Bulletin #40 - 1 May 2026

Presidential Ponderings

Co-President David Rowell (P1) welcomed everyone with a “pinch and a punch for the first of the month”.

 

Today in History

1884 Uprising around the world for an eight-hour working day

1889 “May Day” was declared by the Socialist Congress

1956 Dr Jonas Salt’s Polio vaccine opened for public use (a cause dear to Rotary’s heart…)

In Memoriam

Brian Adams informed members of the passing of Bill Grayden at the age of 105, a long time friend of Mill Point.

Bill was known to many and had been a guest at several of our ANZAC meetings. He will be remembered for his World War Two service in Syria and the Kakoda Trail.

Bill has the distinction of being Australia’s longest serving politician.

 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

David R : Points from Wednesday’s Board meeting. Board Minutes available through Club website (many members not using?)

The Board is reviewing our operations, budgeting and planning.

More guest speakers needed, we're a bi thin from July on.

The Board has decided we will not be supporting another RYE outbound student next year.

More host families needed for RYE inbound this year.

Still trying to get a school for our student.

Succession planning – still need President-elect and Secretary-elect.

Considering rotating Chair for meetings.

Brian J : Clipboard circulating for Celebration/Changeover lunch on  Saturday 27^th June to assist with planning - not a commitment at this stage.

Club Service meeting after breakfast.

Kim P : Volunteers requested for this Sunday’s Angelo Street Party.

Meeting with Kim/Ian K after breakfast for helpers.

 

Pride of Workmanship Presentations 

Vocational Director Mike “Gorby” Gottschalk introduced the 2026 Pride of Workmanship Awards, emphasizing “Do it once. Do it well. Build a better Australia.”

The Awards recognize employees for approach, attitude, dedication, and commitment—no competition or travel prizes, purely club recognition.

 

Jonathan Graham  (nominated by Diana Goh)

Jonathan is the Director/Inspector of Prompt Building Services. Diana has known him for over two years. As Director & Principal Broker of Loan SuperMart, Diana trusts Jon with her clients.

Jonathan plays a key role in helping home buyers make confident, informed decisions. He gives clear, honest reports and shows a willingness to explain findings in practical terms, helping avoid costly mistakes.

He is a highly respected registered builder, with decades of experience, who has a strong reputation across Perth. His professionalism, integrity and commitment to quality service embodies the spirit of the Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award.

 

Tracey Slattery (nominated by Carole O’Brien)

Tracey Slattery is the Accounts Officer for Girl Guides Western Australia.

With only a small number of paid staff, they support several hundred adult volunteers and 1500 youth numbers across the state.

Tracey wears many hats in her role including: administration support, banking and cash books, support for the 80-ish Guide Units and their associated Halls, (each whom run their own financial records and bank accounts), reception, the Girl Guides WA shop, and provisioning equipment booked for events and camps.

Tracey quickly became Carole’s “go to” for all the things that had changed since she was Unit Leader and when any help was needed.

Sorting Carole’s banking (as a Region Manager, she has access  to 10 Girl Guide bank accounts!) ensuring a large pile of equipment was picked up and ready to go for a major camp, organising online shop orders, answering her many questions and much more.

Tracey’s Manager says of Tracey: “She is a bright and bubbly staff member who is happy to help wherever she is needed, going above and beyond what is expected. Tracey not only preforms her role but also decorates the office with her craft items - most recently, with ANZAC wreaths. She is committed to GGWA not only in her staff role but also as a volunteer.”

Tracey wears her many hats with skill, pride and a smile.  She is invariably positive, proactive, helpful and willing to go the extra mile.

 

Izzy Adams (nominated by Joy and Charlie Burnett)

Izzy is a Barista at Crooked Spire Coffee & Art House in Midland. She was accompanied by the owner Mike Mattich.

It is the kind of place where everyone feels welcome, from tradies grabbing an early coffee, to families with prams to people just needing somewhere to sit.

They run a suspended coffee program that has handed out 10,000 free coffees to those in the community doing it tough. Izzy fits right in…

Izzy started with Crooked Spire in 2023 at age 17, her first ever job – never having made a coffee in her life! Now, at 18, she is one of the most valuable people on the floor.

