Bulletin #16 - 25 October 2024

 Presidential Ponderings

President Kelly reminded everyone that yesterday was World Polio Day, and to support this great cause, today's Copper Kettle and Fines will be donated to this event (STOP PRESS: $334.90 raised).

President Kelly then drew
attention to Bill Boekman from Wongan Hills RC. Bill and his club organised Saturday lunch for the 2024 BulldustNBack participants when they passed through Wongan Hills. In addition he organised for a welcoming neon sign at the town's entrance, articles in the Dalwallinu & District, and the Wongan Hills newspapers, and provided the entertainment for the Friday night Dalwallinu dinner.  A hearty round of applause was given to Bill for his support and contribution to the event.

Guest Speaker - Dr Steve Burnell "The Search for Flying Officer David Forrest"

Marine Ecologist Dr Steve Burnell is the Managing Director of Tenmile, an Australian HealthTech venture capital company owned by Tattarang, one of Australia’s largest private companies.

 

His 35+ years professional experience spans fisheries research, marine protected areas, strategy consulting as well as leading global businesses for the world’s largest biotech, Roche-Genentech.

 

Steve is a strategic advisor for Australia’s largest philanthropy organisation, the Minderoo Foundation.

 

He holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology and a Ph.D. in Population Biology from the University of Sydney.

 

On 21 May 1943, a RAAF Beaufort bomber failed to return from a night bombing mission against a Japanese airstrip at Gasmata, Papua New Guinea. 

 

The aircraft A9-188 was the last to attack and observed to drop its bombs, but was not seen again. The wreckage or remains of pilot Flying Officer David Forrest and his three crew members were never recovered.

 

Eighty years later his nephew, mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, has been conducting expeditions to locate his Uncle David’s final resting place.

 

Steve has been leading the expeditions and is Twiggy’s dive partner.

 

David Forrest had grown up at Mindaroo Station in WA. He had joined the RAAF and in 1943 was a member of 100 Squadron based in Milne Bay. He was 23 when he was killed in action.

 

The Japanese Pacific Fleet HQ was in Rabaul and Gasmata airfield, on the south coast of New Britain, was very strategically important. Over one hundred Allied airmen and soldiers were lost trying to retake the airfield from the Japanese.

 

From August 2020 to February 2024, six expeditions have been carried out by Andrew Forrest and his team in the search for A9-188. During that time, they engaged extensively with the PNG government, the local communities around Gasmata and the RAAF.

The local communities were critical to the mission with their verbal histories and the searches through the jungle. They are very superstitious and a great deal of trust needed to be built in getting them to take the searchers to the various sites. There were also difficulties from malaria and dengue, with a couple of members of the team needing to be Medivaced.

On land, dozens of wreck sites were visited and ticked off.

 

The first Beaufort to be found was A9-183, about three miles away from where it had been reported as located. During a proper excavation, a pilot watch and service tags were recovered. An aircraft type can be identified by engines, paint and fuselage. To know which particular one comes from identification plates, dog tags and DNA remains of the crew.

 

This was great news for the relatives of the crew. Dog tags and remains can be taken, however everything else must remain as property of the PNG government. The watch and altimeter (with special permission) were presented to the pilot’s niece in Melbourne.

 

The expeditions have also searched the sea with greater focus. Andrew Forrest’s exploration yacht, the Pangea Ocean Explorer, has tenders and multi-beam sonar capability. The entire Thilenius Harbour was searched down to a depth of 200 metres. That is where two Beauforts have been found so far.

 

That meant a lot of diving. As Steve observed, “that sounds fantastic and romantic, but it’s saltwater crocodile country….” They are smart creatures and they watch and plan, so you need to make lots of noise and change your dive schedules.

 

The first Beaufort to be found under water was A9-186. Dr Richard Harris (from the Thai cave rescue) was on the team when they found the identification plate. As this location was a fair distance from its location reported in 1943, there was much optimism this might be A9-188. However, once the plate was cleaned, the last digit was obviously “6” rather than “8”. The humbling bit was the ensuing RAAF ceremonies and that the pilot had two surviving children in Queensland.

