President Leon Lorenzen opened the meeting at 6.30 pm.
We welcome our guest speaker, Rebecca Clarke and guest Marion Cahif.
The meeting was opened by singing the National Anthem.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What are considered the national bird, plant and flower emblems of New Zealand?
Answers: The kiwi, the silver fern, the kōwhai.
Correctly answered by Mark Khangure.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
Great grandchild – Russell Hawkins announced that he and Annie had another great-grandchild, Patrick Mark, born healthily at the weekend.
The Men’s Shed – Past President Jonas announced that he recently joined the Claremont Showgrounds Men’s Shed and he is member number 400.
Jill Elias’ mother – President Leon reported the sad news that Jill Elias’ mother, Lady Rosslyn Green, had died suddenly last Thursday in Hobart.
CLUB AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
• Business lunch – The Business Lunch will be held this week, on Friday 4 September 2026 at noon at the Royal Perth Golf Club. This year’s speaker is Professor Jacques Eksteen, talking about critical minerals and metals. Please get your tables together and let John Bolto or John MacKinnon know names, numbers and dietary requirements as soon as possible, thank you. There are still a few places left to fill, as many members as possible are encouraged to attend. Mike Wiggin from the Men’s Shed has crafted a beautiful side table which will be the prize for the raffle.
• Football tipping – Thanks to John Bolto for organising the football tipping again this year, it is a big job which brings much joy to the tippers and funds to the Club.
• Nepal aid – Russell Hawkins announced that the Charitable Trust had donated $5,000 today to a RAWCS fund for aid in Nepal after the devastating floods.
• Buk bilong Pikinini – The Rotary Club of Dalkeith was tagged on Facebook by Buk bilong Pikinini for its work on the book drive. Thanks to David Miller and Michael Bisset for all their work towards this project.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: Susan Watson announced the following birthdays:
Member’s birthday:
Michael Bisset 68 years old 4 September 2026.
Partner’s birthday:
Matilda Aposto 5 September 2026.
ROTARY MOMENTS:
• Volunteer hours for August
Kim and John Bolto working at SubiStrand
Over one hundred hours were contributed by Club members and friends in the month of August, working at Daffodil Day for the Cancer Council, Foodbank and at SubiStrand on the pollinator garden. Thanks to David Miller, Anthony McGrath and John Bolto for organising the three activities and to the Club members and friends for their work for the projects.
ACTING SECRET SERGEANT JONAS SESSION: The funds from the fines session were donated towards the Nepal relief fund.
Are these Susan’s stolen bottles?
The following members were fined:
All those who are not attending the business lunch, they have money to burn and can afford a fine;
The Acting Sergeant himself for becoming member #400 of the Men’s Shed;
Ken Ilett for returning to dinner meetings with a new knee;
Susan Watson for her stakeouts of the bottle thieves at her building complex;
John Bolto for drinking the dregs of bottles;
President Leon for not listening last week to the footy tipping results;
In memory of Dolly Parton, all those working 9 to 5.
GUEST SPEAKER: REBECCA CLARKE – introduced by Mark Khangure:
Rebecca Clarke commenced as Principal of Methodist Ladies’ College in 2023 after leading in independent Schools in South Australia for the past 25 years, including as Principal of a girls’ school for ten years. Rebecca was also a Board Member of Resthaven, one of South Australia’s largest not-for-profit aged care community service providers. Since arriving in Western Australia, Rebecca has been re-appointed to the National Board of Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia and is the Branch Chair for Western Australia.
MLC commenced as a school in 1908 with 54 students, 31 day girls and 23 boarders. Its first Headmistress was Maud Connell. The school motto is Per Ardua Ad Alta, which translates as Through effort to high things.
Rebecca is motivated by the understanding that an excellent education transforms lives. She firmly believes in the value of all girls’ learning environments and the empowering impact this has on families, workplaces, communities and entire nations. She is committed to working collaboratively and intentionally with staff to create the conditions in which both they and their students can thrive. Rebecca strives to foster belonging and inclusivity for all within the School communities she leads with its culture of history and excellence.
Rebecca wants her students to think deeply and to act intentionally and to understand that everyone is capable of contributing to the community and in everyday life. Achievements matter but service is important and kindness is key.
Thanks to Rebecca for sharing her visions for MLC and education.
