Perth Rotary  | Newsletter 26 July 2023

Members and Friends of the Perth Rotary Club,

Welcome to my third newsletter where I (with a smile) share a brief note on the arrival of Marlena, our 23/24 exchange student.  Covid-19 introduced a new vocabulary to us, we began talking about the 'new normal', Zoom meetings were being locked in calendars at every chance. The acronym 'WFH' was set in stone. The ATO (a pre-existing acronym) even jumped on board with regard to a deduction for home expenses, 'WFH rate'.  We saw Covid-19 stop international travel, Rotary exchange as we knew it, sadly came to a grinding halt.  But that was then, we are now in the 2023/24 Rotary year and Rotary exchange is back on!

 

Our Rotary Youth Exchange project has been gratefully re-awakened by Manu Gupta, our Youth Service Director, along with the District RYE committee. With my daughter and a number of Rotarians, we enjoyed a beautiful greeting with incoming exchange student Marlena Von Gossler at Perth Airport last Saturday. She had flown here from her home country, Switzerland, She was all smiles as she walked through the gates and locked eyes with us, knowing we were there to greet her. She said that she felt very welcomed by us all.

Marlena was greeted by Manu and his wife Harsha, Fellowship Chair Nan Walker, Jill Hanna and Norm de Gross from the district RYE committee and Host Mums Jill Dawson, and Kathryn Wackett. And lastly myself and daughter Ella.  

Marlena's first Host Mum, Jill, has since settled Marlena into her home with the help of Jill's husband Peter. On Sunday evening, Jill hosted a further welcome gathering for Marlena at her home, including current and past Host Parents, and our club's outbound exchange student, Niamh Bingham, and her family.  Read more in the story: click here.

Last Friday, we enjoyed a lovely meeting at Anzac House. The back drop being the Swan River was simply stunning. It was well attended, it is so pleasing to see the attendance rate increase week to week. Hearing the stories of Rusty being told by his son, Dr. David Leith was enlightening, the pictures shared and the stories told are not easily found, it was a privilege to be a part of it. Rusty was a member of a squadron of 20 Australian Spitfire Pilots during WW2. Clearly proud of his father, David told us about the bravery of the entire squadron, and some of their exploits - also daring - between their involvements in battle. Read more in the story: click here.

The events to come are listed below. Book in and I will see you there!

 

Please join us for this special luncheon to hear & support students in our club heats from:

Mercedes College
St George's Anglican Grammar School
Ashdale Secondary College

 

Registration via trybooking is essential. Click here to book. Bookings close 2nd August @ 5pm

 

Please join with President Linken and Board Members to celebrate the installation of Linken as the Club President for 2023/24, and Linken's announcement of his team. 

 

A two course buffet dinner; fellowship and celebration.  

 

Registration via trybooking is essential. Click here to book. Bookings close 2nd August @ 5pm

 

Join us and come together to support Glaucoma Australia, with a special Saturday Rotary Family Fellowship Bollywood Brunch @ Premium authentic Indian style tapas restaurant Glassy Junction located in the heart of the Perth CBD.

 

Registration via trybooking is essential. Click here to book. Bookings close 10th August @ 5:30pm