Bulletin #34 : 13 March 2026

Presidential Ponderings

Co-President Gerry McGann (P2) opened the meeting, commenting the numbers are down. “Not surprising with the Conference, however lots of enthusiasm with 26 members attending to support our DG"

Time to remember about Service above Self and today in history:

1781    Planet Uranus discovered

1930    Pluto discovered

Special guests today were Jill Mathwin fromKojonup RC, and Conference MC, Magician and Comedian Jonathan Usher (from

Cromwell, NZ).  Jonathan was born in Birmingham UK and moved to New Zealand as a five-year-old.

He lived in Dunedin most of his life and moved to Cromwell two years ago.

Jonathan has been a Rotarian since 1997 as a Past President, District Governor and now President-Elect (again).   

He has been a Magician for 25 years (as well as running fuel stations).

It is Jonathan first time in Perth and he observed it is a lovely city!

Last Wednesday, he gave a free show at Ronald McDonald House for the children and families. Ross Smith described it as a really great night and Jonathan had the children “eating out of his hand right from the start…”

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Astrid M: Flyer on table, seeking to raise $12,000 to send her 3 x grandsons to Sydney. They have been selected to represent WA in the Special Olympcs Basketball competition. Fundraiser with great prizes, Astrid can sell tickets via credit card. 

Pankind BBQ - leetter sent to Rick from Ally Rayel, Pankind 

"Dear Rick (and gorgeous Mandy), 

I just wanted to reach out and say an enormous thank you to you and your incredible team yesterday. Despite the heat it was an incredible event - we are already over $157,000 raised towards Pancreatic Cancer Research which is incredible. 

Please feel free to view the event day photos

Here is a fun video reel of the day https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17J5Jkhm65/

Please let me know what we need to do on the financial side.

Thank you again - your support of our event is an integral part of it being such a success".

Guest Speaker : Bernie Foley - Life Education WA (Life Ed)

Bernie has been a member of West Perth Rotary Club since 2002, Past President 2014-15 and held a variety of Board positions.

Bernie’s business career includes:

• 15 years managing own Mortgage Broker’s Business

11 years working in the Not for Profit sector with Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., MS Society and Wheelchair Sports WA

• 3 Years Small Business Owner in Geraldton 1989-1993 during “the recession we had to have”

• 20 years as Bank Accountant –ANZ 1969 – 1989

He accepted the position of CEO Life Education WA in January 2010 after serving on Board/Committee of Life Ed WA for 5 years.

The late President of Mt Lawley Rotary Club Dick Williamson and Harold Taylor a fellow Past President of North Perth Rotary set up Life Education WA in 1984 after visiting the Wayside Crisis Centre in Kings Cross where the program was developed.

The Reverend Ted Noffs, the founder of Life Education, was convinced of the need for a drug education program aimed at preventing children from becoming victims of drug and alcohol abuse after a young women collapsed from a drug overdose.

The purpose of Life Ed is to empower children and young people to make safer and healthier choices through education.

Prior to Covid, life Ed used “mobile classrooms”. There were four in the metropolitan area, one in Geraldton and one in the Northwest. Today the programs are held in the classrooms, reaching from Kalgoorlie, Northam, Pinjarra and Pingelly down to Esperance.

 

The mental and physical well-being of children is threatened today in the 

•  Digital world by misinformation, toxic influences, harmful role models, social media bullying and predators

• Real world by economic & social crises, environmental issues and global conflicts

The consequences are children with no boundaries, no control, no escape, no mistakes, no direction and no friends. Today, more children than ever before are anxious, lonely, depressed and disconnected.

Through “Healthy Harold”, the Program addresses Physical Health, Social & Emotional Wellbeing and Safety. When Healthy Harold comes out, the kids love it and he helps reinforce the message being delivered to children. The program is  tailored through;

• Early Years Learning Program

• Pre Primary

• Junior (Year 1 & 2), Middle (Year 3 & 4) and Upper (Year 5 & 6) Primary

The issues addressed include smoking & vaping, social media & screen time. Children are given detailed information on the harmful effects of nicotine and vaping ,as well as how to recognise e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

Harold’s Safe Screen Time addresses early warning signs, safe use of devices, autonomy and making safe choices.

Resources are also provided for Parents and Carers via Podcasts with Doctors and Specialists.

