently inter-state with family after the sudden passing of her brother Ray. RIP.
This week we look forward to hosting our Club heat of the 4 Way Speaking Contest. For the first time we have three schools represented competing against each other to represent our club at the District Finals. We look forward to hearing from
St George’s Grammar School: Linus Miller (Topic: The Power of a Good Book)
Congratulations to Isabella Marchesani, Mercedes College who spoke on the topic of "Challenging Stereotypes" and won the Perth Rotary Club 4 Way Speaking Competition Heat. All three Colleges were well represented with passionate; well researched and intelligent arguments for their respective topics. Congratulations to Runner-Up, Linus Miller, St Georges Anglican College, who spoke about the "Power of a Good Book" and Harshil Khoosal, Ashdale Secondary College who's topic was "Teenage Stereotypes"
We wish Isabella all the very best as she represents our club at the District Finals to be held Saturday, 13 August. Members are encouraged to attend in support of Isabella and can book on line - www.trybooking.com/CAYUM . Thank you to Rotarians Wesley Sim; Kim Hurley and Manu Gupta who worked hard to ensure that all was in place and ran smoothly on the day.
Help us to raise funds to provide clean, potable drinking water for over 100 orphaned school children in Ndola, Zambia. We have 30 tables of 8 available for $160 per table.
Welcome to another incredible week for Perth Rotary and all Rotarians around the globe. This week we look forward to inducting our first new member for the 2022/23 Rotary Year, Susie Staton. More details about Susie below.
Please join us 5.30pm Thursday evening at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel to welcome Susie and hear from:
Past President Stephen Inouye; President Elect Linken Fragomeli and Chair of Rotary Means Business Marty Graham
as Perth Rotary puts the "Spotlight" on these esteemed members. An evening not to be missed. It promises to be entertaining; enlightening and inspiring.
We have not long returned from an excellent 3-week KDT May Kimberley trip. Preparations are now well in hand for our return to the region on the 22nd July for three weeks.
Welcome to the 2022/23 Rotary Year when we are asked to "Imagine Rotary". What does Our Club look like to you? How do you "Imagine" Rotary impacts your family; your community; our world?
Easter approaches, and once again we’re invited to think about life and death. What is it to be alive? It’s not just a theological question. It’s a question that affects how we tackle each day. It’s also a question that affects our Club.
What is to be alive? I guess we could say that, on the surface, a successful Club is one where the members are satisfied and the accounts balance. Everything flows smoothly. No waves. No anxiety. Universal contentment. And we have our four fundamental principles as our strength and stay: ‘Is it the truth? Is it fair? does it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned?’
I’d like to emphasise the importance for us to do all we can to attend our Friday lunchtime meetings. Of course there is Rotary Means Business and the occasional Thursday early evening occasion. However, our Friday meetings remain at the heart of our Club’s life.
This week our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Ukraine – with those who have fled their homes; with those who have nowhere to turn for security; with those who have remained and are facing destruction and possible death; with those who are determined to resist the invasion of their homeland by force of arms.
Wishing all our Members & Friends of the Perth Rotary Club a Blessed Christmas and Joyful New Year. Please enjoy the holiday period, take the time to rest and relax ready to come back stronger, more energetic and enthusiastic for all things Rotary in 2022.
Please read below for events and booking links. Please book into our events as soon as possible, this will greatly assist the Club Services Fellowship Team.
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.
The run-up to Christmas continues. Congratulations to Larry and his team for organising a highly successful Rotary Means Business Breakfast at the Duxton last Tuesday. The room was full and all those present enjoyed themselves. Well done, Larry.
We have three functions left in our calendar this year.
The run-up to Christmas continues. Congratulations to Larry and his team for organising a highly successful Rotary Means Business Breakfast at the Duxton last Tuesday. The room was full and all those present enjoyed themselves. Well done, Larry.
We have three functions left in our calendar this year.
Last week’s lunch was a roaring success, with the sports commentator Trevor Jenkins interviewing John Inverarity, former Australian Test cricketer, Chairman of Australian selectors, Headmaster of Hale School and Warden of St George’s College.
