Bulletin #4 2024

 From the President

Half way through the year and we have already heard from and seen some great speakers! Today is no exception with a presentation from one of our own (ex) members Mark Jones. As we approach the Membership and New Club Development month of August it seems fitting that Mark leads the way, and by the way - member Peter Stevens sends his best wishes and thanks for all your support, kind thoughts and visits. We're thinking of you Pete!

Guest Speaker Mark Jones - Cairo to Cape Town Cycle Trip

Mark's PowerPoint presentation included a comprehensive collection of his photos taken along the way. He's a cyclist and adventurer, former long-time member of Mill Point and 40 year Rotarian (counting New Zealand). The only thing he has been doing longer is ride bicycles, first to school then to work in the building industry.

By own admission, he gets agitated when he doesn’t ride.

 

Many will remember his memorable “Who am I” when he brought in a couple of his bikes and gear and told us numerous times to ”never pay full price”….

 

His cycling trips have included Camino de Compostela through Spain and from one end of Portugal to the other. Africa was a challenge he could not resist.

 

Mark’s presentation took us through his reason for doing the trip, the many adventures the tour group experienced and his very insightful observations on Africa and its people. His PowerPoint included a comprehensive collection of his photos taken along the way

 

The trip was organised by Tour D’Afrique (TDA). The tour group were aged from 27 to 75. Of the 41 who started in Cairo, 31 finished due to accidents and ill health. 5 of the cyclists contracted Malaria after stopping their preventative medication because of the side effects of nightmares…

 

As observed by Mark, many of the group are still in contact with each other. The bonding was far greater than you might experience on a cruise.

 The route had to bypass Sudan and Ethiopia, covering a distance of 9,500 Km and camping all the way. The journey took 4.5 months with between 130 to 217 kilometres ridden every day. Rest days were every 4, 5 or 6 days.

The camping gear would be taken ahead and only necessary gear taken on the bikes. Mark related he had the cheapest but best tent. 3-man size taking “3 seconds to erect”, built into the groundsheet and no pegs required…enough room to keep the bike inside to prevent it being stolen!

 

Mark’s observations of Africa:

 

-       You are entering a different world and have to adapt.

-       Standards are a lot lower than you are used to.

-       It’s a subsistence economy. Food is produced to survive and a little extra to sell.

-       Things don’t happen in a hurry.

-       Very few goods a new. Second hand clothes from Europe, USA, Australia etc.

-       Maintenance is not an African strong point.

-       You have to get used to the value of money.

-       Water is in short supply after four years of drought.

-       The birth rate is very high, young mothers everywhere.

-       Keeping young men employed is a problem.

-       Mobile phones have introduced people to the European way and they want it…

-       Welfare mentality with children asking for money.

-       Not a lot of electricity available in villages.

-       A fair amount of corruption.

-       Avoid elephants!

-       Theft is a big issue.

 

Before and After:

 

So where to next? Estonia to Gibraltar in July next year.

 

Mark’s presentation and collection of photos from his journey can be viewed at:

millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>JONES Mark – Cairo to Capetown.

Directors Reports and Announcement

Rick S.

• Tree planting a great success. 6,000 trees planted. Thanks to everyone who helped out.
  
• PICYS - please continue to supply and thanks to those who do.
• Bread run - local pizzeria helper now collecting end cuts of salami/sausages (which can't be put on pizza) and recycling for soup at the Haven.

Scott D.

• RPGC now open for coffee in the gully after meeting. No need to go to Angelo Street. No need to be a member.

Brian J.

• New membership directory still available, please pick up yours now.

Kelly G.

• Pete Stevens still in Hollywood and undergoing a bout of Chemo, Visitors welcome!

Peter D.

• Entertainment book alive and well, get yours today or put up a poster at your place of work. $65 with many benefits and club still gets a cut. See Peter D for your copy.

Another Fine(s) mess you all got into!

