Bulletin #24 : 12 December 2025

Presidential Ponderings...

After a rousing welcome P1 conducted the AGM with flair and set a record of 4 minutes!

On this day in 1901 (year added as an after-thought) the First Trans-Atlantic Signal: The Morse code letter 'S' (three dots) sent from Cornwall, UK, to Newfoundland, Canada, proving signals could bend around the Earth.

1913: the Mona Lisa was snatched from the Louvre but fortunately recovered only to be nearly snatched again ... 

Shaun and Carole O’Brien – “Who Am I?”

 

New members Shaun and Carole O’Brien joined Mill Point Rotary Club in September 2025. Shaun’s Classification is Assistive Technology and Carole’s Business Improvement.

In his opening remarks interviewer Brian Johnson joked, “as a married couple, feel free to interrupt or finish each other’s answers……”

 

Carole identifies as a "Perth girl," born in Subiaco and raised in a war service home in Doubleview. Her father was a RAAF navigator and teacher, and her mother was also a teacher.

 

Shaun was born in Cardiff, Wales as the third of nine children. His family moved to England two years later and then migrated to Australia in 1966, settling in Sydney. In hearing Shaun was of Welsh heritage, Brian challenged him to pronounce the longest Welsh town name. Shaun obliged (with some printed assistance…)

“Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch"

 

Carole believes her personal growth was most significantly shaped by learning from her mistakes. Initially aspiring to be an engineer, she was discouraged by a career counsellor. She then considered journalism but switched to teaching, which she disliked. A brief, unfulfilling stint at a patriarchal bank led her to discover a passion for IT, inspired by science fiction. She pursued a degree in Information Processing and has loved her career in IT for over 40 years.

 

Shaun's upbringing in a large Catholic family instilled values of hard work and caring for others. His parents ran their own business after migrating to Australia, employing other migrants. This environment influenced him. He studied Information Systems at Macquarie University and joined IBM Australia.

 

Shaun and Carole met while both working in similar technical areas at IBM. Shaun was based in Sydney and Carole in Perth. After their relationship began, they orchestrated a complex “three-way job swap” to be closer. Carole took a 12-month assignment in Canberra. Afterward, she moved to Sydney and took Shaun’s job. Shaun moved to a new role in North Sydney, and the person whose job he took then moved into Carole's former role in Canberra.

 

While Carole was a stay-at-home mother to their young daughter “Lexie”, Shaun, then in an IT management role, decided he wanted to leave the corporate world and own a small business. Despite the financial risks (mortgage, toddler, single income), they decided to pursue this dream to avoid future regrets.

 

After a year-long search, they bought Mandurah Mobility Products, a small business selling mobility aids. Over the years, they grew the business from three employees (including Shaun) to 50 people, expanding to four retail branches, a large warehouse, and a head office. They developed significant business through government funding programs like NDIS and DVA before selling the business 12 months ago.

 

Both Shaun and Carole have recently rejoined the Como Croquet Club after a 20-year hiatus, which was due to family and business commitments. Shaun plays both golf and association croquet, while Carole is starting with golf croquet. They are also keen gardeners, though Shaun mentions their garden is currently a “bit of a jungle”.

Originally living in Salter Point, they moved to be closer to their daughter's school in Bull Creek. Now that their daughter is an adult, they have downsized to a new home in South Perth, which they found serendipitously while viewing another property in the area.

 

Having always felt fortunate, Carole and Shaun wanted to find a new way to give back to the community, make friends, and have fun in the next phase of their lives. They were already looking for such an organization when they saw the Mill Point Rotary Club stall at a local Angelo Street market.

 

They have found the club to be incredibly welcoming and appreciate its collaborative spirit. Carole believes the biggest challenge for organizations like Rotary is visibility. She suggests that the club needs to be more proactive in promoting its identity and achievements through signage and public credit for its work, as younger generations are often unaware such organizations exist.

 

In Question time, Rick Sneeuwjagt complimented Shaun and Carole on how well they have fitted into the club and contributed so much already. They have joined many activities, Shaun is now a Santa and Carole has put her hand up to become International Director 2026-2027.