This Friday will be just as enthralling. Please look at the publicity. Then follow the trail to Try- Booking and book yourself in.
The end of the year is galloping on, and this is just the time when we look at our diaries – or computers or telephones or whatever – and wonder if we’ll ever get to see 2022.
However, stress not. Here’s the thing. Don’t look at our upcoming Rotary events as impediments to your personal equanimity but opportunities to escape the maelstrom of busyness for an hour or so a week. Rotary is the answer to keeping what’s left of your sanity. Just come along and smell the roses.
Bookings Galore are in the swing for the Vienna Pops New Year’s Eve event, which unsurprisingly falls once again on 31 December. Mezzo Soprano Ashlyn, having previously sung at a Royal Command performance at Buckingham Palace will regale us with her vocal expertise, and she will be but one of a number of musicians delighting us over the course of the evening. Get tickets now for the Evening Gala Concert, or the Matinee or both. Please click on the image below for the booking site or go to the Perth Concert Hall Page - https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/events/event/new-years-eve-gala-2021 If you would like to purchase a VIP ticket to Vienna Pops and really make a night of it, please email viennapops@rotaryperth.org.au direct.
October Update | Sagar Badve Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) Exchange
Perth Rotary Member, Sagar Badve, was successfully selected for the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP), not once, but twice!
Promoting peace is one of Rotary’s main causes. The Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) is a unique program which aims to bring nations together. Since 1946, Rotarians in Georgia, USA Rotary, have promoted world peace through understanding by offering scholarships to international students for one year of study at a Georgian university.
Georgia Rotary Clubs sponsor students recommended by a Rotary Club in their home country. The students become adopted members of a Georgia “host family,” living on-campus at the school they attend, and spending time with their host family on weekends and during holiday periods. This is an ambassadorial scholarship program.
The year is galloping by relentlessly and our commitments are mounting by the hour.
Which means, dear friends, we need to prioritise. We have only six opportunities between now and the end of the year to commit to our Rotary meeting programme, and it would be excellent if you could attend as many as possible.
We sailed out to the depths of the Great Sea. And we survived. Well, maybe except for Ulrich, that is. On completion of our circumnavigation of the Swan all that is left of Ulrich is his snorkel. So there’s quite a lot riding on Ulrich’s appearance this Friday, when the super-star of screen, radio and print – Peter Kennedy – will regale us with Tall Tales of screen, radio and print. Peter is an astute political commentator and will fill us in on the history of government goings-on over the last fifty years or so. Note – this week’s meeting begins at 12.30pm - NOT the usual 12.45. This is to accommodate three inductions – Rui Fernandes, Michael Willet and Nicholas Gabriel – without diminishing the time needed for our guest speaker.
At our Board Meeting last Monday we were pleased to report that our membership currently stands at 93, with 11 Honorary Members. This is very encouraging. Three new members were inducted last Friday – Michael Willett, Nicholas Gabriel and Rui Fernandes. We welcome them and assure them of a productive and enjoyable time in our Club.
Last Friday’s meeting was ear-marked as our Annual General Meeting, and all went well.
Traditionally AGMs get bogged down on the financial report and hours of questions and debate ensue with varying degrees of agitation. But not so for The Rotary Club of Perth. Joseph’s report was accurate, succinct, and a joy to behold. Bottom line - we’re in good financial shape and well positioned to embark on serious funding of worthwhile projects.
We knew the visit of Senator Dean Smith last Friday would be a momentous occasion because Jeff Leach made a special effort to get back from self-isolation on Christmas Island. His sea-to-air aqua-cruiser, designed and built in Marseille, aka Marseilles, capital of Provence, is testimony to French workpersonship, incorporating such subtle European features as a two-tone, triple-rinse washing machine, colour television with sound, and an indoor BBQ.