Wayne the Elder took to the microphone amongst slow but (nearly) audible handclaps!

• Derby Day - everyone who does NOT support the dockers or the Eagles
• We may well soon have Kamala Haris as one of the most powerful people on our Earth - so $ from every lady please!
• In the role of President Elect we have TWO - PP Gerry MGann and PP David Rowell. A coin for each PP who DID NOT step forward.
• Mark Jones - Born to Ride!
• Brian Adams - dobbing in Peta Charles (shh)
• David Tyler, Ian Walker, Angus Florence, Peter Dowling - could pose as visitors (not been for a while)
• John McGrath - harbouring a criminal who caused chaos in traffic? Police out to arrest the scoundrel, John wanted to sign him up as a member after hiding out in the Bowing Club loo!
  

Winner of Heads and Tails and The Sewing Sisters' Raffle

 

Wayne the Elder was our tosser of the day with 2 x heads, 2 x tails, a head and a tail and the winner was Lydia Wong with hand on head! 

UNBELIEVABLE - in true fashion Wayne the Elder became Wayne the Winner as he predicted winning the raffle with his Red L20 ticket - AND HE DID!

Attendance

37 attendees in all, including guest speaker Mark Jones, and visitor Robyn Conway.

 

 

Bulletin #3 2024

 From the President

President Kelly welcomed Rotarians and Friends and asked that they remain standing as the 19 July is a day with a difference. It is celebrated as Stick out your Tongue Day. KG noted that this represents a unique opportunity for a new record for Rotary WA - it also provides an opportunity if there is someone you always wanted to poke your tongue out at. So on the count of three he requested everyone to stick out their tongue. And yes, a new achievement  record for a Rotary Club in WA was created!

KG also noted that on the19 July 1977 we entered the Era of GPS as the first GPS signal was transmitted from Navigation Technology Satellite 2 (NST-2) and received at a building of the Rockwell Collins Company in Cedar Rapids Iowa, USA.  In a quiet moment it is worth contemplating the significant change this technology has introduced into our lives.

Guest Speaker Lt Colonel Reece Young - The Race to Alaska

No one knew what to expect when Gerry McGann introduced our guest speaker today. Reece's presentation  was a double edged sword - combining Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and The Race to Alaska.

A 46 year old with 3 brothers (one a twin), all of whom are in the Defence forces. The brothers have covered between them, every conflict since 1999. Reece and his brothers were products of  Swanbourne  'hippy' parents who instilled in them a sense of adventure. Reece has served in 8 wars, has 2 degrees, and is currently undertaking a PhD. Reece married his childhood sweetheart and is blessed with four children - 5, 6, 8 and 11 year olds. 

Reece left the Army four years ago after being diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), and spoke of how his mind-set is always in 'Danger Alert' after being involved in so many conflicts. He described it as being in the moment of 'Ready, Steady....'  stage, when the adrenalin rush is at its highest before reaching the 'Go' phase.

 

As part of his rehabilitation Reece built a wooden surfboard and this was the precursor to building his boat for theRace to Alaska.

 The challenge was on! The race is a yearly event from Seattle in the US to Alsaska, 750 nautical miles, approxiately the distance from Perth to Coral Bay. 

The route is ripe with Orkas, storms, Bears, logs, snow, and a wonderful coastline - if you can get past the rest!

Boats are not allowed to be motorised, so each is reliant on wind and sails or oars, with vessels ranging from 30ft yachts to Dinghy's and Catamarans - needless to say Yachts have to have very long oars! External help is prohibited, although a stop over or night out is never out of the question!

30-footers might take 3-4 days to complete the course but those travelling at 5 knots might take 2-3 weeks.

