Howdy Pardners...
The Duke was given a rousing welcome and pointed out that today's meeting was focused on "Building Goodwill and Better Friendships" as well as reminding us that today in history...
1967 Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of Rolling Stone fame were released after spending one month on remand for drug charges. The Duke observed that whilst they are both still going strong, they are probably still 'Stoned'
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
- Owen F: Our Scottie is unwell and unable to attend today's meeting, get well soon Scottie, our thoughts are with you.
- DG Veronica: presented a Club Excellence Award to the President on behalf of Rotary International. This is one of the most significant awards a club can achieve, for 2025-26 (Well done Gerry McGann, David Rowell and the board of that year). The club has demonstrated a commitment to set and achieve goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our Districts future.
- Carole: FREE: the Art of Discovery Exhibition is on 17 - 21 August at the Bayliss Building UWA. Scroll down to events page for further details.
- David R: Felipe has arrived from Brazil and with his host family in Myaree. Any activities you think he would enjoy, please contact David. Makinlay is in the UK enjoying the last of the summer sun, doing well and sending her best wishes to everyone.
Town Hall - Who Am I? : Sryani de Souza and Jessica Murray.
Sriyani transferred recently from Dalkeith Rotary Club and Jess joined Mill Point Rotary Club in February 2026. Host Brian Johnson interviewed them both in a WAI? session.
Sriyani (L)
Sriyani was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and grew up in a village where most residents were her relatives, describing it as very close-knit. She reflected on Sri Lanka’s history as a multicultural society that endured political unrest in the 1970s–80s and a three-decade civil war ending in 2009. Today it’s once again a very popular tourist destination.
Her father, a kind and generous businessman, was a big influence in her life. Her English mother was very artistic, passing on some of her creativity. Her two sisters and two brothers are all married, still living in Sri Lanka.
After studying Accounting and Commerce, she became a secretary. She recalled her boss tasking her with translating minutes from Sinhala to English, a challenging assignment that developed her skills. She was eventually promoted to Executive Officer with HR responsibilities.
Immigrating to Australia in 1991 with her husband and two sons, they set up a medical practice where Sriyani was the Practice Manager. After her husband’s passing, she sold the practice but still assists in its business aspects from time to time. Her two sons and one granddaughter live in Perth.
Sriyanai related an anecdote, from her early days in Perth, of being lost late night driving home from Mandurah. After going through (and passing…) a roadside breathalyser test, the kindly Police took pity and guided her home.
Her late husband had been a member and President of Gosnells Rotary Club. Sriyani would accompany him to hear speakers and that inspired her towards Rotary. Now with more free time, she would like to contribute something to the community, even in a small way.
Jess (Centre)
Jess was born in Singapore to an Australian father (Kalgoorlie) and a Singaporean mother. She attended a local school until age 15, then moved to an international school.
This dual heritage gave her a unique perspective. In Singapore her bi-racial identity was always apparent, whereas in Australia she was often perceived simply as Asian. She values her Singaporean upbringing for its exposure to diverse cultures, races, and religions, highlighting food as a particularly fond memory.
While acknowledging Singapore’s pragmatic and successful economic policies, Jess disagrees with its conservative social values. She points to the lack of progress on LGBTQ+ rights. She believes protecting conservative values can marginalize certain groups.
Michael Jackson was a major childhood influence His music videos inspired her to take up dance (ballet and tap) and his later songs sparked her interest in social justice and human rights.
Jess moved to Sydney in 2011, earning a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and worked in healthcare administration, including at a teleradiology company. She moved to Perth in 2022 and recently completed a Master’s in Health Leadership and Management/Global Health.
She is now Operations Manager for a Telehealth start-up. Her role focuses on operations enablement and excellence, ensuring any new partner or service is delivered to the best of her ability.
Jess was introduced to Rotary by Diana Goh. She found the club’s projects, particularly in community service and global health, aligned with her master’s studies and her desire for practical groundwork.
Her mandatory community service at her international school in Singapore had left a void that she felt Rotary could now fill, offering opportunities to act on her interests rather than just study them. She hopes to engage in global health projects, like the Sri Lanka Eye Clinic, and eventually start a project of her own.
As Host Brian remarked early, one of Mill Point’s strengths is its multiculturalism. We are richer with Jess keen on global health projects and Sriyani wishing to give back to the community.
A Fine(s) Way to Start the DayOwen the fines fiddler of the week divulged our depravities staring with...
- Mike C : Happy Birthday - it will cost you $1 for every year!
- Wayne D : Appalling history lesson, more interesting was that today in 1946 Marylin Monroe signed her first contract for $150 a week (how's that for inflation!) and in 1965 JK Rowling was born so all Harry Potter fans can pay up.
- Geoff : for his alleged comings and goings before we started.
- Dockers Fans : Winners.
- Collingwood Fans : Losers.
- Petrol Seekers : anyone who needs petrol this weekend - left it too late there's a price hike so $1 from you before the petrol station gets it.
- Goodies Fans : Bill Oddie passed away at 84.
- All males and those 65+ : because you cause the most motor crashes
- Jessica : your name means 'To Behold' and 'Gift of God' $1 for not knowing.
- Sryani : your name means 'The Best, Beauty, Radiance and Prosperity' - $1 from you for also not knowing.
Winner of Heads and Tails
Attendance
32 attendees in all, including visiting Rotarian Bill Boekman (Wongan Hills) and visitor Eno Budo visiting for the second time.