All this is by way of introduction to reminding you, gentle reader, of the Blessing of the Fleet on Friday 29 October, now but a short two weeks and something away. (Please remember, there will be no lunch meeting on this day)
Good work continues. Our fund-raising bears fruit. At our Board Meeting last evening, for example, we agreed to distribute $5000 to Australian Rotary Health, funds raised at the Rock vs Sport Quiz Night, a collaboration between the Matilda Bay; Elizabeth Quay & Perth Rotary Clubs. This follows a range of strong disbursements to other causes and needy projects – such as Passages, Hub for Homeless Youth; Salvation Army Outreach Worker FDV Unit and the Perkins Institute.
All of which emphasises the point that our community as a Club is looking outwards and embracing the challenges of contributing to people and projects needing support.
Another sensational evening at the Parmelia. Pulses raced as Zero Hour approached for the unleashing of Tickets Galore for the Vienna Pops Extravaganza. Stephen and Darren were at their most intense, doubled down over the computer, waiting for the signal from Houston informing them that the horse had bolted and tickets were now being snapped up. It was all very Blood Pressure 200 as the Live Feed momentarily went down and anxious potential customers, baying at the front desk, were stalled. But due to Stephen’s and Darren’s sang-froid, all was well and anxieties were allayed.
Last Friday’s lunch meeting was a cracker. Our former Premier Colin Barnett shared his journey in politics and recounted some of the highlights of his tenure. Perth is a changed city as a result of Colin’s influence.
The jewel in the crown is a toss-up between Elizabeth Quay, the Children’s Hospital and the Perth Stadium. All magnificent. Colin spoke of the bold decision to abort the previous government’s plan to resurrect Subiaco Oval and go with a brand-new stadium of world-class standing which wouldn’t clog up an inner-city suburb. As a result of this vision and hard-work, Perth now boasts a world-class venue. We hope Colin gets the recognition he deserves – like a stand named after him – or something.
Another Friday. Another brilliant speaker. Another effervescent gathering. And like the iceberg, what you see at our gatherings on Fridays and Thursday evenings is only 10% of the whole. 90% of the iceberg is underwater.
Last Friday we enjoyed a stimulating presentation from our District Governor Dee Buckland. She outlined her priorities for her tenure, and we found these to be very helpful and inspirational. We wish her well as she embarks on her Grand Progress through all the Rotary Clubs of the District. When Queen Elizabeth I went on her Royal Progresses throughout the Kingdom she was accompanied by a retinue of over 200 people. The cost of accommodating the whole company bankrupted many of the nobility who had to put them up and feed them for weeks on end in their country estates. Fortunately Dee was accompanied only by her husband, who spoke eloquently and persuasively of the need to support indigenous health, which we will do.
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.
It’s all happening. At last Friday’s lunch we were entertained and informed by the supremely talented designers and sculptors affectionately known as Smith and Smith. Their work enhances the land and seascape of Western Australia, and we were privileged to hear and see some of their most distinguished work.
This coming Friday is our annual 4-Way Speaking Contest with highly talented students from Mercedes College giving presentations. Our presence gives support to these young people who have given up a fair bit of time preparing to speak in public. As we all know, speaking in public - speaking in public well, that is – is quite an art and to set off on this path at such a young age can be a daunting prospect. So please come along to show our support to these enterprising students. Please remember to go on line and book your ticket to attend at www.trybooking.com/BSYHI
The Sir Wallace Kyle Oration was initiated in 1980 by the University of Western Australia in partnership with the Rotary Club of Perth, in honour of Sir Wallace Kyle’s life and leadership.
The late Air Chief Marshall, Sir Wallace Kyle, was an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the University of Western Australia, Governor of Western Australia from 1975 – 1980 and an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Perth. Sir Wallace Kyle was a classic example of what Australians love to see: someone from the humblest beginnings rising to Head of State in his home state. The Sir Wallace Kyle Oration is given by distinguished speakers of international standing and outstanding leadership.
Another week. Another fabulous meeting. Last Thursday evening a sizable group of Rotarians and guests came along for an inspirational presentation by Tanya Brown on the Special Olympics. Tanya is the National Director of the Special Olympics Committee. The support and encouragement this Committee gives to aspiring young athletes is beyond remarkable, and the funds they raise enable a wide participation in these very special Games.
We assured Tanya of our support and the Board will consider an appropriate response to this wonderful enterprise.