The prize? $10,000 cash dangling from a rope on the jetty - first in cashes up, second prize - a set of steak knives! But the real prize is the kudos of having conquered the competition. Why does Reece do it? It's a different environment, the polar opposite to Antipodean culture, it's an avenue for discussion in beating the stigma of mental health issues, it has a purpose, it's an adventure and the journey itself is rehabilitative. The stigma itself is more damaging than anything else and lack of understanding and education on mental health issues have long lasting effect on things such as employability.

Besides the race, Reece has taken up coaching football, T-ball and netball as avenues to overcome his disorder and the way in which he speaks of this process leaves one with admiration and respect for his achievements.

Building a 20 foot boat which can only be powered by sail and oars, and which will fit in a container, Reece spoke about the process of building this in the vein of the old Dory, Whaleboat style of vessel. Shipped flat-pack from Tasmania, put together with copper wire, epoxy glue and fibreglass left Reece and his partner Chris with a bucket full of solidified epoxy (bottom row second left). 

 

Not knowing what to do with it, they are calling out for a sculptor to sculpt a lucky mascot duck out of it! A true partnership, Reece will do the 'sailing' bit whilst Chris (a rower) will take to the oars - wise move Reece!

After abandoning the build for 2 months, they are now 'back at it' and making progress with what Reece describes as a 'Karate Kid mentality', meditative repetitive tasks which soothe the mind and allows the boat to take on its own personality as rough-hewn, shapeless timber becomes smooth and recognisable in its form.

What should have been a 2024 race was postponed to 2025 but then the authorities decided to run the race every two years, so now Reece and Chris are aiming for the 2026 event.

What next?

The target is to finish the boat by Christmas 2024, then the trials begin to test its sea-worthiness; a trip to Rotto and back to replicate different type of weather; storage logistics have to be considered; where to put the compass? Source a container for travel purposes; seek sponsorship - cost is about $30,000 - to fit out, kit out and complete the trip. But all that will be put to good use as Reece will use his story to promote the issues and rehabilitation of CPTSD, all the while getting ready for 3 weeks of camping and weathering any storm which comes his way.

Reece left us with a powerful story and reminded us that CPTSD is only mitigated, never resolved.

We wish Reece and Chris well in their endeavours and look forward to welcoming Reece back to the club after the race. The full powerpoint presentation can be seen here https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xE90btEgJ_DwD8eli8u3RoKLnGu3BFcM/edit#slide=id.p1

or visit their website at https://www.dublduck.au/

 

Directors Reports and Announcement

President Kelly : advised members the sad news that the late Marguerita Paule's brother Fred, whom many would remember was a great story- teller at Marguerita's funeral, passed away this week.

RCMP had also been advised by RC of Como that Dr Sak had passed away this week. Funeral details to follow.

Scott Dwyer : anyone wanting to catch up and have extended fellowship can now do so here at RPGC to purchase and enjoy a coffee after our meeting. This is a comfortable and easily accessible venue and members of Rotary do not need to be members of RPGC to take advantage of this offer. This is also an opportunity for us to demonstrate our support for RPGC.

Michelle : Peter Stevens in Hollywood Hospital and receiving visitors.

Rick : Reminder -Tree planting this Saturday and Sunday 9 - 12.

Wayne : BulldustNBack lunch on Day 3will be in Wongan Hills.

Bill Boekman : Wildflowers will be out in Wongan Hills and some pretty routes to follow for those on the BNB.

It's a Fine Day to Bring "JOY" to the World!

Night Owls - Tennis watchers and any late night sport tragics

Peace Day - end of WWI so pay up if you're here!

Kelly and every other 'pocket dialler'

National Pyjama Day - everyone who wears pyjamas except if you cook for PICYS.

Wayne - used to be the Joe Biden of RCMP but now sporting a turnip ear in sympathy with Trump

Scott - dubbing Past President Veronica 'Hot Lips' 

Lyn M - Comparing Joy's height to that of a 6 year old.

Everyone who lives in Como or South Perth!

David R - for stealing Sue's spectacles because he had lost his own.

