Dear Rotarians and Friends,

Sunshine, fellowship, and exciting new projects—there is so much to look forward to at the Perth Rotary Club! Take a moment to update your schedules so you don't miss a thing.  A big thank-you to everyone who RSVPs early; it gives our dedicated organizers a massive boost and helps make every event a success!

Here is a quick look at what’s coming up—click the links below for details::

Perth Rotary Business Lunch Meeting | Friday 16 October 2026. 

For this eighth lunch meeting of our Perth Rotary Centenary Year, our meeting Chair - Past President Graham Peden - invites you come along and hear from Emeritus Professor and Honorary Senior Research Fellow Alan Harvey.  Professor Harvey has a lifelong love of music and its place in our lives, publishing his love, experience and research in his book “Music, Evolution and the Harmony of Souls” in 2017.
 
He will describe what is known about the brain circuits in processing music, including emotional responses such as motivation and reward. The many ways that life-long and beneficial impact that music and exercise (dance) can have on brain function, plasticity and memory will be the essence of his message to us.   BOOK HERE
 

Did you know October has 5 Fridays? 

Perth Rotary Club is hosting an in-house 4 Way Speaking Competition between Mercedes College; St Georges Anglican Grammar School and Ashdale Secondary College Friday 30 October 2026 at the Royal Perth Golf Club, Labouchere Road, South Perth. 

Rotarian Kim Hurley and Youth Director Kathryn Wackett have been liaising with the schools to ensure that despite the challenges of running the 4 Way Speaking Competition this year, our schools and their students still have an opportunity to participate.  Please put this date in your diary and plan to come along to the Royal Perth Golf Club (Parmelia Hilton is not available on this date) for a lively display of public speaking; community advocacy and implementation of the Rotary International 4 Way Speaking Test.  BOOK HERE 

Kim Hurley & Kathryn Wackett. 


SWAN 2 SURF WORLD POLIO DAY DINNER | Friday 23 October 2026 

Since 1985, Rotary has helped reduce wild poliovirus to just two endemic countries—Afghanistan and Pakistan. To finish the job and keep our promise to the world's children, every bit of support counts.

Join us on the eve of World Polio Day for an exclusive address by Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall AC as he explores:

  • The Value of Research: Why investing in scientific discovery matters now more than ever.

  • Future Breakthroughs: Are we on the cusp of the next medical revolution?

  • Scientific Excellence: The traits that define a transformative scientist.

All net proceeds support Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. Join the man who dared to challenge the scientific status quo—and won.

Bookings are now open - Friday 23 October 2026 at Royal Perth Golf Club.    BOOK HERE

 


MEMBERSHIP UPDATE 

Membership in the Rotary Club of Perth is more than a line on a resume or a weekly lunch meeting—it is an invitation to belong to a legacy of leadership, service, and deep-rooted community impact. As one of Western Australia’s premier service organizations, Perth Rotary connects professionals, leaders, and change-makers who share a common purpose: to lend their skills, time, and influence toward solving local and global challenges. Whether joining as an individual or through a corporate membership, becoming a Rotarian means stepping into a vibrant fellowship that values ethical business standards, fosters lifelong connections, and actively shapes a better future for Perth and beyond.
 
At our meeting last week, Perth Rotary Membership Director Manu Gupta presented the 100th Perth Rotary Member for induction to the club.  President Jill Dawson was extremely excited to endorse Marika Lewis and Corporate Member Leonora Nye of Business Events Perth into membership of Perth Rotary.   Get to know Marika and Leo HERE  
 
 

Vienna Pops NYE 2026 - tickets are selling, have you got yours?  

 

Ring in the New Year in spectacular style! We are looking forward to hosting our sensational guest artist for 2026—internationally acclaimed soprano Sky Ingram!  Flying direct from London for an exclusive Perth performance, Sky will take the stage alongside Musical Director Mark Coughlan at our magnificent new home, His Majesty’s Theatre. Trained at WAAPA, the Guildhall, and the National Opera Studio, this phenomenal Western Australian talent brings world-class vocal brilliance home for one unforgettable night.

Both the Afternoon Matinee and Evening Gala are selling fast! We encourage all members and friends of Perth Rotary to secure their seats today:

🎟️ Book Online: 

📞 Book by Phone: (08) 6212 9292

📖 Elevate your New Years Eve with the Platinum VIP Reserve experience


ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS - Have you registered to attend? 

Born in WA | Turning Western Australian Ocean Power into Commercial Reality
 
What does it take to turn world-class research into technology that can survive the ocean, attract investment and compete in global energy markets?
Join RMBWA and Tim Green of WaveX for a practical conversation about WA innovation, entrepreneurship, risk, leadership and the demanding journey from promising idea to commercial reality.
 
5.30pm, Tuesday 13 October 2026.  Wembley Hotel.   BOOK HERE

Rotary Wine Club - Become a Member..... IT'S FREE. 

