Bulletin #13 - 26 September 2025

President Missing In Action!

The bell rang and P2 was MIA! Must be worth a fine or two...he eventually surfaced to formally open the meeting and remind us that on this day in 1969, the Beatles launched their Abbey Road album and China successfully landed the un-crewed Chang'-4 on the Moon's far side in 2019. 

Club Service Director Brian Johnson - Club Forum 2025

Brian chaired the Annual Club Forum 2025.

There were 35 members present, which constituted a quorum for the meeting being at least one third (19 members) of the Club membership (57 members).

Strategic Plan

The Club’s Strategic Plan was circulated to members prior to the Club Forum.  Members approved the Strategic Plan. 

Rotary Club of Mill Point Members’ Satisfaction Survey

The Club Survey was prepared, distributed and analysed by Veronica Lawrance.  There was a 50% return which has provided some good suggestions.  Survey results were circulated to members prior to the Club Forum.

Overall, satisfaction with the Club is 88%.  The focus now is on areas of improvement and suggestions for what the Club can do into the future.  Areas of consideration are within “service and the community” e.g. the number of local projects the Club undertakes; how much does the community value the Club’s involvement in the community etc.

Suggested new projects include youth homelessness and international health. Suggested additional activities include Christmas in July, visits to other Clubs and organisations, Swan Valley tour, sundowners, theatre nights.

Activities least enjoyed include the Art Show, Duck Derby, end-of-year Club Dinners (Changeover), all day Santa visits, Australia Day parking (longer shifts), Handover night, Club Forum. 

How to attract new members includes continuing with the Angelo Street Markets, reaching out to new people, inviting friends to meetings.  Stop/Start/Continue aspects were highlighted along with how the Club can increase leadership development opportunities. 

Changeover Dinner

Members were asked if they prefer a traditional dinner, Friday lunch or Friday dinner.  The general consensus was an evening dinner with a buffet style menu.  Factors to consider are costs associated with evening entertainment, venue (if not at the RPGC) and the cost that members are prepared to pay for the event.  Some members felt that there was an increase in camaraderie and vibrancy by having a lunch function, however this precludes those members who work from attending.  If music is not available at an evening function then some members suggested an option of light-hearted entertainment.  It was suggested that a survey specific to the Changeover be distributed to members.

Directors:

Community (Rick Sneeuwjagt for Gerry McGann)

International dinner night.  The format is yet to be decided but the objective is to encourage newer members to attend.  If members have any ideas please contact Gerry, Gorby, Bassem or Alison.

Container of linen has been filled (12,000-13,000 items of at least $100,000) and is ready to be shipped.

SOS Volunteers -  Joy organises the roster so please contact her.

Fundraising (Angus Florence)

Projects are Dial-a-Santa and appreciation goes to Margaret Walton (more Santas are required); contributing to the OffTraq project; SOS; and a potential to develop What Three Words.

International (Raelene George)

Support has continued for the Sewing Sisters (within Papua New Guinea) and the Global Hand Eye Camp Charity.  Other projects include the water project in Bali and Borderless Friendships. Thanks go to Jenny for the Sewing Sisters and to Reggie, Gerry, Astrid for the various Eye Camps. 

There will be an Eye Camp in March 2026.  Previously Rotary Clubs in the area have provided incredible support, especially in Sri Lanka.

Membership (Ian Kremmer)

There is a target of an increase of 6 members and 2 corporate memberships.  Members are encouraged think about family and friends who would be interested in attending a meeting.  There is also a focus on member retention.  Ian encourages newer members to become involved in the Club Leadership.

Vocational (Michael “Gorby” Gottschalk)

75% approval of the types of vocational visits which have been undertaken by the Club; however, it is only approximately 20% of the Club membership who attends.  The aim is to hold four Vocational visits/year (one every three months).  Please provide suggestions to Gorby for vocational visits.

There is a need to recognise the value of what the Club does in terms of “in kind support” e.g. linen project ($100,000), distribution of bread ($20,000) to communities.

Youth (Garrick McCamey)

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) candidate (September) will come and talk to the Club.  The Club will sponsor an exchange student and families are needed to host.  The Club is supporting three students for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) and is seeking candidates for RYPEN.

Other Business

Michael Gottschalk: When does the Club find out about its incoming Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student so that planning e.g. education can occur as soon as possible?  District will have information early in 2026.

Mike Collett: Does the Club do Exit interview as it would be beneficial knowing why members are leaving (Lessons Learnt).

Raelene George:  For those on Attendance, there are two options for the Attendance Sheet (listed alphabetically by first names; listed alphabetically by surname).

David Rowell:  Extended his thanks to Veronica Lawrance for the Club Survey and analysis of results.  David encouraged all members to look at survey results.  Gerry and David will look at feedback re community perceptions and value of the Club and will also provide look at providing Board summaries to members.

The full Minutes of the Forum have been circulated, via email, by Secretary Alison Thair.
 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Joy B: Congratulations to the organisers of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and thank you to all the hosts and diners. A great night as usual.

Kelly G: Ride the Train to End Polio on 24 October or just wear your T-shirt all day! Help create awareness of how Rotary is succeeding in eradicating Polio from the world. Register on line (free) and/or buy your T-shirt ($20) which Veronica will deliver here https://www.trybooking.com/CYVGP.

Gorby: Sign up now for the vocational visit to Mundaring #1 Pump station on 10th October by contacting Gorby direct at mjgwaconsulting@gmail.com or phone 0417 935 504

David R: Como RC Classic Car Show is on this Sunday at Wesley College 9am - 2pm. Volunteers wanted, just show up and they will put you to work.
In Fine(s) Fettle...

• Hottest day since May 10 so all those who got our their shorts, thongs or singlets.
• Everyone still in their winter woollies.
• 3 outages in as many years so if you haven't 'Opted' out already pay a delay tax
• Green-wearers  in view of Trump's warning to move away from the green energy scammers (you of course if you're wearing green)
• All Sarah's, Jeffereys or Fergusons in our presence as per ABC's Sarah Ferguson's  "Excruciating Diplomacy"and the other SF losing millions of dollars for naming Jeffrey Epstein as her "supreme friend"
• RCMP members who did NOT complete the membership survey - we know who you are!
• Or very own Champion Poser Shaun O'Brien - stand up and show us your moves! 

Winner of Heads and Tails : 

A very happy and smiling Brian Johnson grinning from ear to ear. 

Attendance : 36 attendees in all, including presenter extraordinairre Brian Johnson and special visitor Maria Lynn Tenoria all the way from the Phillipines who arrived at 4am this morning!

Maria presented P2 with her Club's banner and presented Veronica with a coffee mug and red pashmina! 

In turn P2 presented Maria with our own Club banner, made her welcome and sat her on the top table where she enjoyed great fellowship sitting next to Peggy Leung.

We wish Maria well on her journey around Australia. 
 

Bulletin #12 - 19 September 2025

For Whom the Bell Tolls...

P2 informed us that today he would focus on the present and future and not the past - so...It's World Peace day; It's Guess Who's Coming to Dinner tomorrow and it's the Spring Equinox on 23 September, when day equals night, so be ready! P2 welcomed ex member (all the way from Canberra), Eric (Carmody) the younger!

Presentation by Wayne Muller & Brian Johnson "What3Words Car Rally Trial"

Wayne and Brian combined to give a presentation on a potential Fundraising car rally using the what3words location App. This was a precursor to a planned trial on Sunday using some keen volunteers and a few vehicles to validate the technical aspects of the concept.

Wayne began by giving some background on our previous events.

1960s – 1990s
Just for fun, team in each car were given cryptic clues with a BBQ at the end. A sealed envelope would contain the final destination for those who got lost….

2011 – 2017

Perth City Ramble.
Six one day events were held, for teams of 2 – 6 people, all dressed up, pay for entry.
40 to 50 locations in the city with 6 questions at each location.

Teams were given a sheet of cryptic clues for locations, to decipher and plan their route.
Mobile phone technology was employed at checkpoints.

The event started with over 4,000 participants and raised $0.5million.