Winner of Heads and Tails

One of each, two tails and two heads gave Michelle a 'heads up' and a great bottle of wine which she re-donated to the club.

Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the tipple,

Attendance

28 attendees in all, including guest speaker Reece and (adopted) Rotarian 'wild' Bill Boekeman from Wongan Hills.

 

 

Bulletin #2 2024

 From the President

President Kelly greeted everyone with a "good morning and welcome" to all Rotarians, guests and friends. 

Friday celebrated a very special day in the calendar when the club acknowledged a group of people who through their attitude and commitment, consistently go above and beyond  expectations in the performance of their job, through the spirit in our Pride of Workmanship awards.

Friday was also National French Fry Day which had Kelly baffled but of further interest, was how the US celebrated 12 July as National Simplicity Day (in honour of Philosopher David Thoreau) - which didn't seem to be working for them.

President Kelly called on acting Sgt Deb to simply tell us who we were celebrating this week.

Pride of Workmanship Awards - 2024

 David Rowell welcomed everyone to the Rotary Club of Mill Point 2024 Pride of Workmanship Awards. This. Is an important annual event in our Club Calendar.

The objective is to recognise outstanding achievement and commitment in the workplace, any workplace. This year we have selected three worthy recipients from three very different work situations.

Criteria for the Award include personal values, initiative, attitude, quality and quantity of work and sense of responsibility.

Each Proposer and their nominated Awardee were invited to the front. A brief summary of the nominee’s qualities and responsibilities was given. The Award and a certificate were presented, after which the Awardee was invited to respond.

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC) Commodore Peter Chalmer introduced nominee Sharon Skinner. Sharon is the Sailing & Power Boat Administrator for RFBYC. She is responsible for calculating and organising all yacht racing entries, handicaps and results up to three times weekly throughout the year. Unlike many other clubs around the world, the results are available and presented shortly after all boats are back at the club.

Sharon also has the responsibility for organising all aspects of specific regattas.

She recently organised for a world regatta, recruiting 65 volunteers, seven support boats and about 140 international sailors including John Bertram.

Sharon organises not just the big issues, but the minor details as well.

Sharon is a great example of going above and beyond her job description and is a very worthy recipient of the RCMP Pride of Workmanship Award.

In response, Sharon thanked us for the nomination and is very humbled. “I really enjoy my job, it is not so difficult….”

Lorrie Gray was invited to introduce her nominee, Christine Ion of the Western Australian Ostomy Association (WAOA).

Christine has spent many years with the Association, having started as a volunteer. In 2019 the Association was required to employ staff, which was a new venture. Christine was the first volunteer to come onboard as an employee, due to the exemplary work that she had been showing and her very positive involvement with the other volunteers.

Christine creates the environment of being a family, recently organising to celebrate Lorrie’s birthday…she had a lovely time.

While some employees go home at 4PM, that’s not the way Christine works, even wanting to come in when she was ill.

That’s the way she is and she is well worthy of this award.

In response, Christine conveyed her appreciation for this Award, thinking “why me?”. She came to WAOA thirty years ago, not initially as a volunteer but an Ostomist herself and coming to terms with having an ostomy bag. As a volunteer she was able to give back for the support she had received. She acknowledged Lorrie as her mentor and source of inspiration for her.

She thanked RCMP for the Award.

 

David Rowell, on behalf of David Tyler, introduced nominee Barry Telfer of Angelo Optical. Barry opened his business, with his partner Wayne McCarthy in 2005. Today, Angelo Optical is a great example of a local business continuing to support the South Perth community and beyond.

David Tyler has been a customer since Barry and Wayne opened and they have guided him with sensitivity through the process from initial glasses to the gradual deterioration of sight most of us are familiar with.

David Tyler’s other reason for nominating Barry is for the many years Barry has been the bugler at our Anzac meetings.

David Rowell also mentioned Barry’s involvement over many years in training and Optometry Associations.

In response, Barry said he is very humbled to receive the award. He was first introduced to RCMP by then member Diana Purcell. It was Diana who first “roped Barry in” as bugler in 2001-02.

He also acknowledged the contribution that we as a Club make.

Barry told a very amusing anecdote about once arriving at our meeting in the nick of time, to Ken Pittman’s immense relief, after apprehending a man in the midst of stealing his car at the beach….

 

Directors Reports and Announcement

Youth - Astrid Mitchell

• National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) gives studnts who are about to start Year 12 in 2025 the opportunity to explore future STM pathways and engage with other like minded young people from all around Australia. Please nominate a student you know for inclusion to attend program in Canberra or Brisbane. Applications close 15 July.

Community - Rick Sneeuwjagt

• Tree planting on 20 and 21 July. Please let Rick know if your name is not on the list.

Club Service - Brian Johnson

• New membership directory out now, please claim one if you haven't already. Club service meeting after breakfast
  

What a Fine that was...

 Jenny McLean cashed up with...

• Tennis Tragics, Soccer Fanatics and Wimbledon Groupies
• WCE Fans - due to injuries, Simpson exit, Concussions and everything else which went wrong.
• Gerry McGann for sitting opposite his wife and forgetting she was there!
• In deference to Pride of Workmanship Awardees, everyone who has been a CEO, Senior Manager, Middle Manager, Employer of any kind...
• International Director (AWOL in Paris) for getting K's (for Kings)and J's (for Jewels) mixed up - President Jelly and 'her' responsibilities - Raelene you have got a lot to answer for!
  

Winner of Heads and Tails

After 2 heads, 2 heads and tails and 2 heads the winner was Sharon Skinner, guest and awardee of a Pride of Workmanship. 

Attendance

39 attendees in all, including Pride of Workmanship awardees Sharon Skinner, Barry Telford and Christine Ion; Rotary partner Rona McGann and visitors Andy Fethers, Peter Kostopoulos, Libby Beresford, Peter Chalmers and Tim Houveling. 

 

Bulletin #1 2024-2025

 From the (New) President

President Kelly bid everyone a very cheery "Good morning", welcoming everyone to the Breakfast meeting, adding "Today's meeting is the first official activity for this club in what has now been termed the PLE - the Post Lawrance Era. Who knows what the future may present us with?"

He then invited Sargeant Deb to enlighten us on who, and what, we were celebrating this week, after which he welcomed guests - Agata Dharma, Sharon Gleeson and Isabel Sanchez.

President Kelly took the opportunity to "thank those who attended our Changeover function last Friday night where we were able to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Veronica made to this club over the last two years as President. It was also an occasion to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals in the club with awards to the Rotarian of the year and Paul Harris Fellow awardees. I would also like to congratulate everyone of you who has contributed to our activities whether they be projects or vocational or fellowship related activities because every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the fabric of this club. There are many amongst us who are beavering away in the background and just getting things done. I would like to assure you that your efforts are very much appreciated."

 

Guest Speaker - Agata Dharma, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce

Agata Dharma is a proud go-getter with a wealth of international experience, having lived, worked and played in Indonesia, America, Canada, and the UK. With a passion for learning, she holds degrees in Computer Science, International Business and Commerce, as well as certifications in Prince2 and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Throughout her career, Agata has been exposed to diverse cultures and corporate environments, always seeking to champion local and small businesses and passionate about finance, technology and change management.

Currently, Agata holds the position of Chief of Operating Officer at Townshend Capital, where she is in charge of day-to-day operations as well as executing the company's long-term goals.

Agata was on the founding Executive Committee of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce Western Australia (ICCWA) and presently sitting as the Vice President.

