Newsletter #16 | President Jill

Hello Rotarians and Friends,

Hot, Hot, Hot! There aren't many other ways to describe today. I hope you’ve all found a cool sanctuary to escape the heat. Peter and I decided to visit the OBH—a favorite haunt from our younger days—for dinner and to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. We really do live in the "Lucky Country."

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday at The Storehouse for the Presidents Cocktail Party. It was a wonderful evening of fellowship and a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our fellow Rotarians. You can find more photos and highlights from the night further down in this newsletter.

Upcoming Rotary Events Are you up to date with your bookings? We have a busy February ahead:

First Meeting of 2026: Friday, 6 February

Our journey toward Perth Rotary’s landmark Centenary is gaining momentum, and it’s wonderful to see our Friday lunch attendance trending upward.   Please note a special change of venue: Due to availability at our regular spots, we are kicking off the year at the Royal Perth Golf Club (61 Labouchere Road, South Perth).

Guest Speaker: Dr. Qiaoyun Xie – "Australia from Above" Australia is on the frontline of climate change, and Dr. Qiaoyun Xie is at the forefront of monitoring it. Using cutting-edge satellite technology and drones, Dr. Xie will reveal how we track the health of our landscapes—from the resilient Tropical North to our own Jarrah Forests.

Join us to discover how "Earth Observation" is solving the critical challenge of managing Australia’s changing environment.  Booking link:  https://www.trybooking.com/DISPA

Presidents Cocktail Party | Thursday 29 January 2026

A Fabulous evening of fellowship was had by all.  Congratulations to the following Rotarians who were recognized for their commitment and work within the Rotary Club of Perth.   
 
THE DAVID REED ROTARY OF PERTH HONOUR AWARD 
 
CRITERIA: 
 
To recognize an outstanding person (Rotarian or non-Rotarian) who has made an exemplary contribution to club life as decided by a committee consisting of David Reed, the Club President, and Immediate Past President, to be awarded annually at a suitable meeting.  The contribution to be determined by the committee for any of the Objects of Rotary, as set out, or for the advancement of the club in any of the five avenues of service being Club Service, Vocational, Community, International and Youth.   Other Rotary service awards by District and Rotary International are made on a selective basis from those whose names are submitted for members throughout the District.  This award would be for those who make their contribution to the activities to the Rotary Club of Perth, and therefore is a club award only, not intended to replace other awards.
 
It gives me great pleasure to announce Wendy Campbell as the recipient of the 2025/26 David Reed Award.  Wendy’s dedication to the Club, particularly in the past twelve months as we have transitioned to no executive assistant support has been outstanding.  Wendy has nurtured others to join her team; calmly handled both Manu and myself as we grappled with the organizational requirements of a club this size and all the time, meeting the needs of her family, work commitments and that of other organizations she is involved with.  Wendy is never rushed; never upset; she is caring; she is kind and she is compassionate to all those around.  In a quiet way, Wendy keeps us on the straight and narrow each fortnight.   Congratulations Wendy! 
 
Acknowledgement: 25 Years of Service to Rotary International,  Honoring Kathy Kusinski:  Tonight, we have the distinct honor of celebrating Perth Rotary’s longest-serving female member: Past President Kathy Kusinski.
 
Since joining us in 2000, Kathy’s impact has been profound. As President in 2011/12, she modernized our club by introducing breakfast meetings and reviving our elegant black-tie Changeover Dinners.  However, her true milestone legacy is the establishment of the Kimberley Dental Team during her Presidential Year. This project has transformed the lives of thousands of young Indigenous children across the Kimberley region.
 
Beyond her many roles—from Rotary Youth Exchange Host Parent and Committee Member to President of the Perth Rotary Club — it is Kathy’s "quiet leadership" that defines her. As the saying goes: when Kathy speaks, people listen, because her words are always considered and wise. Kathy, we thank you and your family for your 25 years of steadfast dedication to our Club and Rotary international.  Kathy was presented with a framed certificate on behalf of the Board and Members of Perth Rotary Club. 
 
At the Christmas Breakfast we acknowledge and congratulated Jeff Leach; Bill Hicks and Kim Hurley on their 40 years of service to Rotary International and of course this club.  Kim’s family were in town and he was unable to join us in December, however, he was able to attend the Presidents Cocktail Party, and so it gave me great pleasure to present Kim with a framed certificate of our appreciation for his many years of service particularly in connection with the 4 Way speaking competition.   Members were resounding in their congratulations of Kim & Kathy 
 
Presentation of Paul Harris Fellow Recognition    
 
 
On Behalf of Past President Stephen Inouye who was not able to attend the evening, President Jill presented Robin McClellan with a Paul Harris Fellow. 
 
