Imagine a world where we each had the ability to unsee anything of our choosing. I’m sure each of us, at some level, would appreciate such an ability. Anything that came along we didn’t like or challenged our beliefs, we could simply swipe left (or right, whichever it is…) and presto, unseen and on with life as we wish it to be. How would such a world look?
The truth is in many ways, our lives are lived with a filter that allows us, rather than needing to unsee, to not see in the first place. Because plain and simple, unseeing is a fantasy. We can ignore, avoid, or dispute, but once seen, we cannot unsee and I want to say that herein lies a great blessing. This simple reality is an ever present invitation to be better.
An ever present invitation to be better - now that is quite a challenge! Rotary offers each of us a similar invitation to be better and to take action on that which we see to provide improved outcomes and better communities. 1.2 million sets of eyes on the world certainly complicates the dialogue but none can deny the richness such diversity offers once we find the path to see.
As we know, an invitation holds little value without our further action. We each came to be members of the Rotary Club of West Perth as we were invited, but it is the actions we take as members that ultimately make us Rotarian. We see need and opportunity and are called to act - An ever present invitation to be better.... with whom would you like to share such an invitation?
Yours in Rotary Service,
Stephen
President 2020-21
Breakfast Meeting Overview - 26 November 2020
Attendees present: 24
Zoom Attendees:
Guests: Peter Idge, Alex Rorrison, Mark Thornton
Apologies: Nigel Blacklock, Sandy Gray, Jill Smith, John van Vliet, Steve Wilton,
Announcements:
Stephen sought nominations from the club for the next District Governor
December is Foundation month
Received a $500 donation from Work Women Wisdom via Tina Arthur
This year will be a joint District Conference – consider attending
Jill Smith has sought leave of absence from the club
Tony Delich informed the club of the Magic Show to be held at HBF Stadium and that more details on attendance will be forthcoming. He mentioned the swap meet (last one $300) was going well.
John Tick advised the club of the funeral he attended of Prof Robert Pierce and was staggered to learn of his many accomplishments. (often only learned on a death).
Garry Leighton will be 88 tomorrow (27 November) “happy birthday”
Fines:
Following the revelation of an ex swap mart advice book A to Z …
Hayley Lethlean for being a woman (eg uses nail polish!)
Tim Dawe for being a man (eg removes his makeup with an onion!)
Anyone who had toast for breakfast
Project updates:
Mally arrived at the meeting to hand out name tags for the Christmas gifts. Consider giving Geoff Hick money to source their gift/toy through a contact of his at Toy World Claremont
Two minute talk:
Past Rotarian and Club Member Alex Rorrison gave a short overview of the past few years.
Alex joined the club in 1978. After some health issues he relocated to Kununurra to join the Aboriginal Legal Service where he thoroughly enjoyed life and work. He then pursued a career as Native Title lawyer, and captive employee, with WA State Solicitors Office. Later a family issue caused him to move to the South West and spent much time with his grandchildren.
Guest speaker: (Members waited patiently for Arthur’s arrival to introduce Mark Thornton!)
Mark Thornton, former Chartered Accountant is currently a caricaturist. Mark’s “talk” consisted on him demonstrating his art, and considerable talent, by undertaking a caricature using an extraordinary photo of Clive Palmer sitting in parliament. It was accompanied by a genial patter of commentary, jokes and anecdotes. To close Mark presented Pat Emery with a great caricature he has previously completed of Pat.
Vote of thanks was presented by Guy Mattioli
The final version of Pat Emery
The final version of Clive Palmer
Pat Emery and Mark Thornton
Joint District Conference 2021
It is now confirmed the Conference will be held at OPTUS STADIUM from 5-7th March.
Whilst we have an amazing Conference Program being developed and some truly inspirational speakers lined up……support is needed to make this event a big success. Get your tickets early and make sure you pass this opportunity on to friends and family.
This opportunity to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in the worlds most beautiful stadium is definitely an event not to be missed.
Breakfast Meeting Thursday 3rd December 2020 - Andrew Hall from PICYS
Join us for breakfast and hear from Andrew Hall the Executive Officer at Perth Inner City Youth Services (PICYS).
PICYS is an open and inclusive community organisation, who pride themselves on social inclusion and hearing how people enjoy the positive and welcoming environment and people.
Andrew states that he has chose to be an active member and employee of PICYS to further my life interest in "Justice, Peace and Joy for all people"; I see this as a perfect match with PICYS values and purpose and practices.
Make sure you come along and hear from Andrew about the life changing work they do with youth to make positive changes in their lives and help them realise their own potential.
This week we heard from Showgrounds Community Men's Shed in regards to the outcomes of their AGM which was held Wednesday 25th November 2020. One Rotary club nominee Don Newman, from the Rotary Club of Crawley was endorsed to the Committee.
At the AGM it was presented to Shed members a Special Resolution that enables a continuation of a Rotary Club nominee to the management Committee until November 1 2021 and the resolution was endorsed unanimously.
The meeting also endorsed a vote of thanks to all Rotary clubs for the strong support of their Shed.
They also extend our open invitation to Rotary Club Members to visit and use the Shed for any meetings or to just drop in and catch up on their progress. They also confirmed their support of promoting the Rotary projects to their 180+ members.
December Birthdays & Club Anniversary Celebrations
Birthdays:
Name: Birthday:
Nigel Blacklock 11 December
Geoff Hick 29 December
