P2 - David Rowell
Co-President Gerry (P1) and David Rowell (P2) will be taking two weeks at a time, hence P2 presiding today.
On this day in history:
- Author Jane Austen (“Pride & Prejudice”) died in 1817
- Adolf Hitler released “Mein Kampf”
- Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci scored the impossible 10 points at the Montreal Olympics in 1976
- Nelson Mandela was born in 1918. Nelson Mandela Day for Social Justice & Human Rights is celebrated on this day
Guest Speaker : Dr Sarath, Jawardana - "Unchartered Horizons, A journey of resilience"
Within two years of arriving in Australia, he founded an educational institute (Registered Training Organisation). He has pursued further studies and earned a Graduate Diploma in Education, a Bachelor of Law Degree, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and a Diploma in Leadership and Management.
In 2018, Sarath was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia as a lawyer.
After postponing it “for many years despite my daughter’s encouragement…” Sarath finally put pen to paper. The result is “Unchartered Horizons: A journey of Resilience”, a memoir that retraces his path from rural Sri Lanka to suburban Perth.
Sarath related growing up in a small Sri Lankan village lacking basic infrastructure (no electricity, roads, or easy access to education), which required him to walk six kilometres daily to school and use kerosene lamps for light. He faced and overcame obstacles such as blocked roads and limited resources, developing leadership skills by organizing village improvements and school activities.
He emphasized that freedom comes with responsibility, a lesson instilled by his parents and that trust is essential for maintaining freedom. Despite being an average student academically, he became popular for extracurricular activities like music, speaking, and leadership, which later helped him in his professional life.
He recounted a pivotal incident during the JVP insurrection in Sri Lanka, where he was forced to treat an injured rebel under threat, leading to a situation where both the government and rebels could have considered him a traitor. This event forced him to flee Sri Lanka for Australia, losing his property and security.
Upon arriving in Australia, he leveraged his skills to quickly establish himself, founding an educational institute, teaching, and eventually becoming a partner in a medical practice. He pursued further education in law, leadership, and management, and was admitted as a lawyer in 2018.
He highlighted the importance of acting professionally and learning by doing, advising students and colleagues to 'act like an expert' even when uncertain, as practical experience is the best teacher.
His autobiography, “Uncharted Horizons – A Journey of Resilience” details these experiences and the lessons learned, with a final chapter summarizing key rules and laws that guided his journey.
Sarath has kindly offered to make copies of his book available to members for purchase, with 50% of proceeds donated back to the Club.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
- Pres Gerry : advised that there had been an Obituary for Dr Allan Eggleston and read out some excerpts highlighting the high regard Alan was held on his public life. Gerry circulated the paper for members to read during the meeting.
- Bill Boekman : Dowerin Field Day trip on Wednesday 27 August. Coach from Ocean Gardens leaving 8am returning 6pm. 8.10am Floreat pick up.
- Gerry : Starting Over Support (SOS) provides homewares for people who are escaping domestic violence or returning from incarceration etc. We have agreed to provide one person each Wednesday 9AM – 1 PM to manage their warehouse…no heavy lifting required. Ideally we will have a roster only needing you to commit every 4-6 weeks.
- Brian J : Club service meeting after breakfast. If rostered for Club Dress please ensure storage cupboard is locked after items are returned.
- Kelly G : reminded those present that tree planting was occurring on Saturday at Wungong Brook and at Helena River on Sunday. He advised that the arrangements for each day and location maps would be emailed to all members again on Friday. Not too late to to put your hand up the more the merrier.
- Ian K : Membership meeting at 8.30.
- Michelle : noted it was good to see Scott back and causing trouble and advised that Dietmar had undergone surgery during the week.
- Lorrie's brother : visiting from Tanzania and told a brief story illustrating the sorts of issues that he and his wife have to deal with at the Young Women's school that they run. It entailed one of the girls being kidnapped for marriage and how they managed to retrieve her from the family who had considered her a good choice for their son!
Another Fine(s) Mess...
- David R – getting the Host wrong
- Brian A – taking so long to talk about France
- All who are taking part in “Dry July”. Extra $1 if you have already broken it…
- All who’ve been to West Indies…shortest ever cricket innings…
- Collingwood supporters
Winner of Heads and Tails
Attendance
39 attendees in all, including guest speaker Dr Sarath Jawardana, visiting Rotarian Bill Boekman and guests Lucy & Nargie Gasiorek, and Don Gray.
