Presidential news
Vale John Hardwick - President David eulogised our lately passed member John Hardwick, and asked for a moment's contemplative silence. David then read out the following from Kerry Hardwick:
- 1981 at the WACA - Pakistan were all out for 62, with Dennis Lillee 5-18.
- Fundraising committee meeting after breakfast
- 70 members/friends attending next week's special breakfast at the Camfield. Please note that parking is a problem so either Taxi or car-pool.
- Mens' dinner was attended by ex-member Ross Stewart who donated $200 to the club and a bottle of Whisky for us to auction at a later date.
- Membership committee meeting after breakfast.
- Re Camfield next week, the local streets surrounding the Camfield are closed off for roadworks, Taxis are allowed through to drop off and pick up but not private cars.
- Reminder - Vocational visit to Bicycles for Humanity then lunch at the Rose and Crown on 28 November. RSVP to Gorby at mjgwaconsulting@gmail.com
- Offtraq raised 418,868 for Global Hands Sri Lanka eye camp. $42K overall. You are still able to donate until 30 November.
- International dinner was a success and to be repeated. Thanks to all who participated.
- Bill Boekman progressing well, still in Osborne Park hospital but now walking unaided and getting some serious 'bowling pactice' in with the nurses.
One Fine(s) Day...
- Latest celebrity in the news Ken Pittman for crashing a plane and marrying his prosecutor - another good story bites the dust!
- Birthday guys and gals - Dianna, Michelle and Angus!
- It's Diabetes Day - so please make a donation if you can
- It's also Pickles Day - if you're a pickle lover, then cough up $1
- All Royalists who are King Charles portrait holders
- Readers of Moby Dick (1941)
- Lovers of the BBC (1922)
- Those who remember this day 50 years ago (the Whitlam sacking)
Guest Speaker - Andrew Hall, Peth Inner City Youth Service (PICYS)
He has a 42-year career in community and youth services across community organizations and local/state governments, in roles from sole employee to CEO.
His voluntary work includes community legal centres, founding a community care school for homeless young people and leadership in independent K–12 schools.
In 2024, Andrew received a Paul Harris Fellow and is an honorary life member of the Western Australian Youth Affairs Council.
He has served as a Justice of the Peace for nearly 20 years and was a Commissioner of Declarations for five years prior.
Andrew’s life motto is “justice, peace, and joy for all.”
He has a long-term partner, five children, and many grandchildren (and a matte grey chopper motorbike…)
In his opening remarks, Andrew observed there is a fabulous feeling of acceptance in this room – the little jokes, the jibes, the caring for each other. He loves the feeling of coming to a place like that.
He also acknowledged the support of RCMP in donating the freezer and the many people who have cooked meals for PICYS over the years and asked them to stand.
PICYS provides fellowship, trust, friendship, and a sense of value to young people who lack support. The environment is like a family home where young people can freely access resources (e.g., food from the fridge), feeling cared for and accepted.
The club has partnered with PICYS for about eight years. Members cook and supply frozen meals—an initiative begun during COVID to provide variety beyond the “year nines’ Bolognese”. The club donated a freezer essential for storing meals (on which a photo of the club’s cooks is displayed).
Andrew’s retirement goal: 50 beds for young people nightly, with growth from 12 to 48 supported accommodation beds (pledged and funded).
Partnerships exist with community housing providers including Vinnies, Rise, Foundation Housing and the Salvation Army.
PICYS has challenged the government: for every two-bedroom unit PICYS buys, the government must match it. PICYS has invested $1.7 million to purchase four two-bedroom houses, housing eight young people and Government is expected to provide six matching properties.
Owning properties allows PICYS to bypass restrictive program rules (e.g., 12-month stay limits) and tailor support to individual needs.
The support services are called “Base Camp,” replacing “emergency relief". It provides a resting point to re-acclimatize, plan, and get information—a safe place with social groups “To Be” and “To Become.”
Primary causes of youth homelessness - family breakdown, family abuse, and non-supportive families. There is significant focus on transgender and LGBQTI young people where the suicide risk among gender-diverse youth is 12× higher than general youth.
Approximately 65% of clients are from this cohort.
There is collaboration with mental health wards and observation areas such as RPH’s 2K ward and D20.
Success includes former clients on the board, four of nine directors are young people who used PICCIS services.
Andrew has posted his resignation for four months from now. He has worked with about 1,000 young people in ten years and has done a fantastic job in that time.
Winner of Heads and Tails :
Attendance : 42 attendees in all, including guest speaker Andrew Hall, and special partners Margaret Metcalf and Mandy Sneeuwjagt - lovely to see you ladies this morning!
