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.