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President David opened the meeting at 6.30pm on 15th April.
With the assistance of our guests, John Thornton led the members in singing the National Anthem.
President David welcomed tonight’s Guest Speaker, Celia Hammond, who is a ‘candidate for the Federal Seat of Curtin’. Bob Davis will formally introduce Celia later.
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VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS:
Geoffrey Hick, Rotary West Perth.
Past President of RCD John Italiano.
Wives and partners: Brenda Bannon, Ondina Brash, Marion Cahif, Alicia Gorey, Philippa Hegvold, Helen Ilett, Jan Jackson, Colette James, Betwyn Miller, Carolyn Murdoch, Lee Saleeba, Joanne Sudlow and Jomay Verrier.
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Philippa Hegvold correctly answered that Governor Sir James Stirling initially wanted to name Western Australia as ‘Hesperia’.
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BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES:
Member birthday Jon Steward 56 years.
Partners’ birthdays Fay English and Alicia Gorey.
Anniversaries Stewart and Ondina Brash 52 years, Trevor and Alicia Gorey 27 years, and Neil and June Wilkie 47 years.
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FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
Stewart Brash’s son is expecting the second grandchild.
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CLUB AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Charitable Trust:
Ken Ilett advised that the barometer showing the Trust’s growth was posted on the website, and it indicates 80% of the goal.
Secretary:
Craig reported that the project to be sponsored by Districts 9455 and 9456 to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia will be Research In to Autism.
Treasurer:
Nil report due to Anthony’s absence.
Attendance:
45 members and 16 guests.
Club Service:
John Murdoch advised of the Anniversary Dinner to be held on 29th April at Dalkeith Nedlands Bowling Club. Guest speaker will be Rick Hart, and catering by Cupid Catering. Board being passed around for attendance, and partners.
Community Service
Nigel Johnson confirmed the sale of 36 shopping bags at the District Conference.
Tim Humphry reminded members of the Wine Night on 3rd May at Claremont Yacht Club – $60 per person - flyer/invitation has been distributed. Four high profile brands will be represented. Donations are being sought for the silent auction by Brad Noble.
John Saleeba asked members intending to visit Esther Foundation in Kalamunda on Saturday 4th May at 10.00 am to indicate on a board being circulated.
Vocational Service
Kevin Jackson received enthusiasm from many guests when he advised of the visit to the Holmes a’Court Collection on Thursday 10th October.
Rotary Foundation and International Service
Peter Webb and his committee met earlier with members of Rotary Perth to discuss Rotary District Grants.
Anita invited the ladies to attend a morning tea on 5th May.
Public Relations
Geoffrey Cahif will stand in for Kevin during his absence.
Membership and New Members
Peter Panek has Entertainment Books for sale.
Youth
The committee will be meeting later this evening.
Men’s Shed
Donations of tools being received from ‘down-sizers’ and deceased estates. Trevor seeking the use of a vehicle or trailer for transport. Peter Panek offered his trailer.
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SERGEANT:
Sergeant Trevor Gorey, assisted by Corporal Craig James, extracted the usual fines from the wine table, and the birthday/anniversary celebrants.
All Dockers and Eagles supporters for the worst game so far this season.
Peter Panek for his success (allegedly) fishing in the Abrolhos.
John Italiano for his return visit to the club.
David Miller for not wearing his OAM pin.
Cadu’s new look.
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GUEST SPEAKER: Celia Hammond
In preparing his introduction Bob Davis googled ‘Celia Hammond’ and saw several responses, but none were for our Guest Speaker. He then saw an article in the Post that gave him the required information.
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Celia described herself as a country girl, born in Northam, the third of four daughters to her lawyer father and teacher mother. When she was 10 the family moved initially to City Beach, then Wembley, and finally Mt Claremont.
She attended JTC and studied Law at UWA. After two years in private practice, Celia decided to turn to academia, focusing on teaching and research.
Growing up in a loving family that was materially comfortable, the girls were encouraged to take up every opportunity, and take responsibility for their actions. They are now in four diverse fields. The family believed in reward for working hard, not just for turning up and encouraged to show love.
Academia became Celia’s passion – educating young people, encouraging them to look beyond their own lives and to open up to the wide world.
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After two years at UWA, she was approached to be in the startup of Notre Dame. Celia saw the opportunity to be involved in setting policy, etc and bringing other skills to degree courses. She advanced from Lecturer to Head of School. After taking time off for the birth of her first child she pondered the dilemma of teaching or caring for a sick child (should the situation arise). This was solved when she was offered the position of Legal Counsel within Notre Dame, initially for a 6-month trial. This role expanded into corporate and financial services, management, staffing, etc, and Celia eventually took on the position of Vice Chancellor. In her 10 years as Vice-Chancellor (CEO), the turnover increased from $80 million to $180 million, and student numbers from 4,000 to 10,000, spread over 3 campuses.
Higher education is the third highest source of foreign income to Australia. Celia believes education is critical to the soul of the country, encouraging students to find and develop their passion. It is vital to have an educated country. If you want to change the world, become a teacher.
Early last year she saw that her time in education was coming to an end. After years of service and engaging with people there is a need for change in leadership (education or politics). You can forget why you’re there and the people you serve.
Celia looked at moving to a Not-For-Profit, or Public Service (politics).
When Julie Bishop announced her retirement 6 weeks ago, the path became clearer.
Whilst universities are very political, Celia has had a steep learning curve in dealing with the media.
She enjoys getting out to meet people, and listening to what they need. Whilst door knocking she has encountered some very confronting signs on house doors.
She has found that people want to engage. It is a privilege and honour to serve the Community. Celia has a vision for Australia’ and wants to contribute to the Community she has lived in.
Why choose politics? There will always be a need for a political system.
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CLOSE:
President David thanked Celia, and our guests, the NGC staff Denise, Melissa and Chris, and Bunch Caterers.
He reminded members of upcoming events:
- Anniversary Dinner on 29th April
- Wine night on 3rd May.
He acknowledged sponsors Lizzie Bee Florists, Butler Settineri (Club Auditors), Paragon Consultants (Charitable Trust Auditors) and PSZ Accounting (Charitable Trust software).
He called on members to recognise RI President Barry Rossin’s Presidential theme for the year, Be the Inspiration. Members were asked to acknowledge the Flag.
Meeting closed at 19:40.
