Bulletin #13 27 September 2024

 

President in absentia

In the absence of President Kelly who was unwell, Past President Veronica took up the reins once more, revisiting the old stomping ground of idiosynchratic facts of the week.

• Guacamole Day – if you’re a lover of smashed avocado mixed with garlic and tomatoes this one’s for you.
• It was also World Contraception Day – yes the 1960’s are responsible for this one and the lack of is responsible for us all.
  
• The Russians landed back on Earth after 374 days in space the longest stay on the international space station so far.
• And for the literati – Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is making its 7^th film comeback starring Margot Robbie as the famous “Cathie” – the story has seen 6 previous adaptations over the years - 1939, 1954, 1985, 1988, 1992, and 2011. And for those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about the story tells of the turbulent relationship between Heathcliff and Cathie, in downtown Yorkshire Moors.  The novel was banned at one time due its depictions of physical and psychological cruelty, but Kate Bush in 1978 recorded the song and resurrected the novel to a whole new generation and level of interest.

Guest Speaker Ian Kremmer

Club member Ian Kremmer spoke about the new Digital Air Traffic Control System. Western Sydney International Airport is currently being built at Badgerys Creek on the outskirts of Sydney.

 

Speaker Background

Ian Kremmer is a qualified civil / structural engineer with around 45 years of extensive project, engineering, construction and management consulting experience across a very wide range of civil engineering, building, infrastructure, transport, mining and IT projects working for Tier 1 Contractors, design and management consultants, government organisations and private owners within Australia and overseas. 

He is an accredited Expert Witness for Arbitration Disputes and also provides Lead Planner, Project Controls & Strategy, Risk Analysis and Program & Construction advisory services on major civil, building, mining, resource and IT projects.

Ian has worked on numerous major Airport construction projects, including:

 - Terminal 3 Upgrade and Refurbishment Works for Ansett at Melbourne Airport,

 - A380 Expansion Works at Melbourne Airport, including the Runway Widening, and

 - Melbourne Airport International T2 Terminal Expansion Works,

 - Civil and Building Works for the current national Australian Advanced Air Traffic System Civil & Building Infrastructure Works (mid- 1990s) across Australia, and

He is currently working on the Western Sydney International Airport Digital Air Traffic Control System where he is providing support to the planning and rollout of the new Digital Air Traffic Control System.

 

Presentation Overview

Western Sydney International Airport

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is a new international airport currently under construction within the suburbs of Luddenham/Badgerys Creek, New South Wales.

The site was officially designated by the Federal Government on 15 April 2014, after decades of debate on the location of another airport within Greater Sydney. The airport is planned to have 24-hour and curfew-free operations and will supplement Kingsford Smith Airport, which has reached capacity due to a legislated curfew and flight caps.

The first stage of construction on the new airport began on 24 September 2018, and is expected to be complete and open by late 2026.

Named after aviator Nancy Bird Walton at a cost of around $3 billion, the airport is around 80 percent complete and will start operation in 2026. This will be Australia’s first airport with a purpose-built digital air traffic control system and will combine both defence and commercial air traffic control systems for the first time.

The new airport will not have traditional air traffic control towers but instead will operate as a "digitised aerodrome", with more than 20 high-resolution cameras monitoring the airport and immediate airspace and beaming real-time vision to a centralised control room.

 

 

The Role of Technology in Modern Air Traffic Control

Air traffic control is an integral part of the aviation industry, responsible for the safe and smooth operations of aircraft in the sky and on the ground. With the demand for air travel on the rise, air traffic control technology has become more critical than ever - from streamlining complex processes, enhancing communication and surveillance, to ensuring utmost safety. The advent of cutting-edge technology has revolutionized how air traffic control operates today.

 

The Evolution of Air Traffic Control Technology

In the early days of aviation, air traffic control was a largely manual process, heavily relying on visual observations and human judgment. As the industry expanded, the need for more advanced, reliable, and efficient technology emerged to manage the exponentially growing air traffic.

In the past few decades, we have seen an impressive evolution in air traffic control technology. With the advancements in radar systems, satellite technology, automation, and digital communicative technology, air traffic control has become highly sophisticated and reliable, contributing significantly to making air travel safer and more efficient.

