Dear Perth Rotary Members & Friends,
 
Yesterday was International Women’s Day (IWD), a day celebrated the world over highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements and progress of women and the community we live in.  It is also a call to action, for everyone to work towards leaving our world a better place for those who are yet to be born.  The first IWD was held in 1911, when very few women had the ability to influence public policy or to shape the community they lived in.  Look how far we have come and how far we are yet to go.  
 
In recognition of International Women’s Day, Perth Rotary is celebrating the achievements of Women in Rotary.  We invite all members of our community, Rotarians and non-Rotarians,  from all clubs to join with us on Friday 12 March at the Parmelia Hilton.  The first female President of the Perth Rotary Club, Maureen McDaniell is our guest speaker.  We also have Dr Jessie Harman, the first female Rotary International Director nominee from Zone 8 (Australia/NZ) for 2021/22 joining us via zoom.  DGE Dee Buckland will open the meeting and DGN Ineke Oliver will induct two new members, Robin McClellan, Diplomat and Suzanne John, Journalist to the Perth Rotary Club.   
 
 
Please go on line to book your tickets – www.trybooking.com/BPCSJ   Due to the many public holidays and other Rotary events, we will not come together again for a lunch meeting until Friday 9 April, so I urge you to do all you can to join us, 12.15pm for 12.30 prompt start, Friday 12 March.
 
 
Robin McClellan is nominated by the Very Reverend Dr John Shepherd AM.  Robin is a Non-Executive Director, Advisory Board Member, Co-Chair and CEO with over twenty years of board level experience across the commercial, government and not-for-profit sectors, primarily in the areas of oil and gas, mining, research, business advisory, education, and consular services.  Robin has US and Australian citizenship, and has completed a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) intensive Directors’ course.  She speaks Indonesian, French, Spanish, and German, studied Portuguese and Creole and is currently studying Noongar, the indigenous language of the traditional custodians of southwestern Australia.
 
Suzanne John is nominated by Past President John Garland AM.  Suzanne John, West Australian born, lived for many years on the Eastern Seaboard.  An award-winning journalist whilst working for the ABC News and Seven-Thirty Report, plus radio presentations for the ABC and Commercial Radio.  Mother of four children of whom she is very proud.  Suzanne is currently working on a book of interviews to assist sexually assaulted children, including those who have kept their sad secret into adulthood.  Suzanne is described as feisty, passionate, committed, a word sleuth, courageous and friend, soon to be member of Perth Rotary. 
 
LIONEL QUARTERMAINE, the last Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission describes Suzanne:-
 
"Suzanne travelled throughout the nation into the most remote areas to oversee the welfare of First Australians. Her undercover investigation into child sexual abuse in WA, resulted in half strength alcohol becoming law in several northern towns.  Suzanne coped massive criticism, especially as recorded in Parliament for 'putting tourism at risk'.  We thought the safety of women and children far outweighed the mighty dollar.  In those towns, assaults, domestic violence and sexual abuse has now lessened to a third of previous crimes".  Thus, her strong involvement and introduction to Perth Rotary, courtesy of Path of Hope.
 
 
 
On behalf of all our members, a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to District Governor Jon Bilson and his team for an amazing District Conference.  The speakers were, without exception, outstanding, inspirational, funny, educational, emotive, thought provoking and reflective of the Conference themes – Mental Health and Homelessness. 
 
A few quotes from the conference speakers:
 
“Do not confuse Purpose with Strategy”
“Do your best, delegate the rest”
“What we do with our opportunities, is up to us” 
“People who are connected to their communities, have the greatest capacity to effect change”
“Look at how something might happen rather than why it can’t happen” 
“Words influence how we feel”  
“Luck is a reflection of what we see, what we do, what we create” 
“The word Community =’s small townships”
 
Optus Stadium was an amazing venue in which to host the conference.  It was wonderful to see Perth Rotary projects hi-lighted, particularly Tiny Houses as a solution and complimentary service to our existing long-standing project, Passages | Hub for Homeless Youth.  David Wee and Lisa Kazalac represented the club on stage with passion, conviction and enthusiasm.  Rebecca Tolstoy, Ray Simpson and AG Bruno Fic were flying the flag for the Path of Hope Foundation in the House of Friendship Exhibition Hall.  It was also a wonderful show of support by Past President Larry Hirsch who organised an impromptu moment for new Rotarian Philip Lako to promote his upcoming book and speaker opportunity.   All in all, an amazing collective effort and a great reflection of Rotary in Western Australia.
 
Congratulations to PDG Graham Peden on being awarded a PHF triple sapphire for his work in the 2019/20 year as D9455 District Governor.  PDG Graham had a tumultuous end to his period in office as COVID hit and turned our worlds upside down.  True to his style and as is evidenced by his dedication, PDG Graham was still visiting clubs well into the 2020/21 Rotary Year as he wanted to ensure that no club, no matter how remote missed out on a visit from the DG.  Every Rotarian had a piece of Graham's heart and he lived up to the motto of Service Above Self in every respect.  Congratulations PHF (x3), PDG Graham Peden.  
 