 

Several years later another wreck was found during their inner harbour search. This was more spread out over about 100 metres on the bottom, but identified as a Beaufort by the engine oil cooler. This turned out to be A9-374, manufactured in August 1943 after David Forrest’s aircraft had gone down. At this stage A9-374 and A9-188 were the only two Beauforts still missing. It was disappointing news for Andrew Forrest, but wonderful for the families of this crew.

 

Steve was at Point Cook VIC two weeks ago when the RAAF held a Commemorative Service, which they do very well for the families.

 

Every time the team goes to New Guinea, they try to give back to the community. To the poor local communities, a ship arriving and people diving must seem “like the aliens have landed….” They bring Pidgeon-speaking interpreters, doctors and nurses on every trip. Health clinics are held with various medicines. Steve also noted our project supplying feminine hygiene kits to PNG, which they also supply. The wound and infectious disease clinics are held all around Gasmata, significantly reducing the incidence of Scabies.

 

Over 4,000 villagers have been treated so far. The Mindaroo Foundation will be building a Healthcare Clinic in Gasmata. For Steve, this Healthcare is just as important as finding two aircraft to date and bringing closure to eight families.

 

The search will continue.

 

Steve’s video, from the A Current Affair program, be viewed from the following link:

https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/aussie-billionaire-andrew-twiggy-forrests-search-to-find-loved-ones-lost-in-world-war-ii/9c042a41-c3d1-4b73-af6e-af40c983b81b

 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Veronica: 

• Outdated medicines and equipment from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital going for free to charitable institutions. Contact Veronica for details vlawrance17@gmail.com.

• Mark Maloney ex-RI President and Chair of the Foundation, visiting from the USA. Special dinner on 8 November at Matilda Bay restaurant. $100pp 2-course meal and drinks. Book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/1270850/sessions/4816398/sections/2411109/tickets. Be great to have a good contingency from Mill Point.

• Celebrate the New Year in style at the Vienna Pops Concert at Winthrop Hall Tuesday 31 December. Matinee or Evening Gala. Book at www.ticketsWA.com/

Lorrie:

• Vocational visit to Ostomy Association 24 November. Contact lorriegray07@yahoo.com.au for details or see notice under 'Events' page.

Jenny:

• Sri Lanka update for The Sewing Sisters (TSS) project shows an 80% success rate and provided lots of positive feedback on how to improve for the future.

Rick:

• Community/Fundraising meeting after breakfast.

• Twilight 'By Your Side' walk supporting dementia/alzheimers on Sunday 10th November 4:00pm. See event page for bookings.

Lyn:

• All BNB accounts needed for reconciliation/reimbursement to finalise for this year. Please send to Lyn rcmp9423treasurer@gmail.com

Bill Boekman:

• Thanked everyone  on the 2024 BNB for their presence in Wongan Hills, especially Wendy and Geoff Longshaw who helped with lunch. Wongan Hills RC have 3 prospective members from that event.
  

FIN(E)ally yours...

• Stripped of her violent need for more slumber, Finesmaster Jenny McLean was greeted with an abundance of checks and stripes - so all those with said pattern on shirts - pay up!
• Financiers who moan about this being the busiest time of year - yet still have time to indulge in a sumptuous breakfast.
• All Queenslanders because you're here on the eve of your election!
• Anti Coffee snobs who don't own the required machine to create Barista style coffee (according to the Daily Telegraph whose word is gospel)  - and those who rely on instant granules/powder - pay up for abusing the wonderful world of coffee!
• Those who didn't have their daily dose of OJ and will get scurvy due to lack of vitamin C.
• Everyone who didn't last a minute on one leg - shame on you - but our gain - so a dollar from you too!
  

Winner of Heads and Tails

Heads and tails; heads and tails; two tails; heads and tails; and then two tails!

Kim Payne took out the bottle of grog, kindly supplied by Margaret and Lyn Metcalf (thank you!).

Attendance

33 attendees in all, including guest speaker Dr Steve Burnell, visiting Rotarian Bill Boekman, and visitor Katherine (Lorrie's niece). 

