President Jonas Edner opened the meeting at 6.30 pm.
Welcome to our guest speaker, Paul Larsen, and to our guests, Susan Larsen, Marty Fordham, and Anna Fordham.
The meeting was opened with the singing of the National Anthem.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What does the acronym STEM stand for?
Answer: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Correctly answered by President Jonas Edner before he had even asked the question.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
• Nigel Johnson’s funeral - Nigel’s funeral will be held next week on Wednesday, 27 May at 3 pm at Karrakatta.
CLUB AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
• Football tipping – John Bolto gave an update on who was winning the footy tipping competition, basically, if your name is not Bruce, forget it, your season is over.
• Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal – Craig James said that between collecting cash last week and the direct deposits, he collected about $1,200 for the Red Shield Appeal.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: The following birthday and anniversaries were announced by Susan Watson:
Member’s birthday
Paul Kestell 84 years old on 24 May 2026.
Partner’s birthday
Denice Goh on 18 May 2026.
Anniversaries
Ron and Michele Wilson 51 years on 21 May 2026.
Craig and Colette James 50 years on 22 May 2026.
ROTARY MOMENTS:
• Science and Engineering Challenge – Last week 156 volunteer hours were given by Club members and two friends to help at the Science and Engineering Challenge. This is an amazing number of hours, but it is conservative, as it does not include the hundreds of hours given by Richard Gorham, Anita Bourke and Ann Bray to organise the event, nor the travelling time to and from the event. Nor does this figure include the many other volunteers from other Rotary Clubs, universities and companies. Well done to all the Club volunteers for making the Challenge such a success.
• Bicycles for Humanity – This Sunday, 24 May, from 11 am to 2 pm at Midvale, there will be celebrations for the 15th anniversary of Bicycles for Humanity, to which all Club members are invited as donors through the Club and the Trust of many thousands of dollars over the years. Over twelve thousand refurbished, pre-loved bicycles have been shipped to rural communities in seven African countries and to remote communities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Please see details in the latest District newsletter to RSVP.
• Centenary merchandise – There are a number of centenary clothing items for sale. Please check the District Newsletter sent out yesterday for shirts and caps to buy.
• Paul Harris Fellow award - LINDSAY DRY
Lindsay joined Rotary and the Club in June 2009. Lindsay is a Past President of the Club, having served from 2012 to 2013, and he also served a term as District Governor.
Lindsay has been involved in all aspects of volunteering and service at the Club. Recently, he spearheaded a clothing collection for the grandchildren of the Grandcarers branch at Warwick, and it was so successful that he nearly didn’t have room in the car for himself. Lindsay is very good at ensuring all past and present members are not forgotten and invited to events.
This is Lindsay’s third Paul Harris Fellow pin, having previously been awarded in 2014 and 2016. Thanks to Lindsay for his many contributions made over many years. You are an important member whose work is appreciated by the communities you directly assist.
COLLECTION OF CASH FOR FOODBANK IN NIGEL JOHNSON’S NAME
Anthony McGrath told the meeting that Foodbank was close to Nigel’s heart and that a cash collection would be taken up in his name. $830 was given in cash, and other amounts were transferred to the Project account for Foodbank. Thanks to all the donors for their generous contributions.
GUEST SPEAKER: Paul Larsen - introduced by Craig James.
· Paul was an agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency in the USA for twenty years. Paul outlined and discussed some of the high-profile cases that took him to over 40 countries around the world. Paul worked on cases that involved high-level drug traffickers and narco-terrorists.
· In US legislation there are broad powers that the DEA can use. Basically transactions and business can come under US jurisdiction if the business or organisation has a link to the USA, such as equipment owned by a US company or using an American aircraft.
· Paul spoke about high profile cases such as Monzer al-Kassar and Viktor Bout and how the DEA’s informants helped to capture the criminals.
· Thanks to Paul for sharing about his interesting job.
REMINDER OF COMING EVENTS:
Monday 25 May 2026 – Vocational Awards
Monday 1 June 2026 - No Meeting, Public Holiday
Monday 8 June 2026 - Dr Alan Harvey, Neuroscience and music
ROSTER:
Monday 25 May 2026
Kevin Jackson Welcoming members and guests
Bruce Jeanes Table duty
Kent Warburton Registrar 1
TBA Registrar 2
Richard Ranshaw and Kevin Jackson Introduction of award winners
Bruce Fiegert Pass the microphone
THANKS:
Thanks to the Staff of the Nedlands Golf Club, Joel and Anton, 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 Jonas closed the meeting by recognising the Rotary International presidential theme for 2025-26, "Unite for Good"