2019 – 2025
BulldustNBack
Participants would register a vehicle (20+ years old) and raise $2,000+ per vehicle.
The Rotary Charity Trust was created for tax deductibility.
Routes were planned and surveyed, some difficult roads.
BnB would run for four days/three overnights with entertainment.  $0.5million raised.
However, the Club came to believe the risk was too high and have handed over to Global Hand.

New Event Proposed
Based upon a free App, what3words, available on Apple, Android and on Tom Tom GPS.
It can be used with a vehicle, bicycle or on foot.
Every 3m x 3m square on earth assigned a unique three words separated by a full stop (e.g. rock.supply.serves).
Until you enter the three-word string into the what3words App, you have no idea where it will take you. It’s a mystery.

Advantages
You can’t get lost, you can always retrace your route, always have a map. Risk is diminished.

Scalable:    

• as many people as you want

• as many vehicles as you want

• from local to district to state to country.

All can be planned from Wayne’s home office……

Brian explained how what3words works.

what3words is a Location App that can then be integrated/input into a Navigation App or GPS. It is very useful in every-day use, and has already been used worldwide in emergencies.

The world is divided into 3 metre squares and each square given a

unique combination of three words. It’s the easiest way to find and share exact locations, especially for Emergency Services who all are able to use it.

It starts by downloading the free what3words App to your mobile phone or tablet. Locations can be found by typing an address into the search bar (similar to Google), scrolling the map, inputting a given combination of three words or selecting Present Position (Arrow symbol common to most Apps). 

Having designated your w3w square, you must then select Navigate. This is an essential step, as w3w will recognise which Navigation Apps you have installed (e.g. Google Maps, Apple Maps, Tom Tom….). You can select Car or Walk mode for appropriate guidance.

Alternately Google Maps will display the destination latitude/longitude, in digital format, to manually input into your car GPS.

Once you get the hang of it, what3words is a very useful App. It has also been integrated into another “must have” App Emergency Plus Australia.

This App displays your present position in all three formats and selectable emergency phone numbers, all on one page.

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

• Veronica L : World Polio Day 24 October, Buy a t-shirt, wear it all day and/or Ride the Train to End Polio. On sale now $20 (heavily subsidised by a PDG, we cater for all sizes from the svelte to the ample! Please support this very worthy cause.Brian J : Please complete the club survey which was sent out via email, if you are not into completing online, then print of and send/give to Brian/Veronica/Kelly.
• Alison T : The OffTraq event is taking place from Thursday 30 October to Sunday 2 November and is being run by Global Hand Charity, with monies raised going to support the Global Hand Eye Camp next year, Kids Cancer Project and Royal Flying Doctors.Mark Horwood and the team are looking for volunteers from Mill Point to run a number of fun stops for the cars similar to some of the events on the BulldustNBack e.g. a holiday elf who says they are stranded and looking to fund their way back to the North Pole through fines from teams in the event.  These fun stops help to raise additional money for OffTraq and its beneficiaries.  Other ideas include lawn bowls or a gymkhana or even a fun idea of your own.
• The route will start from Mandurah and night one will be in Dryandra (near Narrogin) and nights two and three in Donnybrook.  Lunch stops will be near Boddington (Day 1), Darkan (Day 2) and near Bridgetown (Day 3) which will give a rough idea of where some of these fun stops could be located and there is the option to create a fun stop closer to a bitumen road if your car can’t go offtrack. 
• You could do the fun stop during a fun day out into this area (about 2.5 hours from Perth) or if you want to spend a night there is still shared accommodation available at the Lions Dryandra Village and also some rooms at the Donnybrook Hotel with shared facilities.  Or you might want to organise your own accommodation in Narrogin for night one (we’ll have a bus with a nominal cost to go from Narrogin to Dryandra) or alternative accommodation in Donnybrook.
• If you are interested in helping out with these fun stops or would like more information  please let me as soon as possible.
• Owen F : Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is on Saturday you will be phoned at approximately 4pm to let you know where to go.
• Ian K : Membership committee meeting after breakfast.
• Gerry McG: Linen project went well and being shipped on Monday to PNG via Melbourne.
• Dietmar M : Fundraising  committee want cans/bottles etc
• Gorby : Vocational visit to Mundaring Pump station N.1 Friday 10 October 11.00am RSVP directly to Gorby. Scroll down to  see flyer.
• Lyn M : T-shirts can be paid by the square
• Rick S : Thanks for the meals for PICYs - please keep them coming.
• David R : RC of Como Classic Car event 28 September at Wesley college, volunteers wanted. 