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

• Ian K : Membership Committee Meeting after breakfast. 
• Angus F: Fundraising Committee Meeting after breakfast.
• Wayne M: Great activity on Sunday teaming up with Como RC to clean up the foreshore between Preston St and South Terrace. Thanks to Kim, Ella, Dianne and Lorrie for their help.
• Kelly G: Presented the District Conference promotional video and reminded everyone that the Early Bird booking closes on 15 December; accommodation is going fast and please support our District Governor and our club. See Events page for details.
• Brian J: Next Friday is our last meeting for the year and our Christmas Event. Please book with raelene.george@rapallo.com.au before Wednesday 12 noon, bring partners, family, friends, etc. Hannah Lawrance will take members' photo afterwards. Next meeting after that will be the Annual New Year Picnic on Matilda Bay foreshore 9 January (see events page) and then16 January back to normal.

She's a Fine(s) One...
Madam lash struck again and collected coins from...

• P1 - missing out the year of Marconi's triumph
• All those who didn't spot the Bulletin Editor's deliberate mistake in reporting on the Camfield event date
• Geoff L - not turning up at SOS - forgetful or slept in?
• Lorrie G - begging not to be fined because "I'm a good girl, I am" at the Ladies dinner
• Alison T - MIA from Ladies dinner preferring Drasko's Hot Chicken
• Gold diggers - or lovers who know the price of gold
• All those who preferred to come to listen to the low down on the O'Briens and not the AGM

Winner of Heads and Tails

Tosser of the week Rick S tossed two heads and then one of each which saw young Peggy grab the grog! 

Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the wine each week.  

Attendance : 37 attendees in all

Club Duties

Club Duties : 2025 - 2026    

19 December

Sargeant       Angus Florence     

Attendance   Alison Thair, Raelene George

Welcome        Howard Nelson

Host               Kelly Gillen

Club Dress    Angus Florence, Ken Pittman

Birthdays 

Andrew King (20th)

Wendy Longshaw (30th)

Brooke McCamey (31st)

Rick Sneeuwjagt (1st Jan)

Kelly Gillen (2nd Jan)

Michael Gottschalk (4 Jan) 

 

Anniversaries

Ken & Chris Pittman (23rd)

Wayne & Fran Muller (29th)

Shaun & Carole O'Brien (5th Jan)

Phil & Angela Doyle (6th Jan)

Scott & Robynne Dwyer (8th Jan) 

 

26 December - NO Meeting 

9 January

New Year Picnic Matilda Bay Foreshore 5:30pm.  - No breakfast meeting

 

16 January 2026 

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome        

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays 

 

Anniversaries

 

23 January

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome        

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays 

 

Anniversaries

 

30 January

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome        

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays 

 

Anniversaries

 

6 February

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome        

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays 

 

Anniversaries

 

 

13 February

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome        

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays 

 

Anniversaries

 

20 February

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome        

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays 

 

Anniversaries

 

27 February

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome        

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays 

 

Anniversaries

 

 

Future Guest Speakers

Mill Point Guest Speakers 2025

 

December

 5                Live Sheep Trade - Holly Ludermann

12               AGM: Who Am I? Shaun and Carole O'Brien

19               CEO of Kai Rho Contracting - Rowena Leslie

26               No Meeting - It's Christmas!

 

 

Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

Upcoming Events

 

Christmas Breakfast - 19 December 

Club photo to be taken by Hannah Lawrance 

 

*****

Black Friday deal!

******* 

New Year's Eve Vienna Pops Concert 

 *****

New year picnic at the Foreshore - 9 January 2026

 

*****

 

RYLA Dinner

 

When: Wednesday, 14th January 2026 Time: 5:30pm for a 6pm dinner Theme: "Ocean" or casual Where: Serpentine Camping Centre, 22 Transit Rd Jarrahdalee. Cost: $35

*****

 

Camp Opportunity Dinner 15th January 

*****

 

District Conference 13-15 March 2026 - Up, Up and Away...

Book now before 15 December to go in the draw to have your registration refunded (up to two people) 

Accommodation for District Conference

Available in Northam, York and Toodjay
 

 

 

 

 

Bulletin #23 - 5 December 2025

Presidential Ponderings

P1 (Gerry McGann) made the unfortunate mistake of asking members to raise a hand if the felt "they lived up to the 4 Way Test?" and obviously got a few he didn't expect! But at least we learned all about Peace Poles in WA and the goal to reach 100 poles in schools by the end of 2025, currently there are 68 Peace Poles in WA with 7 of them 'planted' by Mill Point.

