Newsletter #8 | President Jill

Dear Perth Rotary Members and Friends, 
 
How time flies as we get ready to say goodbye to September... and HELLO OCTOBER!  Perth Rotarians please look out for the first Perth Rotary Board report to members as promised.  Perth Rotary Board will provide members with a comprehensive update each quarter.  Members are invited and encouraged to make contact with any and all Board Members (not just the President) to discuss any items of interest or that require further clarification.  
 
Get ready! Tickets for the Vienna Pops New Year's Eve Concert go on sale this week at Uni Theatres!   www.ticketswa.com 

Musical Director Mark Coughlan is once again curating an unforgettable musical journey—a treat for the mind and soul. Whether you choose the festive Afternoon Matinee or the glamorous Evening Gala, this is the perfect, beautiful way to celebrate the New Year.  

Your attendance is vital for the success of this event and for the work of the Perth Rotary Club. Funds raised this year will support two crucial causes:

  1. The Salvation Army's program for Women and Children affected by Family and Domestic Violence.

  2. Continuing to promote and raise awareness for our Perth Rotary Centenary Project: "The Barry Marshall Research Institute for Infectious Diseases."

We need you, your family, and your friends to join us! Secure your tickets this week and help us make this evening a success on every front.

 

We meet NEXT FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER  2025 | Bookings must close at 3pm, Tuesday 30 September 2025. 

Join us for our next fortnightly Perth Rotary Club Meeting at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel!

We're honored to host our very own District Governor, Veronica Lawrance, as our guest speaker. This is a crucial opportunity for us to gather as engaged members and hear directly from our leader about the direction of Rotary International.

DG Lawrance will focus on the 2025/26 theme, "Unite for Good," the core message from Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo. Your attendance shows support for the club and ensures you stay informed about Rotary’s mission.

Registrations are still open—please secure your spot today!

Perth Parmelia Hilton 14 Mill Street Perth

Friday 3 October 2025

12:15 for 12:30 Start

$60.00 per person

Bookings:  

Booking Procedures for Perth Rotary Members

To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, please remember to adhere to our booking process.

  • Meeting Days: Rotary luncheons are held on the first and third Fridays of each month.

  • Booking Deadline: Bookings must be made by 3:00 PM on the Tuesday before the event. This allows us to confirm numbers and dietary requirements with the Parmelia Hilton.

Your timely booking and consistent attendance are vital to the success of our meetings. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to seeing you there!

The Long Walk | Sunday 21 September 2025.  We raised $1832 SO FAR! 

Glorious weather; Fabulous company and a worthy cause all combined to make a happy group of walkers Sunday 21 September.  A timely reminder to REMEMBER those who have been affected by this dreaded cancer and for our men folk to ensure they go and have a simple blood test to CHECK and KNOW their PSA Levels.  
 
Vale Roger Climpson OAM | Rotarian, Advocate, Media/News Personality and Prostate Cancer Survivor passed away Thursday 18 September 2025 after first being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 1994.   Roger was instrumental in the creation of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) through is connection with the Rotary Club of Lane Cove.   The life saving message continues to be as important today as it was in 1994; Go and have your blood tested and know what your PSA levels are.  The full article can be read - https://www.pcfa.org.au/news-media/news/vale-roger-climpson-oam/ For those men who may be recovering from Prostate surgery, search PROST - https://www.prost.com.au/support/  - a diagnosis is only the beginning.  It is what you do POST SURGERY that will determine how well you are able to adapt and live a healthy and rewarding, full life.   It was great to have quite a few members for PROST WA along with us to walk and talk about how we can continue to support and promote good decision making; healthy living and awareness of Men's health. Thank you to everyone who joined us on the day and/or donated direct to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  Perth Rotary has currently raised $1832.00 towards raising awareness and research for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.  Should you wish to donate further funds, please click on the following link - https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/theperthrotaryclub2025 . The link will remain open until 30 September 2025. 
 

 

ROTARIANS Celebrated this week.... 

