Dear Perth Rotarians,
 
Happy Easter – what a difference twelve months can make.  Last year we were all in lock down and this year we’re all able to visit with family and friends to celebrate Easter.  Peter and I enjoyed a quick trip to our little farm, precious time spent with family and friends and a bit of marital bonding over a flat tyre.  
 
 
However, the Rotary Juggernaut rolls on……
 
This week we have Dr Andy Robertson, Chief Health Officer as our guest speaker.  Members are reminded to please RSVP via try booking – www.trybooking.com/BPWPE as soon as possible.  Dr Robertson will be speaking on the topic of “Promoting Health, Managing Risk and Life in the Time of COVID”.  A topical and interesting guest speaker, please register to assist us with our catering arrangements at the Parmelia.  We also look forward to welcoming Mike Kyriacou back to the membership of Perth Rotary Club. 
 
 
The Centennial Gala Ball, Friday 23 April at the Ritz Carlton Hotel
 
 
As you are no doubt aware, 2021 is a special time in Rotary Australia.  As Australians, we all share a centenary and therefore it is fitting that we should all come together and celebrate the common legacy that we as Rotarians leave behind. We have limited tickets left for the Gala Ball to be hosted by DG Jon Bilson/9455 and DG Colin Burns/9465.
 
We cordially invite you to join us at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Friday 23 April 2021.    Please note, This is a bi-District | Rotary WA Celebration FOR ALL ROTARIANS & friends of Rotary Clubs.  The evening will be hosted by the respective District Governors. 
 
The Theme is “Puttin on the Ritz” and dress is Black Tie – 20’s style.  Tickets are $195/pp and include a three course meal; 4hr drinks package; band and photo booth.  Our MC for the evening is Mark Coughlan. 
 
The District Governors will be recognising and celebrating those Rotarians in our Districts who have notched up 50 years of service to Rotary International along with announcing the winner of the inaugural Dr Ken Collins AM.CitWA Award for Excellence in Service to Rotary.
 
We urge you to get in contact with your fellow club members, organise your table and book online as soon as possible.  On behalf of our District Governors and the organising clubs of Perth and Melville, we greatly appreciate your support of this Centennial Celebration.
 
Tickets are available at http://bit.ly/R100Ball  Please also see details of accommodation packages available attached to this newsletter.
 
Should you wish, we also have available our very own Centennial Wine Package with funds raised from the sale of the wine supplementing the cost of the Gala.  Please consider going on line at :https://wacellars.com.au/fundraising/melville-centenary-ball-fundraiser/ and making a purchase.  Please see attached an order form along with a description of all wines available. 
 
Past President Wesley Sim and Director of Community Services David Wee are working together to ensure that our returned soldiers are well catered for on ANZAC Day at the Gunfire Breakfast.  We are looking for volunteers for this event from 6am – 10am in the grounds of Government House.  Volunteers will be asked to man the BBQ’s; make tea/coffee; clear tables and generally make the returned soldiers and their families feel valued, appreciated and cared for.  If you would like to volunteer to help out on this special day we would greatly appreciate your time.  Your family, friends and work colleagues are welcome to join us on this occasion.  Many hands make light work.   Please register your availability to help by going to...  https://forms.office.com/r/tdrUY2ZYrR
 
 
Anzac Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) falls on the 25th of April each year. ANZAC day was first officially recognised in 1916 in recognition of the 25 April 1915 Gallipoli Military campaign which was devised to force Turkey out of WWI.  The Gallipoli campaign began as a naval campaign with British battleships sent to attack Constantinople (now Instanbul).  The battle ships were not able to force their way through the Dardanelles.   Sir Ian Hamilton then formed a plan for the British Forces to occupy the Gallipoli peninsula.   The British and ANZAC forces were met with ferocious resistance from the Turkish defenders and were only ever able to secure a very slim stretch of beach and not able to progress any further inland despite the significant suffering and loss of life on both sides.   After eight months, in December 1915 evacuation of the British and ANZAC forces was begun, by January the campaign was all but abandoned.  8000 Australian soldiers remain at ANZAC cove.  The effect on the Australian psyche domestically was profound.  Every Australian State and Territory, Every Australian Town, Every Australian Home felt the sacrifice and loss of those who had died or wounded at Gallipoli.  It is widely acknowledged, that although the campaign was a failure in terms of military objectives, the courage, ingenuity, resourcefulness and loyalty of the Australian and New Zealand Soldier was exceptional and unsurpassed.  In many respects it was Australia's 'Coming of Age'.  The Turkish Army regarded the ANZACS with a great deal of respect to this day.  
 