This week we return to our Friday time-slot. Do come. Remember, we are the less without you. Yes, we are all busy and time-poor, but our weekly meetings are invaluable opportunities to get together and find out how we’re all doing.
Our meeting last Friday continued our highly successful run of brilliant Guest Speakers. Our thanks are due to Nicola, who devotes a huge chunk of time each week sourcing, scheduling, organising and preparing speakers. This is no mean task, and Nicola does it with aplomb. Last Friday’s guest was Colleen Hayward, who emphasized the need for informed and sensitive progress in understanding and appreciating both aboriginal and Western cultures and the importance of drawing on the heritage and achievements that both have to offer.
This website is designed to help you choose your Perth Rotary uniform and give you information on the items and sizes available. To purchase your uniform you will need to place an order on this website. Alternatively, you can visit the Fully Promoted Perth CBD store. When you are ready to purchase your uniform, our secure checkout makes it safe, easy and convenient.
Another week. Another lockdown. More challenges. More frustrations.
Our appetite for wearing masks in meetings and sitting a prescribed number of metres apart is waning. Zoom was fun, well, sort of, a year ago, but now many of us are over it and hanker for the real thing. Dates are changed and we find we may not be able to accommodate the new ones. All in all, a mess. We lost last Friday’s lunch meeting and have postponed our Board meeting until Monday 12 July. Sitting around the board room table sporting our masks was not an inspiring prospect. Still, we stay strong and persevere. The big news of the week is .........
There is still an opportunity to buy wine to commemorate the 100 years of Rotary in Australia. Support efforts to eradicate Polio, through the Perth Rotary - Western Australia and theRotary Club of Melville, while enjoying these uniquely branded wines from WA Cellars.
Purchases may be mixed any way you like. There is a postage charge of $10.00 anywhere in WA and $20.00 to all other states of Australia.
Pulses were hammering away last Friday as I took to the podium for the first time as President. Like watching our favourite football team run on to the field. Which way will it go? North or South? Elation or despair.
Well, you needed to have been there. To pick up the thrill of it all. You could see the tension on the faces of the crowd. Will he make it? The bookies were working overtime. Great theatre.
If you would like to attend the Perth Rotary Family Bonfire, Saturday 7 August please RSVP to fellowship@rotaryperth.org.au so we know that you will be on the road. Please BYO everything you need for the evening. A great night of family fun on the farm; The Rotars will be playing so bring your dancing wellies!
Please follow the directions to Helen & Jeff's or organise to car pool and/or follow someone out. Please slow down and be aware of Kangaroos - they'll make a dent if you hit one.
Past President Jeff Leach has just slept out in the cold for the twelfth year in a row to raise money for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. This year Jeff raised an amazing $20,611.00 towards an overall total in excess of $9 million nationwide. All together, Jeff has individually raised in excess of $68,000 in support of those who experience homelessness. Perth Rotary via the Passages | Hub for Homeless Youth project work alongside Vinnies to support young people find stability, work and a safe place to sleep at night. The Perth Rotary Board and Members congratulate Jeff on being ready to step up and experience an uncomfortable night so that others might benefit from the funds raised. Service Above Self at it's best.
We have just completed a very successful 3 week KDT May trip. Three teams of volunteers flew into the region, two in through Broome and one in through Kununurra, without any issues. The visits were very well received, and we saw 488 people over 500 appointments.
Plans are well in hand for our return visit in late July and early August with communities looking forward to seeing us.
My wholehearted thanks are due to Past President Jill. She has been a constant source of encouragement throughout my time as President Elect and now she is helping me to cope with my technological ignorance and make it possible for me to provide you with weekly contributions.
Someone once said that when we take on an office or responsibility we are standing on the shoulders of others, and this is especially true in my case. And not just me. We all owe Jill an immense debt of gratitude for the expertise and enthusiasm she has endowed us with this past Rotary year. She has been our Great Connector, and kept the morale of our Club at a very high level.