 

A PDF version of Bernie’s presentation can be viewed at:

millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>FOLEY Bernie – Life Ed

The Master of the Fines - Owen Ferguson!

• Mike C - St Patrick's day is actually 17 March!
• Jonathan U - Smart Kiwi, so not going to fine you...
• Wayne M - Lost phone at committee meeting! 
• Vic S - 1c for every birthday - so $1 will do.
• All - Black Friday
• Sunday - International Women's Day - all women
• Monday - Commonwealth Day - all members of the Commonwealth
• Tuesday - Bagpipe Day - anyone who has played the bagpipes
• Wednesday - Plumber's Day - anyone who has used a plumber
• Thursday - Kidney Day - if you have two kidneys... 
• Friday - Spread Goodness Day - everyone
• Saturday - Day of Action for rivers - all those who have a river
• 1989 - World Wide Web Day - anyone who has used the internet 

Winner of Heads and Tails

Our very own Brian "Maverick" Johnson grabbed the grog this week.

Attendance

29 attendees in all, including guest speaker Jonathan Usher and visiting Rotarian Jill Mathwin. P2 asked guest Jonathan Usher to read the Rotary Charge.

Club Duties

Club Duties : 2025 - 2026   

 

20 March

Sargeant        Angus Florence

Attendance    Ian Kremmer, Shaun O'Brien

Welcome        Carole O'Brien

Host               Raelene George

Club Dress    Mike Collett, Angus Florence

Birthdays 

 Nil

Anniversaries

 Nil

 

27 March

Sargeant        Mike Collett

Attendance    Lorrie Gray, Michelle Lovkis

Welcome        Warren McCamey

Host               Garrick McCamey

Club Dress    Mike Collett, Angus Florence

Birthdays 

 Nil

Anniversaries

 Nil

 

3 April - NO meeting - Good Friday 

 

Future Guest Speakers

Mill Point Guest Speakers 2025 

March 6                    Tales from the Club/ Club birthday PM 13                   Bernard Foley - Life Ed  20                   Dr James Savundra - Interplast Plastic Surgeon 27                   Elizabeth Kerry - RYLA April 3                      No Meeting - Good Friday 10                    Darren Meakins - Membership/Networking Initiative 17                    Ross Smith - South Perth Hospital 24                    Brent Kemp -CEO Harcourt & Veteran Advocate May 1                      Pride of Workmanship Awards 8                       15                     22                     29                    Jessica Murray - Telehealth  June 5                       12                     19                     26                    No breakfast meeting 27                    David Rowell/Gerry McGann - Changeover Lunch

Upcoming Events

District Assemblies 2026

New members will benefit greatly from attending one of these assemblies, learning about the wonderful world of Rotary and all that it entails. Encourage them to broaden their knowledge for when they take a more active role in the Leadership Team.

Book now at https://rotarywa9423.org.au/events/rotary-district-assemblies/

 

 

Keep Australia Beautiful Opportunities

  *****

Friday 27 March 5.30pm start

*****

 Historical Walk - 10 April

 

 

 

 

Bulletin #33 : 6 March 2026

Presidential Ponderings

P1 - Co-President Gerry McGann - opened the meeting and commented there would be no “Today in History” as we would be learning that today about other things, and instead welcomed Renae Poot, former member and President 2013-2014. 

Renae now lives in Esperance town after moving from the farm, and is officially retired but still busy. 

Renae said it was good to see so many new faces as well as the 'old family'.

 

The Kopper Kettle was passed around with donations going to the Global Hands Eye Camps.

Gerry also welcomed back Lew Thomas after many months in Queensland who is seen here comparing 'moon boots' with Garrick McCamey.

What a pair!

  

 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Ian K : Croquet night 27 March, still open for new starters.

Ross S : Ronald McDonald House dinner 29 March, room for more volunteers.

Gorby : Successful club walk, thanks to all who attended. 12 May Pines Restaurant (Endeavour Awards) booking. 10 April guided historic tour through Perth with Richard Offen. Nominations sought for Pride of Workmanship awards. Thanks to Angus for taking over bread collection whilst Gorby was doing a U-turn on the India-Pacific! 

Astrid M : Seeking a ride to the District Conference next weekend

Jenny M: Sewing sisters  consignment of five boxes reached PNG. More projects coming up after Easter for Magic Coat Foundation. Also potential project for Ronald McDonald House.

Rick S: Pankind BB this Sunday, 7.30am start, enough volunteers, thank you. Nominations sought for Unsung Heroes.

Brian J : Cub Birthday BYO Sundowner this evening at Sir James Mitchell Park.

Gerry M : District Conference next weekend, 28 attendees from Mill Point. 

Club Birthday - Happy Birthday Memories

The roving MC expertly held by Brian Johnson did us proud with many memories/historical anecdotes supplied by the rogues gallery below!

To celebrate Mill Point Rotary Club’s 39^th birthday, roving Host/MC Brian Johnson invited members to share brief stories on the history of the club and some anecdotes.

Vic Stoynaff (Charter member) spoke of the club forming approximately 39 years ago as a breakfast club to suit members’ work schedules. Early organizers included Sid Jessup and Walt Hunter, with initial recruitment focusing on South Perth.

The club started with about 21–22 members and met at the Freeway Hotel on Mill Point Road.

Owen Ferguson spoke about some of the Exchange Students we have had over the years. Our first exchange student was Carrie Munson from Minnesota who arrived during extreme heat straight from extreme cold. 

Notable alumna was Zenobia Jacobs from South Africa. She pursued archaeology and gained her PhD in Wales. Zenobia is now now a professor at University of Wollongong with multiple commendations and awards. 

The club hosted and sent about 15 students in the first 15 years. Another notable Alum is Paul Daly. He later joined the club and became Policeman of the Year twice.

Joy Burnett spoke of leading a GSE team of four young professionals to Denmark for a five-week vocational exchange.

Activities included weekly rotations among about five host clubs and presentations at club meetings and district conference.

Rick Sneeuwagt spoke of the club transitioning from all-male to inclusive membership. Whilst some members left, female leadership strengthened the club.

Australia Day ceremonies on the foreshore became a signature event: organizing dignitaries, barbecues, hot dog sales, flag presentations (creative deliveries), and flyovers.

The flagpole mast originated from a vessel via renown yachtsman Rolly Tasker. There were early technical glitches and humorous mishaps occurred.

Tricia Smith remembered some of our dear departed members:

• Gertie Ewen,  a vibrant elder member, WWII-era interpreter, social linchpin with multiple community groups and one who loved humour.
• Roger Groom, violin maker/restorer. A certain member in the room left Roger’s Stradivarius left in a London taxi during an appraisal trip! 
• Irene Mallal, former head of a business college in Malaysia/Pakistan and beloved club stalwart.

Gerry McGann spoke of the “Linen Project” which originated in August 2016 after past member Chris Hermann observed bulk hotel/industrial linen going to landfill near Dampier. A partnership with BHP enabled sourcing, logistics,  warehouse and forklift support.

Approximately five major sessions with at least four containers shipped to Rotary Donations in Kind (Adelaide, and later Victoria), and distributed through 37 charities across WA and internationally (e.g., Northern Thailand, parts of Africa), estimating a  “couple of hundred tons” rescued.

Wayne Muller told us about the origin of the Rotary Ramble and BulldustNBack.

Lew Thomas spoke of some of our past events, including “A Sparkling Affair", golf days and visits to Lyn and Margaret’s vineyard in Bridgetown.

One Fine(less) session...Wayne Muller

In lieu of a Fines session, Wayne held an interactive session on the Mobius Strip. This involved a strip of paper being twisted through to 180° with the ends joined together.

Members were invited to draw a pencil line along the strip and then cut with scissors.

Unfortunately the time keeper had to sound the gong...and so no Heads& Tails this week.

Attendance

41attendees in all, including visiting Rotarian and ex-member Renae Poot (Esperance).

Bulletin #32 : 27 February

Presidential Ponderings

Co-President David Rowell (P2) opened the meeting, commenting on how nice the morning was after the “bang and crash” thunderstorms of the other morning….

Today in History, involving International Rule changes: 

• 1920 the Czech Republic and Slovakia became Czechoslovakia 
• 1922 Egypt became independent 
• 1951 The USA passed the 22^nd Amendment, limiting a President to two terms in office.

He reminded those present of the Four Way Test #3 – “will it build goodwill and better friendships?”

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Ian K : Croquet Night 27 March at Como Croquet Club.

Gerry M : Read an update message from our RYE student Makynli in France. She has enjoyed her birthday celebrations with her host family and seen snow for the first time (being from Karratha!). We are expecting an inbound RYE student, the club has asked for a male. Host families needed.

Rick S : Pankind BBQ Sunday 08 March at the Boatshed foreshore, South Perth, from 8:00AM, more volunteers needed.

Ross S : Ronald McDonald House dinner 29 March, more volunteers needed.

Brian J : Club Birthday BYO Sundowner 06 March at Sir James Mitchell Park “StREAts food trucks.”

Guest Speaker : Brett Pollock OAM (assisted by Rohin Kehal) "Perkolilli Red Dust Revival

Brett is a retired pastoralist and former Mayor of Mosman Park. He was also awarded an OAM in the 2026 Australia Day Honours list. This was awarded for services to Mosman Park and Men’s Health (Men’s Sheds), as well as working with the Wandjari people in the Murchison where he was owner of Wooleen Station.

He has had 50 years of volunteering in Outback tourism, local government and establishing the Shark Bay heritage region.

 

The Red Dust Revival is a motorsport event that  takes place at Lake Perkolilli, a clay pan located 60km east of Kalgoorlie. Racing has occurred at this location since 1906, but it is now a revival event held every three years.

It is the largest amateur motor vehicle event in Australia. On the final day, it attracts about 2,500 spectators who either come from Kalgoorlie or camp on-site.

The event is open to cars, motorbikes, and aeroplanes manufactured before 1940.

 

It typically attracts about 100 car nominations, 100 motorbike nominations, and 4–5 Tiger Moth–type aeroplanes. Some participants build cars specifically for the event, ensuring they resemble vehicles from the pre-1940 era. Model A Fords are particularly popular.

The event format is time-trialing, where participants drive as fast as possible. Cars are matched up after initial trials. The track is 2.4 miles long, and each run consists of two laps, for a total of five miles.

The most recent event was run by the Variety Club, with the participants taking passengers for rides (after the days racing), with the $50 fee per passenger going to Variety as a fundraiser. Brett also uses his long-distance drives in his Model A to fundraise for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), raising $68,000 on one trip through an online blog. 

Brett retired to Perth 20 years ago and owns a 1930 Model A Ford named “Glad.”

He later purchased a 1935 Rolls-Royce named “Clementine,” which is in original, untouched condition.

After being persuaded by the event’s historian, he brought “Clementine” to Perkolilli, making it the first Rolls-Royce to ever race there, much to the chagrin of Bentley owners.

 

Brett views the entire activity at Perkolilli as beneficial for men’s health, even if the men don’t explicitly recognize it. It functions similarly to Men’s Sheds by getting men together to talk in a comfortable group setting about health issues like prostate problems.

It also provides a welcoming environment for people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Brett has been heavily involved in volunteering and setting up Men’s Sheds across Western Australia for many years, establishing about 100 of the 250 sheds in the state.

He sees Men’s Sheds as great for men’s health and also for women’s health, as it gets retired men out of the house!

 

Rohin Kehal met Brett at a Men’s Shed, when he was recruited to  

change the gearbox on his Model A Ford “Glad”. 

He has now been elevated to co-driver in the Rolls Royce “Clementine”.

He is pictured here with a rather excited passenger…

Brett’s presentation can be viewed at:

millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>POLLOCK Brett – Red Dust Revival

 
It's a Fine(s) art...

• 2026 Winter Olympics – anyone who has seen or played in snow.
• Anyone who has been to Italy.
• Gorby and Peggy’s walkers 
• National Pokemon Day – ever played Pokemon or given to kids
• “No Brainer” Day – everyone with a brain
• The check shirt brigade
• “Import tax” – David T (from New Zealand) and Astrid (Scandinavia)
• Kelly and Tricia for being incognito (no name badges)

Winner of Heads and Tails

Well doesn't Scott Dwyer look pleased with himself? Well done Scott, another one to add to the collection! 

Attendance

41 attendees in all, including guest speaker Brett Pollock, visiting Rotarians John Dodman OAM (Como), Jill Mathwin (Kojonup), visitors Rohin Kehal and Dvid Pollock.

John Dodman thanked the Club for his welcome and on the club's kind  congratulations on being awarded the OAM in the 2026 Australia Day Honors list.