President Leon Lorenzen opened the meeting at 6.30 pm.
We welcome our guest speaker, the Mayor of Nedlands Leonie Browner, guests Matilda Aposto, Ruth Mackellar, President of the Nedlands Golf Club Tony Morgan, Barbara North, Diane Wilcox and June Wilkie.
The meeting was opened by singing the National Anthem.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Which city was originally known as Lutetia?
Answer: Paris.
Correctly answered by Geoff Cahif.
CLUB AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
• Business lunch – The Business Lunch will be held on Friday 4 September 2026 at the Royal Perth Golf Club. This year’s speaker is Professor Jacques Eksteen, talking about critical minerals and metals. A flyer has been sent out about it to all members, please get your tables together and let John Bolto or John MacKinnon know names and numbers as soon as possible, thank you. There are still a few places left to fill, as many members as possible are encouraged to attend.
• Subistrand – There will be another opportunity to help with this pollinator garden project this coming weekend, Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026, please let John Bolto know if you are able to assist on rj.bolto@gmail.com
• Bicycles for Humanity (B4H) WA - Richard Gorham is participating in a team of nine who will ride our ebikes about 680km from Perth to Geraldton in the last week of August. In addition to the fun and camaraderie of a backroad trip through the Midwest during wildflower season, they are doing it to raise much needed funds for the wonderful charitable work of B4H WA.
Since its formation in 2011 B4H WA volunteers have collected, repaired and shipped more than 11,000 pre-loved bikes to rural communities in seven countries across Africa. In addition, B4H volunteers have donated around 2,000 bikes to schools and community organisations in remote outback towns in WA and NT. These bikes are used not only for transport but also to promote mechanical skills and healthier lifestyles.
Your thoughtful contribution to our appeal will go entirely to support B4H WA volunteers to continue this valuable work. B4H WA is 100% volunteer managed and operated. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
• Volunteer hours for July – In the month of July, 87 volunteer hours were given by Club members, by John Bolto, Susie Rich and Kevin Jackson at the Pollinator Garden Development project at SubiStrand, David Miller and Michael Bisset for the book collection for Buk Bilong Pikinini and Michael Bisset, Jill Elias, Anthony McGrath, John MacKinnon, David Miller, John Murdoch, Mike Snell and Neil Wilkie at Foodbank. These hours are conservative, as it does not include the time taken to organise the event nor the travel times. The hours do not include the everyday work for the Club either. Well done to all contributors to these projects.
• District Governor nominations for 2028 – 2029 – District is calling for nominations for a District Governor Nominee to serve as District Governor 2028-2029. District is now looking for a District Governor Nominee who will be DG 2028-2029. Please contact President Leon or Secretary Jill if you would like more information and the nomination form.
ACTING SERGEANT HUGH SESSION: The following members were fined:
Mike Snell, who boldly announced at lunch today that he'd be taking my money this evening as registrar. Well, Mike, Rotary is all about service above self, so thank you I now I am taking yours.
The final reduction in fuel excise disappeared last week. Clearly, members who drive vehicles with a V8 engine have too much money. Please stand and contribute $5.00 to the National Road Repair Fund.
In recognition of the Fremantle Dockers' continuing commitment to bringing joy, hope and happiness to opposition supporters, all Dockers fans are fined $5. Your contribution will help provide counselling for members who watched the game from start to finish.
Census Fines for those who were not born in Australia and therefore should pay a $5.00 entrance fee. Think of it as a retrospective visa application. A $5 Bedroom Occupancy Levy is now payable. The average Australian home has just over three bedrooms. If your house has more than four bedrooms, there is a housing shortage and you are clearly hoarding sleeping opportunities. The average household owns fewer than two vehicles. If you have more than two cars pay a $5 Excess vehicle tax. Around 22% of Australians speak a second language fluently. If you can speak more than one language fluently please stand and pay a $5 Interpreter's Fee and those who can order wine confidently in French will be charged double.
GUEST SPEAKER: LEONIE BROWNER – introduced by Peter Panek:
Leonie Browner was elected Mayor of Nedlands four and a half months ago and eight of the nine elected members of Council are new to the City of Nedlands. It has been a very busy time since their installation. As the last Council was dissolved, the City has had an Administrator and a Monitor, both of whom finish up this week. The new CEO is Paul Martin, who will start at the end of August.
Leonie spoke of the importance of volunteering. Giving time and skills contributes to the strength of a community and our Rotary Club contributions are important for the City of Nedlands.
The Dalkeith ward, where the golf club is situated, is represented by Jenny Mathews, who is also the Deputy Mayor, and Charles Pan. Both bring a depth of experience to the Council.
Over the past five years, rates have not kept up with inflation, hence the need to increase rates by 14% this year. A 1% increase in rates raises $340,000. Five budget workshops have been held, resulting in savings of $2.7 million by expenditure reduction.
Leonie spoke about the Sunset Hospital and Jo Jo’s sites becoming vibrant areas in the future and Irwin Barracks being a place for new living areas, always mindful to have plenty of green spaces.
Looking forward, Leonie sees the City of Nedlands having integrity, courage and commitment to community services and a bright future. Thanks to Leonie for sharing her vision for the City of Nedlands.
REMINDER OF COMING EVENTS:
Monday 17 August 2026 – David Philpot, The World’s only Wonder Drug
Monday 24 August 2026 – Leighton Chadwick, Life Talk
Monday 31 August 2026 - Rebecca Clarke, Principal of MLC
ROSTER:
Monday 17 August 2026
Geoff Cahif Welcoming members and guests
John Bolto Table duty
Mark Khangure Registrar 1
Michael Snell Registrar 2
Susie Rich Introduction of guest speaker
Kent Warburton Pass the microphone
THANKS:
Thanks to the Staff of the Nedlands Golf Club, Shino 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:
President Leon closed the meeting by recognising the Rotary International presidential theme for 2026-27, "CREATE LASTING IMPACT"
