Bulletin #18 - 30 October

Presidential Ponderings

Not a very interesting or exciting today in history, apart from the 1974  "Rumble in Jungle" boxing match between Mohammed Ali and George Foreman - the biggest deal for 30 October!

Guest Speaker : Andrew Sim - Global Drone Solutions

Andrew is a Senior Remote Pilot at Global Drone Solutions, one of the largest drone training organisations in Australia. They specialise in Remote Pilot Licence training across a wide range of industries.

 

Andrew attended John Forrest Secondary College and attended RYLA in 2024. He has been involved in RYPEN and will be facilitating at the next RYLA early 2026.

In his opening remarks, Andrew said he absolutely loved RYLA and it was probably one of the best experiences he has had across his whole life. 

Development of the Drone Industry

About 30 years ago, drones were exclusively military technology, with millions of dollars invested in developing technologies like thermal and high-resolution cameras.

The smartphone's arrival in the early 2000s was a game-changer, miniaturizing essential components such as inertial measurement units, cameras, and chipsets.

This miniaturization allowed drones to become smaller, lighter, cheaper, and easier to use, opening up the concept to the commercial world.

It took about 10 years for the commercial potential to be fully realized, leading to the mass manufacturing of cheap components.

DJI, a Chinese company, emerged as the world's largest drone manufacturer, starting about 15 years ago and continuously improving the technology to make drones more stable and user-friendly.

Commercial Applications and Benefits of Drones

Drones are used in a variety of industries, including mining, agriculture (spraying), inspections (wind turbines, solar panels, buildings, pipelines), and the energy sector (oil and gas).

They enhance safety by eliminating the need to put humans in high-risk situations, such as working at heights on ropes.

Drones offer significant cost savings. A task that might cost a team of 10+ people tens of thousands of dollars can be done by one drone pilot with a reusable drone that costs about $10,000.

The adoption of drone technology is becoming a necessity for companies to remain competitive, as those who don't are being 'left in the dust'.

 

Regulation and Training

In Australia, the drone industry is regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the same body that regulates crewed aircraft.

There are specific laws that must be followed when flying drones for commercial purposes.

Organizations like Global Drone Solutions are certified by CASA to provide training for remote pilot's licenses.

Training is provided to people from various industries, including mining, agriculture, inspections, and the energy sector.

 

Drone Cost Reduction and Market Accessibility

The cost of drones has dramatically decreased, making them accessible to a wider range of users, including smaller companies, not just the military. This shift was largely driven by Chinese companies like DJI, which can manufacture drones much more cheaply than their American or Australian counterparts. This price drop has democratized drone technology, moving it from expensive military-grade equipment to commercially available consumer products.

 

Regulatory Hurdles and Future Drone Technologies

A major restriction is the 'visual line of sight' rule, limiting flight distance to what the operator can see (e.g., 500 metres), which hinders long-range applications like pipeline or power line inspections.

The industry is in a constant battle with the regulator to have rules removed or to get approvals for more complex operations.

Regulators are now starting to open up more approvals and cut red tape, allowing the industry to move forward.

 

Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM): A system to manage unmanned traffic, crucial for the advancement of air taxis. It requires drones to see each other and be visible to crewed aircraft.

Air Taxis: Large unmanned aircraft for personal transportation. The technology exists, but regulations are the main barrier. CASA's goal is to have them operational for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Fuel Systems: Hydrogen is a promising alternative to electric batteries, offering four times the endurance at about the same weight.Heavy Lift Drones: Drones capable of carrying heavy payloads are being developed. An agricultural drone with a 100 kg payload capacity is already on the market (though restricted to 70 kg by regulations), and another is expected next year.

Data Security: An entire industry is developing to counter signal jamming and hacking of the radio links between drones and controllers.