Bulletin #15 18 October 2024

 Presidential overview of the 2024 BulldustNBack

President Kelly gave a brief overview of the weekend's BulldustNBack event, highlighting some of the escapades which occurred.

"You have probably heard that this year’s event went very well. We got everyone home safe and sound, if not a little overweight, and the feedback from participants was generally pretty positive concerning the 1200 km route and key things like meals and accommodation. A lot of work went into the route selection and our service providers in each overnight location were very supportive and  great to work with. We were also blessed with great weather.

This year’s group was a lively bunch of new and previous participants with some great theme ideas for their vehicles and teams and who threw themselves into our evening sessions with enthusiasm.  You will be pleased to know that Melva and Pete Stevens’ boys, Justin and Christian, jumped into the event wholeheartedly from the start to the finish and were great contributors to the upbeat vibe over the 4 days. Their costume for our Olympics theme night as the "Jamaican Bob Sled Team" was the winner for the night and was typical of their sense of fun.

We have compiled an excellent photo gallery on the google drive for your viewing pleasure. 

As of this morning the fundraising tally is $74,297 with accounts closing on the 31 of this month so we hope to see the figure increase over that time.

In addition we have received $6,485 from the silent auction;  $370 was raised through various fines that were liberally dished out at every opportunity; $580 from fun stops and $250 from street donations.

This year we had participants who made a significant effort to be here - John Mansfield  and his son-in-law Frog (Geoff) travelled from Newcastle. Mike Bakker, currently working on a project in Batam in Indonesia, brought along his team Johan and Craig, newly arrived  from South Africa. It was their first visit to Australia let alone WA – from airport straight to BNB. They are probably still in shock!

To achieve a successful event we have had a lot of support along the way as well as during the event itself.

The BNB committee consisted of Coordinator Wayne the Elder, Alison, Veronica, David Rowell dealing with risk, Lyn, Rick, Charlie B  and myself. Work started early in the new year and ramped up as the year progressed.

We have received great support from the club for the final briefing  with Sana, Robynne Dwyer, Margaret Metcalf, Joy Burnett and Alison providing a great selection of finger foods.

 A fantastic lunch was provided on the first day at Konnongorring thanks again to Robynne and Scott, Marg Metcalf, and Joy.

Every evening Mandy, Joy and Marg prepared and set out the excellent choice of finger food for our Sundowners.

Jenny and Brad McLean helped in delivering lunch and providing shade for the lunch stop at the John Forrest Lookout on day two.

For a variety of reasons planning this year’s event was challenging but when it came down to the wire everything seemed to come together like a well oiled machine.

During the event we had Garrick as Mobile Coordinator (this is the dog’s body job – because you have to pick up the unexpected - it was allocated to him when he missed a meeting!) ably supported by his son Blake and long suffering bother in law Travis. He did an excellent job, as coordinator and MC.

Charlie B and Lyn as SWEEP had their hands full with keeping the participants on track with a couple of notable re-offenders who had trouble discerning their right from left and the various point of the compass. 

Rick and I in the SCOUT vehicle desperately tried to keep in front of the heavy footed in the fleet as we confirmed the route and adjusted as necessary.

Veronica chased photos and stories in her inimitable style – so we have a great record of the event.

 Alison as usual made sure everything came together in a smooth fashion despite the occasional wobbles along the way.

Raelene was both Medic and participant this year. Thankfully there were no injuries/health issues and the George Team contributed their own piece of drama to the story and recovered magnificently. I'll leave Raelene to tell the story.

We had the usual mix of vehicle dramas, with one not making the first 10km. Our mechanics certainly earned their keep with a sterling job keeping the fleet on the road and were worth their weight in gold.

I would like to briefly comment on the contribution of some individuals:

Wayne the Elder. Despite the intent of taking a big step back from his considerable commitment in previous years, Wayne filled the role of planning coordinator during the year and beavered away consistently in the background with the route selection process, production of route notes and identification of activities for fun stops on-route and supported logistical and other requirement during the event where we were light on. He has put in a bit effort.

