The President of the Rotary Club of Attadale Colin McCulloch welcomed everyone to the meeting on Monday 11th September at Tompkins on Swan. The Guest Speaker Peter Munday, a Strata Titles Consultant and Trainer was introduced by Rotarian Bob Rogers. Some of those present may have wondered what could be interesting about Strata Titles for them. Peter certainly made it an enjoyable presentation when he took us back to before 1966 when most land could be subdivided according to the local council rules. This meant that all the land on the plot was owned by all owners, just the actual buildings were individually owned. This meant when these properties were sold it was always unclear if private agreements had been made between owners as to the actual ownership of the different areas of land. It was a nightmare for agents.

Strata Titles were introduced after 1966, but once again individual owners only owned the inside dimensions of the buildings and all shared the land. In 1985, changes were made to the Strata Titles Act where surveyors were able to allot areas of land to each owner. Hence Survey Strata Titles came into use. Peter made all of this very entertaining while discussing the differences. Peter speaks regularly on Curtin Radio 100.1fm and also on 6PR. He also runs training seminars for REIWA, Real Estate offices and for the general public. One of the biggest challenges for Real Estate Agents is knowing enough about Strata Titles and the pitfalls that can occur for both buyers and agents. Peter receives many calls from agents for advice.

Without question Peter Munday is the most knowledgeable Strata Title person in Western Australia. (He dislikes being called an expert - there is also a story behind that).

Peter was happy to answer members' questions after his presentation as well as over refreshments.

Another top night with fellowship before and after the meeting.

Pictured at the end of the evening were Elaine Bennett with Giovanna McKay and Mal Bennett, Gillian Baker and Greg James, Guest Speaker Peter Munday with Chairman for the evening Bob Rogers and Ron Day and Ian Pittaway.

Tracy Vo was a most delightful Guest Speaker at the Rotary Club of Attadale meeting at Tompkins on Swan last Monday night. Tracy is a familiar face on Perth TV working with Ch9 but behind the face of being that professional newsreader Tracy has quite a story to tell.
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Tracy's parents escaped Vietnam on a boat in 1978. It was a period when everyone wanted to leave as life had become dangerous in the years following the war. Her Father's family had all been involved in the war in some capacity, in the air force or the army. Tracy told us that her Dad was one of 24 kids and he was training for the air force. They had a lot of tough times during that period, but even after the war ended it was still very hard for them, they were living sparsely, the government kept changing over the currency and they had no money. After two attempts to escape by boat had fallen through, Uncle number 5, they were all known by their position in the large family, decided to take matters into his own hands and he sought out a boat himself. They, along with other aunties and uncles left in the middle of the night to travel to Malaysia who were one of the countries to have set up an immigration desk.

Because her parents got on that boat, Tracy and her brother Trevor were given the freedom to enjoy the life they could never have experienced in Vietnam. They grew up as the only Asians on the street in Perth's northern suburbs. Her parents integrated quite quickly. Her brother befriended the neighbourhood kids and they had lots of fun growing up together. At primary school though things changed for Tracy as she was told she looked different to other children which did cause a lot of hurt. Things improved at High School which she enjoyed and still has many friends from those days.

Tracy and her family's story is told in more detail in 'SMALL BAMBOO' a book she was encouraged to write back in 2014. It is available online through Amazon or can be ordered through some bookstores. Can't wait to read it! After having worked as a Journalist for many years in Sydney and also as a political reporter in Canberra where she grabbed the opportunity to work with veteran political editor Laurie Oakes, Tracy eventually decided to come back home to Perth to be closer to her parents who were beginning to suffer ill health. Tracy will always have wonderful memories of her days working with Laurie Oakes and also the experiences gained from working alongside Peter Oveton and the late Peter Harvey.

Since returning home Tracy has covered some of the biggest stories in Australia and Overseas. Currently Tracy hosts Today Perth News from 7am each weekdays and will also be once again hosting on ABC Radio early on Saturday mornings.

Tracy was happy to answer questions from members and the Club looks forward to having her visit again sometime in the future.

Pictured enjoying the evening were Giovanna McKay and Greg James, Ian Pittaway, Alan Morecombe and Jacquie Pittaway, Jeff Spickett with Sally Rowlands, Tom Slater and Robin Hamilton and Guest Speaker Tracy Vo with Martin Houchin and Carole Maxwell.