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

• Alison T: OffTraq has raised $38k so far. This should result in $13-14k for Global Hand (Sri Lanka Eye Camp 2026).
• Mike C: Update on Bill Boekeman, who had a medical episode at last Friday’s meeting. Bill is in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and will soon be transferred to Osborne Park Rehabilitation Hospital. Bill is requesting no visitors at this stage.
• Kelly G: Our District Conference is at Northam next year 13-15 March. It’s Veronica’s “Flagship”, so want to give it as much support as we can. The key thing is to register so we can confirm our numbers, as it will be on us before we know it. You can find the registration on our own website, the Rotary WA Roundup website and Facebook. It will be a great conference, with good speakers, lots to do and accommodation in Northam. Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/DDQKM
• Ian K: Friday 21^st November is Day 1 of the Cricket “Ashes”. The Board has made a decision to cancel the normal Club meeting here that day. Instead there will be a get-together to support the Jodi Lee Foundation. We have secured a deal to attend a breakfast event at the Camfield Hotel for $40 pp (normally $110 pp). Speakers will be Lord Ian Botham and Damian Fleming. A Flyer will be sent out to members.
• Gerry M: Saturday 8^th November is the International Dinner to engage our newer international members, many of whom love cooking. This will be held at the John McGrath Hall. The 7-8 internationals will kindly bring “keynote” dishes and others bringing accompanying dishes. If you don’t want to bring food, just come along with $10 and we’ll put that into the Charity Bucket...Please indicate on circulating sheets your attendance.

She's so Fine(s)...

• Visitor of the week Wayne Duke, welcome back stranger but pop in a dollar.
• Gorby – first timer winning the wine…..last week.
• Anyone who didn’t wear their red 'End Polio Now T-shirt' last Friday on the day. Even our own Brian and Siew wore theirs in China -way to go!
• Speaking of China, all those who have been to China, Russia or South Korea…those heads of state being together…Oh and all us Aussies can dob in a $ as well….Pay up!
• Global Champagne day was last Friday and I noticed it wasn’t acknowledged in fines or by the Pres….so guzzlers of bubbles pay up!
• It's Halloween…non-trick-or-treaters pay up (it's actual origin is Celtic not American at all)
• Fawlty Towers followers… in memory of dear Prunella Scales who shuffled off her mortal coils - Basiiiiiil…
• Haircuts and beards must be flavour of month…Kelly chopped his beard off, Ken P has had a haircut and Ross Smith needs one!
• Lew Thomas – must have Irish blood in him, he’s wearing 2 name badges today (both his)…to be sure to be sure.

Heads and Tails

Guest Tosser of the week – David Tyler. And she did again…Carole O’Brien, new member and 2^nd time she has won it.

Attendance

38 attendees in all, including guest speaker Andrew Sim.

Bulletin #17 - 24 October 2025

Presidential Ponderings

Missing In Action P1 was eventually found amongst the debris of the 'red-shirters', welcomed with thunderous applause and then informed us it was International Kangaroo Day... and proceeded to tell us that on this day in...

1857 - the first International Football Club team was formed in Sheffield UK. 

1901 - the first person navigated Niagara Falls in a barrell - yes it was a male!

2003 - The last flight of the Concorde. 

Guest speaker: PDG, DGN Jodie Sparks - Rotary's Global Polio Eradication Progress and Strategy. 

Past District Governor, current member of the Ascot Rotary Club and District Governor Nominee, Jodie Sparks is no stranger to Mill Point or to Rotary. 

A Rotarian since 1993, Jodie began her Rotary career as a Camp Inspiration (Handicamp) buddy, progressed to Rotaract and now a long standing Rotarian. 

Jodie was District Governor of D9465 in 2011-2012 and will be District Governor again in 2007-2008. Jodie is a past Foundation Chair and she is currently President of Ascot RC (for the last two years) and District Trainer (since 2005).

Rotary International has for decades, been heavily involved in polio eradication efforts, current epidemiology, and strategies including environmental surveillance, mass immunisation, and logistics. 

It has established funding partnerships with governments and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, sought progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and faced challenges like vaccine-derived poliovirus, mistrust, and in conflict zones.  Whilst dealing with certification criteria, post-eradication maintenance, and personal histories illustrating polio’s impact, the  emphasis now is on sustained funding, community engagement, and political support to completely eradicate this insidious disease.

