Presidential ponderings
Today’s meeting was chaired by Vice-President Kelly Gillen In the absence of Co-Presidents David Rowell and Gerry McGann.
Today in History:
1895 The first car race in the USA from Chicago-Evanston-Chicago (the birthplace of Rotary) at an average speed of 7 miles per hour.
1893 New Zealand became the first nation to give women a vote in a national electionGuest Speaker - Ray Tanielu - Soundtrakx Music Therapy for Youth
He is of Samoan heritage and was raised in a community-focused family where service to others was modeled by his parents.
Ray has 14–16 years of experience working with at-risk youth as a youth worker, counsellor, case manager and general manager. He holds qualifications in mental health, health and alcohol & other drugs counselling.
Ray initially wanted to be a primary school teacher but found his calling working with at-risk youth. He started as a music facilitator, teaching primary school children instruments like guitar, bass, piano and drums, seeing the positive impact of even simple two-chord songs.
He later became a youth worker at Swan City Youth Service in Midland, located in the old Midland Bowling Club.
Encouraged by his boss, he launched a music program from a small 2x2 meter storeroom with an old computer and a microphone. Despite the basic setup, it became the most popular program at the service.
The "Sly Counselling" Method
Ray observed the music studio organically turning into a counseling room.
Young people were hesitant to talk , but would express struggles (like lack of food at home) through their song lyrics. Ray used these lyrical cues to offer help discreetly, a method he calls "sly counselling" (e.g. offering a food hamper after hearing about it in a song).
Over time these young people returned not just for music, but for conversation and support with issues like court appearances or problems at home.
Motivated by the life-changing impact he witnessed, Ray left his general manager role to create Soundtrakx, a purpose-built, music-therapy-focused space.
The name "Soundtrakx" reflects a young person's life journey. Initially their songs (their "soundtrack") may be full of violence and struggle. But with therapy and support, their songs shift to reflect positive growth.
The mission is to provide a support system, a community and a pathway to healing and growth. By amplifying unheard voices they help youth navigate mental health challenges, trauma, addiction and disconnection.
The ultimate outcome is not just great music, but great young people who can become leaders and contribute positively to the community.
Soundtrakx delivers programs inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18 at Casuarina Prison, which houses the state's most challenging youth offenders.
The music program is the only one in Unit 18 with 100% attendance.
The program runs in a converted cell. Ray and a co-worker work with 3–4 young people at a time without guards present, relying on strong rapport.
The process helps youth write lyrics about their experiences, teaching life lessons about working through challenges and understanding that success requires effort and overcoming mistakes.
As a new charity, Soundtrakx has faced startup struggles, including finding personnel with shared values. There was also the issue of dealing with a graphic designer who left with funds. The organization successfully reached its fundraising goal of $100k earlier in the year, achieved about three weeks prior to today’s talk.
Soundtrakx plans to begin service delivery in 2026 and is currently seeking a physical location, starting with just a room. The goal is to create the first standalone facility of its kind in Australia, specifically for music therapy for young people aged 12 to 25.
The facility will offer music recording, counseling, mentoring and practical support like court accompaniment.
The long-term vision is to expand the model to multiple locations across Perth and eventually Australia-wide.
Soundtrakx, the organization, is in talks with government to secure funding for "through-care" (transitional support) for youth after release from detention.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Angus F : Volunteers needed to help with Heirisson Rotary Club “Tiny Homes” parking on Saturday/Sunday. Mill Point will get $1,000. SOS lunch for volunteers Tuesday 16th December 11-1PM.
Reggie L : Given recent award for “Excellence in Research & Education”, and has been giving talks to Doctors and Nurses about Tetanus injections.
Margaret W : Dial-a-Santa so far 90 bookings including 44 at Convention Centre. Would like to speak to all Santas after meeting.
Michael G : Thanks to Ian Kremmer and daughter Alison for organising “Breakfast with Rivals” breakfast. Visit today to Bicycles for Humanity. Arranging with Richard Offen (past speaker) for a history walk through Perth. Arranging with Peggy Leung for a hike/walk from Camfield Hotel to East Perth and return (followed by dinner). Booking Pines Restaurant for May/June dinner (Endeavour Awards) – 50 pax.
Lorrie G : Has a list of items left behind at International Dinner.
Kelly G : District Conference 13-15 March 2026 in Northam.
Early Bird Registration Offer by 15 Dec, to go into draw for up to two free registrations! Accommodation filling up fast. Good line up of speakers and MC.
Reggie Lau – Update on Sri Lanka Eye Camp: Planned for February, but deferred due to Sri Lanka elections. Disappointing as many specialists have taken leave. Looking now at Borneo, Timor Leste with a “Sticky Sugar” program to screen for diabetes
Fines
- Missed opportunities, all those cricket fans who bought tickets and no play. Shame on our batting hero with a bad back – all golf addicts
- Those who missed a Black Friday bargain
- 21st was National Agriculture Day – all the farmers
- Jenny M for turning away the delivery of 12x bottles of wine for “Tim”
Winner of Heads and Tails
David Tyler (again….)
40 attendees in all, including guest speaker Ray Tanielu, and visitors Mark Jones and Margaret Metcalf
