Dear Perth Rotarians,
 
Perth Rotary was absolutely buzzing at our meeting last week with a room full of members and guests in full concentration as we listened to our guest speaker, Dr Jemma Green de-mystify blockchain and how our energy market is adapting as we move towards renewable energy source markets.  Technology at its most innovative, if not still a little complex.  It was also a delight to welcome Raffaele Iannizzotto to the club.  We look forward to getting to know Raffaele and working together on projects.  
 
     
     
    Today is a very special day in my family as we celebrate the 100th Birthday of my Uncle John Ellis.  Some of you may recall Uncle John, he would famously drive his Suzuki Swift from the East coast of Australia across to the West and back.  The last visit to the West being March 2019 when he was 98 years old.  His favourite outing involved oysters, a glass of wine and a drive …. The destination was irrelevant, he found interest and wonderment wherever he went.  A wonderful character and inspiration.  He loved his Perth Rotary Cap and wore it constantly as he toured around.  Happy Birthday Uncle John!!
     
     
    This week we welcome Mr Gerry Gerogatos, the national coordinator of the National Suicide Prevention and Trauma Recovery Project (NSPTRP).  The NSPTRP project aims to support those who have no one left to turn to.  The project runs out of a shared office space in the cities of Darwin and Perth.  The demand for their service is heartbreaking and increasing.  Currently the service meets with up to 250 people who are in need, each week.  A staggering number of individuals who see their world as a bleak and desolate place in which to exist.  Please remember to go on line and book your ticket asap.  We aim to provide final catering numbers to the Parmelia by 12 noon each Wednesday.  Booking link is www.trybooking.com/BREMG
     
     
    This Saturday we look forward to hosting the Path of Hope Gala at Crown Towers.  A tremendous amount of work has gone into organising this event and I look forward to sharing with you the success of the evening in next weeks newsletter.  If you are yet to purchase your ticket and would like to attend, please go on line by 10.30am, Wednesday 19 May to finalise your purchase.   Whilst tickets are limited, every ticket which is purchased greatly contributes to the overall success of the evening and enables the committee to maximise the funds which are donated to the Salvation Army Family and Domestic Violence Unit.  Your support of this Perth Rotary Project and the committee is greatly appreciated.  We are sure you will not be disappointed and we already know from past experience, just how much our efforts are appreciated and valued.
     
    During the week, we received some amazing news in regards to the Medical Respite Centre and Homeless Health Care Services which has been a focus of the Rotary Clubs of Perth, Heirisson and City East over a six year period.  It has long been acknowledged that those who are experiencing homelessness also experience significant health issues and complex needs.    It is hoped that with improved health outcomes, people experiencing homelessness will have a greater chance of breaking the cycle of homelessness.  Access to this basic human right, adequate healthcare, is often denied or extremely difficult for those who’s lives are on the streets.  Congratulations to all Rotarians across the three clubs who have worked tirelessly and persistently to achieve an outcome which will positively impact many lives.
     
    This past Rotary year we have used our Speaker Program as a means to further spread the good works of Rotary.  Rather than buy a gift to thank our guest speakers, we have donated a sum of money from the club on behalf of our guest speaker program to a different charity each quarter. 
     
    Currently, we are supporting a plastic exchange program in Bali recommended to the club by Rotarian Ray Della-Polina who splits his time between Perth and Seminyak.  The plastic Exchange program is a six month program working with the Village of Munggal in Tabanan Bali Indonesia and is proving to be a great success.  Individuals are encouraged to collect and deliver plastic in exchange for rice.  The program is providing dignity to the Balinese as well as ensuring that they live in a much better environment.  The collected trash is picked up with a truck and sorted.  Everything that can be recycled is sent to Surabaya.  All funds made from recycling go back into the program to purchase more rice. 
     
    Please click on the following link to watch a short video as provided by Rotarian Ray Della-Polina.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jrN2vh_HAY
     
    As we come to the end of the Rotary Year, there are a lot of events planned which does take a bit of keeping up with, however, your attendance at the various Rotary meetings, changeovers and celebrations means a great deal to those who spend many hours organising, creating and negotiating on our behalf. 
     
    Our program for the next few weeks is as follows: 
     
    • Friday 21 May – Perth Rotary Business Lunch | Gerry Georgatos.  Venue – Parmelia Hilton Hotel.  Booking link - https://www.trybooking.com/BREMG
    • Thursday 27 May – Perth Rotary After Business Drinks | Dr L Williams, President of the Karrakatta Club Venue – Parmelia Hilton Hotel. Booking link - https://www.trybooking.com/BQNDF
    • Friday 4 June – Perth Rotary Business Lunch | Dr Robert Isaacs.  Venue – Parmelia Hilton Hotel. Booking link - https://www.trybooking.com/BRENH
    • Friday 11 June – Perth Rotary Business Lunch | Richard Court AC, Former Premier of WA.  Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/BRCDL   ** WHOLE CLUB PHOTO to be taken at this meeting.  Arrival time 12 noon.  Venue – Parmelia Hilton Hotel
    • Friday 18 June – Perth Rotary Changeover Dinner at the DUXTON HOTEL.  Evening Event and a fun event for members and partners. Booking link - https://www.trybooking.com/BRIPO
    • Saturday 26 June – Rotex D9455 Charter Night.  Prince Lane Rooftop Bar, 356 Murray St, Perth  WA  6000.  Booking link – https://www.trybooking.com/BPEXG
    • Saturday 3 July – District Changeover.   Burswood on Swan, 1 Camfield Drive, Burswood.  6.15pm – 8.30pm.  Light cocktail food and welcome drink.  $60/pp  booking link – https://www.trybooking.com/BRITD
     
     
    PERTH ROTARY 2020/21 BOARD EMAIL - Our Next Board Meeting – Monday 5 July 2021
    President:   Rev Dr John Shepherd AM    president@rotaryperth.org.au ;  john.h.shepherd@bigpond.com
    Past President:         Jill Dawson               jill@quairadingearthmoving.com.au
    President Elect:        Maree Gooch           maree@valuecreators.com.au 
    Treasurer:                  Joseph Wambua      treasurer@rotaryperth.org.au
    Secretary:                  Jacques Phillips      secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
    Rotary Foundation  Emma Cork               emma@oneenergyfps.com.au
    Club Service:           Darren Perera           clubservice@rotaryperth.org.au
    Fellowship Chair:    Jo Morris                    fellowship@rotaryperth.org.au     
    Media Chair              Barry Thornton         barrythornton@hotmail.com
    Speaker Program     Nicola Johnston       programmechair@rotaryperth.org.au
    Membership              Ashley Whitworth    membership@rotaryperth.org.au
    Vocational                 Jonas Edner             vocational@rotaryperth.org.au
    Community               David Wee                community@rotaryperth.org.au
    International             Wesley Sim               international@rotaryperth.org.au
    Youth                                                          youth@rotaryperth.org.au