What a fantastic Rotary weekend! For those of us relatively new to the Rotary world and experiencing our first District Conference it was quite inspiring to be amongst the hundreds of passionate Rotarians so engaged in Uniting for Good.
Without exception, the speakers were engaging, inspiring and extremely diverse. The three days were calmly lead with kindness and compassion by District Governor Veronica while proceedings were kept well on track by Rotarian magician, Jonathan Usher who had made the trip from New Zealand especially to join us in Northam.
We were introduced to the innovative concept for 2027 when 100 years of Rotary in Western Australia with a massive expo that will take over the entire Forrest Place for three days in April.
A special moment for Applecross Rotary was presenting a Paul Harris Fellowship to the impressive Joshua Patrick following his presentation on Sunday. A huge thank you to Ian Fairnie for his invaluable support to Joshua in his journey to his assured place in Medicine at UWA this year and for facilitating the Fellowship which was greeted with a standing ovation from all Rotarians present.
Several admirable projects we heard about will tempt us to provide some support so we had better have all hands on deck for another record day at the next Makers Market to top up our coffers so we can Unite for Good.
The conference was officially opened by DG Veronica Lawrance at the Northam Country Club, with one of the standout moments being a Rotary Youth Exchange presentation from Chair Graeme Fardon and the introduction of the current inbound cohort of students. Graeme was constantly on the move throughout the weekend supporting the students — a reminder of the enormous commitment he carries in leading the District RYE program while also remaining an active member of Applecross Rotary.
The Applecross contingent stayed at the Riverside Hotel, arranged last year thanks to Ian Fairnie. The accommodation proved comfortable and good value.
Conference Themes and Speakers
Speaker sessions were grouped into a series of themes:
Proud to be an Aussie
Proud to be a Rotarian
Proud to Serve the Community
Proud to be a Little Bit Crazy
Proud to be from the Bush
Proud to be Here
Each presenter delivered strongly to their theme, making the program informative, engaging, and entertaining. Full details of speakers and topics can be downloaded by clicking here.
Saturday Night Dinner
The Saturday evening Wise Wines Up N Away Dinner was enjoyed by all — with one memorable exception. Our President Margaret selected a table conveniently close to the buffet, but unfortunately overlooked that it carried the highest table number. This resulted in a lengthy wait for our turn at the main course. She redeemed herself, however, by persuading the MC to reverse the order for dessert service.
Sunday Morning Sessions
The first session on Sunday, Proud to be from the Bush, featured Peter Cook speaking on 100 Years of Farming. Peter acknowledged that his early career success was significantly shaped by Dr Ian Fairnie, who taught him at Muresk Agricultural College in Northam.
Ian was again recognised in the final session, Proud to Be Here, presented by Joshua Patrick. His topic, A Young Carer – From Adversity to Opportunity, was a powerful reflection on resilience and growth. In a later social media post, Josh wrote: “Speaking in a community that has shaped so much of who I am made the experience especially meaningful.”
He made special mention of the mentorship he received from Ian in his presentation.
Josh was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow by DG Veronica Lawrance and Applecross Rotary President Margaret Brede.
Congratulations and Thanks
Congratulations to DG Veronica and her team for delivering an excellent conference. Applecross Rotary was proudly represented by: Ian Fairnie, Adele Clements, Margaret Brede, John and Ann Kelly, Aaron Hoffman, Ray and Val Philp, and Graeme Fardon.
At our Weekly breakfast we had the pleasure of Hayley Gould & Shaun Stevenson from the City of Melville Rec Centre.
During this informative lecture we were informed of the depth of leisure and recreational activities to be found within the City of Melville. Which turns out to be diverse upon closer inspection, for enjoyable pursuits to be undertaken during our free time to boost mental and physical well-being. Hayley, highlighted the Leisure fitness programs for the over 50’s which are supportive for healthy ageing members of our community. Being aimed to promote mobility strength and importantly social connection, all of which enhance overall quality of life. During this informative delivery a number of branded programs where highlighted;
‘Strength for Life’ … a progress strength training and exercise program designed for the 50+ members to improve physical strength and balance resulting in overall wellbeing.
‘Leisure Fit Group Classes ‘… this comprises of time limited and equipment workouts aimed at cardio and strength. In addition, aqua classes for these warm summer days. This aspect is aimed to assist you to find something to participate in form as many of over 300 classes per week resulting no reason not to be part of!
