Newsletter #6 Perth Rotary Celebrating 100 Years of Service 1926-2027

Dear Rotarians and Friends,

It has been an inspiring two weeks for the Perth Rotary Club, filled with youth achievement, global connection, and community celebration.

Four-Way Test Speaking Competition Special congratulations to Kanchi D. of Ashdale Secondary College on winning the Perth Rotary Club Four-Way Test Speaking Competition. You can read more about the event and Kanchi’s achievement further down in this newsletter. 

Please note the following upcoming events.  Please click on the links and book your attendance.  Your attention to booking and/or registering greatly assists us with our planning and is appreciated. 

Perth Rotary Business Lunch Meeting | Friday 20 November 2026

The Perth Rotary Club invites all members and friends of the Perth Club to join us at the Hilton Perth for our 10th Club Meeting in our Centennial Year.   

We are delighted to host Sergio Federico Nicolaci, Consul of Italy in Perth, who will speak on “Italy, Australia and the Challenges of Diplomacy in a Multipolar World.”:     BOOK HERE

Diwali Celebration & Guest Speaker: Professor Amit Chakma On Friday, 6 November, our club came together in celebration of the Diwali Festival. We were privileged to welcome Professor Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Australia, as our guest speaker.

Speaking on "Building Bridges, Lighting Futures: Growing the WA–India Relationship through Shared Education," Professor Chakma explored how international partnerships and shared learning strengthen ties between Australia and India. He also shared a moving personal reflection on how Rotary once helped change the trajectory of his own life.   To mark the occasion of Diwali, Harsha Gupta offered a thoughtful reflection on the festival’s core values of kindness and compassion, highlighting how closely they align with Rotary’s guiding principle of Service Above Self.  Please click here for the full reflection. 

 

EVENTS AND STORY'S THAT ARE HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY. 

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS for full details. 

  • 4 Way Speaking Competition | Friday 30 October 2026.   An inspiring day of public speaking, confidence and thought-provoking ideas!  The Rotary Four-Way Test Speaking Contest was held at the prestigious Royal Perth Golf Club bringing together talented young speakers from Ashdale Secondary College, Mercedes College (Perth) and St George's Anglican Grammar School.   A huge congratulations to our winner Kanchi, (Ashdale Secondary College), Topic, Diversity & Belonging; and Runner-Up, Emma C.  Congratulations to all three finalists for their outstanding performances and the confidence, preparation and passion they demonstrated.   A special thank you to the participating schools, teachers, judges, organisers and everyone who contributed to making the event such a wonderful success.  At Rotary, we believe in empowering the next generation to become confident communicators, critical thinkers and responsible leaders.  The future belongs to those who have the courage to speak up, challenge ideas and make a difference

 A reminder that Members are invited to consider the following events: 

  1. Saturday 14 November and Sunday 15 November, Government House Ballroom, Handel's Messiah.  Funds raised support Passages | Hub for Homeless Youth.  Book HERE
  2. Monday 16 November | Little Lives, Big Discoveries.  Community Engagement Day | Marshall Centre.  A special day for Perth Rotarians and Community Members.  Please scan the QR code to the right to register.
  3. Tuesday 17 November 2026.  Because I Love You So, a benefit concert for the Ukraine.  Tickets can be purchased HERE 
  4. RAC Raffle - Entries close at 9:00 AM AWST on Monday, 16 November 2026.
    Details
    • Prize: Two tickets to each concert at RAC Arena for 2027 (including acts like Radiohead, Bryan Adams, Empire of the Sun, and Westlife) plus a $1,000 food and beverage card.
    • Cost: Tickets are $10 each.
    • Beneficiary: All proceeds support The Salvation Army WA Christmas appeal.
    • Where to Enter: You can buy tickets HERE.  
  5.  National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies Conference to be held Saturday 28 November 2026, 8.45am - 4.30pm at ANZAC House.   Book HERE to attend. 

    ROTARY FOUNDATION - GIVING TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER 2026 

This global day of generosity is an opportunity for all members to make a big impact with a gift of any size. A donation to Annual Fund-SHARE supports projects you’re passionate about, both in your community and around the world. A gift to our PolioPlus Fund helps transport vaccines and immunize children to keep them safe.

Here’s how you can help on Giving Tuesday:

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE 

Welcome, Dr Rajiv Shinde On Friday, 6 November, we were delighted to induct the world's newest Rotarian into the Perth Rotary Club—Dr Rajiv Shinde. A Consultant Medical Oncologist and Co-Head of Medical Oncology at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Rajiv brings extensive experience from Perth, Sydney, and London, alongside his work in early-phase cancer research and outreach oncology in Geraldton. A devoted family man passionate about equitable healthcare and community connection, Rajiv joins us eager to build friendships and contribute to local initiatives. Please give him a warm Perth Rotary welcome!

Member Milestones

  • Past President Kathy Kusinski: Congratulations to Kathy and her MKDC co-founder, Melanie Marshall, who were recently elevated to Design Institute of Australia (DIA) Life Fellows at PS Art Space. Presented by DIA CEO Simone LeAmon alongside WA Chair Catriona Gregg FDIA, this prestigious honour recognises over three decades of leadership in WA’s interior design industry. Kathy shared her deep gratitude to their team, clients, and colleagues for an extraordinary shared journey.

  • Rotarian Philip Lako: Congratulations to Philip on graduating with his Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Management. Balancing demanding work and family life alongside his wife Lucia and their children, Philip’s achievement is another testament to his remarkable resilience, determination, and Service Above Self—an inspiring milestone for both his family and our club.

We are privileged to call Rajiv, Kathy, and Philip colleagues, Rotarians, and friends.

Fellowship & Care Finally, our thoughts are with members currently navigating health challenges, particularly Bob Mickle, Prof. Jorg Imberger, and Judith Pinczuk. If you have a spare moment this week, please give them a call or pop in for a cup of tea—they would love the company.

 
 

Vienna Pops NYE 2026 - tickets are selling, have you got yours?  

Ring in the New Year in spectacular style at our magnificent new home, His Majesty’s Theatre! Under the baton of Musical Director Mark Coughlan, our 2026 concert showcases an extraordinary line-up of homegrown, internationally acclaimed talent:

  • Sky Ingram (Soprano): Flying direct from London for an exclusive Perth appearance, this WAAPA, Guildhall, and National Opera Studio alumna brings world-class vocal brilliance home for one unforgettable night.

  • Devon Lake: Rejoining us on stage, the WAAPA graduate and Richard Gill Award recipient has quickly made his mark through leading operatic roles, the West Australian Opera Wesfarmers Young Artist Program, and the Melba Opera Trust Program.

  • Ellie Malonzo (Violinist & Composer): Returning to Perth for Christmas from London’s Guildhall School of Music, Ellie joins us to help cap off the evening in style. 

Every ticket supports Perth Rotary’s Centenary projects and community fund. Both the Afternoon Matinee and Evening Gala are selling fast—encourage your family and friends to secure their seats today!

🎟️ Book Online: 

📞 Book by Phone: (08) 6212 9292

📖 Elevate your New Years Eve with the Platinum VIP Reserve experience

 

Rotary Wine Club - Become a Member..... IT'S FREE. 

 
Scan the QR Code, go to the site, join up for FREE and order your wine.  This offer is available to all ROTARIANS in Western Australia in gratitude for your service to the State of Western Australia over the past 100 years.  Wise Wines congratulate us on achieving 100 years of service and hope you will enjoy a discounted wine.   Please scan the QR Code to the left, sign up for free and order your wine which will be delivered to your front door at no additional cost. 
 
 
 

'The Book of Graces'

The Book of Graces – Support Our Centenary Project

Launched at our Legacy Lunch, The Book of Graces celebrates Reverend John’s humour, dedication, and decades of witty club commentaries.

Our Goal: We aim to sell 1,200 copies, with every dollar funding Perth Rotary’s Centenary Project—the refurbishment and upgrade of the Marshall Warren Research Institute for Infectious Diseases.

How You Can Help: At $25 each, these books make wonderful Christmas gifts and a great way to promote Perth Rotary. We are asking every member to consider purchasing 10 copies to help us reach our target.

Get Yours Today: See Nan Walker, Rev. John, or the Club Services Team at our next meeting to grab your copies.

Perth Rotary Board Members

We held our 2025/26 AGM in the Boardroom of Mortgage Choice Thursday 12 November.  The Annual Report and Financial Statements were passed by members.  A copy of the Annual Report is available to all members.  Please pick up your copy when next attending a Perth Rotary Lunch meeting.   The next Board Meeting will be held 5.30pm, Tuesday 1 December at Lv 1, 350 Hay Street, SUBIACO. 
 
President | Jill Dawson           president@rotaryperth.org.au          
IMP | Manu Gupta                   manu.gupta@rotaryperth.org.au
President Elect | Ashley Whitworth   presidentelect@rotaryperth.org.au 
Treasurer | Joseph Wambua    treasurer@rotaryperth.org.au           
Secretary | Jacques Phillips    secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
Foundation | Rodger Gibson   rggibsonacct@gmail.com                 
Sir Norman Brearly Trust | Ted Wilhelm      ewilhelm@iinet.net.au
 
Club Services Director | Wendy Campbell          clubservices@rotaryperth.org.au
Community Services Director | Graham Peden   graham@wwperth.com
International Services Director | Wesley Sim      international@rotaryperth.org.au
Membership Director | Manu Gupta                    membership@rotaryperth.org.au
Youth Director | Kathryn Wackett                        youth@rotaryperth.org.au
Environment Director | Virma Symons                 vzafra@iinet.net.au

Sincerely, 

Jill Dawson OAM | President Perth Rotary 2025/27

 

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

Sunday 15 November 2026        | Jacaranda Festival. 
Saturday 21 November 2026     | Pirate Ship Foundation Back Yard Cricket Match
Friday 18 December 2026          | Perth Rotary Family Christmas Breakfast.
Saturday 19 December 2026      | Carols in the City.  
Thursday 31 December 2026     | Vienna Pops NYE Concert, His Majesty's Theatre
 
PERTH ROTARY CLUB COMMITTEE & SUB COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
  1. Perth Rotary Centenary Meeting    rsvp - president@rotaryperth.org.au   3.30pm Wednesday 18 November 2026
  2. Perth Rotary Board Meeting  5.30pm, Tuesday 1 December 2026.   Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au  
UPCOMING EVENTS - PERTH ROTARY CLUB
  • Business Lunch | Friday 20 November 2026
  • Business Lunch | Friday 4 December 2026
  • Xmas Breakfast | Friday 18 December 2026
  • Vienna Pops NYE Concert | Thursday 31 December 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS - D9423 AND BEYOND
  •   Rotary Expo 2027 | Saturday 17 April 2027 
PERTH ROTARY CORPORATE MEMBERS