Key Features of Modern Air Traffic Control Systems

Radar Systems: The primary technology in air traffic control, radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) systems, has been significantly enhanced over the years. Modern radar systems can precisely track an aircraft's position, altitude, and speed and display real-time updates to air traffic controllers.

Satellite Technology: With the GPS (Global Positioning System), air traffic control has become more precise and efficient. It allows controllers to monitor aircraft's exact locations and flight paths in real-time, even in remote locations where traditional radar coverage might be insufficient.

Automation: Automation algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed air traffic control operations. They help controllers manage high volumes of traffic, improve route efficiency, lessen the workload, and minimize the risk of human error.

Digital Communication: In the past, radio communication was the norm between controllers and flight crew. Today, the transition is happening towards digital or data link communication, which allows for quicker and more accurate communication. It reduces the chances of misunderstanding and increases controller and flight crew productivity.

 

OneSky Australia

OneSKY Australia is the most complex transformation of air traffic management in Australian aviation history. It’s a partnership between Airservices and the Department of Defence, replacing existing air traffic management systems with an advanced integrated system known as the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System (CMATS).

OneSKY Australia was established to deliver more efficient air services, support future air traffic growth and enhance national security. The program will deliver more than $2.7 billion of economic benefits to Australian airspace users over 20 years.

The new digital tower at WSI will bring together the skills of Australia’s air traffic controllers, with cutting-edge digital technology to enhance safety and improve efficiency,” Mr Hickey said.

“This exciting technology has earned its place in what will be an airport focused on delivering passengers and airlines an incredible experience.”

More than 70 new Airservices jobs will be created for Western Sydney across the organisation’s Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) service, air traffic control and maintenance and training services.

 

Web Links to Presentation Videos

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Future+of+Air+Traffic+Control++Exploring+Digital+Towers+at+Heathrow+Airport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQEZK8vbgYo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNIqbq3KGmk

https://www.facebook.com/9NewsSydney/videos/digital-eyes-on-the-sky-at-western-sydney-airport/950808939797348/Controllers

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Jenny

• Update on the Sri Lankan trial of Sewing Sisters project. 3 schools involved and feedback currently being translated. Sri Lanka in middle of elections so watch this space.

Wayne

• BulldustNBack (BNB) Saturday 12 October night dinner is in Northam so not far to travel and join our merry band of Bulldusters; the BNB final lunch is on Sunday 13 October is at Pasta in the Valley (Swan Valley) and we'd love to see as many members as possible there. Please RSVP to Alison for catering purposes. 
• Pam Eddy, a recognised WA artist has donated one of her magnificent paintings to the BNB silent auction. A really great auction item to bid on.
  

Charlie

• Silent auction bidding sheets are available, please take a look and bid generously for great causes.

Rick

• Many thanks to all those who are constantly supplying meals for PICYS - especially Sana, Margaret M., Vic, David T and Dianna Goh.
  

Veronica 

• 50 please to complete the member survey either on line or hard copy before Wednesday (Please?)
  

I'm fine, it's fine, everything's fine...

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness obviously didn’t know where to go shopping - however the materialstic mercenary for today to muster the moula was none other than Owen the Ferguson!

Charlie - for sharing 'Joy' with us all

Veronica - facts about contraception - if it was around 60-70 years ago probably most of us would NOT be here - so cough up all of you who are!

Geoff L - No expensive coffee today, and also formlocking himself out of his building...

All Investors - before Capital Gains Tax gets your money.

Jenny McLean - for busting the myth that she never gets in a bad mood!

Ian K - Digital Control? Isn't that coercive behaviour?

Mike C - Ringing a different bell tone to the usual one.

David R - Matching socks and shirt - really? (Yes pink ones!)

Winner of Heads and Tails

After 2 throws of one of each,
Owen called on David T to spin the coins resulting in 2 x heads and  allowing Michelle L to take home the grog!

Attendance

28 attendees in all, including visting Rotarian Bill Boekman and Charlie Burnett and Margaret Metcalf.

Bulletin #12 - 20 September 2024

From the President

President Kelly advised that Saturday

September 21 is celebrated as International Day of Peace.Very relevant when we consider what is happening around the world at this time. 

