Saturday, May 31, 2025

Bulletin #43

President Missing In Action

In the absence of President Kelly who was busy boogy-ing at his dad's 90th birthday, Past President Tricia Smith held court to thunderous applause!

Our Fabulous Unsung Heroes!

Herliana Gunaway and Thiyagarajan Renganathan (Rajan)

It is an honour to nominate Herliana Gunawan and husband Rajan Renganathan for the Unsung Hero Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication and selfless service to the community through her volunteer work at Seeds of Hope Services Inc., located in the City of Perth. Herliana's and Rajan’s unwavering commitment to supporting those in need embodies the true spirit of compassion, resilience, and generosity.

For several years since July 2020, Herliana and Rajan have been a cornerstone of Seeds of Hope Services Inc., dedicating countless hours to aiding marginalized individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Whether it is cooking and distributing food each week for up to 150 homeless and needy individuals, offering emotional support, or organizing community outreach programs, they consistently go above and beyond to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society receive the help they deserve.

Their ability to connect with people from all walks of life and offer them hope and encouragement is truly inspiring. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition, to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who are struggling. Their positive attitude, strong work ethic, and compassionate heart have earned them the respect and admiration of both their peers and the individuals they serve.

In a world where acts of kindness often go unnoticed, They exemplify what it means to be an unsung hero. Their humility, dedication, and relentless pursuit of making a difference make them deserving recipients of this award. By honoring their contributions, we not only recognize their efforts but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Other family members, including her daughter Rani and mother are also involved in the charity. Their daughter Rani helps out after school on Monday afternoon distributing food at the city.  

Mike Harrison  Manning Men’s Shed


The Manning Men’s Shed offers a few programs for men and women in the community. These programs are designed to help with mental health and have been very effective in addressing levels of depression, social anxiety, and loneliness.

We also get approached by schools in the local area who have children who don’t fit into the typical academic environment.

Typically, these children are autistic or on the spectrum. We’ve been running this program for a few years now, and each year, Mike has taken the lead in caring for the young teenage males who come along.

When these young men first join, they are usually non-verbal and rather insular. Mike takes them under his wing and gets them to do simple things like sanding, nailing, and putting in or taking out screws. This repetitive behaviour seems to appeal to people on the autism spectrum, and it’s amazing to see the transformation that takes place in these young teenage boys.

After a few weeks, they really come out of themselves. Soon, they’re chatting with other men in the shed and taking on new projects to be repaired, all under the watchful eye of Mike.

In the end, Mike just stands back and lets them do their thing. I recently heard that of the two boys who recently attended, one of them has gotten a job, and the other is on the shortlist to start working as well. At the end of the program, we get them to make a little pencil case and we 3D print their names on it. They take these back to school and show them to the other students.

The students who were previously hesitant to join the program now see what they can do at the shed and there at least a dozen students who would now like to join the program.

There are a few things we do at the Shed that I’m very proud of, but the program that I am most proud of is the one that Mike runs. Mike Harrison is an outstanding individual and a very worthy candidate for the unsung hero Award.

Enda Fahy CEO of Southcare on behalf of Sally Marks, Southcare volunteer

It is a great pleasure to honour City of South Perth resident and long-time volunteer Sally Marks, whose quiet yet powerful leadership has made a lasting impact on our community.

Since 2022, Sally has served as the volunteer ambassador of Southcare’s weekly Knitting Circle - a welcoming space where creativity and connection flourish. Through her warmth, skill, and tireless dedication, Sally has transformed this group into a vibrant hub of social interaction, supporting dozens of people of all ages and abilities. Her work directly tackles the growing issue of social isolation, particularly among older Australians, by fostering meaningful connections, reducing loneliness, and promoting mental well-being.

As Southcare’s first Community Ambassador, Sally leads by example - bringing Southcare’s vision of an engaged, supported community to life, one stitch at a time. From complete beginners to seasoned crafters, all are welcomed into a safe, inclusive space where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and purpose is rediscovered.