Agata gave an interactive and very interesting presentation by getting members to download the Kahoot App to their phones. Everyone then participated in a quiz to test their knowledge on Indonesia/Australia relations:

• Which Indonesian crustations are exported to Australia? (prawns and lobsters)
• What fruit is the most exported to Australia? (durian)
• How much is Indonesia/Australia annual trade worth? ($3 billion)
• Which industry is the most important to Australia? (mining)
• Which is the biggest educational exchange? (Students – Uni)
• Which sport has the most participation with Australia? (surfing)
• Which is the largest cultural export? (batik)
• Which Indonesian music genre is gaining popularity in Australia? (Gamelon)
• Biggest environmental collaboration? (marine conservation)
• Favourite film Genre? (horror films)

The winner was Gorby, followed by Debbie Sills and bronze for Diana Goh. We’ll never hear the end of it from Gorby….

There are three Organisations:

• Indonesia/Australia Business Council
• Indonesia Institute
• Indonesian Chamber of Commerce

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce was formed out of the Covid lockdown. Its mission is to connect Indonesian business to WA, build strong economic connections, promote and facilitate bilateral trade and investment. By comparison, Indonesia has 275 million people and Australia 25 million.

ICCWA offers business networking, market entry support, Trade Missions, info and advocacy (rules and compliance).

Notable connections and achievements are

• East Java is the sister province to WA
• Den Pasar has an Information Technology MOU with WA
• 2021 Established ICCWA
• 2022 Visit from “Warren Buffet” of Indonesia
• 2023 Golden Group Indonesian Entrepreneur Summit
• 2024 Trending Hot Topics monthly events

Agata thanked the club for the opportunity to tell us about Indonesia.

Directors Reports and Announcement

Brian J

• News of Dr Sak (Como RC, formerly Mill Point member) in ICU after being found unconscious a week ago. Family request privacy.
• Membership Directories now available, one each, please take and sign for it.
•  Committees still being finalised so no Club Service meeting today.

Rick S - Community

• 1st meeting to be held today after breakfast to discuss key roles.
  
• Tree planting is happening with 4 or 5 other clubs on 20 and 21 July. More details to follow.

Wayne M - BulldustNBack

• More cars from club than external participants. Please support this FUNdraiser to meet our target of $150,000 this year. Garrick McCamey joining support team as spotter.
• The Government are depositing several hundred dollars in your electricity accounts. Use it to make a difference by donating to RCMP for Kids with Cancer, Youth Mental Health, Peace Poles, Global Hands Charity, The Rotary Foundation.
  

Wayne D - Peace Poles

• Peace poles have been spotted as far away as the North Pole, Pyramids of Giza, South Perth Primary School and Como Primary School. We are looking for new sites to raise a Peace Pole.

Joy B - Good News

• One of our visiting GSE team member from Florida (a couple of years ago now) has been made President of Seville, Spain.
  

Michell L - Pastoral Care

• Peter Dowling is recovering from skin surgery and hopes to be back with us soon. Card sent from us all.
  

I'm Fine with that...

The Master Extractor of Fines was none other than Wayne the Elder who berated the following:

• In this entire year under a new President we have not yet raised a dollar - I'm here to help, so President Kelly - new Rotary Year, New President, first of many fines - get used to it!
• All Amazon Buyers for making it the world's most valuable company.
• Selfie takers - specially those selfies taken with Koalas, Quokkas, and animals - including children...
• Cricket fans, son Graham (of Greg Chappell) now "top gun" in RAAF. Pay a fine and hope he doesn't bowl underarm.
• People who missed out on a great Changeover night (you missed a treat, so pay up)
• Bleary-eyed Wimbledon Watchers , Tour de France, and all late night TV watchers
  

Ian K forced Wayne the Elder to buy the box for falling asleep at a funeral and had other attendees wondering weather he should have been in the box!

Winner of Heads and Tails

This week's tosser was Wayne the Elder and threw 2 heads, 2 tails and a winning tail for Dianna Goh!

Attendance

38 attendees in all, including guest speaker Agata Dharma, and visitors Sharon Gleeson and Isabel Sanchez.