Kelly and Gorby are attending the Peace Assembly at Como Primary following today's meeting. 

Como Primary is a recipient of a Peace Pole from RCMP. 

Guest Speaker Peter Durrant (LCDR Ret) – Australia’s Submarine Legacy and the Future with AUKUS

Peter Durrant started his 23-year Military career as an Electronics Technician in the Navy volunteering for the Submarine arm in 1976.

 

Mid-career, Peter was commissioned and served as the Electrical Engineer on three different Submarines, culminating as the Electrical Engineer on HMAS Collins the first of the then New Submarines.

 

Peter continues to pursue a career across Industry in the fields of Asset Management, Maintenance and Operator Driven Reliability and has stayed in touch with Defence and Submarine related matters.

 

Peter is also well known to us as Founder and Chair of the WA Rotary Relief since 2020. He is twice Past President of Karrinyup Rotary Club (2013-2014 and 2021-2022) and D9455 Rotarian of the Year for 2021-2022.

 

Peter began by giving an overview of where we are at now. Australia has been involved with submarines for 110 years, 2014 being the Centenary. In that time, we have stopped and started the submarine arm eight times! The fact that we are now going to nuclear subs is that the “Yanks” have finally given us the technology (otherwise we would have done it a long time ago).

 

Historically, we started with the famous AE1 and AE2 of World War 1.

Post WW1 we had six J Class submarines obtained from Britain.

1927-31 were the “O” Class submarines with Oxley and Otway.

WW2 saw Allied and the Dutch K9 submarines with Fremantle being a very busy base.

1949-69 Royal Navy’s Fourth Submarine Flotilla was based in Sydney, with shared costs between Australia and New Zealand. During this time the Oberon Class subs were being built with crew training in the UK.

1967-2000 saw the diesel-electric Oberon Class in service.

1992 saw the start of the Collins class submarines.

 

A limitation of the conventional submarines is that batteries must be charged up every day, like your EV… With a SSN (Ship Submerged Nuclear), you can stay submerged for a vey long period, the only limitations are the amount of food you can carry and how long your people can last.

 

Geopolitically

-   85% of all nation states are coastal

-   70% of the earth’s people and 95% of Australians live within 150km of the sea

-   70% of the earth’s surface is sea

-   99.5% of trans-oceanic trade is shipped

 

To get to an area, such as the Indo-Pacific, the transit time can be significant. Submarines from Australia would take 5-7 days to reach the South China Sea and 11-14 days from the west coast of the USA. During the Falklands War, it took the four Royal Navy submarines a transit of 26 days. The covert presence of these nuclear powered submarines, and the sinking of the light cruiser General Belgrano, effectively kept the Argentinian Navy bottled up in port.

 

To keep two deployable submarines consistently available would require a total of six in the fleet. This would comprise three consistently available for tasking, one in shorter-term maintenance and two in long-term maintenance and upgrade.

 

The AUKUS (Australia/United Kingdom/United States) Agreement will see Australia acquire nuclear powered, conventionally armed submarines. This will occur in two Pillars:

 

 

 

 

 As noted by Professor Ross Babbage in his excellent paper (https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/deterrence-alliance-power-why-aukus-submarines-matter-how-they-can-be-delivered):

 

-   Significant progress has already been made

-   Australia will host up to five allied SSNs within three years

-   AUKUS partners will more than double the number of forward-deployed allied SSNs

-   Personnel expansion for the Royal Australian Navy will be one of the greatest challenges for the AUKUS program.

 

JAUKUS is currently a conceptual initiative to include Japan, but yet to be formally established. Like AUKUS this will be focussed on defence and security cooperation in response to growing geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding China’s influence.

 

In question time, we got to ask Peter how a man of his size fitted in to a submarine? In response, he “has several submariner friends who are 6’4”…..”

 

Peter’s full presentation can be viewed at:

millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>DURRANT Peter – Australia’s Submarine Legacy & AUKUS

Directors' Reports and Announcements

President Kelly:

Reminded those members who have not submitted a survey form to please do so. Hard copies are  available from KG this morning.