Beyond her weekly sessions, Sally has championed projects with real impact. She led the group’s contribution to the Purple Road project, raising awareness of elder abuse through hundreds of hand-crafted purple flowers displayed at Parliament House. She coordinated the creation of knitted poppies for a moving Remembrance Day tribute at the Royal Perth Golf Club, and her group crafted beanies for the Soroptimist “Beanies Made with Love” campaign to support Perth’s homeless community.

Sally Marks embodies the Southcare values of Quality, Respect, Integrity, Cooperation and Empathy. Her actions may be quiet, but their ripple effect is profound.

Today, we proudly celebrate Sally as an Unsung Hero - a woman whose compassion, creativity and community spirit continue to enrich lives, one loop, one laugh, and one loving gesture at a time.
 
Congratulations to each of these worthy recipients!
 

Fine(s) and Dandy!

Our little ray of sunshine and joy (Burnett) dished the dirt when describing the deeds of the day...

Past President Tricia was first for cutting Joy's fines session short and also for interrupting whilst she was eating her brekkie...

1.   Top of th list – Lyn Metcalf…welcome back! Now the last time you drove across the Nullarbor, you copped a speeding ticket, this time it was a windscreen, that’s a bit more expensive than the speeding ticket, so I let's grab a dollar before that lovely Bluey comes in - just in case

2.   Anyone NOT wearing Stripes or checks!

Winner of Heads and Tails

Visitor John Marks took out the grog with an excellent win and a huge smile - well done John and thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for their kind donation of the wine each week.

Attendance

36 attendees in all, including heroes and heroines Herliana Gunaway, Thiyagarajan Renganathan, Mike Harrison, and Sally Marks; visitors Anton Nazzer, Enda Fahy, Graham Rennie, Mandy Sneeuwjagt, John Grohovaz, Christine Tanaka, Mark Jones,  Rani Gunawa, and Jonathan Marks.

Friday, May 23, 2025

Bulletin #42 23 May 2025

Presidential Welcome

After a rousing introduction by Sargeant Mike Collet, President Kelly welcomed Rotarians and visitors alike and opened the meeting to thunderous applause!

Guest Speaker : Renewable Energy Infrastructure Challenges and Grid Stability in Australia - Ian Kremmer.

Ian Kremmer is a qualified civil structural engineer with 45 years of experience, and provided an overview of the current and planned renewable energy projects in Australia, highlighting their scale, costs, and types—including transmission, generation, and storage projects. He emphasized the involvement of the Australian Market Operator (AEMO) in managing the transition and referenced the recent merger of his consultancy, E3 Advisory, with Argo PLC Consulting Group, which specializes in strategic policy and implementation in the renewable energy transition.

Australia is undergoing a significant transition to renewable energy, with numerous large-scale projects underway across multiple states, including Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.

The centrepiece of the plan is the Optimal Development Plan, which includes a mix of replacement grid-scale generation, storage, and transmission, with an annualised capital cost of $122 billion projected to 2050. Individual project construction costs for major transmission projects typically range from $2 to $6 billion.

Ian cited AEMO’s role in managing the process and provided examples of key projects such as the Western Renewable Link, Victoria-NSW Interconnector West, Marinus Link, and Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. He also noted the unprecedented volume of simultaneous projects, drawing a parallel to the mining boom in terms of resource demand.

The challenges include resource constraints, skilled labor shortages, project complexity, lengthy environmental and property acquisition processes, and opposition from local communities. Ian highlighted the limited number of major construction companies—most of which are overseas-owned—and the strain this places on project delivery.

There is significant strain on resources and skilled labor due to the concurrent execution of many large projects, with a limited pool of experienced workers and companies.

The construction industry is dominated by overseas-owned firms, such as Holland and ASEAN, adding further complexity.

Environmental impact studies, property acquisition, and multiple approval processes are lengthy and can take months or years, causing delays.

Opposition from local communities and the complexity of land acquisition—especially for large transmission lines that cannot be easily rerouted—are major hurdles.


