We currently have May 4th and May 18th with TBA Guest Speakers.
If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know!
This Grapevine entry covers Rotary meetings taking place in March.
March Recap!
March was a busy Month speckled with markets cancellations, non-meeting weeks due to public holidays and fellowship trips. It was a fantastic month to hear about two local organisations that Swan Rotary have partnered with, Indigo Junction – which is the home of our community garden, as well an organisation that our resident professional architect work does amazing work with, and Midvale Primary School, who we have sponsored a number of different projects, including their welcome day BBQ, which provides children, families and staff an opportunity to share some fellowship as well as develop a sense of belonging as they start the academic year!
Here is what we covered off in March!
Date
Events
Monday 2nd March
Public Holiday – Labour Day
Thursday, 5th March
Liebherr - Ivy Steet BBQ for 100 People
Monday, 9th March
Board Meeting and Project Discussion
Thursday, 12th March
Liebherr - Apac Way BBQ for 80 people
Monday, 16th March
Dee Cooke – MCS, Midvale Primary School
Wednesday, 18th March
Liebherr – Bushmead BBQ for 100 people.
Thursday 19th to
Monday 23rd March
Fellowship weekend in Margaret River
Monday, 23rd March
No meeting directly following the Fellowship weekend
Monday, 30th March
Carmel McKie, Indigo Junction.
Welcome and Apologies
Both meetings were opened with an acknowledgement of country, and a toast to Australia and her people.
Monday, 16th March
Meeting was chaired by President Graham Ekert, who welcomed several guests and friends of Swan Rotary, as well as members of Swan Rotary. Including:
Dee Cooke from Midvale Primary
President Adrien Clement. Swan Districts Rotary Club
Martin Weston, Swan Districts Rotary Club
Nathaniel Harrison, and his partner
Monday, 30th March
Meeting was chaired by President Elect, Sue Lloyd, who welcomed several guests, and friends of Swan Rotary as well as members of Swan Rotary.
Carmel McKie – Indigo Junction
With a reminder that our members partners play an important role in our club, they are more than just a members wife, they themselves are a friend of Swan Rotary.
Apologies were received from members unable to attend, with our best wishes and a warm welcome awaiting them at an upcoming meeting.
Secretary reports
Nothing to report, although Maureen will be on leave from the club for a period of time as she visits New Zealand, David Uhe is due to return from his trip at the end of April.
David Cumming has been given a key to the Midland PO Box to check for correspondence.
Treasurer Reports
While the Bassendean Markets were cancelled, Betty still had the busy job of refunding stall holders their booking fees.
Updates
Members were reminded of several important dates and opportunities to get involved across the district:
Changeover
Date: 12th June
Venue: Bassendean Hotel has been confirmed as the venue for Changeover, with further details to be shared in the coming weeks.
More details on Graham’s return.
District Assembly:
Sunday 12 April
Open to all members, not just incoming board members
A great opportunity to learn more about Rotary and district activities
Registration is required
District Foundation Training:
Online session on 9 April, from 6:00–7:30 pm
Rachel has kindly volunteered to attend on behalf of the club
Sustainability Focus: International Day of Zero Waste.
The meeting on the 30th of March was also acknowledged that the day marked the International Day of Zero Waste, established by the United Nations in 2022. The initiative highlights the importance of sustainable consumption, waste reduction and addressing global pollution.
This year’s focus is on food waste
The theme aligns closely with broader environmental awareness efforts in April
Program and Community Updates – Fred Hasson
RYPEN Camp (May):
Unfortunately cancelled due to fuel supply challenges affecting facilitators and participants
Applicants will be offered places in the September camp instead
Community Portfolio:
No major updates
Marketplace Update – Bill Scanlan
March - Midland Markets
The Midland Market scheduled for March was cancelled due to low stallholder interest and an insufficient expected number of customers. Moving forward, discussions are planned with the City of Swan to review future arrangements and explore options for upcoming markets.
March Bassendean Markets
The March marketplace was cancelled due to significant rainfall and unsafe ground conditions. The decision was made early to ensure stallholders had adequate notice, particularly food vendors.
April Midland Markets
Not scheduled.
April Bassendean Markets
No market in April due to ANZAC Day
Next market will be held in May, marking the return to Sunday morning markets.
Going forward
Club Shirts
There was discussion around club shirts, with the following points noted:
A minimum order of 15 shirts is required
Potential new members may be joining soon, which could help meet numbers
The board will consider ordering a small number of shirts without names if needed
Member Milestone Recognition
Rachel for 17 years of Rotary service
Cheriley for 5 years of Rotary Service.
Fellowship weekend Report – Manny Braude.
Social Highlights: Margaret River Trip
Members enjoyed a highly successful and well‑attended Margaret River weekend trip.
Highlights included:
19 participants
Visits to wineries and local restaurants
Use of camp kitchen facilities
Scenic drives through Boranup Forest
Strong coffee, good company and plenty of laughs
The relaxed nature of the trip and shared experiences contributed to a very enjoyable weekend for all involved.
