Bulletin #15 10 October 2025

Presidential Ponderings

P1 (Gerry McGann) opened the meeting to thunderous applause and reminded us that on this day:

• The song 'From Russian With Love' was released in 1963, and 
• Dame Joan Sutherland passed away in 2010

It's also Rotary Mental Health Day and (almost) everyone contributed to "Hat Day" by wearing their favourite head-piece thereby missing out on being fined for not remembering! Members and guests were asked to donate $5 each to go to the "Lift The Lid (on mental health)" campaign.

Guest Speaker : DG Veronica Lawrance - "Re-Image, Re-Engage, Re-Build Rotary"

Veronica's presentation outlined her  District Governor's vision for Rotary WA over the next two years, focusing on revitalizing the organization through enhanced public image, increased membership, and reduced costs. 

Key strategies included adapting to change, re-engaging with communities, and empowering the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the need to re-image, re-engage, and re-build Rotary for the future.

Veronica addressed the challenges of declining membership and the need for a locally-driven approach, emphasizing collaboration between District leaders, Club leaders, and Rotary Community Leaders. 

As District Governor, she encouraged clubs to focus on the Rotary Action Plan, re-imagine the Rotary experience and showcase projects to the public to build awareness and attract new members.

Important dates for upcoming events are also highlighted, including the Ride the Train to End Polio,  24 October: the Rotary WA District Conference in 13-15 March 2026, the 100 years of Rotary in WA celebration in 2027, and the new District Incentive for Clubs to initiate an event, campaign or project to increase their visibility in the community and/or to increase membership. 

The full powerpoint presentation will be sent to all members and will be available on the shared drive. 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

•  P1 : informed everyone that an International Dinner is to be held on 8 November (new date) at Veronica's apartment complex and everyone will be asked to BYO everything - especially food with an international flavour.
• On behalf of PDG Pat Schraven, Veronica present a Club Excellence Award to David Rowell (on behalf of Kelly Gillen), and their Rotary Action Day banner to President Les Ozsdolay (a left over from the Rotary Action Day in 2023)
• Gorby - reminded everyone that the next vocational visit to Mundaring Pump Station #1
• P2 - "OffTraq" coming at the end of October, a four-day extravaganza out in the bush. We have four cars entered and looking for support. Raelene Lorrie, David R/Wayne and John Mansfield. See Lew's flyer about how to make donations
• Raelene - will be in car #31 and also the Medic
• Lyn M - Last member's forum asked for update on Fines and Copper Kettle and this will be done quarterly.  To date Fines = $1,000 (on track to usually approx $4,000 pa) and Copper Kettle tod ate $7000 (usually about $3,000 pa)

Fines - Wayne the Elder

• Guest speaker Geoff L for birthday and Veronica for extra talk
• Anyone not wearing a hat for World Mental Health day, or one that doesn't quite fit!
• Anyone who didn't wear a hat when younger and now having 'things cut off'

Winner of Heads and Tails

Howard Nelson was the lucky winner today of top grog!

Best hat was won by Vic Stoyanoff! 

Attendance

 40 attendees in all, including guest speaker DG Veronica Lawrance, and visiting Rotarians from Como RC, President Les Ozsdolay, Kim Larsen, Sharon Sutton, Tim & Heike Davey, Dennis Menzies,  and Ian Spencer.