Ian provided detailed descriptions of project lengths, capacities, technical challenges, and their roles in the broader energy transition. He discussed the need for new transmission lines to reduce congestion and enable renewable integration, as well as the logistical challenges of constructing such infrastructure.


The 'Kwinana Waste to Energy' project is operational, generating over 38 MW for 55,000 homes, diverting up to 46,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, and reducing CO2 emissions equivalent to taking 85,000 cars off the road. It is currently the only operational waste-to-energy project in Australia.The Rockingham project, which Ian also worked on, has stalled due to technical problems and is not yet operational.

The April 2020 blackout in Spain and Portugal was discussed, its causes, and implications for Australia’s grid as renewable penetration increases. Ian described the event as one of the most extensive blackouts in European history, affecting 55 million people for over 10 hours. This was caused by a rapid drop in grid frequency and cascading failures, and emphasized the need for robust interconnection, digital monitoring, and system recovery protocols.

 The question of improving grid stability and resilience in Australia was also discussed as well as the role and future of emerging technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells and advanced energy storage.

Ian also discussed the potential role of nuclear and gas in Australia's future energy mix and the business case and economic justifications for large-scale projects, concluding with the main challenges in transitioning to new energy projects in Australia.

The full transcript of the  powerpoint slides and transcript of presentation can be found using the links below. 

 millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>KREMMER Ian - Renewables Rollout presentation

 millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>KREMMER Ian - Transcript of presentation 23 May 2025.

 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

David R: 

  • Reminder for June changeover lunch book now at www.trybooking.com/DBENN

Rick S: 

  • Community Services meeting at 8.30, introduce new members to "Unsung Hero's" event next week.

Michelle L: 

  • Margaret Hyatt is away so please RSVP to Michelle for breakfasts mmalovkis1@icloud.com.
  • New Youth Project "Literacy in lower economic schools"

It's a Fine(s) Line...

  • Put a coin in the middle if you have not heard of John Dalton*.
  • Another one if you don't know what achromatopsia** is.
  • Supporters of the two winning local AFL Teams last weekend - don't see that often!
  • Supporters of Roger Cook's defunct Syndey Bears Rugby team.
  • Fans of Rita's speedway through Burswood.
  • Mike Collet for Tottenham Hotspur win.
  • David Thomas and Peter Matthews - long time no see!
  • Brian Adams needing to prove he is over 65.
  • Ross Smith - our man in the mask.
  • Everyone at Table 2 (because I said so!) 

* Scientist who invented atomic theory in 1803. First person to realise he was colour blind.

** Colour blindness affects 1 in 12 males and 1 in 200 females  or about 4.4% of the population. See Wayne if you would like to know more or about celebrating Colour blindness day on 6 September.

Winner of Heads and Tails

4 lots of H & Ts followed by the winning two tails saw Ross Smith win the wine this week. Thanks to Margaret and Lyn Metcalf for supplying the grog each week.

Attendance

35 attendees in all, including guest speaker Ian Kremmer, visting Rotarian Bill Boekman and visitors Diane Allen and Anton Najjar.

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Bulletin #41

Induction

President Kelly welcomed Rotarian Alison Thair to conduct the induction of Dr Eunice Sari, our latest new member. Rotarian Lydia Wong introduced Eunice to the club:

“I met this amazing lady through Diana Goh. We went for a morning walk and I became one of Eunice's many fans. 

Dr Eunice Sari is a digital transformation expert and educator who helps businesses and students around the world create better tech experiences for real people. 

As CEO and co-founder of 'Customer Experience Insight' in Perth, she teaches companies how to design websites, apps, and services that are easy to use, helpful, and ready for the future with AI.

Her signature programs are Marginpreneur and DiversityInnovation -  that support migrants, women, and young people to build their own businesses, find jobs, and create positive change through technology.

This lady’s achievements are so vast that I am not done yet! 

Eunice is also the first woman in SEA to be certified as a Google Expert in Product Design and leads the Perth AI Innovators meetup. She’s mentored startup founders in global programs like Google for Startups and Women Techmakers, always bringing her passion for user-friendly design and inclusive innovation to the table.

