A massive thanks to everyone for their patience while I get the grapevine out.
The last few weeks at school and in my personal life have been very busy, BUT I have done my best to combine the past three weeks of meetings into one update. My hope that it is cohesive and doesn’t miss too much out.
Night Specific updates
Swan Rotary Newsletter – 29 Nov. 2025
Meeting chaired by Graham Ekert, with Sgt. David Uhe
Welcome to Guest Speaker; Troy, and partners in attendance; Clare.
Apologies received from; Eddie, Angela, Cheriley, Linda
Announcements:
Ineke has been unwell; club sent well wishes. She sends her thanks.
Anniversary: Ninder celebrates first 12 months in Rotary.
Tails for Trivia - Quiz Night Proceeds; $1,443 raised – to be split between the two organisations, Perth Vet Bill Assistance & Animal Protection Society
Guest Speaker – Troy
Topic: Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health crisis persists, but more opportunities now.
Stats: 7 Australian men die by suicide daily.
Troy shared personal experience and NFP initiative: Awareness for Wellness.
Key points:
Men often suppress negative emotions.
4 default emotions: Happy, Hungry, Horny, Angry.
Anger is a spectrum – mild irritation to primal rage.
Depression as a line – suicide at the end.
Success story: Man rebuilt relationships after tragedy.
Chase the Joker: Ian’s ticket drawn – 6 of Hearts.
Kitty: $1,200 remaining.
Fines:
Graham – milestone, wanted to attend entire test match.
Fred – new great-granddaughter.
Sue – helping David U and Ian with banner.
Maureen – David & Pauline drove past Collingwood FC.
David H – England hasn’t won a test since 1978.
Ian – about to join the 80’s club.
John – picking on Kathy.
Rachel – comment on Sue.
David – bumped into Betty at quiz night; his team won.
Swan Rotary Newsletter – 1 Dec. 2025
Meeting chaired by Graham Ekert, with Sgt. David Uhe
Welcome to Guest Speaker; Justin Hanley, Honorary Member, Sue Scanlan, and partners; Shelly, Pauline, Liz, Robyn and Clare.
Apologies received from; David C, Eddie, Linda
Announcements:
Thoughts are with Aubrey as his mom has recently passed away.
Karen Beale has agreed to run the Lift the Lid Walk for mental health in Autumn 2026, she has just asked for some help with this. We are also looking at partnering up with other Rotary clubs.
Last week Board agreed to pay for 10 tablecloths for the Bullsbrook CWA as hire company they used to use not operating any more.
District Conference in Northam 13th to 15th March, early bird prize if you register by Monday the 15th of December.
Liebherr contractor’s inductions are about to expire for those that done them in December last year, please go to the link and redo this.
Guest Speaker - Justin Hanley
30 Years of Firefighting: Insights from Justin Hanley
Justin Hanley shared an inspiring look back on his three decades as a career firefighter. His presentation highlighted the evolution of firefighting, the challenges faced, and the exciting future ahead.
The Journey Begins
Justin started his career in 1995 at the Trainee Firefighter School, completing a rigorous 16-week program. Training covered everything from structural and bushfire firefighting to advanced first aid, HAZMAT response, and emergency driving. After five years of development and annual exams, firefighters can progress to Senior Firefighter and eventually Station Officer, managing station operations and leading incident responses.
DFES and the Firefighting Community
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) oversees emergency management in WA, supporting agencies such as CFRS, VFRS, BFS, SES, and VMRS. Today, WA boasts around 1,200 career firefighters and 30,000 volunteers—a testament to the strength of community service.
Career Highlights
Justin’s career has included responding to major incidents like the Bellevue toxic chemical fire, the Margaret River bushfires in 2012, and the NSW bushfires in 2020. Memorable moments include marching on ANZAC Day and working at the AC/DC concert in 2016.
What’s Changed Over 30 Years
Firefighting has seen significant improvements in safety, technology, and diversity. Advances include better protective gear, awareness of toxins, modern dispatch systems, thermal imaging cameras, and evolving fire appliances. The workforce is now more diverse, bringing a range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Looking Ahead
The future of firefighting promises cutting-edge technology: drones, AI-driven fire modeling, and even firefighting robots. However, new challenges are emerging, such as managing fires involving electric vehicles, solar panels, and battery storage systems.
Justin’s story reminds us of the dedication and adaptability required in this vital profession—and the importance of community support for those who keep us safe.
Sergeant’s Session
Chase the Joker: Maureen’s ticket drawn – 4 of Clubs.
Kitty: 1,200 remaining.
Fines:
Pauline, stealing chips from David and Robyn.
David H, drinks table service
Cheriley, very “Cosmopolitan” drink.
Kath, 20,000 steps done on Saturday.
Rachel, hiding her name badge.
Manny, will be away for his birthday.