We have a wonderful array of speakers lined up for our Friday lunches and Thursday evening events, and it would be excellent if you were to come along to as many as possible. As I mentioned at our Changeover Dinner, the great poet John Donne once said that 'No-one is an island, entire of him(her)-self. We are all part of the main, and if any of us is missing, we are all the lesser for it. So do make a strong effort to attend. Without you, we are the poorer.
This Friday our speaker is Louise Pekan, and will give a presentation on the importance of providing help in the community for families involved in the care of children.
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.
Thank you......... And just like that, my year as President of the Perth Rotary Club is almost done! I chaired my last business lunch meeting last Friday with the Hon Richard Court AC as our guest speaker and just the Changeover Dinner this Friday 18 June to look forward to before handing over the reins to President John.
It has been a joy and a privilege to lead the Perth Rotary Club these past twelve months and I will forever be grateful for the friendship and support of my fellow members and Past Presidents. We finished the year with a whole club photo in recognition of Rotary Australia’s 100 Years of Service. I want to sincerely and personally thank each and every Rotarian who was able to be present. We had 77% of all members present for the photo and it was our highest attended lunch meeting with a 75.53% attendance rate. It was lovely to have our Honorary Members, Bob Mickle; Barry Levin; Kerry McAuliffe; Ross Robertson & Ellis Kiel join us for the photo and then stay on for lunch.
Cambodia Family Support: a life-line for many rural poor Cambodians
We are grateful for the Rotary Club of Perth’s long commitment to the support of ‘Cambodia Family Support (CFS). Since 2008 CFS has been helping the rural poor on the border with Thailand in northwest Cambodia. This would not be possible without the ongoing support of our club and generous donations from individual Rotarians.
All Members of the Perth Rotary Club are called to participate in a WHOLE CLUB PHOTO in recognition of Rotary Australia's Centennial Year at 12 noon sharp this Friday. Apart from the opportunity to add to our Perth Rotary narrative, it will also be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with members and friends of the Club. Members are encouraged to stay on for lunch after the photo shoot, should time permit. If you have not already done so and you intend staying on for lunch, please go to https://www.trybooking.com/BRCDL to book in for lunch. Our guest speaker this week is the Hon Richard Court AC, former Premier of Western Australia and recently, The Australian Ambassador to Japan.
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
Following the Wooroloo Bushfires in February, Rotary has been active across the State and the Nation to support many who have lost so much.
Over $400,000 was collected between RAWCS and Rotary District/ Club support. Many of those of whom we supported in the East have reciprocated – the Rotary network is an absolute wonder to behold – thank you everyone.
Just when you think it is not possible for our club to pull off another event, bigger and better than the last …. Our members step up. Last Saturday evening it was an absolute privilege and a pleasure to attend the Path of Hope Gala at Crown Towers in support and celebration of all those Women who have survived Family & Domestic Violence and in support of all those who are yet to escape this travesty and blight within our society.
Rotarian Rebecca Tolstoy AM and her events team; Ray Simpson; Brendon Watson; Sarah-Jane Sharp; Robyn Scotney; Sebastian Tarrant and AG Bruno Fic have worked tirelessly over the past several months to pull together all of the threads which make up a spectacular evening worthy of any organisation. I recommend that you all place Saturday 21 May 2022 into your diary now – as I am sure that next year’s Gala will be every bit as fabulous as this years. It truly is an event not to be missed and worthy of your attention.
Perth Rotary was absolutely buzzing at our meeting last week with a room full of members and guests in full concentration as we listened to our guest speaker, Dr Jemma Green de-mystify blockchain and how our energy market is adapting as we move towards renewable energy source markets. Technology at its most innovative, if not still a little complex. It was also a delight to welcome Raffaele Iannizzotto to the club. We look forward to getting to know Raffaele and working together on projects.
Last week we were privileged to have Kristy Staples, State Manager of the Salvation Army Family Domestic Violence Unit speak to us on the value and importance of our continued support via Path of Hope for the Salvation Army outreach services and refurbishment of the women's refuges here in Perth and regional WA. We were fortunate to also have Di Gipey, Salvation Army State Manager | Family Domestic Violence Unit NT & QLD also visit with us. Di left our lunch meeting inspired and on the phone to Rotary Clubs in the NT before she was even out the door to share the message of “Hope” for those who are affected by Family and Domestic Violence.