This day in history...

• 1942 Christopher Columbus  colonized Haiti
• 1933 first drive-in movie opened and the US abolished prohibition
• 1952 worst fog in the UK (the year Mike Collett came to Australia) killing 12,000 people - the fog not Mike Collett!

Today is International Volunteers Day - the global theme of which is "Every Contribution Matters," recognising that every little bit we do changes the world - so continue wherever you can to change the world bit by bit! 

Holly Ludemann – Live Sheep Export Industry

Holly is an agricultural scientist and veterinarian with extensive experience across the livestock export industry, including roles as an Australian Accredited Veterinarian preparing consignments and sailing with livestock shipments to the Middle East.

In 2019, Holly founded The Livestock Collective, a not-for-profit organisation focused on rebuilding public trust through real, on-the-ground stories from people working in the livestock export sector

More recently, Holly has stepped into political advocacy as a committee member of the grassroots Keep the Sheep campaign.

In her address, Holly explained the cultural, religious, and food security reasons for live exports to countries in the Middle East and Asia. She detailed the economic benefits for Australia—particularly Western Australia—and outlined the industry’s evolution, including significant improvements in animal welfare following a 2017 crisis.

Despite these improvements, a well-funded activist campaign led to a political decision by the Labor government to phase out live sheep exports by May 2028.

Holly discussed the severe negative impacts this policy is already having on the industry, the efforts of advocacy groups like The Livestock Collective and the Keep the Sheep campaign, and the broader lessons for Australian agriculture regarding social license and political engagement.

Reasons for Live Export

International Demand: Strong cultural and religious preferences for live animals in importing countries, particularly driven by the Muslim faith. 

Food Security: Live animals provide a critical source of protein and food security for importing nations, especially during crises like the Iraq war or COVID-19 when other supply chains were disrupted.  

Nutritional Needs: Australian protein is vital for countries with low birth weights and nutrient deficiencies. Red meat provides all essential amino acids, crucial for child and maternal health, impacting birth weights and reducing malnutrition. Genetics: Australia acts as a “genetic supermarket,” providing high-quality genetics to the world for over 40 years.

Economic Impact

In 2023, the export of over 600,000 sheep was valued at around $74 million (for the sheep alone), with further economic benefits for rural communities, including shearing teams, truck drivers, and local businesses. Historically, Australia exported 2–3 million sheep annually. In 2023, over 600,000 sheep were exported. The industry is primarily centred in Western Australia, with 99% of sheep historically exported from Fremantle due to its proximity to the Middle East.  Kuwait has been a major importer of sheep for over 40 years, investing significantly in Australian infrastructure like feedlots. Shipments to the Middle East often follow a “milk run,” stopping in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Indonesia is the largest trading partner for cattle

The 2017 Awassi Express Incident

A crisis event where footage of 2,400 sheep deaths (3% of the consignment) was released, causing significant negative media attention. In response to the 2017 incident, massive corrective actions were implemented. Measures included pausing exports during certain times of the year, reducing stocking density to give sheep more space and conducting extensive research. Animal welfare standards improved significantly, with current mortality rates on voyages consistently between 0.1% and 0.2%, lower than the on-farm average of 2–3%.

Role of Activist Organizations and Public Perception

Activist groups like Animals Australia, described as powerful, coordinated, and well-funded (e.g., a $20 million budget with $5 million spent on advertising in one year), filled the information void with emotive footage. This led to a “trial by media” and shaped public and political opinion against the industry.

Advocacy and Public Engagement Efforts

The Livestock Collective was founded in 2019 to share the real story of the industry through real footage, social media (including TikTok), and public events like the Perth Royal Show. They use tools like animations and virtual reality tours to educate the public about regulations and life on a vessel. The “Keep the Sheep” campaign was a grassroots political advocacy movement that included truck rallies and lobbying in Canberra to fight the ban.

Political Decision to Ban the Trade

The Labor government pursued a policy to phase out live sheep exports, part of their 2019 election platform, involving preference deals. The decision was based on “recognition of community concern” rather than science or the industry’s improvements. The ban is set to take effect by May 2028. The announcement has already caused significant uncertainty and negative impacts. Truck drivers have sold their crates, shearing contractors have down-sized, and producers have de-stocked or sold sheep. Western Australia’s sheep flock has reduced from 12.5 million to around 8 million.

Market Dynamics and Alternatives

Chilled/frozen meat is not a simple substitute for live exports as they are different products for different market demands. Some sheep exported live are not suitable for domestic processing. Importing countries may not switch to Australian chilled meat; for example, Saudi Arabia stopped buying Australian chilled products. International demand for live animals will be filled by other countries like South Africa, Argentina, and Chile, which may have lower animal welfare standards.

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Matt: Cyber security expert - much like renting a burglar to ransack your home and find out your vulnerabilities - then putting them right.

Garrick: Introduced Makinli Fitzgerald, our outgoing RYE student whose placement is in France and presented her with a Mill Point banner for her host club there. Garrick also announced our sponsorship of a RYLA delegate and invited members to the RYLA dinner 14 Jan (see events page).

Brian: Still some guest speaker spots to fill in January so please let Brian know if you have heard/know of someone who would suit. Also Club Service meeting after breakfast.

Gorby: successful Vocational visit to Bicycles for Humanity, thank you to all who attended. Suggested a walk to the Camfield and back in February instead of our weekly breakfast. Board to consider.

Lorrie: Lemons on the table for anyone to take home. Lorrie's brother has successful organised 800 feminine hygiene kits in Cambodia.

Wayne M: Como RC having a 'clean up' day on Como foreshore this Sunday 7 December. If you can help be at Como Reserve from 9.30am -10.30am. All bottles and cans to Lorrie please.

Rick: Next week is the last run of meals to PICYS before Christmas break. Please let Rick know if you are attending the Pizza night at his place on Wednesday night.

Gerry: The linen has now been dispatched via Melbourne and 16 Rotary Clubs to grateful recipients including PNG, Sudan and Tanzania. 

 
It's Fine(s) by me!

Finesmaster Wayne took to the podium and ...

• WA Fish Lovers - eat now before it runs out.
• Jim Walker's suggestion of the Fang Farrier - not being fined since he retired as such so pay up Owen! 
• Visitor Graham Nixon after bumper crop yield to pay a bag of wheat in kind - that means cash. 
• Gerry not knowing his poles apart.
• Lorrie not knowing the difference between a question and a plea for cans.
• Ian K - after car swap with Rhonda, lost car keys (again!) finding them in the other pocket he forgot to search!
• ACDC fans who attended concert last night. 

Winner of Heads and Tails

The 'Beam me up Scottie' did it again and yes he was beaming! 

Attendance

43 attendees in all, including guest speaker Holly Ludemann, and guests/visitors Makynli Fitzgerald and dad Paul, PHF Graham Nixon, PHF Charlie Burnett and Matt Breuillac.

Bulletin #22 - 28 November

 Presidential ponderings

Today’s meeting was chaired by Vice-President Kelly Gillen In the absence of Co-Presidents David Rowell and Gerry McGann.

Today in History:

1895    The first car race in the USA from Chicago-Evanston-Chicago (the birthplace of Rotary) at an average speed of 7 miles per hour.

1893    New Zealand became the first nation to give women a vote in a national election

Guest Speaker - Ray Tanielu - Soundtrakx Music Therapy for Youth

Ray Tanielu is the founder and CEO of Soundtrakx, an institution dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable young people across WA through music, culture and meaningful connection.

He is of Samoan heritage and was raised in a community-focused family where service to others was modeled by his parents.

Ray has 14–16 years of experience working with at-risk youth as a youth worker, counsellor, case manager and general manager. He holds qualifications in mental health, health and alcohol & other drugs counselling.

Ray initially wanted to be a primary school teacher but found his calling working with at-risk youth. He started as a music facilitator, teaching primary school children instruments like guitar, bass, piano and drums, seeing the positive impact of even simple two-chord songs.

He later became a youth worker at Swan City Youth Service in Midland, located in the old Midland Bowling Club.

