Bulletin #019 - 6 November 2026

Howdy Pardners...

President Wayne (The Duke) welcomed all and reminded us of the Four Way Test #2 “Is it FAIR to all concerned?” However, today in history...

1917  Vladimir Lenin seized power in the Russian Revolution

1991  Boris Yeltsin passed a decree outlawing communism that broke up the USSR.

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

• Raelene G : Back from her travels. Thanks to Michelle (Attendance) and Lorrie (International Committee) for standing in for her whilst she was away.
• Gorby : A very interesting tour of Government House was attended by 21 members and friends.
  
  Our Club Royalty, President Wayne & First Lady Katrina, were accorded the appropriate protocols! This was followed by an enjoyable lunch at the “Lucky Shag”. Possible future visit to “Vinnies” in Highgate early next year
• Carole O : Thanks to Gorby for organising the excellent Vocational tour. There have been some cancellations for the play night 18^th November. Some tickets still available

   

Guest Speakers : 1. Felipe Mizobuchi Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Student

Felipe Mizobuchi is our inbound RYE student. He is a 16-year-old from Brazil and presented about his family, interests, hometown and its Japanese-Brazilian culture, school, community projects, and experience in Australia. He described his growing confidence in English, enthusiasm for sports and technology and the value he places on making connections and learning another language.

He described himself as half Brazilian and half Japanese: his father is Japanese and his mother is Brazilian. Felipe lives in a small city named as “Alves Machado” in São Paulo state. Brazil has 26 states and one federal district, and the São Paulo state has 645 cities. His city has a significant Japanese-Brazilian heritage, connected to Japanese people moving to Brazil in search of a new life. He described the city as having a rich cultural history and mentioned a Japanese cemetery that he said is the only one in Latin America.

Felipe enjoys playing soccer, especially at school and likes trying different sports. He also enjoys robotics, Lego, technology, and jigsaw puzzles. His father taught him practical repair skills, including fixing doors and other things (as noted and appreciated by his first “Host Father” Jeff Anderson”…).

Felipe described his Host Club as having about 20 members and belonging to District 4510. He said it was founded on April 24th 1959 and meets on Monday nights at 8 PM. Members share dinner and discuss projects and events they can support.

He said his experience in Australia was going very well and that he loves his school (Kent Street SHS), which is larger than his school in Brazil. Felipe described his stay as a dream and an important opportunity to connect with people and learn English. He called English a world language and said learning another language is important. His parents encouraged him to enjoy his time and build connections and he believes the experience could change his life.

Felipe’s PowerPoint can be viewed at:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_HRoC16hVeT5CUfHUNzffwsg6nh0d0bc?rtpof=true&usp=drive_fs

Youth Service Director Garrick McCamey,

on behalf of the club, presented a Thank You gift to his first “Host Parents” Jeff and Heather Anderson.

Felipe is now with his second Host Family, Gorby and Sana.

 

2. Don Gray - Tanzania Update

Don is Lorrie’s brother, and presented an overview of Tanzania’s economy, politics, and demographics.

He also described his project to design affordable, appropriately scaled agricultural machinery for emerging smallholder commercial farmers.

A transcript of Don’s update can be viewed at:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YwsGO9JsBoUCS7_ZvnQp8hg_ezdFLtQO&usp=drive_fs

3. Jodie Sparks – “Bricktober”

Jodie a well-known member of the Ascot Rotary Club and District Governor-elect who will take over from current DG Veronica Lawrance in July 2027 - 2028.

Jodie passed her thanks and “kudos” to the Mill Point team who assisted with manning the merchandise stall at this year’s Bricktober. It was a huge success, attracting over 9,000 visitors. In recognition of our assistance, Jodie made a $5,000 contribution to Mill Point.

 

Club Forum : 

Due to the very limited time remaining Brian Johnson, on behalf of Club Service Director Kelly Gillen, gave a quick update on the progress from last September’s Forum. Minutes of the Forum will be circulated to members by Secretary Alison.

 
Fines - All about the cost of living today!

• All in attendance – here for the forum or to listen and support our Exchange Student.
•  City of South Perth Ratepayers – pay rates for living in City run by a dysfunctional Council…
•  Water Babies – swimmers, yachties’ anyone who loves our water, after last weeks guests.
•  Missed International Teachers Day last Friday so all of us should give thanks to an educator who helps us become who we are today.
•  Can anyone tell me the significance of Sunday 8^th November? It’s the beginning of Seniors Week and before the Govt, Banks or Hospital Benefits grabs your dough, if you have a Seniors Card, Rotary will have a $ before it disappears!

Attendance

43 attendees in all, including guest speakers Felipé, Don Gray, Jodie Sparks (Ascot RC), visiting Rotarians Jeff Anderson (EWA RC), Jill Matthwin (Kojonup RC) and guests Sana Dimovich, Felipe Mizobuchi, David Thomas, Bailley Thomas, Nimanshi Rasasharani, Katrina Duke, and Heather Anderson.

Club Duties

13  November  

Sargeant        Angus Florence

Attendance    Kim Payne, John O'Sullivan

Welcome       Tricia Smith

Host               Brian Johnson

Club Dress    Mike Collett, Angus Florence

Birthdays

Anniversaries

 

20 November  

Sargeant        Mike Collett

Attendance    Margaret Walton, Dianna Goh

Welcome        Michelle Lovkis

Host               Reggie Lau

Club Dress    Mike Collett, Angus Florence

Birthdays

Anniversaries

 

27 November  

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome       

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays

Anniversaries

 

4 December  

Sargeant        

Attendance    

Welcome       

Host               

Club Dress    

Birthdays

Anniversaries

 

 

 

Future Guest Speakers

Mill Point Guest Speakers 2026 - 2027   November 6                      Felipé Alves Mizobuchi RYE; Club Forum 13                    Ry Beaver - Wildlife Photos & Citizen Science 20                    Mark Horwood/Gordon Smith - GHC Timor Leste 27                    Tim McDonald - The "Y "(YMCA) WA December 4                     Mill Point In-House/AGM 11                    Tracey Hicks - Spina Bifida - Journey & Books 18                    Stephen Blake - Harry Perkins Institute 25                    It's Christmas! - No Meeting  January 2027 1                      No Meeting 8                      Club Picnic 15                    Samgiita Hope - Dementia with Dignity 22 29 February 5                    Mill Point In-House/AGM 12 19 26 March 5                    Mill Point In-House/AGM 12 19 26 April 2                    Mill Point In-House/AGM 9 16 23                ANZAC 30 May 7                    Mill Point In-House/AGM 14 21                    Unsung Heroes 28 June 4                    Mill Point In-House/AGM 11

Upcoming Events

 2027 District Events!

Not just for office bearers, but for new and experienced members alike. 

Rotary is changing and so be up-to-date on all things Rotary. 

 

 

 

Bulletin #18 - 30 October 2026

Howdy Pardners...

President Wayne opened proceedings to the usual noisy welcome, noting it was great to see we had 11 guests today.

As he also observed, the 4WT “Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS” will be particularly applicable to four rowers on a 4,000Km+ journey – they will have no other choice!!

Today is UN International Translation Day.
 
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

• Michelle L : Message from Jean – the buffet next week will be in the room next door. We must finish by 8:45 due to set up for following event
• Lorrie G : Thanks to every one for their support of Don and herself in OffTraq. They got away with no damage to their car 200+ bottles were collected during the event for their CFC fundraising. New member Eno was a Star during the event.
• Wayne M  : 60 rounds of sandwiches were made up for OffTraq. Thanks to members who made and delivered the sandwiches $500 raised for our Charity Account.
• Carole O : Ronald MacDonald Dinner cooking this Sunday, emaildetails sent. Still a couple of tickets left for the Old Mill Theatre play 18^th November.
• Gorby : Government house tour next Thursday 5^th November, see email for details. Be there no later than 10:15 or risk being left behind. RYE student Felipe now with him & Sana, see email re help for activities. Suggested tour of Vinnies Highgate in February 2027.
• Wayne D  : From DG Veronica, Mill Point got honourable mention for ARH donation. District has raised $4.7million for Australian Rotary Health since inception.
•  Jenny McL : The Sewing Sisters (TSS)
  
  have been busy making small backpacks for inclusion into shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child gifts to be sent to recipients overseas. They made and donated 177 backpacks which were packed up and added to the shoebox contents. Samaritan's Purse will be delivering these worldwide. 
• 

  Felipe has moved host families and is now living with our very own Gorby & Sana. We ask that you offer as much support as possible to assist them with Felipe. He recently attended a camp in Byford with his fellow exchange students and had an absolute ball!

  He is now training and playing futsal with games on Friday night or Saturday afternoon. Before he left Jeff and Heather he treated them to a home made meal of Sashimi. We will hear more from Felipe on 6^th November at our meeting.

  
  

Guest Speaker - Blades of Oary - The World's Toughest Row  

Our guest speakers this week were Laura Lilley (L) and Micah Manger (R). 

Along will fellow crew members Cassis Gaff and Chelsea Tanner, they make up the rowing team “Blades of Oary”. 

 

They outlined their upcoming unsupported 4,800 km Atlantic Ocean crossing in the World’s Toughest Row, to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service WA and RUAH Community Services.

Their presentation detailed their intensive physical training, logistics, team dynamics, emergency protocols and fundraising milestones ahead of their 12^th December race star.

None of the four ladies had ever rowed before. The friendship began eight years between Laura (Primary School teacher) and Micah (Helicopter crewperson), with Chelsea (Occupational Therapist) and Cassie (Retrieval Nurse) joining along the way. Their intense campaign preparation commenced three years ago, with logistical management, fundraising and physical/psychological training. After surpassing their initial fundraising milestone of $250,000 (currently at $256,000), they have raised their target to $500,000.

They have acquired a second-hand boat (nicknamed “Salty) from a previous UK team. Team members depart for the UK and will arrive in La Gomera on November 29, 2026, allowing two weeks for mandatory briefings and practice rows before the official race start on December 12, 2026.

The team will row in strict two-hours-on, two-hours-off shifts, consuming roughly 5,000 calories per person daily. Living quarters are minimalist, sleeping occurs in tight shifts inside the cabin and bathroom needs are managed using a bucket on deck—practiced during offshore trials at Rottnest Island.

In unsupported ocean rowing, emergency assistance relies on the nearest commercial shipping vessel, which rescues only the crew and leaves the boat behind.

By fortuitous coincidence, Rick & Mandy Sneeuwjagt’s guests, Kevin & Judy Robinson were able to relate the experiences of their daughter Grace’s experiences in the 2023-24 race. These included their boat being holed by a very determined marlin and being nearly run down by an unlit tanker at night!!

Supporters can track the crossing

Blades of Oary in real time using the Yellowbrick tracking app, to be installed on the boat in La Gomera, with live tracking links shared across the team’s social media channels. Donations can also be made via the QR code on the slide.

A PDF version of their presentation can be viewed at:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dTCy0S6-qwAMFRE2RCUdgDIZm8C3Ajcb&usp=drive_fs

Fines - Wayne Muller

• Any Members not involved in OffTraq
• Brian A Took e-bike for repairs, to find shop moved from Freo to Malaga
• Everyone who didn’t wear a red T-shirt on World Polio Day
• David T $1 for every meeting missed

Winner of Heads and Tails

Every winner's a grinner and Kelly Gillen certainly showed his pleasure at grabbing the grog today! 

Attendance

46 attendees in all, including guest speakers Micah and Laura from the Blades of Oary Team, and visitors Victoria Kong, Nimanshi Rasaharani, Bob Campbell, Penny Anderson, Don Gray, Katrina Duke, Kevin Robinson, Judy Robinson, Mandy Sneeuwagt, Rona McGann

Bulletin #017 - 23 October 2026

Howdy Pardners...

President Wayne “The Duke” welcomed all and reminded us “Is it Beneficial to all Concerned?” – quite pertinent to shopping and today’s speaker. The Duke then reminded us that...

23 Oct National TV Talk Show Host Birthday in honour of Johnny Carson, and

24 Oct World End Polio Day – wear your red T shirt tomorrow!

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Wayne D : Still need a President for next year – No President – no club! Please see him after meeting if interested.