Joy B:

Alerted members to the updated list of Silent Auction items for BNB has been placed on each table and the folders will be available at Friday meetings from next week if members wish to lodge bids.

Diana Goh:

Advised that the sausage sizzle planned for East Vic Park Bunnings has been cancelled as it will not realise a reasonable return for effort.

Fines (verbatim)

• Ian K was quick to text me (Wayne) the other morning when he won a croquet match against a top team early in a competition.  I never heard a later score from him all day! 
• Kelly spent a day with me on some rough roads for BnB.  When we got through the Julimar Forest we stopped for me to look at my tires.  'Why?' He asked.  His face changed colour when I told him my car carries no spare wheel. 
• All those ABC listeners - please dob in a coin for the bungle they made altering a section of film to add gunfire that was not there in the original. 
• All those with children or grandchildren at school.  With one child banned every 2 minutes you must be doing a lot of babysitting. 
• With a threat that the Windsor Theatre may be demolished, we will have a donation from everyone who has attended that place in the last 10 years. 
• Anyone that has a Tupperware storage container at home can add another coin to the mix.

Winner of Heads and Tails

After a serious series of spins by the weekly tosser, the lucky winner of the wine was Peter Dowling. What a grin!

Attendance

35 attendees in all, including guest speaker Peter Durrant, Rotarians Kaye Durrant and David Tyler (?), and visitors Zander (Alison's grandson), Andy George, and Ajith Gunasekera.

 

Bulletin #11 13 September 2024

Guest Speaker Peter Fitzpatrick AO - Justice Delayed and the Presumption of Innocence for SAS Veterans

Peter Fitzpatrick is widely respected and recognized for the outstanding contributions made during his professional life at the helm of two peak bodies as the Chief Executive Officer for the legal profession and the motor industry. 

Prior to this Peter had a distinguished 20 year military career, including service with the elite Special Air Service (SASR) Regiment as an Australian Army Officer, taking early retirement with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1997 he was a strategic adviser to the then Prime Minister, John Howard.

Peter has chaired and been a director on a large number of boards in the For Profit, Not for Profit and on government boards both in Western Australia and nationally. Outside of the corporate world he has held leading voluntary roles and been a champion for change in in areas of youth at risk, disability, veteran wellbeing, domestic violence, mental health, homelessness and disadvantage.

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2018 and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Military Division in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June 1984.

He was also a state finalist for Australian of the Year.

General Background

Around 30,000 Australian soldiers served in Afghanistan over a 20 year period. 41 ADF members died in operations, of these 21 were Special Forces. Five were members of SASR, 13 Commandos and three members of the Special Operations Engineer Regiment. In all, 261 Australians were severely wounded, mostly Special Forces and many more continue to carry physical, emotional and moral scars from their service.

Thousands of operations and deployments took place with courageous and magnificent work achieved by the ADF, in our nation’s name, fighting against a ruthless, irregular guerrilla enemy in an undeclared war.

In 2016, the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) was appointed at the behest of the Chief of Defence to enquire into and report on alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The inquiry took more than five years to complete. A fundamental principal of all the IGADF does should be to “do no harm” to veterans.

The inquiry found that there was credible information of 23 incidents in which one or more non-combatants were unlawfully killed by or at the direction of members of Special Operations Task Group in circumstances which, if accepted by a jury, would be the war crime of murder. These incidents involved a total of 39 individuals killed and a further two cruelly treated.

These incidents needed to be investigated though they represent a fraction of the ADF’s operations in that country during a difficult war. An unintended consequence of the work done by the IGADF has been, in the context of later developments, to diminish the service of all who served in Afghanistan.

Conduct of Inquiry

Veterans brought before the IGADF Brereton Inquiry consider that it was in their view an abuse of both power and process. Many were required to attend the inquiry without legal representation or inadequate representation or limited administrative assistance.

Lack of Experience within the IGADF

Veterans called before the inquiry were concerned that those doing the investigating lacked operational combat experience and were naïve in their lines of questioning. General Brereton and other senior counsel had not been deployed operationally into a combat zone and may have been assisted, if joined in the inquiry by senior officers with warlike experience.