Rotary has a long-standing commitment to polio eradication, highlighted on World Polio Day (24th October) and supported by all District Governors with the much historical involvement of Jodie Sparks.

Australia declared itself polio-free in 2000, the last Australian case was in 1972.

Polio is a highly infectious disease, and consists of:

1. wild poliovirus (3 strains, only type 1 still circulating), which is spread via contaminated water, attacks nervous system, can be fatal; 5%–10% of paralytic cases result in death, and 

2. Vaccine-derived poliovirus which arises in low-immunity settings due to mutation of the oral vaccine; no cure but preventable via vaccines.

Polio overwhelmingly affects children under five, yet adults are not immune and consist mainly of unvaccinated adults (e.g., asylum seekers and refugees who missed childhood vaccinations) who remain at risk.

The origin of Rotary’s polio effort is due to Clem Renouf’s 1979 idea to vaccinate six million children in the Philippines, before Rotary adopted the program of polio eradication in 1985.

About a thousand-plus children contracted polio every day. 125 countries were affected and around half a million cases were identified.

COVID-19 impacted surveillance and reporting of polio cases, lowering the number of recorded cases in 2021, however cases rose again after borders re-opened.

Recent case counts in 2021 included a Malawi case linked to Pakistan, and  last year increased to 99. This year 36 recorded cases are known as opposed to 54 at the same time last year, with 29 in Pakistan and 7 in Afghanistan.

Rotary and partners have vaccinated 3 billion children worldwide, achieving 99% eradication and restricted wild poliovirus to small areas in Afghanistan and and Pakistan. However outbreaks and reported cases persist, including vaccine-derived cases. Environmental surveillance and mass immunisation underpin the strategies supported by substantial funding and partnerships.

A country can be deemed polio free if no new cases are reported for 3 years and it will take us 10 years to continue prevention, maintain surveillance and fund the end of polio at a cost of approx $2.5billion dollars. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have been matching donations 2:1 since 2013 and have pledged to continue for the next 3 years. 

Today we celebrate International Polio Day with Clubs all over the world taking part in some activity to bring awareness of the need to End Polio into their communities. 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

Veronica: Gather at the South Perth Ferry at 9am for a ferry ride (and coffee) to Elizabeth Quay then jump on a train to Joondalup! Meet at 6pm tonight at the Shoe Bar in Yagan Square for photo and free pizza (cash bar).

Lew T: OffTraq donations wanted to support the 4 cars from Mill Point RC. See details on Events page to support and donate to club vehicles/members taking part.

Ian K: Membership meeting after breakfast to discuss the new District Incentive.

Gerry McG : Our exchange student will be hosted in the Loire Valley, France. Remember International dinner on 8 November.

Scott D: Centurian Challenge for Mill Point to surpass last years reach of  40% of members. $100 per year is all it costs and a great mechanism for Rotary members (and our club) to contribute to the Rotary Foundation. See Scott for more details.

STOP PRESS: Past member and current honorary member, John Mansfield is visiting Perth next week to participate in the OffTraq event, and would like to meet up with fellow Rotarians at the Windsor Hotel, South Perth on Sunday 2nd November before he heads home to Newcastle the next day.

 Brian & Siew Johnson hit the bullet train from Chongqing to Guilin, in China to show off their red "End Polio T-shirts" in support the team back home! 

Well done both of you!

L to R Scott, Veronica, Lew, Di, Linda, Gerry, Kim, David, & Tricia at Elizabeth Quay getting ready to hit the trains!

One Fine(s) Day...

