​Attadale Rotary Club President Ian Pittaway had great pleasure in welcoming the Guest Speaker Warren Duffy and a very large number of guests to the meeting on November 5 at Tompkins on Swan. Chairman Mick Donnes introduced Warren who took everyone on a delightful trip down memory lane. He rekindled memories of years gone by and had everyone enjoying the experience. Warren explained that before writing the books he established the Facebook page 'Lost Perth'. It was dedicated to preserving photos and memories of the good old days in Perth. He wanted to unearth Perth's history to save it for the future. He started chatting to people, listening to their stories, collecting their old photos, and it went from there. He posted photos, films, stories, memories and they all touched a nerve. The site is a collection of old images and stories of Perth, focusing on the way things used to be and the old buildings and businesses that have disappeared, and it captured Perth's imagination. Warren attributes the site's success to people's fond memories of the 'good old days'! 
He wanted to put those memories and stories in print, so they'll have a place in history forever.

The books 'Lost Perth', Volumes 1 and 2 are picture-driven with images that follow the history of Perth, Western Australia and bringing back wonderful memories of times gone by. There are old family photos moving through the decades and the Great War, roaring twenties, the great depression, World War 11, the booming fifties with their hooped skirts and perfectly coiffed hair and the swinging sixties, seventies and eighties. 

Warren showed some film of many of the tv ads we all came to love (or hate) such as 'I Love Aeroplane Jelly' (still going around in my head each day), 'I'm Louis the Fly', 'Luigi Sava Da Money' as well as 'It takes two hands to handle a whopper' etc. We also enjoyed seeing some of the icecream delights we all grew up with.

Thank you Warren for starting the wonderful Facebook site and for the Lost Perth books to remind us all of some wonderful times we all had in days gone by.

Pictured are Chairman Mick Donnes, Attadale Rotary Club President Ian Pittaway and the Guest Speaker Warren Duffy. Pictures also show the 'Lost Perth' book Volume 1, Trams in the City, Lights on the Old Swan Brewery and the beautiful interior of the Ambassadors Theatre. Thank you also to Colin McCulloch for bringing along some of his memorabilia to display on the night. 
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It was a night to reminisce enjoyed by members and all their guests.

​Also speaking at the Rotary Club of Attadale on Monday, 29 October, was Louise Dinnie.  Louise is a Member of the Student Emerging Leaders Group- (MSEL). 

Louise reminded Rotary members of the workshops they ran with the students from Melville Senior High School. These workshops included the following:  Resume writing; Interpersonal skills and networking; as well as Interview skills.  Panel presentations from higher education institutions and professionals from industries the students were interested in.  The team found that engaging with students in smaller groups was easier and they were able to develop a better rapport with them.  The overall feedback was generally positive from the students.  The students indicated that they could use the workshops more before they select their ATAR courses for Years 11 and 12.
Rotarian Bev Moffat is pictured with Louise Dinnie.
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Also pictured are two happy Attadale Rotarians Winston Marsh and Greg James who were recently presented with their Birthday cupcakes by Club President Ian Pittaway.

​This phenomenal journey was made possible thanks to the open-heart surgery which saved his life as a child.

Jeremy is a recipient of the Australian Heart Foundation ‘Heart Hero Award’, an Ambassador for Waterline Challenge, and has raised over $50,000 for the New Zealand, Australian and British Heart Foundations. He continues to support these charities through speaking engagements and book sales and now dedicates his life to inspire others.

​​On Monday Oct 8 Carole Maxwell was delighted to introduce the Guest Speaker at the Rotary Club of Attadale meeting young Vincent Pettinicchio. Vincent explained that in 2013 at only seven years of age he founded his charity - 'Vincent's Project for the Homeless'.

He got the idea for his project after coming home one day, upset from being bullied. He was sad and crying so his Mum told him to think of doing something nice for someone else. Vincent knew who he wanted to help. He had witnessed the homelessness crisis in WA while going on walks with his grandparents who live near Perth.

Vincent thought about what would be useful to a person living on the streets, to make their life more comfortable and came up with a careful list.