‘Active in the park – program’ … The one aspect which was a surprise to some, was the outdoor groups held at the Shirly Strickland sport and Community Pavilion for smaller groups with the benefit of more personalised coaching which combines strength and cardio in a supportive setting. This is tailored for beginners or anyone seeking a tailored approach to fitness. This program is not limited to only this location as there are a number of other settings to consider - Point Water, Jeff Joesph Reserve.
The one aspect highlighted, by Hayley, as a benefit, is the raft of recreational and fitness services on offer by the City of Melville at any point in time, aimed to enhance the overall ‘Community and Wellbeing’, which are aimed as a forum for social connection, metal and physical support, as we find ourself with more time on our hand during retirement.
We were further informed more about the two venues within the City of Melville, which are well supported with experience staff - these being two very modern ‘LeisureFit’ centres at Melville and Booragoon. While there is some overlap in services both offer and number of amazing wellness actives. For example, a 50 metre / 8 lane heated pool, a recovery hub comprising of a spa, sauna and steam room. This list of is rather extensive with such features as Creche and children’s water playground and the aluminate jewel of full-size gyms in both locations – both fully supervised by trained instructors.
The main theme conveyed to our group is that we have on our doorstep a supportive environment for all fitness abilities and ages and a constantly updated Fitness Timetable to be found online to tempt the all of us achieve both Physical and Mental wellness with classes over a 7-day week from 8.30 am until 8.30 pm. This is a very tempting step towards find that perfect a way to a fitness in spite of one’s age or physical fitness.
Please respond to Gordon as he currently does not have any volunteers!
Email Gordon at dunbarz@ozemail.com.au or text 0409 884 689 to reserve your place for this event.
Required:
Parking Lowerlands 7:30am - 9:30am x 3 persons
Front Gate and Special Parking - 7:30am - 9:30am x 4 persons
Cooking sausages 10:00am - 1:00pm x 5 persons
Serving 11 to 1:30pm x 4 persons
Helping hand 10am - 1:30pm x 2 persons
In autumn each year South of Perth Yacht Club host “Cruising Butterflies” to take children with life-long health issues onto the Swan River on members boats to enjoy a morning of fun on the water. This is a partnership with
Kiind (a support organization from Perth Children’s Hospital) and sponsors including Applecross and Melville Rotary Clubs.
Kiind invite about 150 children along with their parents, siblings and carers to attend this special day for the children that also gives their families a short respite from the 24-hour a day caring duty.
After the morning on the water there will be a sausage sizzle lunch, live entertainment and special guests and events. The day will wind up early in the afternoon.
Applecross Rotary, as in previous years, have been tasked with the BBQ duties, cooking and serving sausages in a bun (supplied by SoPYC) and to organize car parking, both inside SoPYC and on the Heathcote Lower Land. We have been asked to bring our Rotary branded marquees to hold the registration and welcome desks and to also bring along our Rotary banners.
We will need a team of at least 6-8 for the BBQ (10.00am to 1.00pm), 7- 8 for parking (7.30am to 9.00am) and several for set up and pull down of our infrastructure.
Please note the date and watch out for the roster so that you can volunteer.
We are invited to attend the next 'Bringing People Together' networking sundowner is on Thursday the 26th of March 2026, located in the stunning 'City View Room' (Karrinyup Shopping Centre).
About Mama Respond
Mama Respond is a community led charity operating across Australia and Kenya, supporting mothers raising children with special needs. Through healthcare access, education, and financial empowerment, they help families build the confidence and opportunities they need to thrive. We are proud to partner with such an inspiring organisation.
Be quick to book your spot as numbers are limited!
Entry: $15 for Rotary members & partners (including Honorary)
$20 for non-Rotary members
Light catering included and drinks available (cash / eftpos bar)
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Parking: Parking available just outside of the room on Level 1, B1 carpark.
Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired, engaged, and entertained. This special co-hosted evening with Mama Respond brings together two great communities for a night of meaningful connection.
This month's event is proudly co-hosted with Mama Respond, joining forces with their CEO Erin Hegarty for a special evening of connection and fundraising!!
Martin will tell us some of his life story starting in war time UK, moving on to his success as a boy soprano. When he migrated to Perth in 1970, he joined the WA Opera Company and Gilbert and Sullivan Society and performed with both companies. Martin has had many exciting experiences over the years. Martin also illustrates the stories with some singing of songs and arias - his whole life story would take five hours (only joking!).