We welcomed Ruby Soh to membership of the Perth Rotary Club at our meeting last Friday.  

Ruby is the Principal Architect and Managing Director at Tema International, an interior and architectural design consultancy with a global presence. Her firm specializes in hospitality and corporate design, with offices in Singapore, Australia, China, the Philippines, and additional alliance offices worldwide.  Beyond her professional work, Ruby is deeply committed to non-profit causes, particularly those supporting street children and orphans in Asia. She is actively involved with "Buckets for Jesus," an organization that constructs low-cost homes for the homeless in the Philippines, contributing to the completion of 101 houses in Cebu. To support this work, she operates the Buckets for Jesus Op Shop in Rivervale. Last year, under her leadership, the organization distributed 7,000 school bags, and she is now working toward the goal of providing 10,000 bags next year.  Her dedication to service is also evident in her history with Rotary International. As the International Service Director for the Rotary Club of Singapore (1985–1995), she managed relationships with sister clubs and recommended new international partnerships. She was also a member of the Rotary Club of Hillarys/Wanneroo (2021–2024).  Welcome Ruby. 

The Very Reverend Dr John Shepherd AM is a published author...   "Worship and the Mystery of God", published by Sacristy Press.  Available on line at  https://www.sacristy.co.uk/products/worship-mystery .  A Theological exploration of the historical & liturgical evolution of Anglican worship.   A Book that is somewhat in contrast to Nigel Barkers novels "Assume Murder" and "Lazarus".  https://www.nigel-m-barker.com/  Our multi-talented Rotarians and story tellers galore... who knew?

Wesley Sim | Uniting Church Ping Pong A-thon is on again Friday 10 October 2025/Saturday 11 October 2025.   If you love playing ping pong or just want to support their aim in supporting those agencies who are fighting against human trafficking and slavery as well as providing education and support to those who are vulnerable, please contact Wes Sim and/or go to this link for more information:    Nedlands Uniting Church Pong WA - EVENT - Ping Pong-A-Thon 2025

Elliot Notelaers, Rotary Youth Exchange Student kicked off his holidays with a photo opportunity with Boxers of note at the Uniclo Store in town.  Elliot was super excited (read understatement of the year here... :)) to meet these guys all the way over here in Western Australia.  Elliot is now on holidays until Friday 10 October when he will join up with the rest of the Exchange Students for a briefing weekend at Point Walter. 
 
Should any Rotarians be out and about over the next two weeks and have room for Elliot, we would appreciate your contacting him (or me direct - Jill (President@rotaryperth.org.au); Peter and I are working and so somewhat limited in available time.  
 
L-R - Jasmine Parr - Australian Boxer; Maurico Ruffy - UFC Lightweight; Chase Hooper - UFC Lightweight; Elliot; Israel Adesanya - Elliot's favourite fighter and former UFC Middleweight Champion; Kai Kara-France - UFC Flyweight;
 
Front - Alex Volkanovski - the ACTUAL UFC Featherweight Champion (& the most famous from what I can work out).  
 
What is UFC???   I had to google... but here is a simple explanation.  The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the premier professional mixed martial arts (MMA) organization in the world.   It hosts competitions that feature fighters from various combat backgrounds competing under a unified set of rules. 
 
 

Reflections through Reality | Perth Rotary Corporate Member      

Perth Rotarians PDG Graham Peden; PP George Etrelezis; PP Manu Gupta and President Jill Dawson attended Government House Thursday 18 September.  Reflections has now undergone a name change to MADDA - Mesothelioma and Dust Diseases Australia.  We congratulate all that were involved and look forward to Perth Rotary continuing to support and work alongside MADDA in the education, prevention and support of all those affected by Mesothelioma and Dust Diseases.  

4 Way Speaking Competition | State Final in Geraldton  

We're thrilled to congratulate Izabella Kodituwakku, a St. George's Anglican Grammar School student, for her impressive performance as a runner-up in the State Finals of the 4-Way Speaking Competition held in Geraldton last weekend!