• It's gotta be a feel-good week!
• At the beginning of the week we endured cyclone winds, horizontally driven rain and a leaking roof. Since Wednesday it has been t-shirts and shorts in such conditions that favour the active! So if you've been peddling the bike, swinging on the golf course, sashaying on the pavement, trekking the hills or wading in the water you won't mind coughing up a dollar or two.
• Those whose roses are blooming marvellously, $1 is a small price to pay for the joys and aphids they bring you.
• And how about those who've been inspired to roll-up their sleeves get into the garden, garage or shed, kitchen and bathroom cupboards or over and under the furniture with enthusiasm and cleaning spirit - good on you but pay up. 
• For those with skin so fair and totally unsuited to the ravaging Aussie sun, and wishing to hold on to your good looks in perpetuity - have you checked your sun bloc? If you haven't, the real deal is SPF50+  - $1 from you if you didn't do the research!
• Red T-shirters well done, those not in red, pay up.

Winner of Heads and Tails

Two tails, two tails, a head and a tail; a tail ...and eeh by gum - 'twas won by none other than 'he who has never won it before' (and has reminded us every week since joining in 2007) Gorby!

Attendance

30 attendees in all, including guest speaker PDG, DGN Jodie Sparkes, and visiting Rotarian Bill Boekmann.

Bulletin #16 - 17 October 2025

Presidential Ponderings

P1 had to keep the DG in check as he started the meeting (I smell a fine here) and began the meeting with a profound quote "One profits most who serves best". P1 also reminded us that on this day in:

• 1898 - The Perth Zoo opened
• 1917 - The first railway across Australia was established
• 1931 - his mate Al Capone was incarcerated 

Guest Speaker - Pascal Veyradier, President of HikeWest

Peggy Leung introduced guest speaker Pascal Veyradier who is president of HikeWest. Pascal works in local government and was elected in 2024. HikeWest is the peak body for hiking and trail running in WA. Its mission is to enable and encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy the natural environment. 

The organization frames hiking not as the end goal itself, but as the 'how' (the method) to achieve a greater 'why'—improving well-being, building confidence, addressing social isolation, and empowering people.

HikeWest's mission is to enable and encourage people to enjoy the outdoor environment.

Modern lifestyles contribute to inactivity and social isolation, which hiking can help address.

Hiking is presented as the "how" to achieve a "why" of helping people, improving well-being, and building confidence.

Statistics now show more women are hiking the Bibbulmun track solo than men in WA, a reversal of previous trends due to targeted programs.

The perception of danger in the bush is often false compared to urban dangers or health risks from inactivity.

The post-COVID hiking trend has led to government investment in infrastructure and growth in small, local tourism businesses.

The concept of "bringing trails to people" focuses on developing accessible local paths and networks.

The benefits of walking include personal development, improved mental health, and connecting with nature.

HikeWest runs targeted programs for seniors, women, youth, and culturally diverse groups to make hiking accessible

Modern society encourages a sedentary lifestyle, leading to health issues like cardiovascular disease and growing social isolation, a problem exacerbated since COVID.

Hiking is a cheap, accessible, and effective activity to counteract these negative trends.

The 'why' behind HikeWest's work is similar to service organizations like Rotary: supporting community projects and helping people.

HikeWest partners with local government and other organizations to subsidize workshops and hikes, empowering people to become more active and adventurous.

Globally recognized trails like the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail are maintained by specially skilled volunteers who manage specific sections.

Other trails are the responsibility of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), which often has insufficient funding.

Local community groups, such as the Jarrahdale Heritage Society, step in to assist with maintenance.  This demonstrates reliance on local community groups when government funding is insufficient. HikeWest are eager to work with groups such as Rotary to consider hiking as a business option when planning activities.

Watch this space!

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Veronica L : Next Friday (24th) please wear your End Polio T-shirts and after the meeting we will catch the Ferry over to Elizabeth Quay for coffee. At 6pm make your way over to Yagan Square for a mass photo, free pizza, cash bar and fellowship. 

Ross S : 10 Volunteer cooks wanted for "Home for Dinner" at Ronald McDonald House 16 November. Contact Ross for more details lrcsmanor@westnet.com.au.

Lew T : OffTraq donations wanted to support the 4 cars from Mill Point RC. Contact Lew for more details lewis@tmaadvisory.com.au.