Ian K : Membership committee meeting after breakfast; Vocational visit to Narrogin this week for OffTraq. Eno and Astrid already there

Gorby : Visit to Government House 5^th November. Names needed to submit and ID on the day. 19 starters so far, lunch at “The Lucky Shag” afterwards. Gorby & Sana becoming Host family for RYE student Felipe. Help requested with activities for him please.

Diana G : Walking for RFDS this weekend, please join her 6:30AM. Saturday - Dome Café Deep Water Point. Sunday - Mr Walker Mend St Jetty.

 

Stan Perron Award – Tiffany Kwong

Congratulations to Tiffany Kwong, Diana and Eugene’s daughter. This award is presented by Scarborough Rotary Club to a deserving Year 12 student at a Government High School which is linked to Rotary. 

Tiffany had been the President of the Rossmoyne SHS Interact Club.

 The Stan Perron Award goes to a student who makes a significant contribution to the school community service and who emulates the elements of Rotary’s Four Way Test.

 

Guest Speaker : Natasha Atkinson, CEO Fremantle Markets

Growing up on a farm in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, Natasha Atkinson (middle) developed an early appreciation for hard work, community and the importance of supporting local businesses.

Today, Natasha is the Chief Executive Officer of Fremantle Markets, one of Western Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations, where she combines her passion for people,

entrepreneurship and creating vibrant community spaces.

Her entrepreneurial interests extend back to the Wheatbelt, where she owns and operates

Wheatbelt Luxury Escapes, a boutique accommodation business in York. She is also Chairperson of York Racing Inc., where she is passionate about revitalising Australia's first provincial racecourse and building its future as a destination for racing, tourism and community events.

Natasha is also Vice Chair of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and a Board Member of Destination Perth.

Throughout her career, Natasha has been driven by a belief in the power of fresh ideas, collaboration and community spirit to create opportunities and bring places to life.

Natasha attributes a rural upbringing with establishing a “fix what you break” problem-solving mentality and shaping her leadership approach. Her first “management” role on the family farm was an emu that wouldn’t sit and establishing a zoo-keeper checklist

Managing Café Moka in Merredin, at age 24, highlighted the difference between theoretical business ownership and execution, underscoring the necessity of pre-agreed exit clauses in partnerships. Initial rejection for the Fremantle Markets CEO role allowed her to build expertise in Adelaide, at the Mount Claremont Farmers Market, positioning her strongly when the opportunity resurfaced.

Developing Wheatbelt Luxury Escapes in York (with her “city-boy” husband) has been a dream come true. Chairing the York Racecourse reflects her commitment to regional storytelling, multi-purpose community spaces, and securing funding through Destination Perth.

 

Natasha outlined the history of

Fremantle Markets from its 1897 construction through its 1970s disrepair, its 1975 reopening under tender by John Murdoch and Wayne Donaldson, the current leasehold relationship with the City of Fremantle, and the eight-year campaign to secure a 20-year lease extension.

On her role as CEO, Natasha reflected markets must maintain a distinct, unambiguous identity (e.g., arts, swap meet, or farmers market) driven by passionate leadership to thrive over failed generic models.

Administrative burdens of safety, electrical tagging, and risk compliance across hundreds of transient vendors are managed efficiently using CRM workflows and an AI assistant named “Lexi.”

The success of Fremantle Markets belongs to the operating business and tenant community, distinct from the physical historic shell leased from the council.

Lessons learned from her experiences:

• be prepared to have a go,
• learn from your mistakes,
• setbacks can often take you somewhere better,
• people and relationships matter,
• success doesn’t always look like you expect. 

Fines

• Wayne D For getting it right…
• Anyone who remembers UN launched in 1946
• Any iPod owner or GPS user
• Joy her shirt was too LOUD!
• All those who are fans of Snow Leopard Day/Johnny Carson Day/Crocs Day/horror movies/“Dumbo” movie watchers/cricketers/Freo Market shoppers/Global Champagne Day

Winner of Heads and Tails

David Rowell’s sister Christine grabbed the grog - and well deserved after coming all the way from the Southern Highlands NSW to sample a good drop!

Attendance

31 attendees in all, including guest speaker Natasha Atkinson and visitor Christine.