From this day, Australians celebrate ANZAC day not to glorify war or war acts, but to remember and commemorate the sacrifice of so many so that we might live in a country devoid of civil unrest.  A country which enjoys stable government and a strong economy.  We are a land of opportunity, none more so than at present.  The ANCAC day activities commence with services held at dawn, most notably at Kings Park, but also at many community war memorial cenotaph’s.  A march through the city and many community centres then takes place with wreaths being laid at 11am.  Perth Rotary and Heirisson Rotary Clubs step into the breach to provide a welcome cup of tea/coffee and a bite to eat in between these two ANZAC day memorial activities. 
 
Members are reminded that there will be a Memorial Function to celebrate Doug Worthington's Life at the Ambrose Room, Wembley Golf Course, 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm Friday 9 April 2021.
 
 
‘Our family is holding a memorial function to celebrate Doug’s life on the 9th of April at the Ambrose Room at the Wembley Golf Course – 3 to 6pm.  I am warmly extending an invitation to Doug’s friends and colleagues in Rotary to attend this celebration.’  An invitation will be placed on Doug’s Facebook page and in the West Australian.

Penny Worthington
 
 
REMINDER for members to submit their ideas for 2021/22 round of District Grants for consideration by the Perth Rotary Board at our next meeting - Monday 12 April 2021.  Please note the following:
  • Members are requested to forward their ideas for District Grant to Club Secretary, Jacques Phillips (secretary@rotaryperth.org.au) by COB Wednesday 7 April. 
  • The Board will submit up to a maximum of three grant applications based on perceived need, opportunity to succeed and alignment with existing club projects and/or area of focus. 
  • Please note, in line with Rotary International directives, the District Grants Committee will not approve any grant applications that include a travel component.
Members are also reminded of the Path of Hope Gala Ball, Saturday 22 May 2021 at the Crown Towers.  Tickets are on line and available by visiting www.pathofhope.org.au  By securing your ticket to the Path of Hope Gala 2021, you are supporting our efforts to raise funds which are directed towards the  Salvation Army in their incredible work with survivors of FDV.  Please consider attending this magical evening and making a difference in the lives of so many.  
 
 
UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY.... 
  • Tuesday 6 April | Rotary Means Business CANCELLED due to the Easter break. 
  • Friday 9 April | Perth Rotary Business Lunch Meeting – Dr Andy Robertson, Chief Health Officer.   Parmelia Hilton Hotel www.trybooking.com/BPWPE
  • Friday 16 April | Perth Rotary Business Lunch Meeting – Mr Colin Pettit, Commissioner for Children.  Parmelia Hilton Hotel  www.trybooking.com/BPWPH
  • Thursday 22 April | NO MEETING
  • Friday 23 April | Centennial Gala Ball, Ritz Carlton Hotel  http://bit.ly/R100Ball
  • Friday 30 April | Vocational Visit, WA Museum  rsvp:  vocational@rotaryperth.org.au
  • Friday 30 April | Blessing of the Fleet.   larryh@chartermortgage.com.au
 
 
 
 
Please not only put these dates into your calendar, but go on line to purchase your tickets and secure your place at the table.  
 
 
PERTH ROTARY 2020/21 BOARD EMAIL - Our Next Board Meeting – Monday 12 April 2021
President:                  Jill Dawson               president@rotaryperth.org.au
Past President:         Vangelis Katsaitis    vangelis@excellenceps.com.au
President Elect:        Rev Dr John Shepherd AM john.h.shepherd@bigpond.com
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                         Kelly Gibson             youth@rotaryperth.org.au