X Fines
Manny on himself for passing the Liebherr induction and celebrating Luna’s 5th birthday.
Ian thanking club for birthday song and to Sue L for being his screen while he tried on his new shirt.
Sue had a happy fine as one of the small playgroup children let her hug her bunny, first person she has let do this! Sue also showed us the new End Polio Now T shirt design.
Rachel had a happy fine for those that helped on Saturday night.
John and Kath pre-fine as they are off to Bali next week.
Swan Rotary Newsletter – 8 Dec. 2025
Meeting chaired by David Uhe, with Acting Sgt. Sue Lloyd
Welcome Swan Rotary Members.
Apologies this evening; Pres Graham – Unwell, Manny, Bill & Sue - RV holiday in Walpole, Kathy and John on a Bali Holiday and Cheriley, Ninder, Naru, Eddie,
Announcements:
District 9423 AGM 10th December Zoom meeting. – Graham Ekert to attend
Cape to Cape Report from Linda. In total 7 people did the walk, raising $27,700, including the $3000 contribution from Linda and Swan Rotary.
Walking along the coast line was wonderful, and helped her forget about her slight injury, sore wrist from retrieving her forgotten bag that was caught on a chair, and unfortunately her shoes blew out, after falling in the Margaret River, then drying in the clothes dryer, and then her soles come apart for the rest of the walk.
Midland March that Matters – 14 Swan Rotary Representative, attended in their new polo shirts and took part in the march, as well as a BBQ.
Projects Discussion – Fred
We need to look at, as a club, ‘Who we are?’ and ‘What we do?’ and ‘How can we emulate what Rotary does in the global context in Midland?’
Over the Christmas break we should individually have a think about this and bring our ideas back to the next projects night.
We are fast approaching April which is when we will begin seriously planning for the 2026-27 Rotary Year, and although we are only 6 months in to this Rotary Year. We need to have long term goals for what we want this club to do in the midland area.
Corporate Memberships (raised by Aubrey), Sue has had experience with this type of membership, and only about 18 months ago Fred had looking into this for the Club. – Perhaps it is something we should look into again.
Sergeant’s Session
Chase the Joker: Ian’s ticket drawn – 6 of Hearts.
Fines: Sue did a different type of fines session this evening; A quiz!
It was a donation to play, and to get everyone in the festive mood, all the questions were Christmas themed!
David C Won the quiz and got a Santa Pen, and everyone received a star cookie
Additional fines –
David U - Rachel and Betty for not replying to the email re board meeting being cancelled.
David Hayes on Aubrey - should have been a diplomat.
David C - $2 for 2 weeks left until school holidays
Maureen - 2 weeks left until she has the granddies.
General Updates & Upcoming Events
Liebherr Update
The BBQ Dates for next the quarter (Jan – Mar) was emailed out by Betty today –please check and respond ASAP to confirm availability.
Bullsbrook Seniors Luncheon
Wednesday this week - Run sheet to be out to those attending from Fred tomorrow.
Midland Markets
Our latest project! Kicks off this Saturday, we are also doing a Sausage Sizzle this time.
We could use a couple more for Marshals – Arrive at 2pm We need a couple of people for sausage sizzle – Arrive at 330 pm
If you are able to help out, please get in touch with Fred – 0417 911 682 Please come down to support even if you are not available for a job!
Camp Opportunity – 11–17 January
Since 1982, Ron Sloan brought this to WA.
Week-long camp for adults aged 18–35 living with disability.
Full week of activities planned!
Rotarians are welcome to come down for an afternoon to meet campers and buddies or help with activities.
Swan Rotary will be providing a BBQ lunch this year on the Wednesday (14 Jan) from 11 am for 11.30 lunch at the Point Walter Reserve Foreshore – If you are able to come down and help out please get in touch with Rachel.
Camp Opportunity also has a Bingo Night
Upcoming Fellowship Weekend
Next: Margaret River – 19–23 March 2026 – Manny will be organising this one.
Accommodation Prices:
Powered sites: $50/night
Chalets: $90–$100/night
Contact Grace at Margaret and mention Swan Rotary.
Swan Rotary Christmas Sundowner
21 Dec – Gallagher Room, Basso Hotel.
RSVP by Friday 12 December!
City of Swan BBQ:
At Swan Active Skate Park on the 23 Jan. 2026 – A number of members volunteered to BBQ this event.
Swan Rotary Christmas Break
Following next weeks, 15 December, meeting at 7th Ave, Swan Rotary will pause regularly scheduled meetings, resuming the 19th of January 2026.
During the break time, we will have some social events planned.
21 December – Swan Rotary Christmas Sundowner, Gallagher Room Bassendean Hotel
10 January 2026 – Breakfast at Betty’s (details to be shared in the coming weeks)
Hope you see you at the next meeting on the 15th of December, where our guest speaker will be Carol McKie from Indigo Junction