Ok finally, time for a Fun fact now. 

Eunice can turn any boring workshop into party—with sticky notes, lots of laughter, and even some Indonesian snacks. 

Let us welcome Eunice to our Rotary family.  We are blessed to have a global thinker with a local heart, always ready to share big ideas over great food - preferably yummy Asian food and impactful conversations”.

Guest Speaker :Dr Jean Butler - the Early Years of Silver Chain.

Jean has a PhD in history and was the Director of the Centre for Western Australian History at UWA.

 

After leaving there, she worked for ten years at the State Library collecting archival material relating to West Australian history. A personal highlight during those years was walking 800 kilometres of the Camino trail from France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. She retired from the library in 2021.

 

With a colleague, Deborah Gare, she was commissioned to write a centenary history of the Silver Chain. The book is called A Chain of Care, A History of the Silver Chain Nursing Association, 1905-2005.

 

Jean’s talk today - Care in the community – the early years of the Silver Chain is drawn from that book.

 

At the dawn of the 20th Century, what sort of care could you expect if you were sick in Perth or anywhere in the state and you were also poor? There was the Perth Public Hospital, the Home of Peace for the dying and incurable opened in 1903. But there was no Children’s Hospital until 1909 and no Women’s Hospital (“King Eddies”) until 1916. The community relied very heavily on women at home to care for the sick and elderly.

 

The population exploded due to the Gold Rush of the 1890’s and there was an outbreak of typhoid in Perth and the Goldfields during 1899. The Salvation Army, The St John of Gods Sisters and the Methodist Sisters of the People responded to this growing need. It could be argued that these Sisters were the forerunners of modern day district Nursing.

 

At the turn of the century WA had

many newspapers. The “Western Mail” and “West Australian” were to play a pivotal role in the Silver Chain. The West Australian had a “Children’s Corner” overseen by “Aunt Mary” journalist Muriel Chase. In 1904 she decided to turn the children’s readers into an organised club. She suggested they could all donate a shilling a year to help the distressed at Christmas or help the Sisters of the Church to establish a home at Parkerville for uncared-for babies. Aunt Mary added the new Society needed a name and decided on The Silver Chain League, the Silver reflecting the shillings and Chain being the children as links in the chain.

 

The first Silver Chain fundraising event was organised at Christmas 1905. Muriel Chase and her supporters knew that only those with really dire illness went to hospital, but help was very urgently needed for those that were seriously ill at home. A District Nurse going into a home could educate as well as nurse. District Nursing had been operational in South Australia since 1894. Aunt Mary in 1906 suggested they should pay for a District Nurse and buy a bicycle for her to be able to go from case to case. With barely enough money raised, in 1907 they employed Nurse Copley.

 

Aunt Mary advocated for the need for clean garments for babies, old clean linen for clothes and dressings. In 1908 Nurse Cherry was appointed and she stayed for 33 years. By 1909 the management of the District scheme had been taken over by an influential group of Perth citizens that included Muriel Chase. The West Australian newspaper continued to provide support. After a period of time a pony and trap was purchase as a means of transport.

 

In 1909 The Children’s Hospital was opened. Midwifery cases were urgent and in 1910 a Maternity Nurse, Nurse Tate, was employed by Silver Chain. The poor and aged were to become much more prevalent amongst the Silver Chain patients.

 

The Christmas Fairs remained a major source of Silver Chain funding. Alfred Carson became the Chairman. He would ensure nurses were always paid when funds were tight. Often, he would stroll through the Terrace telling people about the Silver Chain’s dilemma and taking the occasional “ten pounder”.

 

In 1919 the Spanish Flu swept through Fremantle and other Perth suburbs. Nurse Dixon-Smith would be warned by neighbours when she arrived at a house where someone had taken ill. Those were terrible days for her. Community support and respect for the Silver Chain nurses was strong and services were received from doctors and chemists often at no cost. Supplies of blankets, food, medicine and clothing was received from friends and supporters.

