President Jonas Edner opened the meeting at 6.30 pm.
Welcome to our guest Nan Walker.
The meeting was opened by singing the National Anthem.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Who scored the goals for Australia against Turkey in the World Cup?
Answer: Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe
Correctly answered by Susie Rich.
CLUB AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
• Foodbank – Anthony McGrath spoke about the next volunteering opportunity at Foodbank, on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. Please let Ant know if you are available.
• Marmalade – David Miller reported that his wife, Beth, had made 38 jars of marmalade, of which he had sold 35 before the start of the meeting. Thanks to Beth and David, they have raised $350 for Club funds very quickly!
• Business lunch – John Bolto spoke about the Business lunch, please put the date into your calendar now, it 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. Thank you.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: The following birthdays were announced by Susan Watson:
Member’s birthday
Graeme Sansom 85 years on 28 June 2026.
Partner’s birthday
Marion Cahif 23 June 2026.
ROTARY MOMENTS:
• Article in the Post – This weekend’s edition of the Post contained an excellent article on the recent Vocational Awards. Well done for this publicity to Past President Hugh, paparazzo Susan and celebrities Kevin and Richard.
• Resignation –Steve Halbert is spending more time in Margaret River and will be joining the Rotary Club there. Steve is the District insurance officer, and he has contributed greatly to that role. We give our thanks to Steve for his wonderful contributions to the Club, which he joined in May 2016.
• Graces by the Rev. John Shepherd – Nan Walker spoke about a book compiled of the Reverend John Shepherd’s graces, of which she sold a number of copies at the meeting.
ACTING SERGEANT HUGH SESSION: Kevin Jackson and Richard Ranshaw for their celebrity status in The Post;
Steve Halbert for the last time we can fine you;
Jill Elias for getting 7 out of 7 in the football tipping, a birthday tax and a wets tax for supplying the wine tonight;
David Miller for misspelling whiskey on the marmalade;
Bob Davis for turning up late to the meeting on his return from Bali and trying to pay the fine in rupiah;
President Jonas for spending his money on other Clubs so he can afford $5;
Graeme Sansom for hosting a lunch at the Weld Club attended by our President and not turning up;
Peter Panek, John Lindquist, Anthony McGrath and Richard Ranshaw for their smart, tailored jackets, which made their table the evening’s best dressed.
GUEST SPEAKER: Leon Lorenzen – introduced by Paul Kestell
· Leon was born in Virginia, which is in Free State in the middle of South Africa. His father was a mine manager, and the family moved with his job around the country, growing up in Johannesburg and Klerksdorp. Leon has three older sisters.
· Leon studied chemical engineering at Stellenbosch from 1979 to 1982. He also has a Master's and a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering. He completed his compulsory two-year full-time military service in the navy from 1984 to 1985 and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant.
· Leon worked for a number of companies from 1984 to 1990, when he went to Stellenbosch and was Dean of Engineering there until 2008.
· In 2008, Leon moved to Perth through a job with BHP. Leon worked for a few other companies before setting up his own consultancy firm in 2015.
· Leon is married to Ilse, and they have a son, Luka, who is in year 11 at Hale School. Ilse is head of admissions at MLC.
· Leon is very proud of his children and grandchildren who live in Western Australia, his son, George, is married to Stephani and they have a daughter, Amelie, and his daughter, Ninette, is married to Jason and their children are Lochlan and Lily.
· Hockey was a passion of Leon’s until he retired from playing it about eight years ago; now he enjoys travelling and outdoor life. His faith is an important element of his life.
· Thanks to Leon for sharing his life talk and best wishes for the coming year as the Club President.
REMINDER OF COMING EVENTS:
Monday 29 June 2026 – Anita Bourke, CINI
Monday 6 July 2026 – Handover dinner
Monday 13 July 2026 – Club Forum
ROSTER:
Monday 29 June 2026.
Anthony McGrath Welcoming members and guests
John Lindquist Table duty
Jock Laurie Registrar 1
Paul Kestell Registrar 2
Kevin Jackson Introduction of guest speaker
Bruce Fiegert Pass the microphone
THANKS:
Thanks to the Staff of the Nedlands Golf Club, Matt and Shino, 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"