The month of May is a wonderful celebration of Women, starting with Mother’s Day on Sunday 9 May. At Perth Rotary we combine the month of May with our Path of Hope Gala, to be held Saturday 22 May at The Crown Towers. The Gala celebrates Women who have experienced Family and Domestic Violence; Women who have been victorious in overcoming this terrifying and debilitating scourge on our society. Have you purchased your ticket? www.pathofhope.org.au is the place to go as tables are selling fast. Don’t miss out.
The Perth & Peel regions were placed into a 3 day lockdown at midnight last Friday which significantly & adversely impacted major Rotary events planned for the ANZAC weekend and through to the end of April. Whilst this is regrettable, I particularly wish to thank all Rotarians and Board members who quickly and efficiently adapted our planning efforts to ensure that there was minimal financial impact to the club and/or our chosen charity. I particularly wish to thank Wesley Sim and David Wee who had worked so diligently in setting up all of the arrangements for the ANZAC Gunfire Breakfast only to have to unravel all of the planning Friday afternoon. This was done with efficiency, care and grace along with superb communication with all of our volunteers and suppliers of goods for the BBQ.
This week is Rotary Australia’s 100th Birthday and on behalf of the Perth Rotary Board and Members we have sent our very best wishes in particular to the Melbourne Rotary Club who are acknowledged as the first Club to charter on the 21 April 1921. As has been mentioned many times, Rotary’s Centenary is a time of celebration. It is a time to reflect on our past, and take pride in all that has been achieved. Congratulations & our very best wishes once again to Perth Rotary Member John Garland AM on making it through to the final three nominations for the inaugural Dr Ken Collins AM Cit.WA Award for Excellence in Service to Rotary. We wish John all the very best and hope that all those Rotarians from the Perth Club and Clubs across Western Australia enjoy a wonderful night of celebration at the Centennial Gala to be hosted at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. I would especially like to thank Nan Walker, Ashley Whitworth and George Etrelezis who have had pivotal roles along with Melville Rotary Club Members in organising this event on behalf of all Rotarians in Western Australia. It has been a wonderful collaboration of clubs across the two Rotary Districts in WA.
Nowhere in the world are the effects of the world paralysis in terms of ability to visit and do good works felt, than South East Asia where many Rotary Projects have been stalled whilst NFP's struggle to raise the necessary funds and get the require personnel into the field. Rotarian Mike Gurry provides the following update on the projects he is connected to in Cambodia.
Republican or Royalist, I think all would acknowledge that the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh signalled the end of an era and significant moment in history. HRH, Prince Phillip did indeed embrace the Rotary theme of “Service Above Self” throughout his life. The loss of any family member is tough and reminds us all to hold a little tighter to those we love, to be a little kinder or perhaps more tolerant. RIP, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved family members particularly during these difficult times.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world, it will be known by the results it achieves."
Paul Harris, Founder of Rotary. Excerpt taken from Rotary International - History of Rotary
Gong Xi Fa Chai! Happy Chinese New Year 2020, and what a start to the New Year it was. Ken Wu and his Lion Dancers never fail to excite, inspire and enthuse the crowd as they perform their acrobatic moves. The Lion Dancers play an important role in Chinese mythology, performing each year to bring us good luck, joy & prosperity for the year ahead. The lion symbolizes power, wisdom and superiority and a wonderful way to start the New Year with a festive spirit.
A heritage game discovering WA's forgotten Pioneers along Route 120 (from York to Albany) while supporting a local charity
The Challenge
The challenge started in July 2020 and will end on June 30 2021. It is an annual event in which you can participate at a time of your own choosing. Your objective is to find and photograph nine Pioneer headstones, answer a quiz and submit a short account of what you have learnt about Pioneers. Your participation will also assist the country towns you visit on the way. You can enter a challenge as an individual, a family or in a team of friends and you can choose a portion of Route 120, or all of it from York to Albany. Entries will win prizes during the year and a grand prize at the end of the challenge.