 

In 1920 a land grant from the State Government enabled the Silver Chain to open a cottage home for the elderly. By now, 15 years from its beginning, the League was now operating an effective District nursing system and has begun residential care. A third strand, Bush nursing, has also begun developing.

 

By the 1930s there were lean times, an increased demand for services and a decrease in private money. The Charities Commission (later Lotteries Commission) support and Government grants became necessary to pay the nurses salaries. Post-war, Henry Gregg took over as Chairman and served 13 years.

 

By 1944, the Bush Nursing Society had been fully integrated into Silver Chain. Where there was a hospital or doctor in a town, District Nursing was introduced. If there was no hospital or doctor, Silver Chain Bush Nursing centres were established. Bush nurses were particularly intrepid, sometimes even needing to be an amateur Vet…..

Jean related a number of stories of the resilience of Bush Nurses and the hardships they faced. They would often have to travel long distances over difficult country. There were often language difficulties with the many migrant workers.

 

By the 1950’s the transport had changed and there were 25 trained nurses. By 1961, Silver Chain Home Help was established, but conditions still remained appalling for some of their patients, often so bad that helpers would refuse to work in them.

 

In the post-war years the fundraising model had remained 1/3 Lotteries, 1/3 Government and 1/3 private fundraising. The well known “Flower Day” would continue to raise thousands of pounds. These parades through Perth would draw crowds rivalling those of Anzac Day and wartime processions.

 

In concluding, Jean said there was so much more about Silver Chain, these were just the early days. Much has changed and grown with the Silver Chain, which has now been in operation for well over one hundred years. Jean’s PowerPoint can be viewed at:

millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>BUTLER Jean – The History of Silver Chain

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Ross Sweeney: The 14th RC of Como Classic Car Show 2025 -  RC of Como would like some feedback. Questionnaire attached, please have some input. Please click on this link Survey to complete.

Gerry McG: Former member Alan Eggleston has passed away. Funeral details to be announced. Reprsentation from Mill Point requested.

Geoff L: A Cornucopia of Coins was found lurking in the Treasurer's briefcase - mostly foreign coins so if anyone knows of a charity who can use them please contact Geoff 0457 327 027

Wayne D: Endeavour Awards night now sold out. There is now a waiting list so if you cannot attend please let Wayne know 0417 459 622 

David R: REMINDER - Changeover lunch on Friday 27 June. Please book via the Trybooking site - trybooking.com/DBENN

Cutting it Fine(s)

Owen the Outstanding doled out the fines this morning....
  • David Rowell, 55 years of wedded bliss!
  • Firgins (Fine Virgins) - Eunice and Bassem.
  • Lydia - the most amazing introduction of Eunice!
  • Shoe Lace Shirkers - all those with slip-ons who can no longer bend to tied their shoe laces.
  • Fashionista's - affordable (and fineable) fashion wearers/followers.
  • Tracking App Tragics - only used to find the way home!
  • Como Club Refugees - Ross McSweeney visiting from Como, and our Owen who started off there but then defected to Mill Point.
  • Box Buyer Alison - 3rd grandchild who made her debut on Sunday.

Winner of Heads and Tails

A plethora of tosses which the editor missed due to not listening until  Scott Dwyer was announced the grabber of the grog!

Attendance

39 attendees in all, including guest speaker Dr Jean Butler, visitors Eugene and Maria De Lima, Diane Allen and  Rotarian Ross Sweeney.

Monday, May 12, 2025

Bulletin #40

Angus gave a rousing "welcome back" to President Kelly and everyone joined in!

 

Past President Alison Thair inducted new member Bassem Helou after being introduced by his sponsor, and presented him with his Rotary accoutrements. Bassem gave a short response and was warmly welcomed into the Club.

Bassem is a project manager in economical developing countries and works for Swiss contact, a Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation. His interests outside of work are cooking, hiking and socialising. Bassem has joined Rotary to engage with and expand his networks, both professionally and socially, and like all good Rotarians wants to make a positive impact in his community whilst developing his personal growth and leadership skills through volunteering.  Welcome Bassem!

