As we started today’s Rotary meeting, President Gerry reminded us that we are all volunteers. Whilst this week, is celebrating 'Bee' week -more importantly it is also VOLUNTEER WEEK, which runs from 18 to 24 May. 2026 is the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, and the week encourages community participation and honors the vital role volunteers play in fostering connection and purpose.
President Gerry then called on Sargent Angus to tell us what other Volunteers amongst our members have birthdays or anniversaries on or about this day.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
- Foreshore Clean-up: A clean-up event was held on Saturday, May 17, 2026, along the foreshore. Nine members participated and collected many piles of rubbish.
- Changeover Event Payment: The booking link for payment for the Changeover event on June 27, 2026, is now open. The link is available on the flyer in this week’s bulletin. Members are encouraged to book and pay early to confirm lunch numbers.
- Membership Committee Meeting: A membership committee meeting will be held immediately after today’s meeting.
- Lions Club Ballroom Dancing: Club members are invited to attend the Lions Club ballroom dancing event tonight at 8:00 PM in the South Ballroom of the civic center.
- Off Track: fundraising event is on again this year. A fundraising webpage has been set up and a donation link will be sent out.
- Eye Clinic: Planned trips to Sri Lanka and Timor are postponed as they are not considered safe yet. Further details on the destination and dates will be provided once confirmed.
Unsung Hero Awards
The meeting this week is a special tribute by our Club for Volunteers Week, and in presenting “Unsung Hero” awards, acknowledging individuals who contribute significantly to the community.
This award has been presented by the club for 15 years, starting in 2011, the International Year of the Volunteer.
It recognizes volunteers and employees of not-for-profit organizations within the vicinity of the city of South Perth.
In Western Australia (WA), 1.5 million people volunteer annually, contributing 400 million hours and creating $5.64 billion in economic value.
Today we congratulate three people who have contributed to our community.
Lorna Robertson
She also volunteers for Save the Children Australia, sorting and pricing donated sheet music for their annual book sales.
Previously, she taught lip-reading for the Telethon Foundation and currently cares for her grandchildren. Lorna's choice of charity was Starick, which supports domestic violence victims. They will receive the $200 donation from the Club.
She invited attendees to the South Perth Big Band’s monthly dance at the South Perth Civic Centre, held on the fourth Friday night of each month. Next one is 26 June.
Nelson Wu and Jen Pei Ng
Nelson Wu and Jen Pei have been leaders and volunteers for the Neighborhood Watch Asian Community Service Incorporated since 2018.
The organization, formerly the Neighborhood Watch Chinese Group, now serves broader Asian communities (Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Thai). It acts as a bridge between Asian communities and local/federal government and law enforcement to improve community safety.
He collaborates with WA Police and Crimestoppers, and assists Chinese-speaking residents in reporting crimes.
Nelson also hosts community events to raise awareness about crime prevention.
Jen Pei plays a key role in bridging cultural gaps within the Australian community.
Nelson Wu announced that the $200 donation would go to Vinnies (St Vincent’s) for the CEO Sleepout.
Awardees and Sponsors
A Fine(s) way to start the day...
Our lovely Joy reminded us that it’s coming up TAX time again so today was going to be very taxing…
- Gorby : 1st cab off the rank…What does the Pres say at start of every meeting….TURN off your phone…last week you forgot!
- Anyone still working or gone back to work Ian K, Kelly Gillen sure have Lydia, Eunice, Diana, Garrick. Might bring the average age down to help pay for us retirees.
- Claimants of the $100 fuel bonus from the State budget, better still those who still has the Services WA App on their phones! We thank you for your donation!
- Shareholders: who can pay up whilst you still have some loose change before the taxman grabs it.
- Bitcoiners/Pizza lovers: Today is known as Bitcoin Pizza Day - commemorates the first known commercial Bitcoin transaction, the event became symbolic of the currency’s early potential—and the high cost of a slice of Pizza. The day now serves as a reminder of how digital currency entered real-world use. Whoever among us has invested in Bitcoin can dob in a Dollar and anyone who has ever enjoyed the odd slice of Pizza can cough up as well - that goes for all the men at last weeks Men’s dinner!
- Tokyo visitors : Worlds tallest tower was open to public on this day in 2012 – everyone who has ever been to Tokyo can pay a TAX.
- Beancounters : ...or Tax accountants etc., let's start with Dietmar and Kim!
Winner of Heads and Tails
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