What makes Izzy special isn’t just that she learnt the job, it’s how she does it. She remembers names. She remembers orders. She greets people with a genuine energy and excitement that makes people feel like the best part of her day just walked through the door…

Izzie also taught herself latte art in her own time and now pours a “swan” that many experienced baristas would be proud of.

What Mike most admires about Izzie – she deals with anxiety but pushes through and shows up anyway. Every single day. She pushes through, gives it everything and does it all with a smile. That takes more guts than most people realise.

We’re proud of you Izzie, you’ve earned this one.

 

Gordon Sutherland (nominated by Michael Gottschalk)

Gordon runs The HavenWell in East

Victoria Park, along with his wife Joan. Joan started the Haven with $5. Gordon focuses on governance (“dot the i’s and cross the t’s”) He came  from 15 years in the mines to support Joan’s vision, emphasising volunteer commitment and a community hub model.

He is a Board member, treasurer/assistant treasurer, and administration manager looking after finance, accounts, payroll, community liaison. Gordon runs the warehouse and the Furniture Assist program.  Joan frequently delivers bread on Tuesdays.

The Organization relies on volunteers (foundation/backbone), with a staffing of 70 volunteers and 3 part-time staff. From April to April 2025–26 the outputs were: 136,908 meals (includes single portions, coffees/teas, breakfasts, lunches, dry food hampers, fresh veg, bread). Approximately 10 years of operation, close to about 1,000,000 meals overall.

The centre is open 229 days/year (Tuesday–Saturday). They provide youth community service, furniture assists and pet support.

Food sourcing partners in the last year: OzHarvest, Second Bite, Onca Foods, Atmos Foods, Santos Foods, Bunbury’s, Bakers Delight. Total food received: 120,000 kilograms.

Gordon noted Mill Point Rotary Club’s assistance with the donated picnic tables and upright two-door refrigerator (along with Como Rotary Club).

 

A Fine(s) art...

Wayne Muller, Fines-master extraordinaire, extricated equities from the following...

All - If you have initial N, D, I or S - pay up - NDIS being reduced!

Everyone -  If you don’t have these initials and can move arms & legs, pay up too.

Andy G - for going “andy clockwise” for brekky and parking his “truck” in car park.

David T -  whose grandson left his mini safe at Manic Coffee.

David T - bought the box for Wayne M putting his keys in the box….

Winner of Heads and Tails

Another win(e) for Ross Smith and our thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for contributing the prize each week!

Attendance

42 attendees in all, including our worthy recipients John Graham, Tracy Slattery, Izzy Adams (& Mike Matich), Gordon (& Joan Sunderland), and guests Mandy Sneeuwjagt, Andy George and Charlie Burnett.

Bulletin #39 - 24 April 2026

Presidential Ponderings - Lest we forget

On the afternoon 24 April 1915 around 60,000 Anzacs boarded transports and ships for a short overnight voyage to the Dardanelles. How many of those knew what would unfold the next day…2000 of them didn’t see the following evening. 

Soldiers leaving from Albany. (Source: News.com)

News from Home

• Scott Dwyer was back in hospital under observation this week. He asked me to advise that he feels better and has been implanted with a monitoring chip that will help to monitor his condition.
• Dietmar Mazanetz has cranked up 45 years with Rotary. The last 30 here with Mill Point!
• Mike Collette Had a fall at home and cut his cranium. In hospital under observation

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

• Ian K - Reminder re Membership committee meeting
• Astrid M - Fundraising for Global Hands 
• Gorby - Vocational events: We now have four Pride of Workmanship nominees for next week. The Pines dinner is all booked up - thank you for your support.
• David R - Save The Date for our Club Celebration luncheon on 27 July. 

Guest Speaker: Neils Dahl - the Origin of the Victoria Cross.

Neils Dahl offered a comprehensive history of the Victoria Cross (VC), Britain's highest military honor. He covered the medal's origins during the Crimean War, its composition from captured cannons (initially Russian, later Chinese), and the awarding process, including a ballot system for group valor. Neil highlighted recipients from Commonwealth and non-English-speaking countries, with a particular focus on Australian recipients across various conflicts like Gallipoli, Syria, and Vietnam. Notable figures such as Captain Neville Howse, the first Australian VC, and the youngest and oldest Australian recipients were mentioned. He also touched on related historical events, including Florence Nightingale's work and the Russian Civil War, and concluded with acknowledgments and a Q&A session, confirming no known female recipients to date. 

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valor "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of the British Commonwealth. It was established in 1856 by Queen Victoria to honor acts of bravery during the Crimean War. 

Significance of the Victoria Cross

1. Symbol of Bravery: The VC represents the highest standard of courage and selflessness. It is awarded for extraordinary acts of heroism, making it a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice in service to one's country.
2. Historical Context: Instituted during a time of great conflict, the VC was designed to recognize and reward acts of valor that might otherwise go unnoticed. It emerged from the need to acknowledge the bravery of soldiers in the trenches and battlefields.
3. Unique Design: The medal itself is distinctive, made from the bronze of cannons captured during the Crimean War, and features a Victoria Cross shape. This unique design contributes to its status and recognition.
4. Selective Awarding Process: The VC is awarded based on significant criteria, including a rigorous nomination and evaluation process. This selectivity enhances its prestige, making it a highly sought-after accolade among military personnel.
5. Diverse Recipients: Recipients of the VC come from various backgrounds, including soldiers from Commonwealth nations and different military branches. Noteworthy individuals include those who displayed exceptional bravery under dire circumstances, demonstrating the universal values of courage and sacrifice.
6. Legacy and Tradition: Over the years, the VC has become part of military tradition and folklore, with many stories of heroism attached to the medal. It inspires current and future generations of service members.
7. Influence on Military Honors: The establishment of the VC influenced other military honors, leading to a broader recognition of valiant acts in various countries and their respective military decorations.

The Victoria Cross remains a powerful symbol of military gallantry and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in armed conflicts.

The Victoria Cross (VC) was established in 1856 with several key purposes:

1. Recognition of Valor: The primary aim was to create a prestigious award that specifically recognized acts of bravery and valor by members of the British armed forces, particularly in combat situations. Prior to the VC, there was no military honor that universally acknowledged individual acts of exceptional courage in battle.

2.     Encouragement of Gallantry: By formally recognizing courageous actions, the VC was intended to encourage bravery among soldiers. The existence of a prestigious award served as a motivation for military personnel to act heroically in the face of danger.

3.     Recognition of Common Soldiers: The VC was designed to honor not only commissioned officers but also non-commissioned ranks and regular soldiers. This inclusivity was significant at a time when military honors were often reserved for higher-ranking officers.

4.     Response to the Crimean War: The establishment of the VC coincided with the Crimean War (1853-1856), during which instances of remarkable bravery came to light. The need to acknowledge the valor displayed by soldiers in this conflict highlighted the importance of creating a formal recognition system.

5.     Creation of a Lasting Legacy: The VC aimed to establish a historical legacy that would endure over time. By instituting an award that honored heroism, the intention was to create a tradition of valor that future generations of the military could aspire to.

6.     Strengthening National Pride: The VC also served to enhance national pride and morale. Recognizing acts of bravery contributed to a sense of unity and respect for the armed forces within British society, especially during a period of military conflict.

Overall, the Victoria Cross was established as a means to formally recognize and celebrate acts of extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice in military service, creating a lasting symbol of bravery that continues to hold significant value today.

The Fine(s) Art of Joy...

• Chairperson Kelly G and P2 David R failing to introduce our Guest speaker's wife Lyn.
•  P2 another $ for losing his front tooth to an Easter Bunny...
•  One of my dear friends always reminds me on Friday morning that if you wake up and are breathing that’s a bonus. So all of us can dob in a $ for being here and breathing (thanks Vic)
•  And what’s an ANZAC meeting without a game of 2-up…so lets do it…

Winner of Heads and Tails

Guest Tosser of the week Joy threw a few and announced the winner Angus Florence - Doesn't he look pleased!