 

 

 

Guest Speaker Bill Cutler - CY O'Connor (Part 2) Beyond the Pipeline

Bill was born on the pipeline atNo 7 Pumping Station, Gilgai and lived his early life and schooling as a pipeline kid.

His father worked his entire life on three of the O’Connor-built steam pumping stations, firstly as a fireman, and later a greaser.

Bill is a 43-year career banker serving in WA as well as overseas postings in Fiji, Hong Kong, Singapore and London. He retired in 2002, and amongst other things became a volunteer tour guide with the National Trust.

 

He is a direct bloodline descendant of two First Fleet convicts who arrived at Sydney Cove on January 26th 1788. Bill is currently Vice-President of the WA Chapter of the Fellowship of First Fleeters.

 

Bill returned to the Club, having presented on 7th February about Part 1 CY O’Connor – The Golden Pipeline. In Part 1, he spoke of CY O’Connor building the Fremantle Harbour, pipeline and the WA Government railway system. In Part 2, he spoke of the numerous events leading to O’Connor taking his own life.

It is a common myth that O’Connor took his own life because the water didn’t come through. On 31st March 1902, the first pump started. However, O’Connor had committed suicide on 10th March 1902, three weeks earlier.

 

There were a number of influential characters at this time:

John Forrest – WA Premier.

Frederick Vosper – Journalist turned politician and vociferous O’Connor critic.

Thomas Hodgson – Hydraulic engineer appointed by O’Connor.

James Couston – engineer and inventor.

 

Vosper was a Goldfields journalist at the “Coolgardie Times” who had a strong dislike for O’Connor.  In 1897 he represented the Goldfields, before moving to Perth and starting the “Sunday Times”. He wrote letters to the paper under a pseudonym and then answered them targeting the Government and O’Connor.

 

In 1901-02 WA had five Premiers and Parliaments, making for highly dysfunctional Government. Every time O’Connor had to deal with a new Premier/Treasurer they would keep cutting budgets. Workers would be sacked, many of whom returned to Victoria.

New governments would then try to catch up on the pipeline with no workers and the project in arrears. There were no Ministers for Works with any experience.

 

Couston invented a caulking machine for the pipeline and offered it to the government by patent for £7,500 and a contract to do the caulking. The government wanted a tender and public service employees, stalling the project for months in parliament.

 

Hodgson (running the project) was building the #3 station at Cunderdin. Before the announcement, he bought land there having borrowed money from Couston. Whilst not illegal at the time, it was naïve. Couston got the contract after O’Connor’s death.

 

In January 1902, O’Connor was sent to South Australia to design their harbour. In his absence, a Parliamentary Enquiry leading to a Royal Commission was initiated to investigate delays in the pipeline project. All members of the enquiry/commission as well as witnesses were anti-O’Connor. He was given no chance to prepare for the inquiry.

 


On 10th March 1902, the day he was due to appear before the Commission, O’Connor rode his horse into the water and shot himself with his revolver.

 

The Commission finding in July 1902 found a conspiracy by Couston and Hodgson and that O’Connor must have known of the misconduct and took no action. It is widely held that O’Connor committed suicide because of their actions.

 

In concluding, Bill noted that:

  • A William Reynoldson was given the project and the pipeline was finished on time
  • The water flowed
  • The pipeline was paid off in twenty years
  • The pipeline is still operating today
Bill's full presentation can be found on the website in the members' only section. 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Rick S: Thanks to everyone who helped at the Pankind sausage sizzle on Sunday where 350 sausages were sold raising $200 for the club.

Brian J: the membership directory is being formatted so please get your details to Brian asap - no returns, no change to what is already there.

Wayne D: The Endeavour Awards at the Pines on 3 June still has 8 places to fill. Please book asap as we need 40 people to fill our quota.

Wayne M: Kerry Hardwick is hosting a coffee morning for John at Meath Care on 21 May at 10am. Please contact Wayne if you would like to attend as places limited to 8.

