PERTH ROTARY | PRESIDENTS UPDATE | 22 December  2020

 

The Very Reverend, Dr John Shepherd reflected on Christmas, a time of year that means a myriad of things to so many.  Rev John surmised that, St John of the Cross summed it up best, “Where there is no love, put love….. and you will find love.”  A beautiful quote and not a bad way to celebrate this time of year. 

 

On behalf of my family to yours, I wish you all a Blessed Christmas, May you find love wherever you look and may we all experience a New Year full of Joy and many Blessings.   

 

Each year, it is a great privilege to hi-light the work of Rotarians in our club.   We are almost embarrassed with riches, we have so many extraordinary members doing extraordinary good deeds in our community – here and abroad. 

 

As we were planning our year in March/April, the 2020/21 Board was informally meeting.  One of our biggest concerns was membership.  How would we retain members, what would members do in the midst of a pandemic?   Somewhat to our surprise, our club has had an 18% increase in membership.  This is in no small measure to the work of two gentleman, Ashley Whitworth and Joseph Wambua. 

 

Ashley Whitworth joined the club in May of 2008.  Since that time Ashley has held positions on the board in the capacity of Club Services Director and Membership Director.  Ashley has contributed to almost every committee in one way or another, developed marketing brochures, flyers, social media posts, formed the first (& possibly only) Western Australian Rotary Rock & Roll Band – The Rotars … you name it – Ashley W is never too far away as well as donating goods from his business to other charitable partners – like Vinnies and the Salvation Army.  And yet his enthusiasm, commitment, drive and energy never fail.  As a member of the board, Ashley is calm, considered and fair in his views and a wonderful asset to the team.

 

Joseph Wambua joined the club in May of 2012.  Joseph has been the Treasurer of the Perth Rotary Club for the past six years.  It is not easy being the treasurer of a club full of Rotarians …. We typically want to spend all of the money on our projects.  Joseph has a tough job as he cautions, explains, budgets, forecasts, patiently explains again and keeps track of all the money coming in from many sources and projects.  At the October Board meeting, Joseph was able to advise that all memberships were fully paid and/or on a payment schedule for the Club.  A result of many hours of work, liaison and diligence in communicating with members and ensuring that during the height of the pandemic, our club finances were stable and our projects able to proceed as planned. Joseph is always looking ahead, not just at what is happening in the current year, but what is likely to happen in 6 months, 12 months’ time. 

 

Joseph and Ashley care about this club, about its’ future and about our projects.  They have each demonstrated a willingness and commitment to go above and beyond what is required to ensure that the club is strong and able to meet its’ commitments. 

 

It is with great pride and pleasure that I asked our District Governor Jon Bilson to present Joseph and Ashley with their PHF/1 sapphire pin last Friday. Congratulations Joseph and Ashley, recipients of a Paul Harris Fellow at the 2020 Christmas Breakfast.   

 

 

I would like to thank Fellowship Chair Jo Morris and her team of merry helpers, Fr Christmas (aka Don Mazzucchelli); Sergeant Larry Hirsch; Club Services Director Darren Perera; Kirstin, Kirri and Nan Walker on the registration desk; Jacques Phillips who saved the day and managed to light up the Christmas Tree; Jonas Edner and Candy People Australia; Ashley Whitworth and Ash Ladner – our standover men (aka raffle ticket sellers); Choir Master & King of the Kids PP Wesley Sim; Rebecca Tolstoy, Helen Leach, Warren Palmer, Ray Simpson and the Path of Hope Foundation Team for the amazing collection of gifts; Irwin Palmer and the Salvation Army Band along with the staff of The Westin Hotel who do an extraordinary job each week of looking after us. 

 

A special mention to Jonas Edner who donated all of the chocolates for the fundraiser along with Giuseppe Pantano who donated a set of 3 tribal masks which were auctioned by John Garland.  The support of our club members is nothing short of inspiring.  We were able to raise more than enough money to cover the cost of our club guests.  Excess funds will be directed towards our Community Fund to support our club projects in 2021 and beyond. 

 

We were fortunate to welcome home our 2020 Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Caitlin Schmitt.  Caitlin had an amazing year in Japan and we look forward to hearing more from Caitlin in the New Year about her year abroad. 

 

We also took the opportunity to congratulate our Global Citizens Girish Jhurkut; Rochelle Gotico and May Jeong on successfully graduating from the 2019/20 program.  Girish, Rochelle and May each completed the study modules required along with many volunteer hours at Perth Rotary events.  The Board of Directors has resolved to pay the first twelve months membership for each to join the Perth Rotaract Club.  We wish Girish, May and Rochelle every success in the future and look forward to staying in touch with them. 

 

 

All in all, it was a huge effort of so many which culminated in another amazing Family Christmas Breakfast.  No doubt one of our most favourite days of the year. 

 

 

 

Despite the growing concern for the community spread of COVID in NSW, we continue to sell tickets for the Vienna Pops New Years’ Eve Gala Concert here in Western Australia.  The VIP Tickets are SOLD OUT and the evening concert is close to capacity. 

 

We still have tickets available for the afternoon matinee and I encourage all members and friends of Rotary to consider attending the afternoon matinee concert.  A full house for both concerts will ensure that our club is able to meet it’s community commitments in 2021 and beyond.  If you would like to join us, please contact the team direct at the Perth Concert Hall website – www.perthconcerthall.com.au

Bi-District 2020/21 Conference Early Bird Ticketing has only TWO MORE DAYS to run.  All members are encouraged to go on line and purchase your tickets ASAP.  In addition to Michael Chaney AO, DG Jon Bilson has announced that Louise Giolitto, CEO of WA Council of Social Services (WACOSS) will be a key note speaker at the event.   

 

Full details of the conference, accommodation options and additional activities can be found in the story attached to this bulletin. 

 

 

Get out your Diaries and note the following dates for 2021: