Rotary Year 2023 - 2024
Rotary Community Groups (RCGs) and
Rotary Community Leaders (RCLs)
We have now completed steps 1, 2 and 3 of the timeframe, and whilst the submission date for Expressions of Interest was extended to 2 April, we are confident that the responses will be of good quality to take us into the next stage of the Pilot scheme.
Time to celebrate?
Some weird and wonderful celebrations this week which just HAD to be mentioned as they has some significance to a few of our members:
NYSF Student Kaya Coskun
RCMP welcomed back Kaya Koscun, who we sponsored to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane. Kaya is a Melville Senior High School student and gave us a brief summary of the highlights of being part of the program. From meeting specialist lecturers from different backgrounds and pathways, Kaya was priviledged to visit Kings College and met up with Myles Lawler and Ross Neuman. An amazing opportunity to discover where her own career pathway might head.
Guest Speaker - Peter Kennedy
Perth born and educated, a graduate from the University of WA and Claremont Teachers College, he started his working life as a high school teacher in Bunbury.
Peter then switched to journalism in 1970 when he joined The West Australian. He later reported politics for The Sydney Morning Herald in Sydney and Canberra, before returning to Perth as press secretary to Deputy Premier Mal Bryce in 1984.
Later joined the ABC in 1990 and presented the Morning and Drive programs on 6WF, before becoming State Political Reporter for ABC TV News. He also anchored the Stateline program after the Perth-produced 7.30 Report was axed in 1995.
Peter retired in 2010 and was appointed an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame Australia. He is the author of 'Tales from Boom Town - Western Australian Premiers from Brand to McGowan'.
Peter thanked the Club for inviting him to speak and acknowledged the First Nations traditional owners.
The topic of the “Voice to Parliament” is still very sensitive. On 14th October 2023, the Referendum was rejected comprehensively. All states voted NO, with only the ACT having a YES majority. Peter noted the votes were:
Nationally 40% YES/60% NO
WA 37% YES/63% NO
Swan 43% YES/57% NO
The Referendum divided the community. It was decisive, otherwise the discontent would have been greater. Peter asked us to imagine if there had been a mixed vote from the states?
He noted a quote from former Senator Graham Richardson “mob usually gets it right”. We need to accept and move on.
In 2022, Peter and his wife Chris travelled across Australia through regional areas. He was shocked at the appalling conditions for aboriginals and yet the Referendum was more about intellectual arguments on the Constitution!
He noted Prime Minister Albanese had visited Cape York - why not Laverton or Warburton? After Peter wrote a letter to complain, Opposition Leader Dutton and the media visited Laverton…
Peter’s trip across Australia has influenced his thinking. He believes Labour was unwise to hold a Referendum in their first term of government. Historically 36 of 44 Referendums have failed. PM Albanese pressed on with the “Statement from the Heart”. He would have been wise to call the leaders in first.
The Referendum was contentious because it consisted of not one but two questions
- First Nations recognition
- Adoption of the Voice
This had echoes of the Republic Referendum…. Most disagreed with the question, rather than being racist as many no voters were quick to allude.
Peter firmly believes this could have been achieved with Legislation then refined. Too many people were “rusted on” and wanted to change the Constitution…the “Big Hit” approach…
The NO side were accused of disinformation
The YES side were accused of no information
Peter’s conclusions:
- Aboriginal leaders must step up and work with the Government
- Activists must focus on past atrocities and injustices
- Basic needs must be improved
- MPs must target resources
- The Referendum proves we are all in regardless of colour
Peter was warmly applauded and thanked for his very informative presentation.
Directors' Reports and Announcements
Fines - Oh what a session!
Winner of Heads and Tails
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Attendance
45 attendees in all, including guest speaker (Peter Kennedy), visitors Lynne McCamey, Norm Cardoz, Graham Nixon, Kelly and Kaya Coskun, Rosemerry Devenish and Estelle Hayler, with a special mention to our newest members Lydia Wong and Dianna Goh.
It's no secret that we turned 37 on 11 March and there were about 37 people at the birthday party eager to celebrate!
All thanks to Linda Thomas for her valuable assistance with the catering and the lovely ladies who helped set up.
Here are some shots to remind you of the great time we had.
Left: Lew Thomas turned his back on the food whilst Lynne McCamey and Sue Rowell had a good catch up!
Middle: Rick and Ken handing out the prawns
Top Right: Party goers chatting Kelly Gillen and Warren McCamey,
Middle Right: Finding food Chris Pittman in yellow dress.
Bottom Right: Warren McCamey and Peter Stevens have a natter with the beautiful people at the rear.
Top Left: David Rowell, Rhonda Kremmer, Judy and Peter Dowling
Bottom Left: Margaret Hyatt, Tricia Smith, Rob, and Brian Conway.
Middle: Our newest member Lydia Wong and partner Phillip, with Kelly Gillen and Jenny Collett
Top Right: Robynne Dwyer, Rona McGann, Lorrie Gray, Mandy Sneeuwjagt, Robyn Conway, Debbie Sills, Margaret Evans, David Rowell in background, Wayne Muller and Denny Craig.
Top left: Lorrie Gray and Howard Nelson
Bottom Left : the Birthday cake
Top Right: Peter Dowling, Lew Thomas and Debbie Sills
Bottom Right: Lorrie Gray, Raelene George, Linda Thomas, Veronica Lawrance and Di Nelson
Not only did we celebrate our birthday this week but it was also St Patricks day on Saturday 17 March. Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a religious and cultural holiday held each year as it is the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
The Ides of March is the day on the Roman calendar marked as the Idus, roughly the midpoint of a month, of Martius, corresponding to 15 March on the Gregorian calendar. It was marked by several major religious observances. In 44 BC, it became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar, which made the Ides of March a turning point in Roman history
We need our first Rotary Community Leaders!
Do you want to use your leadership and facilitation skills to make a difference?
If so, you should consider being a Rotary Community Leader (RCL)!
RCLs are volunteer facilitators who will support their Rotary Community Group (RCG) to achieve their goals and make an even bigger impact in the world.
To find out if you’re a good fit for the role, register to attend one of the upcoming briefing sessions:
• Wednesday 20 March 6pm AEDT - Register here
• Thursday 21 March 3pm AEDT - Register here
• Tuesday 26 March 6pm AEDT - Register here
• Wednesday 27 March 4pm AEDT - Register here
Applications close at 5pm on 2 April
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International Women's Day!
Remember to respect, pamper, spoil, revere and
adore all women especially your own!
It’s the birthday of the first woman in space Valentina Tereshkova in 1937 making her 87 this year.
Barbie was launched in 1959 at the American Toy Fair, celebrating her 65th birthday!
Wednesday was the “Day of the Dude” which commemorates the North American release of the movie “The Big Lebowski” in 1998. The day looks to promote ease and simplicity in society, being able to easily 'let things go' and ‘go with the flow’ as a big part of the lifestyle which inspired the birth of the religion/philosophy known as “Dudeism.”
Natasha Allchurch, Senior Manager Fundraising, Guide Dogs, and originally from the UK, was joined by Stacey (Dog Trainer for 7 years) and Bronte (2-year old beautiful black labrador).
After studying Social Anthropology at Sussex University, Natasha found herself in the fundraising sector, now over 20 years ago, Natasha has worked with a number of charities and not-for-profit organisations in both the UK and Australia. Natasha moved to Perth over 10 years ago and is now an Australian citizen (and completely delighted about this!).
Guide Dogs WA is part of a broader organisation - The EverAbility Group which also encompasses Visability, Kites and Guide Dogs WA.
Guide Dogs WA was first established in 1951 by Arnold Cook, who was blind and had his own guide dog. He later married Betty Bridge from the UK who he met en route to New Zealand - a serendipitous encounter which gave rise to the organisation.
Usually labradors and golden retrievers are used to train as guide dogs but Border Collies X and Border Collies have also been used.
The organisation today has a legacy of compassion and commitment raising and training Guide and Assistance dogs.
Natasha told a moving story of Tara, from Kalgoorlie, who rapidly lost her sight through glaucoma and needed assistance as she was quickly becoming a recluse, unable to go out by herself. Her guide dog 'Autumn' gave her a new lease on life and changed her lifestyle completely.
Guide Dogs WA now have their own breeding program with 75% of their Guide puppies being raised and trained for the program. 65 puppies were born last year and from the age of 8 weeks are taken on by a volunteer handler for a period of 16 months formal training.
The process takes into consideration the career path in which the dog will be trained e.g. Guide and Assistance, Autism Assistance, Facility, Assisted-therapy, Ambassador, or Breeding.
Stacey gave a demonstration on how a guide dog like Bronte helps their owner in finding a seat on public transport and helping their owner put the harness on the dog. Bronte was duly rewarded.
for more information visit their website www.guidedogswa.com.au or go to the members only section on our website to view the full presentation which will be uploaded later today https://www.millpointrotaryclub.org.au/
Directors' Reports and Announcements
Members' update : Peter Craig - thanked us for his get well card and has moved to Amana living in Bull Creek.
Peter Stevens is holidaying in Cervantes and doing well after his treatments
Dietmar - still very tired and lacking in stamina.
Roger Davey
- Family notice in the West Australian and one from RCMP will be in
today's West. Funeral to be held on Wednesday 13 March 2.45pm at the Norfolk Chapel, Karrakatta. The wake will be held at the Como Bowling Club, Hensman Street, South Perth from 4.30pm.
Michelle Lovkis out of action - card on its way to her from all of us! Get well soon Michelle!
Vocational : Pride of Workmanship Awards
Purpose is to acknowledge and recognise employees who demonstrate
outstanding qualities and commitment in their workplace. We are looking for nominations from employers and/or rotarians. Our award event is planned for Friday 17th May. David Rowell will circulate more information and nomination forms next meeting. Please keep on the lookout in the next few weeks for worthy awardees. Any queries please contact David 0419 917 480.
SKG Visit : If you don't your MRI from your CT Scan then Gerry has re-organised the trip to SKG for Wednesday 13 March, followed by dinner. 20 places max and 15 already signed up - be quick or miss out! Contact Gerry for details 0438 642 738.
BNB : SAVE THE DATES! The BulldustNBack is alive and well and will be held on 11, 12, 13, & 14 October following the 1st survey now completed.
More details to follow or check out www.bulldustnback.com.au
Club Service : Regionalisation Pilot Program now allocated Rotary clubs to Regional Community Groups (RCGs).
First get-together will be on Sunday via Zoom Any interested parties please call Kelly Gillen.
Nominations will be open soon for Rotary Community Leaders (RCLs) who will facilitate these groups.
Please contact Kelly 0419 941 629 or Veronica 0409 035 343 if interested for position statement.
International : A new trial project is being held in Sri Lanka at Ampara schools and has been approved by the Department of Health.
10 girls from each of 3 schools will trial the feminine hygiene packs and provide feedback to the Sewing Sisters. Watch this space.
Community Services : Mill Point have donated 13 camp beds and 6 gazebos to the Haven.
Thanks to Raelene and Mark for all their support.
These items will help women relocating from Domestic Violence.
Fines - Flushing out your Felonies
A slow hand-clap for a slow moving Owen, who even with a sore back made use of the topics of the day and fined...
All the women in the room who had been on international travel this year - truly International Women!
Gerry, Lew and Alison for stocking up on tickets - you can spend them today!
All the 'Dudes' in the room, especially Geoff Longshaw
Rick Sneeuwjagt forgetting to turn up to help Gorby on bread delivery
Vic Stoyanoff who at 87 became a grandfather and is in Norway to see the latest addition to the family! (Congratulations Vic from all of us!)
Winner of Heads and Tails
Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the wine.
Attendance
34 attendees in all including our 2 and a half guest speakers (Natasha, Stacey and Bronte), guest Rona McGann and Visiting Rotarian Bill Boekman, and newest individual member Garrick McCamey.
Rotary Community Leader (RCL) elections
Once a particular RCG has access to their Establishment Meeting Notes, clubs will be receiving applications for their RCL role and commence the election process in due course.
Learn more about the application and election process here: https://creatingtomorrowrotary.org/community-groups#:~:text=Groups%20Establishment%20Meetings-,Rotary%20Community%20Leaders,-VIEW%20ROTARY%20COMMUNITY.
For more information and resources on RCGs and the RCL election process, visit:https://creatingtomorrowrotary.org/community-groups.
If you have any questions, please email RotaryRegionalPilot@gmail.com.
Rotary Community Groups (RCGs)
There are some key milestones approaching in the coming months. Make sure your club knows what’s happening so you can take full advantage of these opportunities:
Clubs will be notified via email of their Rotary Community Groups (RCGs) in February, hold their first meeting in March, then elect their Rotary Community Leaders (RCLs) in April.
The Regional Council Portfolio Committees will be formed, with applications for Portfolio Committee Members opening next month.
Rotary Specialists will be selected after applications open in February.
Here's a timeline to focus on.