Stephen wished to express his sincere appreciation and also offer his sincerest apologies for the delay in presenting this Paul Harris Fellow Award to Robin McClellan for her tireless efforts and enthusiasm in planning, coordinating and hosting the VIP event as part of our Vienna Pops New Years Eve Concert in 2024.  
 
As a career diplomat and former US Consul General, Robin has mastered the fine art of making important people feel important, while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 
 
Our VIP lounge may not have come with a motorcade or a security detail, but it definitely came with requests, expectations and the occasional curve ball,  all handled with warmth, tact and that unmistakable diplomatic skill of saying "of course" despite the challenges involved.  Robin your professionalism and generosity embody "Service Above Self" and it is a pleasure to recognize you tonight with a Paul Harris Fellow on behalf of Past President and Chair of Vienna Pops 2017 - 2024, Stephen Inouye. 
 
Australian Rotary Health Award
 
David Reed was presented with a framed Certificate by Australian Rotary Health Board Member, PDG Pat Schraven.  David was named a Ruby Companion of Australian Rotary Health in recognition of the tangible and significant support given for the development of research through the Australian Rotary Health.  
 
We were privileged to have in our midst Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, Vienna Pops Musical Director Mark Coughlan; President of Elizabeth Quay Dannielle Winzenried along with many other friends of our Club.  The Storehouse was a fabulous spot to kick off the year and I certainly hope all had a great time.   A special thank you to Wendy Campbell and her team of helpers, Virma & Helen who ensured everyone was registered.  Also a special vote of appreciation to IMP Manu Gupta who corralled Wendy into attending the evening and ensuring that the Award was engraved and ready for presentation.  
 

Youth Exchange Update: A contrast to our Weather, IT'S COLD OUT THERE! 

We are thrilled to share an update from our current Outbound Student, Justice, who is having a truly life-changing exchange in Italy. Justice recently spent an incredible weekend at Ponte di Legno Tonale, joining fellow students from Districts 2050 and 2080.

Coming from sunny Western Australia, Justice experienced the magic of seeing snow for the very first time! Between building snowmen and enjoying the breathtaking Alpine scenery, it was a weekend filled with laughter and international fellowship. It is wonderful to see Justice embracing every moment of this Italian adventure.

Perth Rotary Board 

The Board next meets Tuesday 3 February 2026.    Portfolio Directors are calling members to committee meetings so as to progress our various projects.  You are asked to please attend when invited so as to share the load of our Community Engagement and Project Work.  

D9423 | UP, UP and AWAY... 2026 Conference. Have you registered?  

Registrations are now open.  Join us in Northam from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026, for a weekend of fun and fellowship whilst celebrating 80 years of service to the Avon Valley Community.   More information regarding booking procedures and list of speakers can be found by clicking on the following link: https://rotaryperth.org.au/Stories/district-conference-march-2026

PERTH ROTARY | FELLOWSHIP DATES for your diary.... 

Thursday 29 January 2026 |   Presidents Cocktail Party (Bookings must CLOSE Friday 23 Jan).
Friday 20 March 2026 |           Blessing of the Fleet  (Bookings will OPEN, Tuesday 27 Jan).
Friday 19 June 2026 |              Perth Rotary Club Reunion Centenary Business Lunch - Save the Date. 
 

Centenary Merchandise

In the meantime, you can show your support and pride by ordering our special Centenary Shirts and Caps.

Please click on the following link to place your order: https://shop.fullypromoted.com.au/perthrotary. You have the option of ordering shirts in either Blue/Yellow or White/Navy color combinations. A special thank you to Ashley Whitworth for his dedication in developing the logo and ensuring these items are available at an affordable price.

For members of other Rotary clubs, Ashley can also include your club's logo in place of Perth Rotary's. The Centenary of 100 years of Rotary Service to Western Australia is a celebration for all in WA Rotary, and we encourage everyone to join us in marking this significant milestone.

 
 

Wishing everyone the most fabulous 2026,

Sincerely, 

 

 
Jill Dawson OAM | President Perth Rotary 2025/27
 
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CLUB COMMITTEE & SUB COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
  1. Perth Rotary Centenary Meeting Wednesday 28 January 2026   rsvp - president@rotaryperth.org.au
  2. Perth Rotary Board Meeting  5.30pm, Tuesday 3 February 2026.  Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
UPCOMING EVENTS - PERTH ROTARY CLUB
  • Presidents Cocktail Party  | Thursday 29 January 2026
  • Business lunch | Friday 6 February 2026
  • Business Lunch | Friday 20 February 2026
  • Blessing of the Fleet | Friday 20 March 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS - D9423 AND BEYOND
  • D9423 Conference | 13 - 15 March 2026
  • PETS Training | 21-22 February 2026
  • Foundation Grants Seminar | 8 March 2026.  
  • District Assembly Training | 12 April 2026
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CORPORATE MEMBERS