Alison, as usual, provided incomparable support to the planning team and participants in ensuring all our administrative matters were efficiently and effectively dealt with and trouble-shooting where necessary. Can you believe it - Alison performed this role while overseas for three months and didn’t miss a beat - I have trouble sorting myself out day-to-day.  Alison provided great support during the event.

I want to especially highlight the contribution of Charlie B this year. He was actively involved in route survey devoting considerable time and the use of his vehicle on many occasions. He provided excellent input into planning with measured and practical advice and was responsible for seeking out donations and organising the silent auction and also our arrangements with High Wycombe Primary School. And of course with Lyn fulfilled the role of Sweep which can often be tinged with just a little bit of stress! 

True to form, Veronica has compiled an excellent photo gallery on the Google drive for your viewing pleasure so you can immerse yourself in the event to your heart's content." 

President Kelly then called up Joy Burnett and Margaret Metcalf who were presented with a gift of appreciation of Lavender and a cup cake to acknowledge their considerable contribution to the event this year.

Mandy Sneeuwjagt could not be present but a similar gift will be delivered to her.

As Robynne was not present, Kelly presented her gift to Scott and warned him not to eat the cupcake!

 Kelly then asked Charlie B to come forward.

“Charlie I think we would have struggled significantly this year without your help. We’ve really appreciated your input and enjoyed the time together spent conducting our surveys and wrestling with the logistics. It has been a pleasure working with you.

On behalf of RCMP I would like to present you with this Certificate of appreciation for your highly valued contribution to BNB this year.”

The Rotary Club of Wongan Hills provided lunch on Saturday of the event. For a small club but they pulled out all the stops with a magnificent spread. The club, through Bill Boekman, had organised

messages advising of the event on electronic notice boards leading into and in Wongan Hills townsite and arranged for all vehicles to be parked outside the Community Centre. President Lyn Hood welcomed the participants to town and wished the event every success.

In closing President Kelly thanked those club members who joined us at Dalwallinu and at Northam for Ocktoberfest, and thanked everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s event.

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Brian J : Always in need of leads for good speakers - please put your thinking hats on for someone who will enter into the Christmas spirit for our last meeting of the year.

Lorrie G : On behalf of Gorby, a vocational visit to the Ostomy Association is planned for 14 November with possible lunch afterwards at the Queens Hotel.

Jawaria Mahmood – Staying Safe Online

Jawaria Mahmood is an academic in cyber space.  Originally from Pakistan, she has a technical background, which she has utilised to highlight opportunities and inspire young students to consider STEM careers. This has resulted in work with Engineers Australia and Edith Cowan University to support coding and robotics education.

Jawaria is the Founder of Tech Aware which has developed specialized programs focused on empowering communities to protect themselves online.

For her breadth of community contribution, Jawaria was recognised in the 2023 Community Citizen of the Year Awards by the City of Gosnells. She has also been chosen as a participant for Auspire’s 2023 Multicultural Leadership Program.

In introducing Jawaria, Host Diana Goh also informed us of her recent nomination in People’s Choice of “Women in Technology in WA”.

Jawaria’s presentation covered practical tips and strategies to safeguard your digital

presence:

• Online banking

• Shopping & money transfer
• Accessing myGov and ServiceWA apps securely
• Creating strong passwords and PINs
• Identifying and verifying potential scams
• How to Access resources to support ongoing online safety.

Common terminology used in Cybersecurity to define threats:

• Cybersafety/Cyberthreat

• Phishing normally an email trying to steal information or money (click here….)
• Smishing a fraud attempt done via an SMS (ATO etc…)
• Vishing when you get a random phone call (car crash?, we’re here to help…)
• Hacking when someone is able to get access to your data or system
• Ransomeware a type of software to access your device and data

Anything that you didn’t initiate is a high likelihood that it is an attempt from an evil threat actor.

Jawaria gave some examples of scam emails and common signs to help identify them. There might be a suspicious URL or email address, “urgent action needed”, offer of winning something or come from someone you are not a customer of.

It’s always a good idea to stop and think before acting on it.

There are some very good best practices for Cyber hygiene:

• Creating strong passwords and PINS (and tips for remembering….)

• Multi Factor Authentication (a code to your phone after entering password)
• Look closely at URLs (website address)
• Keeping your operating systems and Apps up to date
• Training and awareness

Jawaria suggested creating a pass phrase rather than pass word. Change it around slightly or substitute numbers for letters then remove the spaces. A similar technique of using a word to create and remember a PIN by using the numbers on your phone keypad...

Jawaria then addressed some of the risks and special considerations online.

• Inappropriate and extreme content – there are ways to report it and protect yourself online.

• Online predators – parents should avoid posting photos online of their children getting awards….school logos on their jackets.
• Cyberbullying – ways to report
• Taking care of your privacy and security – don’t mention you are going on a holiday.
• Be careful of your screentime and addiction.
• Financial risks – clicking on links and not really knowing about the website…replicas.
• Social and emotional risks.

Some common scams/threats:

How do you identify them?

There are ways to report scams and cyberthreats. A couple useful links are:

Australian Signals Directorate – www.cyber.gov.au

ScamWatch – www.scamwatch.gov.au

In closing, Jawaria reminded members that the App myGovID will shortly be changing to myID. You don’t need to do anything…

Attendance

30 attendees in all, including guest speaker  and  visitors Margaret Metcalf and Charlie Burnett.

 

Special BulldustNback Edition

From us all - Our first day on The Road 

 It's been a great start to the 2024 BulldustNBack with 19 registered vehicles and  several official vehicles, ranging from Land Cruisers to Mercedes to Audi Convertibles with age ranges of 1976 to 2020 - the cars not the participants!

We hit the road running on Thursday morning from High Wycombe Primary School who's principal Kate, her staff and year 7 pupils organised breakfast for our hungry mob - 63 people in all - a hungry mob indeed!

After a briefing by Sweep Charlie Burnett, the cars set off at 15 minute intervals to follow 'tulip map' instructions on how to get to the first stop.

Fun Stop #1 - Goomalling

Car #007 took up the challenge to organise a FUN stop - Mark, John and Glen dressed up as Bio-Security Police looking for cars infected with Shot Hole Borers - and sprayed each car for a fee (which also gave each car a chance to win a $100 voucher for the Shoe Bar in the City). They raised in excess of $500 for KCSG.

Lunch - Konnongorring

The arrival of hungry Bulldusters were satisfied with a fabulous spread - courtesy of Margaret Metcalf, Joy Burnett and Robynne Dwyer. A brief description of the area was given by local farmer -

"Olympic" Sundowner

Well it had to be done  and nearly everyone donned some form of 'Olympic' dress from the easily identifiable to the extremely vague - BUT a lot of fun and winners Christian (L) and Justin (R) Ridley (sons of Melva and Peter Stevens) won with their fantastic effort as the Jamaican Bob Sleigh Team. Geoff Kelly, son in law of Mark Horwood is on the extreme right in Tennis gear.

Thursday Dinner

Although we are in the 6th year of the BulldustNBack, President Kelly awarded 5-Year participation certificates to Mark Cenin (Senno) and Ross Heyder (Rosco) for participating in every BNB since it started in 2019. 

 

In addition a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to ex Mill Point Rotarian Russell Lanyon (below right) for his years of support, ideas and creativity since the inaugural BNB. 

Each day we had participants and officials, as well as volunteers and vocationals who joined us at certain times.

These volunteers and vocationals helped with preparing and bringing lunches to various outback areas and kept us well fed.

From Thursday breakfast at the start of the BNB to Sunday lunch, the finish of the BNB we had anywhere between 58 - 79 people in attendance at various events.

Bulletin #14 - 4 October 2024

 President

In the absence of President Kelly who is still suffering from the 'lurgie', Past President Brian "Maverick" Johnson took the podium and reminded us that October is Economic and Community Development month. 

Brian also gave a brief outline of the Club Forum Agenda, the focus of today's meeting.