 

Not to put too Fine(s) a point on it...

• P2 - Keep to the script... 
• Ken P - Happy birthday, it will cost you $1 per year
• Gorby - Back from holiday 3Kilo heavier, pay $1 a kilo
• Ian K - The only Collingwood supporter left
• Workers - If you're getting paid, then you can pay up
• All those NOT going to Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
• Raelene - NOT hosting this year
• Geoff L - new coffee shop within walking distance
• Happy people - post-children empty-nesters
• Michelle - on the face of it
• Alison - wearing jeans? Oops yes she can so Finesmaster can pay up, and also for saying 4 inductees were the 'biggest' number at any one time - wrong! 21 inductees at the charter of the club with only Rick, Owen and Vic left as originals.
• New member Shaun - $1 please.
• Eric the younger - something to do with a lawnmower hair cut
• Everyone who has visited the Floreat Forum, now celebrating its 40th year. 

Heads and Tails and Attendance

2 lots of Heads and Tails then 2 heads

and Michelle was the lucky winner.

 

32 attendees in all, including visiting ex-Rotarian Eric Carmody.

 

 

Bulletin #11 - 12 September 2025

 P2 Ponderings.

Ever the optimist, P2 welcomed Rotarians, visitors, guests, Tom Cobley and all to a sunny -but not for long - meeting! 

Our Master of Ceremonies Alison Thair conducted the induction of our four new members:

L to R:

Alison Thair, Carole O'Brien, Shaun O'Brien, Nargie Gasiroek and Lucy Gasiorek.

 Guest Speaker - Nick Lee OAM - Jodi Lee Foundation

Nick Lee was a director with Unilever, on posting in Vietnam in 2008 with his wife Jodi and their two children. Nick was away when Jodi rang complaining of constipation, abdominal pain and some bloating. Her doctor quickly recognised an obstruction in her bowel and ordered sans. Jodie had cancer and the tumor had all but blocked her bowel.

She was only 39 years old. 

After emergency surgery to remove the cancer Jodi and Nick received the worst news possible – the cancer had spread to Jodi’s lymph and liver. At best, she only had two years to live. One of the hardest things was telling their children, Jack and Arabella their mum was going to die.

Jodi passed away on 16 January 2010, a few days before her 41st birthday.

Before Jodi’s diagnosis she was fit and healthy. She had no family history and no symptoms
whatsoever, which is typical of bowel cancer. The saddest part of Jodi’s story is that it could have had a different ending if her bowel cancer had been detected early.
 
With that simple fact as the driving force, the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation was established in 2010.

Nick has worked with Rotary groups across the country and particularly in South Australia, raising awareness and fundraising. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) in 2019 and is keen to continue with Rotary partnerships here in WA.
 
Nick presented some facts about Bowel Cancer.

Jodi was only 39, yet the Government had only been sending out screening tests to people from the age of 50. You can now opt-in from 45, but the JLF is lobbying for it to be earlier. A sad fact is only 40% of Australians actually take the test…the message is Trust Your Gut and persist in checking.
 
We also heard from Kris Butler, who had his symptoms dismissed as being too young for bowel cancer. It was initially diagnosed as hemorrhoids. After persisting on further testing, his cancer was diagnosed in time for successful treatment. He continued an active life, including playing football with an Ostomy bag! 

 Nick gave guidelines on how to "BEAT" bowel cancer:

 B = Be healthy and active; quit smoking, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, sit less, increase fibre in your diet, avoid charred & processed meat, eat fruit & vegetables every day

E = Explore your family history
A = Act on symptoms

T = Take a screening test

The JLF is conducting workplace programs and education about bowel cancer. A major initiative will be a special breakfast to be held during the upcoming Perth Cricket Test in late November, as part of the Ashes series against England. Well known International cricketers Ian Botham and Justin Langer will be Ambassadors for the Foundation.
 
