Lauren gave us a quick review of her exchange in Brazil in 2019, and the many lasting benefits she felt she gained from that exchange.  She and a number of other returned exchange students have formed a Rotary Club called Rotex, and Lauren is a member of the Board.  She was accompanied by Connor, another member of Rotex.  Rotex aims are encouraging and supporting students to apply for exchange – when the program recommences – to also provide support to returning exchange students, and to contribute to community projects in Western Australia.  Although currently small in number, the club is very active, and has raised $1,800 to contribute to St Jude’s School in Tanzania (a Rotary-link school), has undertaken blood donations, contributed to volunteer activities in a number of locations, and has raised $4,200 from sausage sizzles for club resources and other community requirements as they emerge.

 

 

 

Warwick Smith described how donations to the Rotary Foundation enabled members to present other members with a Paul Harris Fellowship, and he then said he was very pleased to award Richard Nolan with a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his great contribution to Rotary projects, especially those dealing with youth.  Richard has taken over the Youth Directorate from Allan McLean and he is working hard in this area.  The presentation of the PHF certificate and lapel pin to Ricard was met with loud applause from those present.  Congratulations Richard.

 

 

Warwick Smith then delivered brief eulogies for two recently departed distinguished Rotarians in Bob Draper and Dr Ken Collins.  Bob Draper was the inaugural President of the Heirisson Rotary Club in 1990-91, and led the first Club in WA to have male and female members.  He continued his excellent work with Rotary for the rest of his life.  Dr Ken Collins was a great Rotarian who devoted much of his life to Rotary.  His role in Rotary spanned over 5 decades and he was known to clubs all over Western Australia and across the globe.  His passion for making a difference took him to many countries around the world, leading Polio immunisation and other health related project teams.  Ken served as a Director on the Rotary International Board in 2000-2002, was mentor/friend to many and impacted the lives of thousands.

 

 

Ken confirmed that the ‘Eye Contact’ exhibition will be displayed in Parliament House on the morning of Wednesday 12 September.  The logistics involved are rather daunting, and expensive, but Ken said we have received $3,000 as a District Grant, and a very generous donation from Judith Pinczuk (RC of Perth).  David Motta RC of Osborne Park) has arranged transport with Transitainia to Canberra, and a van will need to be hired for transport to and from temporary storage to Parliament House and around Canberra. 

Rotarians accompanying the Exhibition will be Ken Mullin, David Motta (Osborne Park RC) and Rotaractor Madison Smith.  Speakers will be Ken Mullin, Senator the Hon Dean Smith, Patrick Gorman MP (if available) and the Minister and Shadow Minister for Homelessness.  Assistance in Canberra will be provide by the Rotary Club of Woden.  Media will be handled by Sarah Ison (Canberra Press Gallery) and Perth Press representatives.  Personal invitations have been sent to all 151 parliamentarians. 

This is a major coup in our efforts to highlight the plight of the homeless and well done to Ken Mullin and his team.