A massive thank you and shout-out go to Youth Director Kathryn Wackett and her husband Andrew for traveling to Geraldton to support Izabella and represent our club. Your dedication and time are deeply valued and are crucial to the success of our Youth Program.

A Call for Youth Committee Support | Kathryn is now organizing a Youth Committee Meeting. If you receive an invitation, please make every effort to attend and support her work. Kathryn often simply needs Rotarians to share their knowledge, providing historical context and insights into past programs to help guide the future of the Youth Portfolio. A small commitment of your time can make a huge difference.

D9423 | UP, UP and AWAY... 2026 Conference. 

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

Please join us - Friday 24 October 2025, World Polio Day. 

"Surf to Swan Rotary Community Group" warmly invites all Rotarians to join us for dinner Friday 24 October at the Royal Perth Golf Club.  

Why not ....."Make a Day of It..." Ride the Trains during the day and then come out to dinner to celebrate and exchange train stories.  
 
Renee Kennedy, an acclaimed film and television producer is our Guest Speaker. Renee is currently producing a feature film adaptation of the celebrated novel "The Golden Age", by Joan London.  The Golden Age is set in a 1950s Perth children's convalescent home during the polio epidemic. Her talk will connect the poignant story of this compelling post-war narrative to Rotary's ongoing mission.    Book onto table 1 and join me as we work together to eradicate this dreadful disease from the world. 
 
Rotarians are able to make an on-line donation towards the End Polio Now Campaign at the time of booking, or purchase a raffle ticket on the night.  All funds raised will be linked back to your club when forwarded to Rotary International.   
 
Date:     Friday 24 October 2025 
Time:     6.30pm/7.00pm sit down
Cost:     $65/pp   2 course meal.  Cash Bar
RSVP:    www.trybooking.com/DFTVX
Dress:    Business/Smart Casual.  No denim please. 
 
 

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

 
Monday 13 October | Vocational Visit & Community Engagement Event with the Barry Marshall Centre.  
Friday 19 December | Perth Rotary Family Xmas Breakfast @ the Parmelia Hilton Hotel. 
Friday 19 December | Carols in the City.  More details to come. 
Wednesday 31 December | Vienna Pops New Years Eve Concerts.  www.ticketswa.com  | Vienna Pops Afternoon Matinee or Vienna Pops Evening Gala. 
Thursday 29 January 2026 | Presidents Cocktail Party TBC. 
 
 
 

Upcoming Marshall Centre Event

Looking ahead, we are delighted to announce that the Marshall Centre will be hosting a Community Engagement Event. Members of the Perth Rotary Club are invited to join us on Monday, October 13, at 2:30 PM. The event will feature presentations from Professor Barry Marshall and Professor Mark Nicol. Please note that members must register to attend as spaces are limited. You can find full details and registration information at the following link: https://rotaryperth.org.au/Stories/marshall-centre-community-engagement-event.

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.

 

 
Kind regards,
Jill Dawson OAM | President Perth Rotary 2025/27
 
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CLUB COMMITTEE & SUB COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
  1. Perth Rotary Vienna Pops Meeting | Tuesday 30 September 2025 via zoom.  You are WELCOME to join us.  Please ask me for the zoom link.
  2. Perth Rotary Centenary Meeting Date tba.   rsvp - president@rotaryperth.org.au
  3. Perth Rotary Membership Committee Meeting | Friday 3 October 2025, 11am, Parmelia Hilton Hotel.
  4. Perth Rotary Board Meeting (ZOOM), 5.30pm, Tuesday 14 October 2025.  Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
  5. Perth Rotary Club Services Meeting | Friday 17 October 2025.  2.15pm, Parmelia Hilton Hotel.  
  6. Perth Rotary AGM.   Thursday 30 October 2025.  5.30pm Board Room of Mortgage Choice, 350 Hay Street, Subiaco.    
UPCOMING EVENTS - PERTH ROTARY CLUB
 
UPCOMING EVENTS - D9423 AND BEYOND
 
 
 
PERTH ROTARY CORPORATE MEMBERS