These days each of Vincent's packages are worth $66 and include a pillow and pillowcase, towel and facewasher, blanket, toothbrush and toothbrush container, toothpaste, soap and soap container, deodorant, hairbrush, razors and shaving cream, shampoo, a pack of tissues, a bottle of water, poncho, notepad and pen. The female bags also include feminine hygiene items. Hundreds of students and volunteers help pack the items into a duffle bag and the finishing touch is a tag with a simple note - 'Just to let you know that someone cares', written by school children Vincent has enlisted to help. Over the years Vincent's Project have filled 5615 bags that are in high demand from charities such as St Vincent de Paul and the Red Cross and have also been requested by the Department of Community Services.

Mrs Pettinicchio said while each year her son's project had grown beyond expectations, this year had been a bit more of a struggle because Vincent had fallen ill with chronic fatigue syndrome. Normally he goes out every weekend and fundraises but this year he just hasn't been able to do it as much she said. 

Without his family, especially his parents, Vincent said his project would not be what it is today. Beyond all the help he receives, Vincent said his Mum's role is essential. She gives up lots of weekends to take him places to speak, helps with the delivery and collection of items and co-ordinates the different schools for him, orders the stock and budgets the spending. Vincent's Mum Pina Pettinicchio admits it isn't always easy. Running a household, working two jobs and helping Vincent manage his project sometimes does not leave enough time for her to do the other things she needs to.

Vincent has deservedly been given many awards for his great work. In 2016 he was the youngest recipient of a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Hillarys. Vincent has not only made a huge personal difference in the community, but is also a role model and inspiration for other children and young people showing what can be achieved with commitment and compassion.

Today Vincent knows 'That he can achieve his dreams if he works hard and perseveres' and that his Mum was right that 'Helping others does make you feel good about yourself'.

The Members and guests of the Rotary Club of Attadale were very impressed with Vincent, his Mum and the amazing and inspirational Project they work on and thanked them both for coming and speaking at the meeting. Everyone wishes Vincent a good recovery from his current Chronic Fatigue condition.

Club President Ian Pittaway was delighted to present Vincent with a cheque for $250 for his Project from the Rotary Club of Attadale and thanked those who had brought along some items for Vincent's project as well.

​If you would like to learn more about Vincent's project for the Homeless go to
https://www.facebook.com/vincentsprojectforthehomeless/

WHAT A FUN NIGHT it was on Monday September 3 when the Rotary Club of Attadale President Ian Pittaway had great delight in welcoming the Rotary District 9465 Governor Robyn Yates and the Assistant Governor Lesley Coombs to the meetiung along with many partners and Guest Monika Kaur.

DG Robyn told members that Rotary International is always there to support Rotary Clubs. Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and act to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. . From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world and we stay committed to the end. Rotary is made up of three parts: our clubs, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Together, we work to make lasting change in our communities and around the world.

Robyn also shared with everyone a little about her life growing up. She saw her parents always helping others in need and from a young age Robyn learnt about giving without expecting anything in return. She learnt that the smallest act of kindness can change someone's day for the better. Joining Rotary has allowed her to continue to help others in need. Robyn congratulated the Attadale club on the interesting, unique projects and initiatives that are being undertaken. Robyn also spoke about the Conference that will be held in the lovely town of Collie in March next year. We can't wait!

After all the formalities were over Greg James (acting as a Ringmaster for the night) in true theatrical style gave a great introduction to a Magic challenge between MARTIN THE MAGICIAN and COLIN THE CONJURER. Greg's costuming and introduction were superb. 

Martin needed the assistance of District Governor Robyn and Assistant Governor Lesley Coombs along with Rotarian Betty Bright and of course a 'bit of string'.

Then Colin, looking the part in his magician's cape had the DG sign a coin which he placed under the cup on the table. Of course with the help of some magic words and a wave of his wand the coin moved back and forwards. Members had to then vote for the most impressive act by placing a coin in a specially constructed voting box. Everyone enjoyed the fantastic showmanship, wit, humour and enormous talent of these members. It was good to see so many laughing and crying at the same time and the magical acts will be remembered and talked about for a long time. All the coins had slid down one end of the voting box, so depending which way the box was held, it was never proved which of the magicians actually won.

A BIG THANK YOU to Martin Houchin & Colin McCulloch.