Perth Rotary Club was honoured to start and finish the R100 Baton Relay for D9455 at the Conference as part of the opening ceremony.  Past President Don Mazzucchelli represented the club and started the relay setting off from the western shores of the Matagarup Bridge.  Don has been a member of Rotary International for 52 years and there was no better member to represent the club than Don.  PDG Graham along with his counterpart from D9465 finished the Baton Relay and with great excitement completed a victory lap of the function room before preceding (with some encouragement) to the stage area and presenting the baton to DG Jon Bilson.  We were extremely proud of our members, their efforts and the commemoration   of 100 years of Rotary Service in Australia. 
 
 
We have another HUGE opportunity to volunteer in our community and participate in the ultimate BACKYARD CRICKET MATCH.  This is an inaugural event and set to be the highlight of the 2021 calendar.
 
 
PERTH ROTARY Club & Past District Governor Graham Peden is leading our effort to support the Pirate Ship Foundation in their efforts to raise funds for children affected by Brain Cancer.  Thank you to those who have already responded, we are a very long way from the full compliment of volunteers required for this special day…….. WE NEED YOU to help support our effort on a weekend which is extraordinarily busy for all club members.  Please check below for a list of volunteer positions we are looking to fill. If you are able to volunteer your time, please don’t hesitate to contact PDG Graham or myself direct.  
 
As previously mentioned, March is an incredibly busy month.  Upcoming Events for the month of March are:  
 
  • Friday 19 March | Presidents Cocktail Party.  Crystal Club, Crown Towers.  https://www.trybooking.com/BNGXY (2 tickets available) 
  • Saturday 20 March | Backyard Cricket Match.  Government House Gardens, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. 
  • Saturday 20 March | Passages Race Day, The Final Race.  Ascot Course.  SOLD OUT. 
  • Friday 25 March | Joint Meeting with Crawley Rotary Club.  One In A Million, raising funds and awareness of Men's mental health.  Please go on line to book your ticket in support of the Crawley Rotary Club.   https://www.rotarycrawley.org  There will be NO PERTH ROTARY MEETING as we are joining with Crawley RC on this occasion.  PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKETS ASAP
 
 
 
Please not only put these dates into your calendar, but go on line to purchase your tickets and secure your place at the table.  
 
In addition to the above, the Path of Hope Foundation are posting 30 second ‘grabs’ and promotional videos for the Path of Hope Foundation Gala Ball, Saturday 22 May 2021.  Tickets are now on sale and we are looking forward to celebrating Victory over Violence with members, guest and Victors at the Crown Towers.  Please get your tickets by visiting www.pathofhope.org.au .  Tickets are $250/pp and include everything you need to experience a magical evening – fine wine, fine food and fine company!
 
 
 
 
Centennial Gala Ball | Friday 23 April 2021. 
 
Perth Rotary Club is well represented at this occasion, however, if you would like to join us, please go on line at http://bit.ly/R100Ball to purchase your tickets.  The Committee is bringing out a commemorative bottle of wine which will be available for sale at the District Conference and/or by mail order.  Funds raised from the sale of the wine will be directed towards costs associated with the running of the Centennial Gala.  Your support of this fundraiser and the Gala, Celebrating 100 Years of Rotary in Australia is greatly appreciated. 
 
Rotarians are aware, 2020/21 is the Centennial Year of Rotary in Australia.  To commemorate and celebrate this achievement members can purchase a book on the Centenary of Rotary in Australia.  Advance orders are now being received for the soon to be published 'Humanity in Action - Celebrating 100 years of Rotary Clubs in Australia and it's near island neighbours'.  Pre-orders for this hard cover book should be addressed to PDG Harry Durey – hdurey@bigpond.com as soon as possible.  Books are limited and cost  $25 plus postage. 
 
In addition, a pair of commemorative coins will be released to “put Rotary into the hands of every Australian”. 
 
The Royal Australian Mint has announced that they will launch a $1 coin into general circulation as well as being available in a commemorative pack - $15.  The Royal Australian Mint will also mint a silver $5 coin which will retail at $100 marking 100 years of Rotary Service. 
 
The new coins were launched in Sydney on 4 February along with a set of commemorative stamps. 
 
 
Wishing you all a fabulous, safe and productive week.  A reminder to all our members and friends to remain COVID safe and do the 3 – Wash your hands; practice social distancing.  Our next Perth Rotary Board Meeting is Tuesday 9 March 2021.  
 
 
 
PERTH ROTARY 2020/21 BOARD EMAIL - Our Next Board Meeting – Tuesday 9 March 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