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.