Publication of the Report

A perception emerged that during the inquiry IGADF was informing both a police investigation and a concurrent media investigation through “leaks” from unnamed sources. Veterans, even those not involved nor called to give evidence were publicly flayed in the national press based on unproven and untested allegations made outside of due process.

But Justice Brereton under the auspices of the Office of the IGADF made recommendations in his Report which suggested that he had judged men guilty, including that award of medals for conspicuous and distinguished conduct be reviewed or removed and that a Meritorious Unit Citation be removed along with a raft of administrative and punitive actions.

The Government’s decision to make the IGADF Report public allowed it to be portrayed in the media as a finding of guilt, which it is clear was not Justice Brereton’s intent.

Presumption of Innocence

The IGADF must uphold the principle of the presumption of innocence and advise the Government and CDF accordingly. The way the Report was made public failed to assertively emphasise Justice Brereton’s point that his findings were “not a finding, on the balance of probability let alone to a higher standard, that the person has committed that crime”.

The Government and CDF should not have released this report when he did, but only after a police investigation and a criminal court had dealt with all allegations.

Balance

No attempt was made in the Report to reveal and explain the operational context or pressures and other factors which may have worn men down to a point where poor decisions were made. Former government ministers and the generals were not called to give evidence about the tempo of operations they required of the soldiers or the rules of engagement and other constraints they placed on our forces. Some soldiers spent up to three and a half years in combat, more than most soldiers in earlier wars.

Operational, Organisational and Cultural Issues

The IGADF makes a range of critical observations about SASR. For example “Commanding Officers of SAS during the relevant period bear significant responsibility for contributing to the environment in which war crimes are committed, most notable those who embraced or fostered the “warrior culture” and empowered, or did not restrain, the clique of NCOs who propagated it”.

Commanding Officers have a responsibility to the nation to ensure Australians go into battle hardened and resolved to fight and die for their nation. The strategic and operational conditions under which poor decisions on tactical operation occur have much to do with decisions made by higher command. Not all choices soldiers make either in the heat of battle or on the fringes of it, are correct.

An Alternate Pathway

Many aspects of this matter could have been handled better. The Report could have handed immediately to police and the OSI for action and a statement made by CDF indicating that credible allegations had been heard and his intentions were to ensure due process.

 

The release of the Report unleashed a media fury of public trial by accusation which has deeply hurt many veterans and their families. An entire group of soldiers have seen their service in Afghanistan diminished as a result. Our nation should never allow a repeat of this failure of natural justice to so impact on veterans who have put their lives on the line for their country.

 

Directors' Reports and Announcements

Rick Sneeuwjagt

• A short Community meeting would be held following the breakfast meeting to discuss possible opportunities to support SOS (Starting Over Support). 
• Rick and Kelly recently visited SOS office and warehouse in Malaga and were very impressed by the well organised and effective delivery of their services primarily to survivors/families that have had to start new lives as result of domestic violence.

Joy Burnett

• The list of the items for the silent auction at the BNB has been placed on each table so that members can see what is on offer. The folders for each item  will be available for members to lodge bids each Friday meeting from f Friday 23 September.

Diana Goh

• A bbq will be held at Bunnings East Vic Park on 19 October to support youth. Seeking volunteers to help out during the day from 8am - 4pm.
  

The Fine-al Stroke...

Fines Miester Ferguson returned to the podium on an auspicious Friday 13th, amid rapturous applause from at least three people, who were observed to clap twice.

• Sir Geoffrey lingers on from last week - the name Geoffrey means "divine peace" - but piece of what?
• What happens, or is said at GWCTD stays at GWCTD but donations are gratefully received from attendees... eg Mr Metcalf
• After breakfast Gorby is taking two attractive German backpacker ladies to appreciate our beautiful - beaches?
• Wayne the elder called to account for his phone going off during the meeting last week - oh no!
• Scotty for having to fast last week for medical reasons so no breakfast but was caught walking along and sniffing the breakfast offerings in desperation...again!
  
• Hadrians Wall in the UK was started on 13 September AD 122  anyone who has walked this put in a $ton(e)
• On 13 Sept 1501 Michaelangelo began work on his great sculpture of David - anyone who has seen this put in a $

Winner of Heads and Tails

A beaming Angus Florence  took out the coveted grog - and doesn't he look happy!

Attendance

35 attendees in all, including guest speaker Peter Fitzpatrick, and ex member Mark Jones.

 

 

Bulletin #10 - 6 September 2024

Who Are We? - Diana Goh, Lydia Wong & Garrick McCamey

Geoff Longshaw conducted the fourth “Who Am I – Town Hall”-  interviewing our newest members Diana Goh, Lydia Wong and Garrick McCamey. This was an opportunity to explore their personal stories and the life experiences they bring to enhance our club.

 

Geoff – What Generation do you belong to? I’m a “Baby Boomer”, but a lot of people tell me I’m past it…. There’s Gen X/Millennials/Gen Y/Gen Z etc

 

Diana – I don’t really like to be labelled, perhaps Millennial or Gen X or somewhere in between? XYZ, I’ll take X…

 

Lydia – I’m “Generation Lydia”….I’m probably like Millennial or Gen Z because of my working style, my communication style.

 

Geoff – We’ll call you Millennial…

 

Garrick – I’ve no idea. I know everybody here,  so I feel older….

 

Geoff – Are you an early or late riser?

 

Diana – I was late, but am now early in Australia. In Asia, all the Tradies come late!

 

Lydia – How “early” is defined? For me, I am up about 6 AM…some might think that’s late.

 

Garrick – I’ve been up this morning since 6:50, so looks like it’s late…

 

Geoff – Lydia, you come from Malacca in Malaysia. Are there lots of pirates, truth or myth?

 

Lydia – Malaysia started through the Straits of Malacca and back then was a trading hub, so probably there is the perception. There is a big wooden ship there in a museum for tourists to take photos. No pirates, but today people are “pirating” our food recipes….

 

Geoff – Diana, you were across the way on the Equator?

 

Diana – I was born in Pontianak, which gets sun and rain all year, and floods… I was living very close to a river with lots of crocodiles and learnt to swim (quickly) in that river. My grandfather had a crocodile farm, they are much smaller than Australia. He also had a coconut farm, so I learnt to use every part of the coconut…

 

Garrick – I hail biologically from Newman, my adoptive parents are from Perth. I have visited there for a school camp. My uncle discovered iron ore for Lang Hancock, but we didn’t see any wealth…

 

Geoff – Garrick your education was not in Newman?

 

Garrick – I went to Wesley College from Years 1-12, not my choice…!!

I didn’t want to go to Uni, so got my Real Estate Diploma.

 

Geoff – Did you Board? 

  

Garrick – I was Bored….. I go to reunions (if I remember them)

Geoff – Coming back to places overseas, do you get back often?

 

Diana – I left at 18 to go to Singapore, lots of partying then. From Singapore I went to Batam Island, lots of seafood, shopping and tourism. My father used to have two little hotels there.

 

Lydia – I go back every 2-3 months. Becomes I’m still doing my role in Malaysia while working full time remotely in Perth, I need to occasionally “show face” with my team.

 

Geoff – Garrick, do you like to travel or are you a home boy?

 

Garrick – I travelled once I got married – Europe/USA/Bali. My two kids have travelled, they are spoilt…My partner is a keen traveller.

 

Geoff – Lydia, there’s something about not having toys growing up?

 

Lydia – It’s very common in Malaysia where parents only believe children should study. No toys, must read or watch TV News. Coloured pencils were ok, I was creative and fashioned little human figures. I developed resourcefulness from that….

 

Garrick – Was I a comic reader? Definitely not!

 

Diana – I was more into nature, I grew up with many cousins. There was lots of playing and swimming after school. I broke my chin spinning around, so that put me off performing.

I was the oldest child and my Mum was illiterate, so I had to do all the admin and paperwork – even my own school enrolment!

I had a large family where aunts and uncles were known by their Hierarchy number rather than name…

My first language was a Chinese dialect, then I learnt Bahasa Indonesia at school, followed by English and Mandarin from Singapore TV (on the quiet!!).

 

Garrick – I’m lucky to get English out! I tried Indonesian in High School, but gave it up in

Year 10. Language wasn’t for me….

