Newsletter #18 | President Jill

Dear Rotarians and Friends,

As we transition into March, welcome to the peak of the heat!   We are currently 'smack bang' in the middle of Bunuru, the Noongar 'second summer'—and the final countdown of the Lunar New Year.   As the 'Season of Adolescence' brings the land to full maturity, we look to the sky tomorrow night for the Lantern Festival, closing out the Year of the Horse with a celebration of light, warmth, and new beginnings.  Perth Rotary Club Members celebrated the Chinese New Year - The Year of the horse a powerful symbol of energy, courage and adventure …. (Much like the year ahead for the Perth Rotary Club)..... with a banquet lunch at the Flying Duck Restaurant, Northbridge last Friday. 27 February 2026, .  A special vote of thanks to PDG Graham Peden & Club Services Director Wendy for facilitating this celebration.  See  below for photos of the event. 

D9423 | UP, UP and AWAY... 2026 Conference. Have you registered?   Bookings must close this week.... dont delay, register NOW. 

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

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

Perth Rotary Business Lunch Meeting | THIS FRIDAY,  6 March 2026

"Healthcare is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the locus of care shifts from traditional clinical settings to the environment where patients heal best: the home. This address examines the convergence of advanced technology, evolving care models, and shifting patient expectations that are positioning home-based care as the cornerstone of a modern health system.

From AI-driven decision support and remote monitoring to 'Hospital at Home' initiatives, these innovations are significantly improving clinical outcomes and systemic efficiency. Dale Fisher AM, Chief Executive of Silverchain Group, will explore how to navigate the complexities of workforce readiness, data interoperability, and health equity to lead the next generation of care for all Australians. 

We are privileged to have Dale Fisher AM as our guest speaker and I encourage all members to book in for this business lunch meeting.  Dale has a career spanning over three decades; she brings a unique blend of front line clinical experience and executive leadership to the table.  Dale was recognised in 2023 ad a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution to medicine, healthcare management and nursing.  Dale previously led the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Women's Hospital in Victoria.  

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, 6 March 2026

  • Time: 12:15 PM for a 12:30 PM start (Conclusion at 2:00 PM)

  • Location: Parmelia Hilton Perth | 14 Mill Street, Perth

  • Cost: $60.00 per person (Cash bar available)

Secure your place here: Book via TryBooking       Bookings close 3pm Tuesday 3 March 2026

Blades of Oary | Worlds Toughest Row

Rotarian Jeff Leach serendipitously met team members of the 'Blades of Oary' whilst on holiday this past January.   Since this time we have caught up again to discuss how Rotary might support their effort to become the first Australian team of women to row a boat across the Atlantic Ocean whilst raising funds for RUAH Community Services and the Royal Flying Doctor.  Perth Rotary is currently exploring ways in which we can get behind the girls, however, in the mean time, please read on here to learn a little more about the Worlds Toughest Row.... 

Click here to read more

Parkinson's Disease | Perron Institute Trial Success 

"Members of the Perth Rotary Club recently attended the Leederville Community Centre to witness firsthand a specialized exercise initiative supporting individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The demonstration highlighted the remarkable efficacy of combining tailored movement patterns, rhythmic music, and adaptive machinery to enhance mobility. Furthermore, the program fosters a vital sense of community and mutual support among participants. Featured recently in The West Australian, this initiative represents a significant step forward in community-based therapeutic care. [Click here to read the article].      Rai Fazio’s Fightmaster machine looking to knock out Parkinson’s disease in Perron Institute trial | The West Australian
 

 Pocket Forest Project: Hyde Park Festival Update

Over the long weekend, members of the Surf 2 Swan RCG gathered at the Hyde Park Fair to spread the word about the work currently being undertaken to establish Pocket Forrest habitats within our suburban areas.  Members of the public were invited to learn about the Pocket Forest Project—an innovative urban greening initiative delivered in partnership with Murdoch University, the Town of Vincent, and Rotary.  The public had the opportunity to make a black cockatoo and to connect with those behind the team.  It was a fantastic opportunity for Rotary to connect with the public in the Rotary International Focus area of the Environment.  

Congratulations to Perth Rotarians Virma Symons and David Woods for leading the way on this project.  

Wesley Sim, Michael van der Zanden were also at the Hyde Park Fair flying the flag for Shelterbox Australia.   Shelterbox Australia is featured on the Perth Rotary website.  You can review the article by clicking here

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Swan 2 Surf Rotary Fellowship

Regional Community Group (RCG) Sundowner

With 17 Rotary Clubs in our Community Group, we have a unique opportunity to combine our expertise, resources, and passion to create a significant impact. We invite all members to join us for an evening of informal fellowship to strengthen these professional and personal ties.

  • When: Friday, 6 March 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Where: Steve’s Hotel, Nedlands

  • Details: Informal sundowner; drinks at own cost.

There is no formal agenda—just an opportunity for Rotarians from across the Swan 2 Surf RCG to enjoy good company and foster new connections. Every member from every club is warmly encouraged to attend.

