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

 

1 May

Sargeant        Mike Collett

Attendance    Geoff Longshaw, Lydia Wong

Welcome        Peggy Leung

Host               Michael Gottschalk

Club Dress    Angus Florence, Mike Collett

Birthdays 

 Nil

Anniversaries

 Nil 

 

8 May

Sargeant        Angus Florence

Attendance    Raelene George, Carole O'Brien

Welcome        Shaun O'Brien

Host               TBA

Club Dress    Angus Florence, Warren McCamey

Birthdays 

 Nil

Anniversaries

 Nil 

  

15 May

Sargeant        Mike Collett

Attendance    Ross Smith, Jessica Murray

Welcome        Eunice Sari

Host               TBA

Club Dress    Angus Florence, Mike Collett

Birthdays 

 Nil

Anniversaries

 Nil   

Future Guest Speakers

Mill Point Guest Speakers 2025 

April 3                      No Meeting - Good Friday 10                    Darren Meakins - Membership/Networking Initiative 17                    Ross Smith - South Perth Hospital 24                   Niels Dahl - History of the Victoria Cross May 1                      Pride of Workmanship Awards 8                      Kath McQuaide - On My Feet 15                    TBA 22                    Unsung Heroes 29                    Jessica Murray - Telehealth  June 5                       12                     19                     26                    No breakfast meeting 27                    David Rowell/Gerry McGann - Changeover Lunch

Upcoming Events

Keep Australia Beautiful Opportunities

  *****

Pride of Workmanship Awards - 1 May 

*****

 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.

Bulletin #37 - 10 April 2026

Presidential Ponderings

Co-President David Rowell (P1) opened the meeting and observed “the Autumn vibe is with us….”

Today in History...

1815    Mount Tambora volcano in Indonesia erupted, killing 71,000 people

1912    The Titanic sunk on its maiden voyage

1963    US nuclear submarine USS Thresher sank with 129 crew dead

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Angus F : Fundraising meeting after breakfast

Joy B : District Newsletter advertising monthly chats via Zoom. This Sunday's topic at 5pm, chat on Marketing, see Joy for link or read the Rotary Round Up.

Garrick M : RYE student coming in late July – Felipe, 16 year-old boy from Brazil. We are hoping to get him into Wesley College, he has been studying English for five years and loves sport. Host families needed – they don’t have to be Rotarians.

Gorby : (1) Historic Perth walk this evening from 6PM. (2) Pride of Workmanship 1^st May. (3) Have three nominations, desire one more. Endeavour Awards (Pines Restaurant) 12^th May almost sold out (39 of 43).

David R : District Assembly this Sunday, changed venue Leederville Football Club. (1) New members/Directors encouraged to attend. (2) 16th May “Epic Day of Service.” (3) Saturday 27^th June Celebration Lunch (Changeover) at RPGC.

Guest Speaker : Darren Meakins - "Membership/Networking Initiative."

Darren is the Current President of Scarborough RC 2024 – 2026. He was also Past President of Scarborough RC 2004 – 2005; Past President of Mindarie RC 2012 – 2013; Past Chair - District Communication Committee 2007-2008; Australia Japan Youth Cultural Exchange (AJYCE) committee 2006 – 2017.

Darren “grew up with Rotary all around me” as his father, the late PP Barry Meakins, was a member of Scarborough RC from 1978 through to 2013 and President 1984 - 1985.

Darren joined Scarborough RC in 1998 and lives in Yanchep, married to Mirela, has daughters Ada (20) and Sara (18), and son Cassian (14). In Business, Darren is the Director and Licensee of Land HQ WA.

In his opening remarks, Darren endorsed Garrick’s comments about RYE. Scarborough currently hosts an exchange student from Brazil and recent outbound exchanges have also been to Brazil. Darren's parents hosted over 35 exchange students!

In his address, Darren gave some historical context on Scarborough Rotary Club:

• Club established in 1956 but facing resourcing issues and apathy, with average age ~73.

• Membership stagnation with risk of declining to 15–20 members if nothing changed.
• The product (meeting experience) was considered unappealing with limited marketing exposure.
• Strategic focus became business and professional networking with strategic partners (e.g., Karrinyup Shopping Centre), community connection, and member value.Rotary is not a charity group.  it is a professional networking organization that undertakes charitable actions.
• Target audience now primarily ages 30–50. The product and        venue must match the audience and deliver value.
• The current Leadership and skill mix is varied (legal, finance, SEO/website, videography/marketing) to modernize operations.

Three signature items were selected for brand identity: 

• Scarborough Clock Tower (installed 1979; heritage listed to secure preservation). 
• Karrinyup Swap Mart (since 1989; key fundraising institution). 
• Wheelchairs for Kids (originating circa 1996–1998; 67,000 wheelchairs to 81 countries; volunteer-run; mortgage paid off by donors).

Branding was leveraged to improve public recognition and storytelling.

Darren stressed we can get the members, we just need to get the product right. From a Management point of view, the focus categories going forward are:

Operations, Membership, Marketing, Communications.

Operations

Monthly format has changed

Meeting 1 - Club day

Meeting 2 - Guest speaker

Meeting 3 - Networking evening (last Thursday of month)

Meeting 4 - Vocational visits (joint meetings with other clubs encouraged).

  

Membership 

• Value for members “what’s in it for me?”
• Using member skill sets (Marketer, Web/SEO consultant, video/photography)
• Mentoring within the club
• Vocational opportunities and programs
• Business networking both locally and internationally

Marketing

 

 

Creating brand awareness and “what we stand for”

• Social Media Management
• Database management and linking with local businesses (Karrinyup Shopping Centre and local businesses)
• Exposure in local community
• Linkage with Rotary Means Business (RMB) local and international group.

Communications

Similar to Mill Point with additional Industry Updates and Club Runner training.

Results have been impressive with a current membership of 53 members and 100% retention rate of members from 2024 to now.

Darren highlighted their successful strategic partnership with the Karrinyup Shopping Centre, having major fundraisers with the shops/businesses. They also place much emphasis on networking, with their evenings being held at the centre.

To quote Rotary’s founder Paul Harris “This is a changing world: we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.”

Darren’s presentation can be viewed at:

millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>MEAKINS, Darren – Membership/Networking Initiative.

The Fines Master - Owen Ferguson

All Eagles and Dockers supporters - go figure!

Raelene - Walked off with Michelle’s glasses last week (should have gone to SpecSavers)          

Wayne D - Left your fines tickets, may as well use them - theyre not good for anything else.

Gorby - Last week’s tickets?

"Great Gatsby" fans, the story of which was published this day.

Paul McCartney followers - for leaving the Beatles in 1970.

Those who listen to the ABC, started in 1932 and still going, going, going...

Investors, ASX started 1987 - anyone with that longevity?

Terracotta Warriors display afficionados - discovered in 1972.

All those who enjoyed a hot cross bun (or three) over Easter!

Winner of Heads and Tails

Wicker smiles from Ross Smith, winner of the Wine today!

Attendance

41 attendees in all, including guest speaker Darren Meakins.