What RAWCS does - Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd (RAWCS) works in harmony with the Rotary Foundation and its ‘Areas of Focus’, delivering humanitarian aid through the Australian regional network of Rotarians, Clubs and Districts by empowering:
Projects – volunteer work teams and/or funding for Rotary projects undertaken locally, nationally and internationally;
Rotarians Against Malaria – providing supplies, equipment and volunteers to support the elimination of malaria in our region by 2030;
Donations-in-kind – collecting and transporting surplus goods from Australia to where they are needed overseas;
Communications – delivering Rotary in action to the public, the corporate sector, philanthropists and governments and linking Rotarians and Clubs with RAWCS activities.
what a year 2020 was for us all, I don't think anyone could have imagined this time last year how the world would change during the course of 2020 and the impact it would have everywhere.
As you know we had to regrettably cancel our 2020 Race Day, and what was to be our grand finale, due to COVID. However, over the course of XMAS and the New Year, we have been working with Perth Racing to finalise details and I am absolutely delighted to let you all know that 2020 Race Day is back on, albeit it is the now the 2021 Race Day. It is on in 7 weeks time, Saturday 20 Mar, Ascot Racecourse, 12-5pm.
It is with a great deal of relief that Perth welcomed a cool change last weekend. Whilst the bushfires are now under control, the devastation caused will take much longer to recover from. With this in mind District 9455 has been leading the way in coordinating a district led response to provide support to those on the ground and targeted to where it is most needed. DGN Ineke Oliver has been facilitating on-line zoom meetings with District Governance Officer Peter Durant researching and providing direction.
“Climate is what we expect | Weather is what we get.” Mark Twain…. And so the “Blessing of the Fleet” has been postponed until further notice. In the mean time we count our blessings; our Family; our Friends; our Work; our Health and Rain ….. which makes our gardens grow and puts water in the dams ahead of a long dry summer.
Bald and Beautiful Brave Shave for Perkins Institute
Word is out! Perth Rotary President Jill, along with Past Presidents Wes and Larry, and ROC President Karin and ROC Members Shane and Blake, have committed to the Brave Shave! 💇♀️💇♂️
Losing our hair will not be heartbreaking; however, watching those we love lose theirs because of chemo and radiation is.
This is why Rotarians from Crawley and Perth Rotary Clubs have joined together and committed to the Brave Shave. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way. We want to challenge ourselves and you, to make a difference.
Last night the Membership Committee hosted a ‘New Members Evening’ at the Perth Rotary CBD Office. It was a fabulous turn out of Rotarians, all of whom are exemplars of various stages and lengths of service to the community in which we live. Central to new member engagement is fostering a sense of belonging within our club. The buzz around the room and genuine conversations and exchange of ideas was wonderful to hear and see. Our aim is to engage, serve and positively impact the community in which we live, work and play.
Some days just make you happy……last Thursday evening’s combined club meeting with Crawley Rotary Club was an exceptional evening of fellowship between two clubs striving to make a difference, whilst celebrating adversity & determination exemplified in Val Cearns, Rosemary Hannon; Marion Wragg, Bryant Stacey and the Hon Mr Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia. All spoke so candidly about the trials and tribulations of living with polio whilst displaying incredible courage and positivity. I sincerely thank all Perth Rotarians for their support of this combined club event. A total of $3712.55 was raised and will be forwarded to the Rotary International End Polio Now Campaign on behalf of both clubs.
I am very excited to announce that the R100 Liquid Gold Polio Dinner Fundraiser is a SELL OUT!! I sincerely thank Rotarians for their support of this event and I am looking forward to sharing with you the ‘Living Stories’ of polio survivors. We wanted to share a message of hope, determination, grit and resilience, character traits that are vital to overcoming challenges in life – big and small.
In the event that you are not able to join us at The Westin Hotel, Thursday 22 October, we would be grateful of your donation – http://bit.ly/LiquidGoldDonations. All donations in lieu of attending will be processed via the try booking site as a donation to the Sir Norman Brearley Trust (SNBT) which has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. All donors will receive a tax receipt from SNBT. We thank you in advance for your kind donations towards eradicating Polio from the last two endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. We are THIS CLOSE!