Attendance

36  attendees in all, including guest speaker Neils Dahl, and visitors Lyn Dahl, Katrina Duke and Kelly Wickham.

Club Duties

Club Duties : 2025 - 2026

8 May

Sargeant        Angus Florence

Attendance    Raelene George, Carole O'Brien

Welcome        Shaun O'Brien

Host               Brian Johnson

Club Dress    Angus Florence, Howard Nelson

Birthdays 

 Nil

Anniversaries

 Nil 

  

15 May

Sargeant        Angus Florence

Attendance    Ross Smith, Jessica Murray

Welcome        Eunice Sari

Host               Jenny Mclean

Club Dress    Angus Florence, Ken Pittman

Birthdays 

 Nil

Anniversaries

 Nil   

 

22 May

Sargeant        Angus Florence

Attendance    Wayne Duke, Diana Goh

Welcome        Garrick McCamey

Host               Rick Sneeuwjagt

Club Dress    Geoff Longshaw, Mike Collett

Birthdays 

 Nil

Anniversaries

 Nil   

 

29 May

Sargeant        Mike Collett

Attendance    Astrid Mitchell, Brian Adams

Welcome        Wayne Muller

Host               Reggie Lau

Club Dress    Mike Collett, Angus Florence

Birthdays 

 

Anniversaries

      

Future Guest Speakers

Mill Point Guest Speakers 2025 

May 1                      Pride of Workmanship Awards 8                      Kath McQuaide - On My Feet 15                    David Siddell - Swim Vitenam 22                    Various - Unsung Heroes 29                    Jessica Murray - Telehealth  June 5                      Patrick Morrison - Wrecks of the Swan River 12                    TBA 19                    TBA 26                    No breakfast meeting 27                    David Rowell/Gerry McGann - Changeover Lunch

Upcoming Events

Keep Australia Beautiful Opportunities

  *****

 Endeavour Awards at the Pines - 12 May

Vocational Visit - 17 May 5pm

 

 

 

Bulletin #38 - 17 April 2026

Presidential Ponderings

P1 (Gerry McGann) stood in for P2 (David Rowell) who is down South attending a family wedding and ruminated on the perfect morning with a glassy river, spectacular sunrise and a feeling of well being as he drove from Fremantle to South Perth this morning.

On this day in history...

1961 - America's Bay of Pigs - not their finest hour, and

1964 - the Ford Mustang was born!
 
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

• Wayne M - Litter pick-up this Saturday at the Old Mill.
• Gerry Mc - (1). Epic Day of Service on 16 May 11 clubs will be picking up litter on the freeway verges between the bridges. (2). Mike Le Froy to be approached for an historical walk around Fremantle. (3). Exchange student incoming from Brazil still requiring host families, no need to be a Rotarian.
• Gorby - (1). Historical walk a huge success. (2). Pines dinner only three seats left. (3). Pride of Workmanship on 1 May is only two weeks away and we have 4 nominees. (4). Theater 18 in Como - formerly called the Cygnet Theatre - suggested visit to the theatre to see 'Catalpa' - a four man play depicting the world's greatest Jailbreak. Scroll down to Events for details. Inquiries to Gorby.
• Rick - Meals still wanted for PICYS please.

Guest Speaker - Ross Smith, CEO, South Perth Hospital

Ross Smith addressed the history of and the upcoming celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of the South Perth Hospital (SPH).

SPH is Western Australia's last community hospital, and will celebrate its 70th anniversary on April 22, 2026. 

This milestone highlights its continuous operation as a community-owned, not-for-profit facility. The hospital relies solely on its own surpluses, receiving no government grants.

In presenting a detailed historical and operational overview of SPH. Ross traced the origins of community hospitals from post-World War I and II UK to Australia, highlighted SPH’s unique status as Western Australia’s last community hospital, and described its funding model, governance, services, and challenges. He emphasized the hospital’s independence from government funding, its efficient, low-cost focus on day surgery, stringent accreditation performance, recent and planned capital works, and pressures from private health insurance dynamics and sector-wide closures. He also addressed local issues such as the Birch Street car park dispute, a pathology clinic lease renewal, and clarified land ownership and board composition.  