 

Lydia – I am what they call a “banana” – yellow outside and white inside…I was only allowed to learn English and was teased at school because I couldn’t speak Chinese. My culture is Peranakan, I can understand but not speak Nyonya. As a second language I learnt Bahasa in school and my husband is Indonesian. I also learnt Mandarin from TV.

 

Geoff – Garrick, I notice you played sport at Wesley. I guess it’s almost compulsory?

 

Garrick – From Primary School I tried every one. In High School it was cricket and soccer. I didn’t make the First XI as they trained at 6 AM…that was not me…

I was Athletics Captain in Year 12. I could clear a hurdle, definitely didn’t get that from Warren..!!

 

Lydia – I represented my country in Fencing while at school, lost to the Koreans… I wasn’t allowed to play sports in the sun as I would get too tanned! I didn’t enjoy it that much, the suits were uncomfortable in the heat, but it was a good outlet from study and piano lessons. I enjoyed the journey of being able to go to national competitions.

 

Diana – I played Badminton, which is Indonesia’s national sport. In High School I would play basketball for three hours in the morning, before the afternoon school session (1 PM to 6 PM). School had limited resources, so Middle School would have the morning session and High School the afternoon session.

 

Unfortunately the clock ran out with so many questions remaining, so Geoff thanked Diana, Lydia and Garrick, "We have learnt so much about you and all three of you are such wonderful contributors to Rotary - thank you". 

Directors/Member Reports and Announcements

Veronica

• Annual report now completed and pdf can be found in Google Docs with access via the 'members only' section of the website. If you want a pdf sent to you please contact Veronica at vlawrance17@gmail.com
  
• Rotary membership just reached 1,160,162 worldwide - 20,000 below same time last year but up 25,000 from 1 July 2024.
• Guess Who's Coming to Dinner guests will be notified of their venues by 3.30pm on Saturday.
• Membership survey has now gone out via email with link to complete on line. Hard copy available from Kelly.

Lorrie

• Will be on annual leave from today but back for the BNB!

Wayne

• BNB on track with 17 cars now registered. Vocationals are invited to join us in Dallwallinu, Wongan Hills or Northam. Check our route on the BNB website at www.bulldustnback.com.au

Dianna

• Dianna (Goh) and Kim (Payne) held a Financial Wellbeing at Willagee community centre last Wednesday.
  
  
  The focus was on Financial Literacy and Scam Awareness.  Kim spoke on the importance of early strategy planning for family wealth, retirement incomes and scam awareness.
  Diana presented on what to expect when family members take on a family guarantor role to assist with equity for first home buyers.

Rick

• Rick and Kelly attended Starting Over Support (SOS) headquarters looking at opportunities for RCMP and RC of Como collaboration project to support this organisation. SOS assisted 400 families last year and have a core number of volunteers, but need more. It is a professionally run organisation where every item is of quality, cleaned and packaged before distribution to families in need.
  

Another Fine-ancial Mess - conducted by Pocket Rocket Jenny McLean

•  Geoffrey Longshaw for not disputing being fraudulently represented as a knight of the realm.
• Brian J, and Veronica L for misrepresentation - and no that's not poetic licence calling Geoffrey "Sir" Geoffrey!
• Mike Collett for trying to use his Woolies Reward Card instead of his Visa/Bank/Masterard! Tut-tut Michael!
• Scott Dwyer for his phantom fetish of fasting - but was caught hovering and sniffing the bacon and eggs on offer this morning.
• Lew Thomas, not only was he late and brandishing a brown paper bag (?) but stated he thought he was at Guess Who's Coming to Dinner!
• All Tech-heads, AI nuts, Data managers and Nerds - we know this is the age of technology but really?
• Everyone who was NOT inspired, overawed and overwhelmed by the fantastic paralympians this week and did not watch or support these amazing people.
  

Winner of Heads and Tails

Tosser of the week was volunteer Wayne Duke who tossed 2 x tails, a head and a tail, and 2 heads which ended up being "Duked out" between John O'Sullivan and visiting Rotarian Bill Boekman -  finally a tail decided the winner - Bill Boekman!

Attendance

35 attendees in all, including visiting Rotarian Bill Boekman.