Gorby : Successful vocational visit to Mundaring last week - thank you to all who attended. Next vocational visit is 28 November to "Bicycles for Humanity" in Midvale,  and lunch at the Rose & Crown in Guildford. Contact Gorby for details mjgwaconsulting@gmail.com 

Gerry : International dinner details changed to  8 November at the John McGrath Pavillion. Contact Gerry for more details gerrycan2727@gmail.com

Brian J (in absentia) : Chinese Peace Pole

A finesse of fines...

• The late Alison Thair and double that for making excuses!
• Lorrie for failed attempt at re-arranging her car windows
• Gerry - you missed out 1972 and the great Chuck Berry's launch of "My Dingaling" as well as the 1814 great beer flood of London.
• All Superfunders - thanks to "Jim" 
• Ken P - just because of his haircut...
• David T for being 'in the pink' and being here.
• Geoff L - is that really a elbisreveR jacket?
• DG Veronica L - having to be chastised by P1...

Couldn't resist posting this photo of our Four Fabulous Finesmeisters!

L to R: Joy Burnett, Wayne Muller, Owen Ferguson, Jenny McLean (for new members' info).

Winner of Heads and Tails

Two weeks in a row and Howard Nelson won it again much to the angst of Gorby who tells us every week that he has NEVER got past first base...

Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the wine each week.

Attendance

31 attendees in all, including guest speaker Pascal Veyradier.

 

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.

Bulletin #14 - 3 October 2025

Presidential Pride

P1 stated as we all live up to the 4 Way Test (or at least he hoped so) there was no need to repeat it! He did however tell us it was International Boyfriend Day and several hands went up for a request for one! We were reminded that on this day in 1990 the two Germanies were united, and the British, in an operation code named Hurricane, detonated an atomic weapon in a bay of one of the islands off Montebelo. 

Guest Speaker : Laura Turner, Local Guardians

Laura is an experienced leader and business professional in the aged care industry, she’s skilled in managing large teams and providing care for clients with high care needs. With a deep understanding of Home Care Package funding, she helps clients navigate the aged care system and maximise the value of their package—ensuring they remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

 

Her strengths lie in customer service, problem-solving, and providing culturally sensitive care. She is passionate about building genuine, lasting relationships with clients and their families, making their aged care journey as positive and empowering as possible.

 

Outside of work, Laura enjoys travelling, outdoor activities by the water, and spending time with her dog.

 

Local Guardians is an organisation that maintains oversight of Self-Managed Home Care Packages. This is a Government-sponsored program that provides a range of services and support for older Australians who wish to continue living at home. Laura observed, as the program is for 65 and older, “looking around the room I would say that is none of you…..”

 

From November 2025, Home Care Packages will be replaced by the new Support at Home program.

A Home Care Package is a pool of government funding available to older Australians to help them live independently at home for longer. Funding is tailored to their care needs.

What Can Be Funded?

Depending on their needs, they could receive between $10,000–$80,000 per year. This can go towards:

• Care workers (cleaning, personal care, transport, meal prep and delivery etc.)
• Allied health (physio, OT, nursing, podiatry)
• Equipment, aids, and home modifications
• Home maintenance (cleaning, gardening etc)

What Will It Cost?

From November 2025, their income and assets will determine the cost of services.

The new system includes three funding categories:

Clinical Services – Free for everyone

No matter their financial situation, they won’t pay out-of-pocket for:

• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Podiatry

(This is a major improvement – previously some people paid daily fees even without receiving services.)

 

Independence Support – 50% to 95% government-funded

Services such as:

• Personal care
• Mobility and safety aids
• Transport
• Minor home modifications
• Everyday Supports – 20% to 82.5% government-funded
• Services like:
• Cleaning
• Laundry
• Shopping
• Meal preparation or delivery

How to Get Started

Call MyAgedCare on 1800 200 422 to request a phone assessment (usually 1–2 hours).

Once assessed, they may be placed on a national waitlist, which can take several months.

Tip: Be ready to talk about 3 or more care needs during the assessment.