Looking Ahead
The next club trip is planned for September, with details to follow – being organised by Graham Exert.
Guest Speakers in March
Monday, 16th of March
Guest Speaker:
Dee Cooke – Manager of Corporate Services
Midvale Primary School
Dee shared;
That they are relatively new to the school, with this being their first year managing many major events
The school has 345 students and serves a highly diverse community
The annual welcome barbecue plays a vital role in reconnecting families and building a sense of belonging at the start of the school year
Although Rotary members were unable to attend in person this year, the financial contribution was greatly appreciated and helped support the event’s success.
Community, Culture and Future Collaboration
The school highlighted its strong focus on:
Cultural connection and inclusion
Building resilience in both younger and older students
Creating meaningful links between students, families, grandparents and former students
The idea of greater community involvement was discussed, particularly around:
Supporting the school’s on‑site garden
Involving community volunteers to work alongside students on a regular basis
Giving children opportunities to learn from adults outside their teaching staff
This approach was seen as a valuable way to build confidence, skills and a stronger sense of community.
Newsletter article from Midvale Primary School
Monday, 30 of March
Guest Speaker:
Indigo Junction - Carol McKie
Indigo Junction is a place‑based community service provider supporting people experiencing homelessness, crisis and hardship across Midland and the North East metropolitan area. Established in 1980, the organisation brings more than 46 years of experience delivering services designed with and for the community, with a strong focus on Aboriginal people, cultural safety and connection.
In 2024–25, Indigo Junction supported over 7,200 people, responding to immediate crisis while also strengthening long‑term stability, wellbeing and resilience.
Key Areas of Support
Women and Families Indigo Junction provides trauma‑informed and culturally safe services for women and families impacted by family and domestic violence.
The Women’s Refuge – a four‑room communal refuge staffed seven days a week
Safe, refurbished facilities designed for therapeutic support
Domestic violence advocacy, safety planning and access to essential services
Collaboration with police, child protection and specialist agencies
Prevention programs focused on youth, healthy relationships and early intervention
Community Engagement Hubs Community hubs are often the first point of contact for people experiencing hardship, offering practical help alongside dignity and inclusion.
Drop‑in support and homelessness outreach
Financial wellbeing programs
Access to health, legal and specialist services
Showers, laundry facilities and safe community spaces
Culturally led programs delivered in partnership with Aboriginal organisations
Young People Young people are central to Indigo Junction’s work, many having experienced trauma and housing instability.
A 6‑bed, 24‑hour supported youth accommodation service
A new 36‑bed youth facility opening in June 2026 (ages 15–25)
Wrap‑around support focused on housing, independence and life skills
Harm‑reduction alcohol and drug education in partnership with the Mental Health Commission
Young Parents and Families Support is provided to young parents under 25 to help build safe, stable futures.
22 transitional housing properties
Intensive, individualised case management
Evidence‑based parenting programs
Practical life skills including budgeting, cooking and education support
Culture, Community and Infrastructure
Community and culture underpin Indigo Junction’s approach. Partnerships with Aboriginal organisations support programs that strengthen identity, leadership and connection, creating culturally grounded spaces that build pride and resilience.
Significant investment in infrastructure is expanding Indigo Junction’s impact:
$5.5 million in refurbishments completed in 2025 across 12 properties
Expanded homes supporting multi‑generational families
A new 36‑unit youth accommodation facility opening in 2026
Planned 10‑unit facility for women and children escaping family violence (construction from late 2026)
All developments are co‑designed to create safe, welcoming environments that support healing and independence.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Indigo Junction values strong community partnerships, including with Swan Rotary, whose support has enabled community vegetable gardens at the Mathoura Street site. These gardens provide fresh food while fostering connection and contribution. Future opportunities include support with youth accommodation fit‑outs and family facility enhancements.
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Sergeants Session.
Acting Sergeant, David Cumming, the sessions for March 16th and March 30th.
Jag the Joker – The kitty is around $1500
March 16 – 11 cards remaining. Dee found Aubrey’s ticket, and Aubrey revealed the Queen of Spades.
March 30 – Approximately 10 cards remaining. Carmel found Cheriley’s ticket, and Cheriley revealed the 8 of Spades.
Fines
March 16 A generous number of fines were issued, not only to those heading off on the Swan Rotary Fellowship weekend, but also – quite fairly – to those staying behind in Perth.
Other notable fines included:
Betty and Cheriley – for not wearing their Swan Rotary shirts when nearly everyone else was
Maureen – for a Collingwood loss
West Coast supporters – surprisingly fined despite a much‑needed win
Fremantle supporters – fined for enjoying a win
John – for the recent purchase of an electric car
March 30 Plenty of fines again this evening, including:
A fine for the Easter Bunny visit, after chocolate mysteriously appeared for all members
Bill – for food envy over Betty’s meal
Kathy and Cheriley – missing name badges
General footy‑related fines
Maureen – for a phone ringing loudly during the meeting
