A different kind of meeting

Members and partners of The Rotary Club of Attadale were welcomed by President Ian Pittaway to a very different meeting on Monday August 13.  It was held at St Catherine's College, The University of Western Australia.  After a really delicious meal was served, the Chairman and organiser of the evening Rodney Rate was delighted to proudly introduce his long time friend Fiona Crowe, who he met when his wife Yvonne Rate was Head of St Catherine's College from 1993 to 2003 and Fiona was Dean of Students.

​Fiona has been Head of College since 2004.  Fiona gave us a very informative talk about the College over the years.  She also took us all on a interesting tour of the College and we were all impressed with the very high standard of student accommodation and were surprised to learn that they let out rooms and apartments to the public.  We were also privileged to hear two students speak about its flagship innovation program, Bloom. (Bloom.org.au), where students of the College and young people from across all five universities and outside of tertiary education are encouraged to embrace thinking about their future in a different way. Bloom runs workshops, seminars and social events aimed at supporting young people to start something - to take an idea, prototype or business along the entrepreneurial journey of learning, failure, more learning and success in its many forms. Over 50 young entrepreneurs work from Bloom and thousands of students participate in seminars and workshops.

St Catherine's also runs a dedicated indigenous access program, Dandjoo Darbalung, that has a proven track record in improving the retention rate and educational outcomes of indigenous students undertaking higher education.

It was a fantastic night with time as well for great fellowship.
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Pictured are some of the people who enjoyed the evening.
Neil McKay receiving his Birthday muffin from President Ian, Carole Maxwell& David, President Ian and Jacquie Pittaway, Giovanna and Neil McKay, Rod with Rachel & Simon Rate, Gill & Robin Hamilton, Mal & Elaine Bennettand Head of St Catherine's College Fiona Crowe is pictured with Rodney Rate to edit.