Nick asked that we include the Symptom Checker in our Bulletin. That can be accessed via using the QR code below, or go to www.trustyourgut.com.au (http://www.trustyourgut.com.au/) 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Angus F - Fundraising committee meeting following breakfast

Brian J - Member satisfaction survey been sent out - please complete as per instructions or ask for a hard copy.

Owen F - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner on Saturday 20th, register now as host or guest

Gerry McG - Thanked everyone for attending Peter Craig's memorial service and read out a letter of thanks from Denny Craig.

Gerry McG - Linen project is on 8am tomorrow so please bring gloves.

Wayne M - Remember pilot car adventure 9.30am Sunday 21 September for about 90 minutes to follow a route. RSVP Wayne on 0414 249 972 for further details.

 
The very "Fine(s)" Madame Lash strikes again!

• One Acronym too far - PP, DG Veronica who was sent a pic of past member and wife (Jon and Maryellen Godfrey, who send their fondest retards to everyone) and failed, FAILED to insert into last week's Bulletin - so here it is!

• P2 - for his bicycle turning his pinkie blue...
• Who knows what a NIMBY is or what FOMO means? Pay up if you don't know.
• P1 - lovely speech at Peter Craig's memorial of life - but a bit disconcerting when you pace...
• Alison Thair - for all those soppy posts Colin puts on FB about his "wonderful/lovely" wife whilst on holiday... we all know you're fabulous! 
• The three R's - "reading 'riting and 'rithmatic" now its 'Roger, Rita and Raceway' - dollars from those who don't support it.
• Owen for not turning up in time to dress the club
• New inductees Lucy, Nargie, Shaun and Carole
• Kim Paine for her colourful 'travelogue' of Lucy and Nargie 

Attendees

42 attendees including guest speaker Nick Lee and his guests Alison Neish, & Kris Butler, visitors Shaun and Carole O'Brien, Lucy and Nargie Gasiorek, Rhonda Kremmer, Chris Pittman, Nick Brew and visiting Rotarian Bill Boekman. 

 

Bulletin #10 - 5 September 2025

It's P2 Month!

President David reminded us of today in 1666 - the fire of London and seemed ready to set fire under our Rotary meetings! As well today in 1939 USA President FDR stated that the USA will remain neutral at the beginning of WWII.

We were reminded that not only should we as civilised and ethical Rotarians living by the 4 Way Test in everything we do and say, we should also live by the Gold Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" (* see Fines session for more on this)

Guest Speaker - Alistair Jones - Director General, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Alistair joined the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation as Director General in January 2024. He arrived from the Department of Treasury, where he was Assistant Under Treasurer of the Economic Business Unit. Over 15 years in State Government, his leadership roles included a stint as Acting Director General of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation in 2023.

He strives to build strong relationships with Aboriginal organisations and community leaders, to ensure the department builds on its reconciliation journey and explores how Aboriginal teachings can be embedded into the work of the department.

Alistair was born in Nottingham, England and moved to regional WA when he was nine. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Communication and spends much of his spare time happily acting as a taxi driver for his two daughters. He is also Peter Dowling’s son-in-law.

 

In his opening remarks, Alistair observed his father was a Rotarian for 30 years in Bunbury and later in Como, and Alastair himself tagged along to Rotary meetings in his early 20s, observing the ethos of Rotary.

 

He is not a typical environmental scientist, his background is in economics. He led an independent review into the state's environmental approvals process, known as the Vogel-McFerrin review, which resulted in him being appointed to his current role to implement its findings.

 

WA is undergoing a rapid 'third industrial revolution,' transforming its energy from oil to green energy (solar and wind), a process expected to take about 15 years. This rapid and globally contested change presents major challenges for the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).

• Approving large-scale solar farms requires significant land clearing, with some projects having a footprint the size of a small European country.

• To green the electricity network, the state must double the size of its transmission infrastructure (poles and wires) in ten years, a project estimated to cost $100 billion.

 

Primary water challenges facing Western Australia?

Water usage is dominated by mining (35%) and agriculture (about 33%).

 Despite recent heavy rains, groundwater sources are being depleted faster than they can be recharged, due to poor streamflow and increased ground absorption from previous dry summers.