If they only need 1 or 2 services, they may be eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Program, which funds individual services with a small co-contribution.

Once assigned a package, they must choose a provider – the government does not give funds directly to individuals.

 

When choosing a provider:

• Check staff availability for their needs
• Look for prompt responsiveness from the provider
• Compare fees and hourly rates

 

About Local Guardians – Our Self-Managed Option

Local Guardians offers a self-managed model that gives:

• Freedom to choose their carers
• No strangers or rotating workers
• More hours of care for their budget
• Flexible schedules
• Local Guardians are 100% online and do not hire their own workers. The client (or a family member) will need:
• A device with email
• Ability to join video calls with their coordinator

Clients can engage someone or a company of their choice, such as a cleaner or support worker with an ABN and insurance. This might be someone they’ve spoken with, are happy with, or already know and trust. Local Guardians help the client set them up and pay them directly using their government funds. Need help finding someone? Local Guardians also have a register clients can access of companies that have previously signed up to support other clients.

 

Fees

All providers will charge a 10% care management fee from November – this comes from their package, not out of their pocket.

With self-management, clients get more value because:

• they choose the service providers (e.g. a $50/hr cleaner is paid the full $50)
• Local Guardians charge 10% per invoice to process payments – not on the whole package
• Clients avoid inflated provider staff rates (some charge $80–$110/hr)

This leaves more funding for them to use on actual care.

 

In Summary

If older Australians have care needs – they should apply now.

Joining the wait-list is free, and puts them in line to access free clinical services and heavily discounted support when they need it.

As a Care Adviser, Laura is available to chat about options and next steps. She can discuss specific care needs, go through the list of available inclusions to identify three or more needs for their MyAgedCare assessment, use an online planner to estimate their discounts, and explore self-managed care options.

 Directors' Reports and Member Announcements

• Jenny & Lorrie : gave an update on the success of the Sewing Sister's Tanzania project - going great guns! The DG there has authorised hygiene packs for 8 schools in the area by 23 October!
• Alison : Reminder OffTraq is on 30 October to 2 November and good opportunity to sponsor cars who are fundraising for Global Hands Sri Lankan Eye Project. See Events for more details.
• Joy : Needs a volunteer to help her at SOS on Wednesday 8 October from 9am. Please contact Joy on 0437 936 732
• Brian J : Club service meeting after breakfast; 10 October is HAT Day for mental health and donations of $5 per person expected (can pay by square) and also the DG visit with several Rotarians attending from Como RC.
• Gorby : Mundaring Weir vocational visit next week, please email Gorby direct on mjgwaconsulting@gmail.com; Como RC Classic Cars event last Sunday was attended well even though the rain spoiled play.
• Rick : Will be away from next week for 4 weeks, so next Friday is last day to organise and pick up meals for PICYS.
• Kelly : Reminder about Ride The Train to End Polio Friday 24 October. Ride the Train, Wear your T-shirt all day (even if you can't ride the train) and gather at Yagan Square 6pm for a mass photo, Pizza and drinks. Please register though for catering purposes whether you are riding the train or not at  https://www.trybooking.com/CYVGP

As Fine(s) a lady as you can get...

• Visitors of the week, recently MIA - Peter D, Di Allen and Eunice.
• 1st Friday of the month is World Smile Day so get those pearly-whites flashing - if you didn't know this $1 please.
• All coffee lovers for International Coffee Day celebrated on Wednesday 1st October.
• All those 'Great' aunts, uncles, grandma's, grandpa's or those who just simply identify as GREAT!
• To fit with the topic of the day - all those retirees who have 'downsized.'
• Kelly and other 'beardies' (or who forgot to shave this morning) practicing for Dial-A-Santa.
• Brian J whose birthday it is and doesn't look a day older...

Winner of Heads and Tails

New member Carole O'Brien won the wine this week - following in hubby's footsteps (Shaun) who won it last week - think they may be stocking their wine cellar! Well done Carole!

Attendance

36 attendees in all, including guest speaker Laura Turner, and visitor Chris Pittman.