Ian K: Mens' and Womens' dinners are on at Preston Street and The Glove respectively. Numbers are falling away so please feel free to invite partners/spouses to attend.

Chance would be a Fine(s) thing...

Pocket Rocket Jenny McLean took a fine view on misdemeanours this week...

  • Blue and Green wearers in commiseration of the election results
  • Democracy sausage escapees.
  • Spouses of Fishermen/women all in lieu of the catching of a 10 foot Burmese Python - python and chips?
  • Football/soccer hooligans.
  • The Three Amigo's - Lydia, Eunice and Kim for the corruption of the public and bribing of young people with lollipops at the Saturday Angelo St Party.
  • All Rugby aficionado's who are happy of the return to WA.
Winner of Heads and Tails

Ian Kremmer played Tosser of the Week, throwing 3 lots of Heads and Tails, then 2 x Heads and guess who snagged the grog!

Attendance

35 attendees in all, including guest speaker Bill Cutler, and visitors David Canute and 

Monday, May 5, 2025

Bulletin #39

It's Good News Week!

This week we've celebrated many anniversaries –

  • The inauguration of the first president of the United States 1789 (George Washington) Mr Potato Head – the first toy to be advertised on TV in 1952 - the two are not related!
  • The World Wide Web being launched in the public domain 1989
  • The Penny Black the world’s first adhesive postage stamp issue in Great Britain 1840
  • The opening of the Empire State Building in New York City 1931

But today celebrates something more special – it’s the day we celebrate those amongst us who go above and beyond the call of duty and we will recognise and award them for their achievements.

Pride of Workmanship Awards 2025

In his introduction, Vocational Director Michael “Gorby” Gottschalk noted:  
 
“Today is one of the highlights of our Rotary Year. The Pride of Workmanship Awards are designed to acknowledge employees irrespective of age or vocation who, in the eyes of their employer or customers, display outstanding qualities in terms of approach, attitude, dedication and customer service. It is not a competition, you won’t be winning a free trip to London... It is purely a recognition, from our group, of outstanding individual achievement and commitments".

 There were four nominees:

 

ADERONKE ADEYOMO – Meath Care (Wattle House) Nominated by Kerry Hardwick

"As we know, John has been admitted to Meath Aged Care and Ade has his measure…!

She is gentle, but firm with John and always good-humoured. Her professional, compassionate care and understanding have always been appreciated.

Aderonke is from Nigeria, where she trained as a teacher before moving to the UK to study nursing. She migrated to Australia in 2007 and has nearly two decades in nursing. Aderonke is married with three children and, outside of nursing, teaches languages as a volunteer with the Nigerian Association of WA".

 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACY WONG - Manic Espresso 
 Nominated by Wayne Muller
"Tracy is the lady that welcomes everybody that comes into the Manic Coffee Shop up in Murray Street, Como. Tracy originally came from Hong Kong on a working holiday some time ago and liked it so much she stayed. She is currently working towards becoming an Australian citizen.

The coffee shop is like family, a very pleasant place to come to, where everybody seems to know each other. Tracy is the very active and busy “front face” of the establishment and can remember everyone’s favourite drink. We have meeting there for quite some time on a Tuesday morning, with a record crowd of twelve there last week.

In fact, it was David Tyler who first suggested nominating Tracy and everybody agreed. She is very deserving of this award and wins a special prize for being nominated by at least a dozen people".

 
 
 
 
 
 
HANA YAP – Brentwood Australia Post. 
Nominated by Diana Goh
"Hana consistently delivers outstanding customer service, with her warm professional manner and incredible efficiency. Her manager, Michelle McAnuff describes her as a reliable and positive team member, always going above and beyond.

What truly sets Hana apart is how she stepped up to support customers affected by the closure of nearby bank branches. With her background in banking and financial services, Hana has become the go-to person for many locals who now rely on the Post office for their banking needs.

Hana fosters a respectful, cooperative work environment and leads by example with her initiative and dedication to excellence".