The state will increasingly depend on desalination for drinking water, with two plants (Kwinana and Binningup) already covering Perth's needs and a new one being built at Alkimos. Industries, particularly in the Pilbara, will also need to build desalination plants to meet their water needs, with several already in the pipeline. Desalination is extremely energy-intensive, however multiple desalination plants need to be built in the next five years, and they require a green energy source as the state moves away from coal and aims for renewable energy to meet emissions targets.

 

A major project to address the water crisis by building multiple desalination plants is critically dependent on a massive expansion of the green energy grid. However, the corresponding $100 billion, 10-year plan to double the electricity transmission network is at high risk of failure due to unresolved conflicts between large-scale land clearing and environmental protection, as well as significant hurdles in land acquisition and project approvals.

 

A multi-faceted approach to water management is necessary, combining public conservation, industrial reuse, water recycling, and stormwater capture, alongside regulatory enforcement against water wastage and illegal dumping.

 

In conclusion, there is no resolution on how to reform the state's fundamentally unsustainable water model, which currently allows for free groundwater extraction. A transition to a priced system is necessary for long-term sustainability, but there is no clear plan to manage the significant negative economic impact this would have on key industries, particularly agriculture and mining.

It is certainly a big responsibility for Alistair…

 

Alistair’s full presentation can be viewed at:

millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)> this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>JONES Alistair – WA Environment & Water Resources.

***** 

Director/Member announcements

Jenny McL and Lorrie G : The Sewing Sisters (TSS) now in Tanzania thanks to Lorries brother who has the materials and staff to make this work for 4 secondary schools. Lorrie also raised $318 for offtraq through recycling bottles and cans.

Gerry McG : Help wanted with the 12,000 pieces of linen project. 

Why: Packing a 20’ container with about 12k units of linen rescued from the Pilbara mines. Container will go to the needy in Melbourne.

Where: Rapallo, 10 Elmsfield Rd, Midvale

When: Sat 13^th, 8:30

Duration: About 2-3 hours

Helpers: About 7 or 8 would be good

Bring: Gloves, oldish clothes, sense of humour

Reply to Gerry Please:Gerrmcgann@iiNet.net.au 0438 642 738

VALE: The 'Celebration of Life' for Peter Craig will be held Wednesday 10 September, 2.30pm at the WA Golf Club 60 Hayes Avenue, Yokine.

Wayne: WANTED: Members with cars to join Wayne on a preliminary Fundraising event 9.30am Sunday 21 September for about 90 minutes to follow a route Wayne is hoping to replace the BulldustNBack and the Ramble. RSVP Wayne on 0414 249 972 for further details.

Kelly G: Ride the Train to End Polio or just wear your Polio T-shirt on Friday 24 October. See flyer under Events by scrolling down.

Brian J: Members will be sent a link to the annual survey so please help us by completing as much as you can. This will allow us to reach our goals and help with our strategic plan for 2025-2026.  

Owen F: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner 20 September. Always a good night and lots of fun! Please let Owen know if you would like to be a host or guest(s) - see flyer for more details in Events by scrolling down.

Fine(ally)

Finesmeister Wayne took to the podium amongst thunderous silence.

• Tomorrow is colour blindness day so if you are not colour blind - a dollar please!
• Collingwood supporters - mainly Ian K who can also put in a dollar for the late Peter Craig.
• Any and all those who have lived in Victoria now that Victoria is deemed the North Korea of Australia!
• Father's Day celebrants on Sunday.
• Gerry McG - Freo is the best tourist town in WA?
• Ross Smith - for trying to pay his breakfast with his seniors card!
• Chinese automobile owners - please use Ausralian Dollars not Chinese Yen.

Lyn Metcalf bought the box because the Golden rule is "He who has the gold, makes the rules!" 

 

Winner of Heads and Tails

A very quick H&T where the tossing of 2 x heads and then 2 x tails drew a tie between Owen F and John O'S - guess who got the wine?

 

Attendance

32 attendees in all, including guest speaker Alistair Jones and visitors Andy George, and Shaun & Carole O'Brien.