Pictured is President Ian Pittaway with District 9465 Governor Robyn Yates with the Rotary Balloons, Also pictured is Past President Colin McCulloch and DG Robyn Yates on presentation of an Honorary Membership to a very thrilled Jacquie Pittaway. Robyn is also pictured with Rotary members Rodney Rate, Gail McCulloch & Colin McCulloch with her beautifully presented Shoebox for the Club's Love in a Shoebox project. Entertainment Ringmaster Greg James looking very dapper, Martin the Magician and Colin the Conjurer and the winner's coin box.

The Rotary Club of Attadale's very own 'Batman', Past President Colin McCulloch has recently completed the allocation and distribution of the one hundred subsidized microbat roosting boxes to the residents of the City of Melville, with just a few allocated boxes awaiting collection. Boxes are now being presented to schools and Booragoon Primary School has recently been given two and Colin and Gail McCulloch attended the Palmyra Primary School last Friday and presented them with two boxes. The incredible microbats will be really enjoying this coming summer as will the residents of the City of Melville who will be able to enjoy the outdoors more with a greatly reduced number of mosquitoes in the area. Colin is pictured after presenting a Bat Box to a Palmyra Primary School student.

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.

Monday, 23 July

​Seven years ago, Jan Pedersen (right) decided she was concerned about children having difficulty with their reading and recognized that the best way to teach children at an early age was for someone to go in and help them.  She spread the word in the South West and later in the Metropolitan area.

Fast forward:  Hands Up 4 Kids is a community-based, student assistance program for primary schools to make a tangible contribution towards improved reading abilities for students selected as needing this help. 
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To address literacy barriers, Regional Coordinator Jan Akaczonek (second from left) expressed the need for more volunteers who can work a minimum of one hour a week - which is easy to find even in a very busy schedule.   Volunteers are placed under the direction of partnering schools and assigned to one teacher/classroom throughout the whole year which gives them the chance to develop a strong relationship with the children.  No training is needed as it’s really all about listening to the children, supporting and helping them break down words and, of course, comprehension comes into it as well. 
 
Volunteers are allowed to come and go as needed (e.g. family appointments/holidays) and HU4K try to keep in close contact with them.  Volunteers are, understandably, insisted upon to have a Working with Children Card, provide referees, abide by HU4K’s non-negotiable code of conduct, and sign a confidentiality agreement. 
 
Clearly, this is not something that Jan P and Jan A do for instant gratification.  They are here to try and help not just the community now, but the future community as well, and as an organisation, they act, belong, and commit to give children a better chance to achieve their life goals. 

 
On Monday night, July 9, President Ian had great pleasure welcoming guests Kendall Clifton-Short and Sabra Sayed.
 
Guest speaker Kendall talked about commodity crises, finance resource, situations we’ve never seen before, and what’s happening in the global scale.  Organisations are now being asked to be responsible for the things they have never been asked to be responsible for in the past.  And if we want to understand how we could help businesses navigate these changes, we really need to look at what’s going on, and the first thing to look at is ‘mindset’.  Process comes next, followed by Design, Packaging, and Waste.
 
A company, over a number of years, have transported their plants into zero waste facilities.  Not only are they able to profit from the product that they make, but they also made a boost in that what used to be a cost is now a profit.
 
So,  how can we make money by doing good, and  how can we use businesses to take the challenges that we are facing as a society and turn them into opportunities?   There’s lots of avenues and pathways to explore the viability of partnering with other organisations, building a relationship, and doing the right thing.  The key to doing any of this is great leadership.  We need leaders who will:  ask the tough questions, look for opportunities, and make hard decisions.  When we are willing to ask questions and reshape the way we think, connect and do business, we ultimately drive a systems-change and remould the business world as a force for good.
 
Pictured here are Kendall, Gillian and Fred, Greg, Sabra and Carol, and Robin and Bev with their birthday cupcakes, presented by Ian.

The RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) camp in September is fast approaching!

If you know someone who is 14-17 years of age who is

• Wanting an opportunity to develop and challenge themselves
• Looking to develop their self-esteem and confidence
• Interested in developing skills including leadership, teamwork, communication, goal setting and problem solving
• Wanting to build a network of young people and to make new friends
• Excited for a weekend of fun

Then we'd love to have them attend the RYPEN camp from 21st to 23rd September 2018.

RYPEN depends on Rotary Clubs to sponsor participants, and the more participants we get the better the camp will be. We would love to welcome your applicant to the camp.

We've got an exciting and challenging program lined up for the weekend, so if you know of someone who would like to attend please get your applications in by 1st September. 

