Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton – 75th Anniversary Newsletter
Celebrating 75 Years of Service and Fellowship – October 1, 2025
A Milestone Celebration Breakfast
The Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton marked its 75th anniversary with a joyous breakfast meeting on October 1, 2025, filled with fellowship, reflection, and exciting plans. President Hugh welcomed special guests, including past presidents Geoff Crothers and Greg Cooper, Julie Urquhart, Kelly Bennett (Host-Mum), and exchange student Esther (Brasil). Esther is enjoying “holiday mode” before heading to Perth for an orientation camp with Rotary and then Outward-Bound Camp with the Grammar School.
Warm Welcome and Festive Atmosphere
The morning kicked off with light-hearted banter as Hugh greeted visitors and checked the tech—though the camera had a mind of its own! A toast to the King set the tone, followed by introductions of guests. Bob Urquhart introduced Julie, his significant other and Greg Coper, while Barry welcomed Geoff Crothers, a past president and neighbour. Geoff’s unique name badge sparked smiles, and the group warmly greeted Kelly and Esther, who shared her relaxing weekend in windy Kalbarri, spent reading in bed.
Breakfast was (self) served and Hugh ensured everyone was captured on camera for the milestone occasion. The group enjoyed a delicious meal, a celebratory cake, and plenty of camaraderie, with laughter and stories filling the air.
Reflections on 75 Years of Impact
The meeting featured heartfelt reflections from long-serving members:
Geoff Crothers, past president and with longest connection to Rotary, shared memories of of his time in the Club. He fondly recalled Friday evening meetings, lifelong friendships, and the club’s support for community projects like the swimming pool. His father, a founding member, inspired the naming of the wishing well.
Greg Cooper, past president, praised the Rotary Youth Exchange program, sharing how his daughter reconnected with exchange students in the US and Belgium. He emphasized the program’s global impact, describing it as more significant than the United Nations, and urged the club to prioritize it despite modern challenges.
Bob Urquhart, club historian, highlighted Rotary’s global contributions, from Polio Plus to the Sydney Memorial in Geraldton. He stressed adaptability, encouraging members to engage younger generations (25–50) facing career and family pressures, and to leverage Rotary’s grant-matching systems for impactful projects. Bob also shared the book 60 Years of Rotary for members to borrow.
Special Presentations and Achievements
President Hugh showcased a recording of the Four Way Test Public Speaking Competition, with young (Year 6) Rafael Salman’s humorous and insightful speech on mathematics earning high praise. Despite minor sound issues, the club plans to add closed captions for future clarity.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Russell and Shirley McKinnon for their support of the competition, with Russell recognized for his media outreach. Donations in the names of Geoff Crothers and Greg Cooper were made to Rotary International’s polio eradication program, each funding approximately 50 vaccinations for children.
The Rotary Shirley McKinnon Practical Leadership Course, recently completed over four weeks, was a success, focusing on visioning, time management, and persuasion.
Plans are in place to run it again next year and honor Shirley’s contributions.
Community Engagement and Upcoming Events
The club’s commitment to community shines through its upcoming activities:
Landor Races: Rotary will manage the bar, raising $20,000 annually, with past funds supporting the RFDS and the Edith Cowan statue via the Geraldton Volunteer Tourist Guide Association. Members like Barry, Kim, Di, Dave, Jim, and Suki, along with friends of Rotary, are gearing up for the event.
Radio Auction: Duties are being assigned, and volunteers have signed up for for proofreading and social media.
75th Anniversary Celebration: A special evening is planned, aiming to reunite past members and friends. Barry noted Batavia Brewing’s donation to the radio auction, and the club plans to organize a group for one of their biweekly quiz nights.
New Members’ Evening: Discussions are underway to welcome potential members and share Rotary’s story.
Club Promotion and Future Focus
President Hugh called for better marketing to younger generations, emphasizing Rotary’s achievements like the Sydney Memorial, Bicycles for Humanity and African school, support for RFDS initiatives for example. Members were encouraged to use resources like the club’s documented history to inspire new projects and counter misconceptions about Rotary’s relevance.
Fun, Fines, and Festivities
The meeting wrapped up with a lively fine session led by Sgt-at-Arms Bob Urquhart, collecting for birthdays, anniversaries, and club milestones. A raffle and group photos captured the celebratory spirit, with special thanks to all attendees, guest speakers, and contributors. The 75th anniversary cake was a sweet highlight, shared by all, including long-serving members like Geoff Crothers and Greg Cooper.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we celebrate 75 years of service, the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton remains committed to community, fellowship, and global impact. We invite you to learn more about our projects, join us for future events, or borrow 60 Years of Rotary to explore our history. Here’s to many more years of “Service Above Self”!
L to R: Terry Stewart, Russell McKinnon, Barry Dring, Kevin Green, Don Rolston, Geoff Crothers, Kelly Bennett, Julie Urquhart, Greg Cooper, Esther Barbosa Rosa (Brasil), President Hugh Lavery, Robert Mosel, Ian Taylor, Bob Urquhart
The Rotary meeting took place at the Geraldton Golf Club, Place Road, Geraldton, commencing at 7am. The meeting was presided over by President Hugh Lavery, with Sergeant Bob Urquhart fulfilling the role of Sergeant-at-Arms. Bob Urquhart also delivered the invocation and proposed the toast.
Attendance
Members present included Anthony Ambrose, Barry Dring, Dave Freeman, Hugh Lavery, Russell McKinnon, Rob Mosel, Don Rolston, Peter Sukiennik, Bob Urquhart, Grant Woodhams, Kim Wann, Terry Stewart, and Jim Dillon.
Guests and Apologies
Guests for the morning were Andrew Dare from the Rotary Club of Deloraine (Tasmania), Kelly Bennett (Ibex host mother), and Esther Rosa-Barbosa (Ibex exchange student from Brazil). Apologies were received from Kevin Green, Bob Symington, Ian Taylor, Bob Hall, and Di Gilleland.
Announcements
From President Hugh Lavery
Eight members attended the Shirley McKinnon leadership course last night, with hopes for even greater attendance next week. Participation remains open to those interested.
The Four Way Speaking Competition for Year 10 students will have its final at Geraldton Grammar School on Saturday, 20th September. Notably, one Perth club has declined to attend due to travel distance, despite regional clubs travelling to Perth for over 30 years. Discounted airfares are available through Nexus. The District Governor and Fred Marsh, the originator of the competition in WA, will be present. Batavia Coast Rotarian Clark Scarff is coaching Geraldton entrant Aaysha King, who will address the club next Wednesday. Volunteers from the club are needed to assist with timing and tallying adjudication sheets. Hugh will circulate a proposal for the RCGG Board to endorse a $1,000 contribution to help manage competition costs. The District’s response to funding support has been disappointing, as they have indicated no available budget. Hugh will attend a GGS assembly on Monday, 22nd September to make a presentation.
From Peter Sukiennik
The Landor race meeting is scheduled for 3rd October. All arrangements are in place, though additional helpers would be appreciated. Emails will be sent to those on Peter's list regarding road conditions and other relevant details. The event is a full TAB meeting and is expected to draw around 1,400 attendees. The club will operate the bar and will receive $20,000 for its involvement.
Further Announcements
President Hugh Lavery informed members that Rotarian Geoff Watson’s funeral will be held this morning at 10am at the crematorium.
Grant Woodhams has volunteered to assist with counting e-bikes, e-scooters, and bikes in Geraldton. His contribution will result in a cash donation to the club.
Thought for the Day
Barry Dring spoke on the global issue of gambling, noting that $1 million is gambled every hour. He recounted an anecdote from his time with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), describing an occasion when they landed at a remote cattle station and amusingly found four cows playing poker and smoking marijuana—the "steaks" were high.
Inbound Exchange Student Report
Esther Rosa Barbosa shared that she has been so busy with activities there has been no time for homesickness. She attended her first party with school friends, which she described as "cool", and is heading to Mullewa this week.
Guest Speaker: Andrew Dare (Rotary Club of Deloraine, Tasmania)
Andrew Dare, a former President of his club for the past two years, spoke about the personal growth that comes from holding such a position. He recommended taking on the role to other Rotarians. Andrew migrated to Tasmania from Victoria in 1990. Originally an electrical contractor, he transitioned into the hospitality industry, running a guest house. He admitted to initial fears, particularly around preparing "hamburgers the lot" without meat or bacon, which he described as a trial by fire. He also mentioned his early paranoia about theft at the guest house, but found that giving lollies to children fostered goodwill and reduced incidents of stealing. Eventually, due to the financial strain of running the guest house, he returned to his trade as an electrician.
