Sergeant Graham opened the meeting with an Acknowledgment of country, a toast to Australia and her people, and a special thanks to PP David U and President Allan for scouting a change of venue as our usual place was not available.
President Allan opened the meeting and welcomed all guests, including District Governor Pat Schraven, members of the Vocational Training Team USA, Swan Rotary Members and their partners, Honorary Members and Friends of Swan Rotary, members of the Swan Inner Wheel Club, as well as members from Kalamunda Rotary Club and Morley Rotary Club.
Thank you to all 47 attendees for making this evening.
David Uhe introduced the Vocational Training Team from the USA. They are visiting Western Australia for three weeks, where they will be attending meetings at different Rotary Clubs in the district, as well as presenting at the Rotary WA District Conference.
Some background, There is a longstanding relationship between Rotary Western Australia and Rotary in Southern California and Nevada, Rotary District 5300. This relationship arose out of Rotarians from District 5300 coming to WA in the late 1980's on a Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange. Lifelong friendships were forges from this visit and it so inspired Herbert and Elizabeth Hezlep from California that they established a Foundation Endowment Fund, the interest from which is to be used solely for maintaining friendships and professional links between Rotary WA and District 5300.
The aim of the Rotary International VTT program is to bring new understandings to old problems, promote alternative responses through the sharing of knowledge and skills, and to build enduring relationships and collaborations. In 2019, Rotary sponsored 6 people from WA to travel to California and Nevada funded by the interest from Herb's endowment. The focus of this successful VTT was family and domestic violence.
Subsequently, an exchange became delayed by Covid, however last year the potential of a return visit was explored. Resulting in approval for an exchange team to come here to our District.
The focus of this exchange is Human Trafficking, and this highly qualified team is here in our District to met with relevant organisations, to exchange experience and ideas. Aiming to build the opportunity to reduce the incidence of Human Trafficking.