Summer is knocking on the door with a week of beautiful sunshine ahead. Club Services Director Darren Perera, Perth Rotary Nominee Eileen Hao and their daughters flew the flag for Perth Rotary at the Mullaloo Beach Clean-Up, Sunday 11 October. I particularly wish to thank and acknowledge Darren for his dedication to providing opportunities for Perth Rotary members to volunteer in our community and I urge all members to seriously consider joining the team. It is great fun, rewarding and has an immediate positive impact on the organisation who we are assisting. Please check in on the link http://bit.ly/VolunteerPerthRotary for updated information on upcoming opportunities and consider volunteering some of your personal time over a weekend.
Life is so busy at the moment; I hardly know which news item to start this week’s bulletin off with! GreenBatch Foundation have been selected as a finalist in the 2020 UN Day Awards for Environmental Actions AND the Container Deposit Scheme is finally up and away. We have just inducted our tenth new member for the year at Perth Rotary, Maree Masamayor. The Wishing Well project at Elizabeth Quay is gaining momentum once again. Vienna Pops NYE Gala Concert tickets are selling like hot cakes!!
And…… Our R100 Liquid Gold Polio Dinner Fundraiser, Thursday 22 October is shaping up to be the most inspiring of evenings, if you have not already done so, please visit http://bit.ly/LiquidGoldDinner to secure your ticket.
Maree hopes that in sharing her personal story it will empower each and every person to realise their merit in this world and become the epitome of their own success.
With less than 4 weeks till the big night – all stops are being pulled out to make this event bigger and better than ever. Steeltoes & Stilettos mission is to bring the risk of asbestos to the BIG STAGE when tradies are dobbed in and sponsored to walk the catwalk with a model. Funds raised will support the work of Reflections to reduce the impact of asbestos on the community.
We have changed the dates and the sessions from 3 to 2
To All Rotarians
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) provides a great opportunity for Rotarians to update and expand their knowledge of Rotary and for new Rotarians the greatest benefit you are likely to get from this course is a knowledge about Rotary, how it is structured, how it works and its wide breadth of programs. You will meet Rotarians from other clubs and share experiences and learn about different projects.
Welcome back after a long weekend like none other – How could we survive the last weekend in September without an AFL Grand Final to watch or The Perth Royal Show to attend? How very un-Australian?
Apparently we can do it and no doubt discovered other healthy pursuits, family and friends to keep us busy.
Last Thursday 24 September was the launch of the 2020 Vienna Pops New Years Eve Gala Concert at the Cottesloe Central Shopping Centre. 164 people registered to attend the event and we were thrilled beyond words with the professional manner in which Showman & Vienna Pops Musical Director, Mark Coughlan ignited the crowd with a description of not just a New Years Eve Concert… but what might be “The Only Show in Town” come New Years Eve!
You must Book via trybooking link, as it is essential we have exact attendance numbers in advance for the Hotel.
“Perth Rotary Invite List”
To ensure you get your Perth Rotary Meeting and Event Invites, send your full name and email address to: Info@rotaryperth.org.au and we will put you on the List.
Your tickets include a red-carpet entry to the event (complete with paparazzi and Perth-onalities) so be sure to come dressed in your best cocktail attire. Canapes and drinks will be served throughout the evening and the DJ will have us all dancing the night away.
With five Runway categories – Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Finishes and Plumbing – the top ten fundraisers in each Runway will earn the right to strut their stuff. An esteemed judging panel will choose the top two tradies from each Runway heat who will represent their trade in a Runway Grand Final.
The overall winner will be named this year’s Steeltoes & Stilettos Model Tradie of the Year. You're not going to want to miss the runway action!
Dress code is Cocktail and this is an 18+ event.
Perth Rotary Evening | Reflections through Reality
To ensure you get your Perth Rotary Meeting and Event Invites, send your full name and email address to: Info@rotaryperth.org.au and we will put you on the List.