Currently, Andrew manages a company with seventeen employees and is involved with seventy dairies in Northern Tasmania, some of which are robotic dairies. He has recently obtained accreditation for solar battery installation. Andrew intends to keep working for a few more years before transitioning into retirement, acknowledging the challenge of making that transition.
His Rotary club’s major fundraiser is participation in the Northern Tasmanian Craft Fair, which spans eight venues and requires the hiring of volunteers. The club has also engaged an external manager for the Fair, which is held on the first weekend in November. The club currently has thirty-six members, twenty of whom are active, with some members in their eighties.
During the Q&A, Bob Urquhart inquired whether Andrew had walked the ninety-kilometre Cradle Mountain track—an experience Bob had when he was thirty. Andrew replied that his knees are now in poor condition and will need replacement. He also noted that walkers must now register for the track due to significant safety concerns related to weather in that region.
Further Club Announcements
President Hugh Lavery announced that the RCGG will soon hold a recruitment and membership meeting for potential new members. Members were encouraged to watch for further updates.
Raffle
Dave Freeman drew the Two of Diamonds and took home the Rotary Cake. Members were reminded that Rotary Cakes are available for purchase at every meeting for $20 each, making them both a delicious treat and a great gift.
Fines Session
Sergeant Bob Urquhart led the fines session, calling upon anyone with an anniversary of any kind. Russell McKinnon read from a long list of members with anniversaries. Additionally, fines were levied on Grant Woodhams, Hugh Lavery, Barry Dring, Bob Urquhart, Terry Stewart, Peter Sukiennik, and "Magic" Wann, who admitted to celebrating his birthday the previous Saturday. Guest Andrew Dare contributed some foreign cash, while Anthony Ambrose bought the box as he needed to leave for school.
Rotary Club Meeting – 17 September 2025
Meeting Details: The Rotary Club convened at the Geraldton Golf Club, Place Rd, Geraldton, with proceedings commencing at 7:00 AM.
Presiding Officers:
President: Hugh Lavery
Sergeant: Bob Urquhart
Invocation and Toast: Delivered by Grant Woodhams.
Attendance: Members present included Hugh Lavery, Russell McKinnon, Robert Mosel, Don Rolston, Peter Sukiennik, Robert Urquhart, Grant Woodhams, Terry Stewart, and David Freeman.
Guests: Clark Scarff (Rotary Club Batavia Coast), Donna Hope (Head of English, Geraldton Grammar School), and Aaysha King (4WSC competitor, Geraldton Grammar School).
Apologies: Ian Taylor, Bob Hall, Kevin Green, Robert Symington, and Di Gilleland.
President’s Announcements:
Thanks extended to Russell McKinnon for providing club photos for Club Runner.
Newsletter delayed this week due to focus on the 4WSC event.
Call for volunteers for the 4WSC event on Saturday night. Roles include: Grant Woodhams as MC/Chair, Bob Urquhart as timekeeper, plus additional tally keepers needed.
RYE student Esther is unwell and unable to attend; she will be guest speaker next week.
Second module of Shirley McKinnon’s leadership course was held the previous night.
Participation in Landor is organised for this year. Members are reminded to bring wood for campfires.
Thought for the Day: Clark Scarff shared, “Sometimes not getting what you want is a marvellous gift.”
Guest Speaker: Aaysha King presented a rehearsal of her 4WSC presentation on “Social Contagion.” Clark Scarff offered brief feedback following the presentation. The rehearsal showed delightful improvement and it seems Aaysha will do well at the State Final. Clarke complimented Aaysha as a quick learner and hard worker.
Leadership Exercise: An Example used at Rotary's Shirley McKinnon Practical Leadership course. Led by President Hugh Lavery, members described the Rotary club as an animal:
Bob Urquhart – Cat
Peter Sukiennik – Rescue dog
Russell McKinnon – Elephant
Robert Mosel – Chrysalis
Terry Stewart – Warthog
Grant Woodhams – Old labrador dog
Caption: Participants at the Leadership Course.
Raffle: Won by Hugh Lavery, drawing the Queen of Hearts. Rotary cakes remain available for purchase at $20 each.
