Presidential Ponderings
Co-President David Rowell (P1) welcomed everyone with a “pinch and a punch for the first of the month”.
Today in History
1884 Uprising around the world for an eight-hour working day
1889 “May Day” was declared by the Socialist Congress
1956 Dr Jonas Salt’s Polio vaccine opened for public use (a cause dear to Rotary’s heart…)
In Memoriam
Brian Adams informed members of the passing of Bill Grayden at the age of 105, a long time friend of Mill Point.
Bill was known to many and had been a guest at several of our ANZAC meetings. He will be remembered for his World War Two service in Syria and the Kakoda Trail.
Bill has the distinction of being Australia’s longest serving politician.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
David R : Points from Wednesday’s Board meeting. Board Minutes available through Club website (many members not using?)
The Board is reviewing our operations, budgeting and planning.
More guest speakers needed, we're a bi thin from July on.
The Board has decided we will not be supporting another RYE outbound student next year.
More host families needed for RYE inbound this year.
Still trying to get a school for our student.
Succession planning – still need President-elect and Secretary-elect.
Considering rotating Chair for meetings.
Brian J : Clipboard circulating for Celebration/Changeover lunch on Saturday 27th June to assist with planning - not a commitment at this stage.
Club Service meeting after breakfast.
Kim P : Volunteers requested for this Sunday’s Angelo Street Party.
Meeting with Kim/Ian K after breakfast for helpers.
Pride of Workmanship Presentations
Vocational Director Mike “Gorby” Gottschalk introduced the 2026 Pride of Workmanship Awards, emphasizing “Do it once. Do it well. Build a better Australia.”
The Awards recognize employees for approach, attitude, dedication, and commitment—no competition or travel prizes, purely club recognition.
Jonathan Graham (nominated by Diana Goh)
Jonathan plays a key role in helping home buyers make confident, informed decisions. He gives clear, honest reports and shows a willingness to explain findings in practical terms, helping avoid costly mistakes.
He is a highly respected registered builder, with decades of experience, who has a strong reputation across Perth. His professionalism, integrity and commitment to quality service embodies the spirit of the Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award.
Tracey Slattery (nominated by Carole O’Brien)
Tracey Slattery is the Accounts Officer for Girl Guides Western Australia.
Tracey wears many hats in her role including: administration support, banking and cash books, support for the 80-ish Guide Units and their associated Halls, (each whom run their own financial records and bank accounts), reception, the Girl Guides WA shop, and provisioning equipment booked for events and camps.
Tracey quickly became Carole’s “go to” for all the things that had changed since she was Unit Leader and when any help was needed.
Sorting Carole’s banking (as a Region Manager, she has access to 10 Girl Guide bank accounts!) ensuring a large pile of equipment was picked up and ready to go for a major camp, organising online shop orders, answering her many questions and much more.
Tracey’s Manager says of Tracey: “She is a bright and bubbly staff member who is happy to help wherever she is needed, going above and beyond what is expected. Tracey not only preforms her role but also decorates the office with her craft items - most recently, with ANZAC wreaths. She is committed to GGWA not only in her staff role but also as a volunteer.”
Tracey wears her many hats with skill, pride and a smile. She is invariably positive, proactive, helpful and willing to go the extra mile.
Izzy Adams (nominated by Joy and Charlie Burnett)
It is the kind of place where everyone feels welcome, from tradies grabbing an early coffee, to families with prams to people just needing somewhere to sit.
They run a suspended coffee program that has handed out 10,000 free coffees to those in the community doing it tough. Izzy fits right in…
Izzy started with Crooked Spire in 2023 at age 17, her first ever job – never having made a coffee in her life! Now, at 18, she is one of the most valuable people on the floor.
What makes Izzy special isn’t just that she learnt the job, it’s how she does it. She remembers names. She remembers orders. She greets people with a genuine energy and excitement that makes people feel like the best part of her day just walked through the door…
Izzie also taught herself latte art in her own time and now pours a “swan” that many experienced baristas would be proud of.
What Mike most admires about Izzie – she deals with anxiety but pushes through and shows up anyway. Every single day. She pushes through, gives it everything and does it all with a smile. That takes more guts than most people realise.
We’re proud of you Izzie, you’ve earned this one.
Gordon Sutherland (nominated by Michael Gottschalk)
Gordon runs The HavenWell in East
He is a Board member, treasurer/assistant treasurer, and administration manager looking after finance, accounts, payroll, community liaison. Gordon runs the warehouse and the Furniture Assist program. Joan frequently delivers bread on Tuesdays.
The Organization relies on volunteers (foundation/backbone), with a staffing of 70 volunteers and 3 part-time staff. From April to April 2025–26 the outputs were: 136,908 meals (includes single portions, coffees/teas, breakfasts, lunches, dry food hampers, fresh veg, bread). Approximately 10 years of operation, close to about 1,000,000 meals overall.
The centre is open 229 days/year (Tuesday–Saturday). They provide youth community service, furniture assists and pet support.
Food sourcing partners in the last year: OzHarvest, Second Bite, Onca Foods, Atmos Foods, Santos Foods, Bunbury’s, Bakers Delight. Total food received: 120,000 kilograms.
Gordon noted Mill Point Rotary Club’s assistance with the donated picnic tables and upright two-door refrigerator (along with Como Rotary Club).
A Fine(s) art...
Wayne Muller, Fines-master extraordinaire, extricated equities from the following...
All - If you have initial N, D, I or S - pay up - NDIS being reduced!
Everyone - If you don’t have these initials and can move arms & legs, pay up too.
Andy G - for going “andy clockwise” for brekky and parking his “truck” in car park.
David T - whose grandson left his mini safe at Manic Coffee.
David T - bought the box for Wayne M putting his keys in the box….
Winner of Heads and Tails
Attendance
42 attendees in all, including our worthy recipients John Graham, Tracy Slattery, Izzy Adams (& Mike Matich), Gordon (& Joan Sunderland), and guests Mandy Sneeuwjagt, Andy George and Charlie Burnett.