Encouraged by his boss, he launched a music program from a small 2x2 meter storeroom with an old computer and a microphone. Despite the basic setup, it became the most popular program at the service.

The "Sly Counselling" Method

Ray observed the music studio organically turning into a counseling room.

Young people were hesitant to talk , but would express struggles (like lack of food at home) through their song lyrics. Ray used these lyrical cues to offer help discreetly, a method he calls "sly counselling" (e.g. offering a food hamper after hearing about it in a song).

Over time these young people returned not just for music, but for conversation and support with issues like court appearances or problems at home.

Motivated by the life-changing impact he witnessed, Ray left his general manager role to create Soundtrakx, a purpose-built, music-therapy-focused space.

The name "Soundtrakx" reflects a young person's life journey. Initially their songs (their "soundtrack") may be full of violence and struggle. But with therapy and support, their songs shift to reflect positive growth.

The mission is to provide a support system, a community and a pathway to healing and growth. By amplifying unheard voices they help youth navigate mental health challenges, trauma, addiction and disconnection.

The ultimate outcome is not just great music, but great young people who can become leaders and contribute positively to the community.

Soundtrakx delivers programs inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18 at Casuarina Prison, which houses the state's most challenging youth offenders.

The music program is the only one in Unit 18 with 100% attendance.

The program runs in a converted cell. Ray and a co-worker work with 3–4 young people at a time without guards present, relying on strong rapport.

The process helps youth write lyrics about their experiences, teaching life lessons about working through challenges and understanding that success requires effort and overcoming mistakes.

As a new charity, Soundtrakx has faced startup struggles, including finding personnel with shared values. There was also the issue of dealing with a graphic designer who left with funds. The organization successfully reached its fundraising goal of $100k earlier in the year, achieved about three weeks prior to today’s talk.

Soundtrakx plans to begin service delivery in 2026 and is currently seeking a physical location, starting with just a room. The goal is to create the first standalone facility of its kind in Australia, specifically for music therapy for young people aged 12 to 25.

The facility will offer music recording, counseling, mentoring and practical support like court accompaniment.

The long-term vision is to expand the model to multiple locations across Perth and eventually Australia-wide.

Soundtrakx, the organization, is in talks with government to secure funding for "through-care" (transitional support) for youth after release from detention.

 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Angus F : Volunteers needed to help with Heirisson Rotary Club “Tiny Homes” parking on Saturday/Sunday. Mill Point will get $1,000. SOS lunch for volunteers Tuesday 16^th December 11-1PM.

Reggie L : Given recent award for “Excellence in Research & Education”, and has been giving talks to Doctors and Nurses about Tetanus injections.

Margaret W : Dial-a-Santa so far 90 bookings including 44 at Convention Centre. Would like to speak to all Santas after meeting.

Michael G : Thanks to Ian Kremmer and daughter Alison for organising “Breakfast with Rivals” breakfast. Visit today to Bicycles for Humanity. Arranging with Richard Offen (past speaker) for a history walk through Perth. Arranging with Peggy Leung for a hike/walk from Camfield Hotel to East Perth and return (followed by dinner). Booking Pines Restaurant for May/June dinner (Endeavour Awards) – 50 pax.

Lorrie G : Has a list of items left behind at International Dinner.

Kelly G : District Conference 13-15 March 2026 in Northam.

Early Bird Registration Offer by 15 Dec, to go into draw for up to two free registrations! Accommodation filling up fast. Good line up of speakers and MC.

Reggie Lau – Update on Sri Lanka Eye Camp: Planned for February, but deferred due to Sri Lanka elections. Disappointing as many specialists have taken leave. Looking now at Borneo, Timor Leste with a “Sticky Sugar” program to screen for diabetes

 

Fines

• Missed opportunities, all those cricket fans who bought tickets and no play. Shame on our batting hero with a bad back – all golf addicts
• Those who missed a Black Friday bargain
• 21^st was National Agriculture Day – all the farmers
• Jenny M for turning away the delivery of 12x bottles of wine for “Tim”

Winner of Heads and Tails

David Tyler (again….)

Attendance

40 attendees in all, including guest speaker Ray Tanielu, and visitors Mark Jones and Margaret Metcalf