Cambodia Family Support | Annual Report 

A huge vote of appreciation to Helen and Vin Keane who continue to champion Cambodia Family Support and the vital work undertaken in the rural areas of Cambodia, quite close to the Thai border, an area of repeated conflict, reduced resources and families who have little to no assistance.   Please click on the link below for the full report.  
 
In 2025, Cambodia Family Support (CFS) continued its mission to protect vulnerable children and families in Battambang and Pailin provinces. The provinces share a common border with Thailand. During the Thai-Cambodia border conflict many poor Cambodians were forced to migrate to safety, placing a heavy burden on CFS staff to assist in terms of food, shelter and transport. Despite this CFS continued to deliver practical, community-led solutions that improved safety, wellbeing, and long-term resilience.
 
 

 

 

 

Good News Perth Rotary Club Members 

Stephen and Cheryl Inouye add to their beautiful family with the safe arrival of their Granddaughter, Liana Esther.  Liana arrived earthside on Friday 20 February weighing in at a healthy 7lb 9oz.  We extend our very best wishes to proud parents Savannah and Jacques, along with Stephen, Cheryl and the rest of the gang.  
 
"A child is a blessing, a gift from above, but a granddaughter is a special treasure, wrapped in a lifetime of love."  How lucky is Liana to be a part of the Innouye/DuToit Family!!  
 

Congratulations to Dr. David Preece on his recent appointment as a Board Director of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Dr. Preece is a distinguished clinical psychologist and academic who completed his PhD and clinical training at Edith Cowan University, followed by a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellowship as a Fulbright Scholar at Stanford University.

Currently an Associate Professor at Curtin University and active in private practice, David’s impact extends to his dedicated service within the community. As a valued Perth Rotarian, his work with the Australian Rotary Health Foundation truly exemplifies the Rotary spirit of service above self."

 
"Perth Rotary extends its heartfelt congratulations to Robin McClellan and John Duggan on their upcoming marriage on Saturday, 14 March. We wish the happy couple a future filled with joy, love, and laughter."
 
 
 

Perth Rotary Celebrates Chinese New Year

The Year of the Fire Horse.  The Year of the Fire Horse is renowned for bringing an intense, vibrant energy to the Lunar New Year celebrations. In Chinese astrology, the element of Fire accelerates the natural speed and enthusiasm of the Horse, creating a year defined by passion, rapid movement, and bold action. Because of this high energy, it is considered a time to take risks, pursue big ambitions, and embrace sudden changes with courage. However, it also demands balance, as the fiery nature can sometimes lead to impulsiveness or impatience. It is a powerful, dynamic year that pushes people to move forward confidently.
 
 

Youth Exchange Update: WESTERN AUSTRALIA | RYE APPLICATIONS HAVE BECOME CENTRALISED.  

Rotary Youth Exchange: 2027 Outbound Applications Now Open

The Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program offers students aged 15–18.5 a transformative year-long international exchange. Living with Rotary host families, students experience a new culture within a highly supportive and safe environment.

We are pleased to announce that applications are now officially open for the Outbound Exchange departing in January 2027.

Updated Application Process

As previously communicated, the RYEWA Committee is trialing a new streamlined process for the 2027 intake:

  • Application Window: Now open until 24 March 2026.

  • Initial Submission: All applications must be sent directly to the RYE District Committee at applications@rotarywa.au.

  • Review & Allocation: Following a desktop review, the Committee will allocate candidates to an appropriate Club for interviews by 30 April.

  • District Interviews: Candidates recommended by their local Rotary Club will proceed to the District Interviews in June

Contact Information

Should you have any questions regarding the 2027 Outbound Program or the new application trial, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Jill Hanna  ryechair9423@rotarywa.au      Mobile: 0409 232 752

Perth Rotary Board 

The Board next meets Tuesday 3 March 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.  

LIFT THE LID WALK | save the date, Saturday 18 April 2026

 

 

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

Friday 20 March 2026 |           Blessing of the Fleet  (Bookings will OPEN, Tuesday 27 Jan).
Friday 19 June 2026 |              Century of Service: The Legacy Lunch - Save the Date, Friday 19 June 2026. 
 

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.

 
 

Sincerely, 

 

 
Jill Dawson OAM | President Perth Rotary 2025/27
 
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CLUB COMMITTEE & SUB COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
  1. Perth Rotary Centenary Meeting Wednesday 25 March 2026   rsvp - president@rotaryperth.org.au
  2. Perth Rotary Board Meeting  5.30pm, Tuesday 3 March 2026.  Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
UPCOMING EVENTS - PERTH ROTARY CLUB
  • Business Lunch | Friday 6 March 2026
  • Blessing of the Fleet | Friday 20 March 2026
  • Century of Service: The Legacy Lunch  | Friday 19 June 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS - D9423 AND BEYOND
  • D9423 Conference | 13 - 15 March 2026
  • Foundation Grants Seminar | 8 March 2026.  
  • District Assembly Training | 12 April 2026
  • RI Conference, Tapai | 13 - 17 June 2026
  • Zone 8,  South Pacific Conference, Melbourne | 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2026
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CORPORATE MEMBERS