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