Past President Hugh Stowell opened the meeting at 6.30 pm.
Welcome to our Vocational Award winners, Sean Tobin and Dr Venay Haripersad and guest Dr Leighton Chadwick.
The meeting was opened by singing the National Anthem.As a member of this golf club and Dalkeith Rotary, I have observed many improvements, especially more recently.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Which disease was recently found in wastewater in Subiaco?
Answer: Polio.
Correctly answered by Lindsay Dry.
VOCATIONAL AWARDS: Presentations were made to Sean Tobin for the Pride in Workmanship Award and to Dr Venay Haripersad representing the Dalkeith Medical Centre for the Vocational Excellence Award.
PRIDE IN WORKMANSHIP AWARD – Citation by Richard Ranshaw
Past President Hugh, Rotarians and guests,
It is a pleasure having Sean Tobin here this evening to receive Rotary Club of Dalkeith’s annual award for “Excellence in Workmanship”.
Sean is House Manager at Nedlands Golf Club, responsible for bar and dining. As a member of this golf club and Dalkeith Rotary I have observed many improvements especially more recently. Sean has improved the golf club’s offerings, elevated member experience through social and hospitality events, including wine-pairing dinners, Spanish tapas evening, Oktoberfest, BBQ events, jazz night and many more. Such events helped maintain member engagement during 2025/26 where course access was often limited, due to various capital works projects and essential maintenance.Sean has improved the golf club’s offerings, elevated member experience through social and hospitality events, including wine-pairing dinners, Spanish tapas evening, Oktoberfest, BBQ events, jazz night and many more. Such events helped maintain member engagement during 2025/26 where course access was often limited, due to various capital works projects and essential maintenance.
He has expanded casual trade for the club, such as morning coffees to support Mah-jong players and members. He is a member of the wine tasting committee, continuously updating wines offered over the bar, plus offering to members “take away” wines at very competitive prices. Needless to say, this is very popular.
Sean has made a profound and positive effect on the running of the Nedlands Golf Club.
Normally, Monday is his day off, but occasionally we see him serving dinner to our members when staff are unavailable.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Dalkeith, I have pleasure in presenting you with this plaque. Congratulations, Sean.
Sean thanked the Club for this honour.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
• Nigel Johnson’s funeral – A reminder that Nigel’s funeral will be held this week on Wednesday 27 May at 3 pm, at Karrakatta.
. John Bolto (dressed in full Arsenal Football Club regalia) advised that he, his son and son- in-law are rejoicing the Club’s success in winning the Premier League.
CLUB AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
. Science & Engineering Challenge
Richard Gorham reported that this year’s Challenge had been very successful, with 40 schools and well over 1000 students taking part, supported by 150 volunteers.
The winning school was Hale School.
• Football tipping – John Bolto
The winner this week was John Linquist with 7/9,closely followed by Susie Rich in second place, also with 7/9.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: The following birthday were announced by Susan Watson:
Member’s birthday
Peter Marfleet 80 years old on 2 June 2026.
Partner’s birthday
Joan Rogers on 29 May 2026
SARGENT’S SESSION:
Acting President Hugh donned the Sergeant’s sash and advised the theme to be his lucky number of 10. Anita was put in charge of the barrel and the following were fined:
- Fremantle Dockers supporters (the team having won 10 games in a row)
- West Coast Eagles supporters (having lost by 10 points)
- Richard Gorham (will have been a member for 10 years next month)
- Richard Ranshaw (member for 20 years – 2 x 10)
- John Bolto for his Arsenal outfit
- Anita Bourke – her Rotary membership number being 10 263394
- The wine table.
VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD – Citation by Kevin Jackson
I can say, with confidence, that all of us are aware of the Dalkeith Medical Centre in Waratah Avenue and most members here frequently use their services.
The Centre was established in 1980 by doctors John Clarkson and David Flynn and was situated on the ground floor next to the Pharmacy within the Dalkeith Village.
Meanwhile, in 2003 in Durban, South Africa, Dr VEMAY HARIPERSAD and his family moved to Australia and ended up in Boulder, WA where he opened the Boulder Medical Centre in the famous Boulder Town Hall complex
In 2009, it was time to “move on” and Dr Hari, as he is affectionally known, joined the Dalkeith Medical Centre.
Just three years later in 2012, he purchased the practice and is now the owner and principal doctor.
I can think of no other organisation more deserving of our Vocational Excellence Award for the support they offer our community.
Can I ask Dr HARI to come forward and accept our Award for 2026.
Dr Haripersad thanked the Club for the great honour, saying that he and his medical practice shared similar values to those of Rotary.
ROTARY MOMENTS:
• Foodbank collection – Thanks to all the generous donors to Foodbank in Nigel Johnson’s name, through the cash collection last meeting and the transfers, as at Friday we raised nearly two thousand dollars.
• Grandcarers WA – The Charitable Trust donated ten thousand dollars earlier this year towards the educational expenses of grandchildren moving from primary school to high school, one thousand dollars was given to ten grandchildren. Today we received feedback that the grandparents and students are so appreciative and grateful for being able to buy computer equipment and to afford books, stationery and new uniforms.
REMINDER OF COMING EVENTS:
Monday 1 June 2026 – Public holiday, no meeting !!
Monday 8 June 2026 – Dr Alan Harvey, Neuroscience and music.
Monday 15 June 2026 – Speaker to be advised.
ROSTER:
Monday 8 June 2026
Paul Kestell Welcoming members and guests
Kevin Jackson Table duty
Bruce Jeanes Registrar 1
Craig James Registrar 2
Russell Hawkins Introduction of guest speaker
Jock Laurie Pass the microphone
THANKS:
Thanks to the Staff of the Nedlands Golf Club, Anton and Joel, for their service tonight and Chef Alvin for dinner.
WE RECOGNISE OUR VERY GENEROUS SPONSORS:
Lizzi Bee - supplier of flowers.
Dry Kirkness Chartered Accountants (Butler Settineri) – Club Auditors.
Accura Accounting & Advisory Services for providing Xero Accounting software and Sharesight Portfolio reporting software to the Charitable Trust.
Dirk Vanderstruyf from Euroz Hartleys.
MEETING CLOSE:
Past President Hugh Stowell closed the meeting by recognising the Rotary International presidential theme for 2025-26, "Unite for Good"