 
Scan the QR Code, go to the site, join up for FREE and order your wine.  This offer is available to all ROTARIANS in Western Australia in gratitude for your service to the State of Western Australia over the past 100 years.  Wise Wines congratulate us on achieving 100 years of service and hope you will enjoy a discounted wine.  
 

ELIZABETH QUAY SATELLITE CLUB are cooking up a Storm at Ronald McDonald House.... 

Can you sizzle bacon, flip a pancake, or offer a friendly smile? The Elizabeth Quay Satellite Club is cooking breakfast for families staying at Ronald McDonald House, Perth Children's Hospital—giving parents facing tough times a warm meal and a helpful boost.

  • Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026

  • Time: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM

  • Location: 40 Monash Ave, Nedlands

Only 10 volunteer spots are available! [Click here to register now] and make a difference.


'The Book of Graces'

We officially launched The Book of Graces at our Legacy Lunch, and we extend our deep gratitude to Reverend John for his humor, dedication, and decades of service to our club. We are equally grateful that he meticulously saved all of his witty commentaries over the years to make this publication possible!

Support Our Centenary Project We aim to sell 1,200 copies, with additional books designated as gifts for our guest speakers. All proceeds directly fund Perth Rotary’s Centenary Project: the refurbishment and upgrade of the Barry Marshall Research Institute for Infectious Diseases.

How You Can Help We are making a BIG ASK of our members: please consider purchasing 10 copies each. Meeting this challenge will put us well on track to hit our 1,200-copy goal and secure vital funding for our project. At $25 per book, they make fantastic Christmas gifts and a wonderful way to promote Perth Rotary.

Get Your Copies Today See Nan Walker, Rev. John, or the Club Services Team to purchase your copies.


RAC ARENA CONCERT SUPERPASS RAFFLE IS BACK

Raffle Details
  • Prize: Two tickets to each concert at RAC Arena for 2027 (including acts like Radiohead, Bryan Adams, Empire of the Sun, and Westlife) plus a $1,000 food and beverage card.
  • Cost: Tickets are $10 each.
  • Dates: Entries close at 9:00 AM AWST on Monday, 16 November 2026.
  • Beneficiary: All proceeds support The Salvation Army WA Christmas appeal.
  • Where to Enter: You can buy tickets HERE.   
     
     

    Perth Rotary Board | Board Meeting | Tuesday 6 October 2026. 

    agenda items to our Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au

    Our focus is clear: defining the trajectory of Perth Rotary beyond our first 100 years.   Members are requested to attend Committee/Portfolio Meetings when called upon to do so by Board Directors.  Should you feel under-utilised or not connected to a portfolio area, please reach out so we can ensure you are engaged with our club. 

    Please feel free to contact any of the Directors as listed below with your views and/or comments.  

     
    Perth Rotary Board Members
    President | Jill Dawson           president@rotaryperth.org.au          
    IMP | Manu Gupta                   manu.gupta@rotaryperth.org.au
    Treasurer | Joseph Wambua    treasurer@rotaryperth.org.au           
    Secretary | Jacques Phillips    secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
    Foundation | Rodger Gibson   rggibsonacct@gmail.com                 
    Sir Norman Brearly Trust | Ted Wilhelm      ewilhelm@iinet.net.au
     
    Club Services Director | Wendy Campbell          clubservices@rotaryperth.org.au
    Community Services Director | Graham Peden   graham@wwperth.com
    International Services Director | Wesley Sim      international@rotaryperth.org.au
    Membership Director | Nan Walker                     membership@rotaryperth.org.au
    Youth Director | Kathryn Wackett                        youth@rotaryperth.org.au
    Environment Director | Virma Symons                 vzafra@iinet.net.au

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

    Friday 9 October 2026 | Wine Tasting at Helen and Jeff's
    Friday 23 October 2026 | World Polio Day Liquid Gold Dinner.
    Friday 18 December 2026 |      Perth Rotary Family Christmas Breakfast.
    Thursday 31 December 2026 | Vienna Pops NYE Concert, His Majesty's Theatre
     

    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 colour combinations.  

     

    Sincerely, 

    Jill Dawson OAM | President Perth Rotary 2025/27

     
     
     
    PERTH ROTARY CLUB COMMITTEE & SUB COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR
    1. Perth Rotary Centenary Meeting    rsvp - president@rotaryperth.org.au   ** Please note change of date/time
    2. Perth Rotary Board Meeting  5.00pm, Tuesday 6 October 2026.   Any agenda items, please send to Club Secretary - secretary@rotaryperth.org.au  
    UPCOMING EVENTS - PERTH ROTARY CLUB
    • Business Lunch | Friday 18 September 2026
    • Vienna Pops NYE Concert | Thursday 31 December 2026
    UPCOMING EVENTS - D9423 AND BEYOND
    •  Zone 8,  South Pacific Conference, Melbourne | 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2026
    PERTH ROTARY CORPORATE MEMBERS