 
 
 
 
 
KATE JAMIESON – Brumby’s Bakery
Nominated by Michael Gottschalk

"Kate recently graduated with Honours in Psychology with a double degree in Human Resource Management from Curtin University. She is currently on a Gap Year before starting her Masters.

Kate has worn many hats over the years, including serving customers and training new team members ay Brumby’s Bakery (where she has perfected the art of multitasking and smiling before 7 AM…). She is always grateful for the diverse and valuable work experiences they have given her as they’ve shaped who she is today.

Kate always aims to make a positive impact and build an inclusive environment around her. She also enjoys playing indoor beach volleyball in her spare time".

 

 

 

 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

 Brian J : 

  • Membership Directory being prepared for 2025-2026 Rotay Year. Members will receive their details and will need to amend/change before Friday 9 May otherwise same details will be used. 
  • Our Website hosts a spreadsheet on all members' details and the District's Club Runner site will allow you to look up any Rotarian in the District,

Gerry McG:

  • Gerry gave a presentation on "Project Linen 2025" of  14,000 units of linen have successfully been dispatched to the Sudan, Northern Thailand, Shalom House, Timore Leste and Victory Life.  Thnks to everyone who helped out especially Andy George for the use of his shed. Gerry has also been offered another 12,000 units of linen to dispense!


Gorby :   

  • Brumby's in Inglewood has closed down and we are now collecting Bread from Baker's Delight on Monday evenings for delivery to the Havenwell on Tuesday mornings.
  • Received this email after advertising 'free linen' in his FB page. "Hi Gorby, Thanks again for this fantastic donation. Here's a little blurb (for Rotary only, not general publication) of where they will end up. This generous donation was happily received by Central Desert Native Title Services and the items will be distributed to various remote communities within the central desert area, which takes up around 1/3 of WA.  These (mostly extremely remote) communities are in particular need for bed linen and towels with little to no access to be able to get them, so this donation will be very well received.  Our staff regularly travel to these communities (it can take up to 1.5 to 2 days to get to some of them!) and will take what they can in their luggage with each trip. Thanks again, let me know if you need any more information".

Wayne D:

  • The Endeavour Awards is being held at the Pines Bentley 3 June. WE only have 27 bookings and need 40 to make it viable. Please support this event by booking online at https://www.trybooking.com/CZWNG
  • A new Peace Pole is to be erected at Curtin Primary School, Wayne would like some help to 'plan' it. Please contact Wayne on 0417 459 622.

Rick S: 

  • Community Services meeting at 8.30am following breakfast.

I'm Fine, it's Fine, everything's Fine(s)

Shh – can you hear it? It’s the sound of moth wings as pockets are patted, and tickets torn as we nervously rack our brains for any indiscretions performed this week and to relieve your moths of hibernation was Joy B!

ALL - for turning up after two week's absence.

Warren (and Lyn) McC - Wannabee Celebrities on Channel 10 as by-standers when the car hit the drink.

Garrick McC - Having wannabee celebrity parents!

ANZAC day supporters braving the dawn.

Early/postal voters for the election.

Easter egg recipients/collectors/givers.

Geoff L - The Entertainer with manners. 

Mike C - Lost name badges cost...

Lew T - Welcome back from prolonged absence in QLD

Gerry McG - Not satisfied with dispensing 14,000 units of linen but now hands up for another 12,000 units - greedy?

 Gorby - Sana no longer a "Brumby" but a "Delight"!

Raelene G - Going AWOL for 3 months! Pay in advance.

Brian J - Also going AWOL for undisclosed period.

Ian K - Early dress up as Santa - and not even Christmas in July!

Veronica L - Stealing Joy's "thunder"

Winner of Heads and Tails

Two heads; one of each and one of each saw Brian Adams claim the bottle of Grog! Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the grape juice!

Attendance
42 attendees in all, including Pride of Workmanship awardees, family and sponsors - Hana Jap, Anderonke Adeyomo, Tracy Wong and Kate Jamieson, Kerry Hardwick, Marlee Howie, Daniel Marsala, Timothy Oe, and soon-to-be member Dr Eunice Sari.