Club Forum

Membership Satisfaction Survey (available on website)

Veronica presented the analysis of the 2024 Membership Satisfaction Survey conducted last month:

• Of the 58 surveys distributed there were 35 responses (60% response rate).   
• Overall members indicated that they were satisfied with their membership and club experience.
• Majority of respondees felt that the community did not perceive the value of the Club’s involvement in the community, which highlights the need to promote this more in the community.   
• Key projects suggested included homelessness, domestic violence and collaboration with the City of South Perth, and more networking opportunities with local businesses/organisations.   
  
• The top five most liked activities were the Club birthday party, Xmas meeting, Tree planting, visit to the Pines, Summer BBQ, with Guess Who's Coming to Dinner in 6th place.  
•  Expectations were high in regard to continuance of good Speaker Program.
  
• Members were reminded that they have an open invitation to attend any of the Committee meetings and/or the Board meetings or access minutes on Google Drive or on the club website. 
• Some good ideas for growing the Club and attracting new members were identified and will be taken up by respective Directors.
• Suggestions to "Stop, Start or Continue" particular activities were provided by members and found mostly to be already in place.
• Communications were positive although lack of activity on social media and visits to the website. 

The full analysis can be found on the Google drive or via themember only page on the Club website.

Change to By-laws

The proposed amendment to Bylaw 2 was passed by the present members.  The Bylaw sets the composition of the Board with the President-elect normally being the Director Club Service.  Due to this year’s circumstances the Director Club Service is technically not a member of the Board. This is now corrected.

RCMP Strategic Plan and Goals

Brian presented the Club's Strategic Plan and Goals as a five-year working-level document, focusing on High priorities as identified by  each Director.  The document was circulated to members prior to the forum.

Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE)

In previous years the Club has been actively involved in directly hosting a student. Feedback from members who had hosted students highlighted the pros and cons, and commitments required in being a host parent. Members agreed, in principle, to explore involvement with RYE and for the Youth Director to discuss this further at Board level.

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Lyn Metcalf

• Support from members requested for the BulldustNBack Silent Auction. Be the first on the list to show non-Rotarians how supportive we are of the hard work put into our Fundraising.

Wayne

• There will be a quick BNB meeting after breakfast.

Raelene

• Seeking support for the "Medics" car in the BNB next week. Please give generously for this worthy cause and as there is NO MEETING next week, consider donating your breakfast cost to Car #31 (31 members x $30 = $930 - all for a good cause!)

Veronica

• Membership meeting after breakfast.
• District is seeking nominations for:
• District Governor 2026-27;  
• District Governor 2027-28 otherwise known as District Governor Nominee Delegate
• Foundation Chair
• District Finance Officer.

If interested please contact DG Pat Schraven at dg@rotarywa.au or 0474 784 883.

Debbie

• Help wanted as 'Sergeant At Arms' duties for the following weeks:
• November 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th.
• Also for "Dress" for:
  
• December 6th, 13th and 20th.

Please contact Debbie for further details 0450 627 270 or on meroseko12@hotmail.com

Joy-ful Fine(s) for the day!

Garrick - hiding President Kelly's keys on the last BNB Survey  AND recent visit to Bali

Veronica - Forgot how to close the meeting last week AND for maligning sheepdogs on her FB page.

Anyone who has travelled to London...

AFL sports fans who watched the Grand Final - c'mon own up!

Gerry - AKA Astrid Mitchell because she had an impressive name badge AND for forgetting something he was supposed to bring to the meeting...

Margaret H - Returning from extended holiday with a Queensland Tan!

David R - Has a 'yen' to visit Japan so contribute any Australian dollars before you go.

Dietmar -Tut, tut, it's not worth being late but to us it's worth your dollars - AND forgetting Anne-Marie's wine cooler to boot!

PP Brian - for bribing members to sit at the top table so they could be first to breakfast

All those who took Brian up on his bribe - you know who you are!

Winner of Heads and Tails

 A head and a tail; 2 heads and 2 tails saw Dianna Goh win the wine - and for the fourth time!

Lucky lady with a big smile to show her pleasure!

Attendance

32 attendees in all, including visitor Charlie Burnett.