As well as being an AIM awardee, Marcus Stafford has also been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division.   Marcus is a compassionate CEO and has improved the lives of people living with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions not only in Western Australia, but nationwide.  He learnt in his lifetime that leadership is flexibility and courage in an uncertain environment, and that the only things that stops CEOs today from making good, confident decisions is lack of courage.  He said that it should all start with values, and that the values of Rotary are beyond reproach.  He believes that those same types of values should actually exist within all organizations, whether they be for profit or not-for-profit organisations – not those things that sit framed on people’s walls and no one really knows what they mean.
 
Under his guidance and leadership, MSWA has been able to extend its various services to people with MS, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Huntington’s, Acquired Brain Injury, and the list goes on.  The growth in services provided within the State in the range of  different areas  is one part of what they (MSWA) do.  The second part is their research contribution which is about Three Million Dollars. The combined contributions of New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania – when doubled – is still less than the $3M WA contributes to research.  Marcus is very proud of that leadership status, but said that they’d be delighted to give that up if somebody else wanted to step up to that.

It is a long race in finding the cause and the cure of the many neurological conditions.  It is also a long race where their staff are concerned.  Marcus reminds people regularly that the people who work in their organisation are not a commodity to be bought and/or sold on the market, and if you look after them today, they will give you the most amazing returns for the journey you want to take tomorrow.

Pictured here are club president Ian, Marcus, Celia Holdaway, and Mal Bennett, whose birthday was celebrated that night.

by Gail McCulloch

​It was a fantastic night at the Attadale Rotary Club meeting on Monday May 21.  President Colin McCulloch was delighted to welcome members, partners and such a great crowd. It was lovely to have Club member Carole Maxwell and her husband David attend as Carole has been on extended leave and she has been greatly missed.  It was also great to see Club Honorary members and many others from other Rotary and Probus clubs as well as many of the members' guests.

The Guest Speaker for the evening who drew the interest of this great attendance was the ex Western Australia Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan.  Karl was introduced to the meeting by President Elect Ian Pittaway who gave a brief history of Karl's background. Karl was born in the UK and arrived in Western Australia in 1970.  In January 1976 Karl graduated as Dux of his WA Police Academy class.  Since then he has served in numerous roles in a wide variety of places. He was promoted to Police Commissioner in 2004 where he served until 2017.  Karl O'Callaghan has been awarded the Australian Police Medal, the National Police Service Medal, the National Medal and the Western Australia Police Medal.  In 2006 he was made a ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PAUL HARRIS FELLOW for his work with communities in Western Australia.

Karl founded Bright Blue in 2011, with the aim of improving the lives of sick children both here and overseas.  It supports work to prevent and treat childhood illnesses, particularly ones linked to issues that police often see - drug and alcohol abuse and social disadvantage. Karl spoke about his years of service giving all present a great insight into the Western Australia Police Force.  He also shared a little of his personal life.  When the last of his four children left home he and his wife, a special needs teacher, realised they could make a difference to some children, who are in poor situations through no fault of their own.  They have cared for nine foster children, including two young brothers who have become a permanent fixture.

Music is another outlet for Karl.  He sings and plays guitar and keyboard with a rock band, despite only learning to play an instrument when he was in his 40's.  He is also a very knowledgeable and popular presenter on Curtin Radio as well as an accomplished and sought after public speaker.

Karl was an absolute delight to listen to.  We were very privileged to hear him talk on a wide range of both public and personal topics.  One of the visitors to the Club commented after the meeting that "Karl O'Callaghan is a very articulate and comfortable speaker.  He does it so effortlessly, like he is just having a chat with everyone.  Karl doesn't just talk the talk, but with his fostering and his charity work he walks the walk too". 

We especially thank him for making the time to also answer questions at the end of his talk and for staying for fellowship over coffee/tea/cake. 

Karl is pictured below.

Enjoying the evening are Astrid & Richard Gell, George & Anne Lewkowski and Elaine Bennett.  Jan & John Maiorana and Natalee & David Lawson and Garth Curran. Attadale Rotary Club President Colin McCulloch (or 'Batman' as he is often known), is pictured handing over a Microbat Box to David Lawson.  David is from Lawson's Tree and Garden Solutions and helps put up the bat boxes for the Attadale Rotary Club's Micro Bat project.