Fines Session: Sergeant Bob Urquhart oversaw fines for the following:
Peter Sukiennik – On the renaming of Docklands Stadium to Wurundjeri.
Hugh Lavery – Missing his name badge.
Dave Freeman – Wearing someone else's name badge.
Russell McKinnon – Always first to breakfast.
Recognition of weddings, parties, and anniversaries.
Hugh Lavery – Has not amended members' details in Club Runner.
Peter Sukiennik – Purchases the box, referencing “dear old Collingwood for ever.”
Grant Woodhams – Purchases the box and will be absent until the end of October.
Apologies for not presenting in person. Thanks for getting zoom working to enable the sharing of the incoming World President Stephanie Urchick's address:
Hugh's message echoes Stephanie's in making our meetings irresistible and engaging. Have conversation, connect, learn and get involved in the Community. It is important that we become a more diverse membership.
In 1998 the Rotary Club of Geraldton (now Greater Geraldton) embarked on an ambitious journey to build a memorial on Mt Scott in Geraldton, dedicated to the 645 sailors lost at sea when the HMAS Sydney II was sunk off the Mid-West coast during World War II. The HMAS Sydney II Memorial is by far the largest and proudest project the RCG has undertaken.
Australia’s worst naval disaster occurred on 19 November 1941 when HMAS Sydney II was lost following a battle with the German raider HSK KORMORAN, in the Indian Ocean off the Western Australian coast. Geraldton was the last port visited prior to her demise. The loss of the SYDNEY with its full war complement of 645 sailors remains etched in the nations psyche. The KORMORAN was also sunk, but 317 of its crew of 397 survived. The fate of the Sydney remained one of Australia’s greatest wartime mysteries until the location of the wreck in 2008. “LEST WE FORGET”
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Russell and Shirley McKinnon for their support of the competition, with Russell recognized for his media outreach. Donations in the names of Geoff Crothers and Greg Cooper were made to Rotary International’s polio eradication program, each funding approximately 50 vaccinations for children.
The Four Way Speaking Competition for Year 10 students will have its final at Geraldton Grammar School on Saturday, 20th September. Notably, one Perth club has declined to attend due to travel distance, despite regional clubs travelling to Perth for over 30 years. Discounted airfares are available through Nexus. The District Governor and Fred Marsh, the originator of the competition in WA, will be present. Batavia Coast Rotarian Clark Scarff is coaching Geraldton entrant Aaysha King, who will address the club next Wednesday. Volunteers from the club are needed to assist with timing and tallying adjudication sheets. Hugh will circulate a proposal for the RCGG Board to endorse a $1,000 contribution to help manage competition costs. The District’s response to funding support has been disappointing, as they have indicated no available budget. Hugh will attend a GGS assembly on Monday, 22nd September to make a presentation.
Andrew Dare, a former President of his club for the past two years, spoke about the personal growth that comes from holding such a position. He recommended taking on the role to other Rotarians. Andrew migrated to Tasmania from Victoria in 1990. Originally an electrical contractor, he transitioned into the hospitality industry, running a guest house. He admitted to initial fears, particularly around preparing "hamburgers the lot" without meat or bacon, which he described as a trial by fire. He also mentioned his early paranoia about theft at the guest house, but found that giving lollies to children fostered goodwill and reduced incidents of stealing. Eventually, due to the financial strain of running the guest house, he returned to his trade as an electrician.
Currently, Andrew manages a company with seventeen employees and is involved with seventy dairies in Northern Tasmania, some of which are robotic dairies. He has recently obtained accreditation for solar battery installation. Andrew intends to keep working for a few more years before transitioning into retirement, acknowledging the challenge of making that transition.
Bob Urquhart – Cat
President's Report - Hugh Lavery:
Australia’s worst naval disaster occurred on 19 November 1941 when HMAS Sydney II was lost following a battle with the German raider HSK KORMORAN, in the Indian Ocean off the Western Australian coast. Geraldton was the last port visited prior to her demise. The loss of the SYDNEY with its full war complement of 645 sailors remains etched in the nations psyche. The KORMORAN was also sunk, but 317 of its crew of 397 survived. The fate of the Sydney remained one of Australia’s greatest wartime mysteries until the location of the wreck in 2008.