The Community hospital concept in the UK (post-WWI and WWII)

followed on post World War I, when the British government lacked funds; returning injured soldiers occupied hospital capacity, limiting access for civilians. Community-driven facilities, including hospitals, were proposed to bridge gaps.

The concept faded during interwar prosperity but re-emerged after World War II under similar fiscal and capacity constraints, leading to the establishment of several UK community hospitals and broader community facilities.

The community hospital idea spread to Australia, primarily in eastern states, and was proposed for South Perth, then geographically and administratively distinct from Perth’s center (“other side of the river”). Initial local need framed as a nursing post due to absent medical facilities; community groups advocated for development into a modest hospital. South Perth Community Centre’s role and funding reality South Perth Community Centre led serious lobbying, initially raising funds for a modest hospital, then advocating for a larger facility when community aspirations grew beyond available funds. 

Contrary to a long-held belief that the community funded all costs, the state government contributed significantly: granting hospital land and progressively the Birch Street car park land; providing funds; and securing Lotteries Commission contributions. These combined made the project viable.

Community injuries underscored the need as fishing/crabbing accidents (oyster cuts, hooks), occured regularly and a Kensington boy who severely cut his hand on a broken bottle in a sandpit, requiring travel to Royal Perth without ambulances at the time, catalyzing hospital momentum.              

The last community hospital in Western Australia. 

Other community hospitals in WA and eastern states have closed or been taken over; SPH remains the sole community hospital in WA, inspiring Philip Pendle’s book on its history. Ownership and governance structure. Community-owned: akin to community sports clubs; no individual owner. Membership-based association elects a board of management and chairman (Ross). The board functions as a community entity guiding the hospital, maintaining independence from corporate ownership over 70 years.  

Board composition and medical oversight. 

The Board encompasses diverse skills (business, legal, community) and includes medical representatives via a Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) that provides professional advice, as many board members lack medical training.

Hospital profile and capacity.

SPH is a private, not-for-profit, community-owned esablishmenet - not part of the state public system. No external funding is obtained from the Australian Government, WA Government, or City of South Perth. There are approximately 100 beds (“nearly a hundred”), 5 operating theatres, about 250 staff (majority women, mostly local), averaging about 10,000 cases per year. 

Primarily covers day surgery and standard medical work with main areas covering gastroentology, oral surgery, gynaecology, orthopaedics and plastic surgery. Previous speaker from Interplast - Mark Staughan operates at SPH.

Recent capital works have included IT system and sterilizer replacements, with a power system upgrade prioritized next. The hospital maintains high standards, consistently achieving excellent results in its accreditation surveys.

While facing sector-wide pressures from private hospital closures and evolving insurance dynamics, South Perth Hospital remains financially stable and committed to its independence and community ownership.

The hospital continues to focus on efficient day surgery and medical services. Local facility matters, including the Birch Street car park and a renewed pathology clinic lease, are being actively managed.

To date SPH's two-yearly regulatory oversight and accreditation has uncovered nil recommendations and SPH continues to consistently achieve clean surveys indicative of top-tier standards.

A Fine(s) Applause as the Mistress Collects...

Pre-empting the speaker on the topic of the History of the South Perth Hospital...

• If you or a member of your family was born in the hospital
• Anyone who has 'boarded' (been a patient) at one time or another
• Those who have been employed, contracted or worked there
• Any 'Management' roles undertaken
• All those who have attended an appointment at the South Perth Hospital complex in the last 12 months.

Results of a quick community survey, estimates that 40-50% of current Rotarians and guests are all part of the history of the South Perth Hospital!

Winner of Heads and Tails

Our lovely Joy Burnett was the winner of Heads and Tails and presented with the famous bottle of grog by P1 himself (to be sure!). Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the prize each week.

Attendance

33 attendees in all, including guest speaker Ross Smith and visiting Rotarian Jill Mathwin.