The International Mega Meeting will feature distinguished global peace, community, and Rotary leaders, including:
• Mark Maloney – Past President, Rotary International • Steve Killelea – Founder & Executive Chairman, Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), and Founder of the Rotary–IEP Ambassador Program (Australia) • Melanie Morrison – Executive Director, Sydney Peace Foundation; human rights and peace advocate, and award-winning journalist (Australia)
Valentine’s Day Meeting
To be held at the Bennetts’ residence, 17 Ward Avenue, on Sunday 15 February (note: markets on the 14th). This replaces the usual Monday meeting.
Lift the Lid for Mental Health Walk
Scheduled for Sunday, 17 May in conjunction with at least one other club, including the Rotary Club of Maylands. The Lift the Lid Walk will commence from The Rise, Maylands, heading down to the river. Karen Beale will lead this event on behalf of Swan Rotary.
Swan Chamber – Hour of Power
Hour of Power has been a unique vehicle of the Swan Chamber of Commerce to introduce new and old members to the larger network of the Chamber.
Returning on Wednesday, 11 February at The Crooked Spire.Upcoming Speakers:
Kylie Moore – Wellness Unleashed
A very community orientated and a true Hour of Power supporter. She attends regularly and continues to build strong relationships. We are keen to understand her challenges and strengths as she shares in February.
Greg Chaine – Manna Wellness
A recent connection to the Swan Chamber and a 2025 Swan Business Awards winner in a couple of areas. Greg is enthusiastic about the health industry and passionate about giving back to the community. We are excited to hear what he has to offer in his professional space.
Bassendean Markets & Midland Chinese New Year Markets
Midland event requires six volunteers for marshalling
Article published in The Echo regarding the Midland Chinese New Year event
Coordination with the City of Swan on traffic management
Chinese dance performers
Fred
Sausage Sizzle – 23 January, Midland Skate Park Event held for the City of Swan as part of a large skate day at Swan Active, Midland.
Approximately 150 sausages sold
Successful community event
Thanks extended to Kathy, John, Fred, Ian, Linda, and Jack for their support
New Midland Train Station Opening
Scheduled for Sunday, 22 February
Logistics discussed; significant volunteer support required
Cool room trailer to be confirmed at the Rotary Club of Armadale meeting this week (informally confirmed)
NEST Program
The Neurodivergent Emergency Support and Transition Program (N.E.S.T) is a weekly transition session at SJOG Midland Emergency Department created to introduce and normalise the emergency and hospital journey for individuals with a neurodivergent diagnosis and/or intellectual disability. Familiarising individuals with the emergency department environment, regular procedures including clinical observations, clinical monitoring, medication administration and cannulation. This program aims to foster positive patient experiences within the emergency department setting to improve patient and caregiver experience and contribute to improved health outcomes.
The N.E.S.T Program is a weekly transition initiative at SJOG Midland Emergency Department, designed to support individuals with a neurodivergent diagnosis and/or intellectual disability. Its core mission is to normalise the emergency department experience, fostering familiarity and comfort with the hospital environment.
Participants are gently introduced to key aspects of the emergency care journey, including:
Navigating triage to discharge
Tolerating clinical observations and monitoring procedures
Exposure to medication administration practices
Familiarisation with the cannulation process and other routine interventions
By creating a safe and predictable space, N.E.S.T aims to:
Promote positive patient experiences
Reduce anxiety and sensory overwhelm
Build trust between patients and healthcare providers
Improve overall health outcomes
This program reflects a commitment to inclusive healthcare and ensures that neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their emergency care journey.
Manny
Margaret River Trip (19–23 March)
21 people booked
Program planning underway with several exciting ideas being developed
Colin La Galia – ICON Cancer Care
A Deep Connection to Midland
Colin opened with a heartfelt reflection on his strong ties to the area. His mother was born on Station Street in Guildford, and his grandfather worked at the historic Midland Railway Workshops—the very site where Icon Cancer Centre Midland now stands.
Since opening their first Midland centre in 2017, Icon has become a cornerstone of the region’s health infrastructure, delivering world‑class cancer care to the local community.
The “Cold, Hard Facts”
To highlight the urgency of Icon’s work, Colin shared some sobering daily cancer statistics across Australia:
56 women are diagnosed with breast cancer
41 people are diagnosed with lung cancer
79 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer
Over 1,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer
Despite these figures, Colin delivered a strong message of hope:
70% of cancers are treatable if detected early.
He strongly encouraged everyone—particularly the men in the room—not to delay seeing their GP.
Breaking the Public System Bottleneck
Colin spoke candidly about the challenges within the public health system, where oncology waiting lists can stretch to up to eight weeks. Icon’s mission is to provide “Care Closer to Home”, achieved through:
Integrated Care – chemotherapy, radiation therapy, pharmacy, and compounding services all under one roof
Cutting‑Edge Technology – a recent $20 million investment in a second radiation machine at Midland (officially opening this week), offering precision within 0.5mm and significantly reduced side effects
No “Pillar to Post” Care – patients avoid the stress and fatigue of travelling between multiple clinics
Lobbying for Fair Access
Colin is currently leading a major lobbying effort to ensure Midland and Swan Hills residents receive the same level of financial support as patients in other regions.
While radiation therapy is bulk‑billed in Rockingham due to government agreements, Midland patients still face out‑of‑pocket costs. Colin is advocating strongly for this inequity to be addressed.
A True Community
Icon’s commitment goes beyond medical treatment. The centre partners with community organisations such as the Blue Dot Army, a peer support group founded by a former patient.
Icon also works with Quest Midland to provide affordable accommodation for regional patients—such as Wheatbelt farmers—who require daily treatment over several weeks.
A correction from last week!
Last week it was reported that Wheelchairs for Kids:
Sue L reported she recently visited Wheelchairs for Kids, which reported that 6,664 wheelchairs have now been produced and distributed worldwide.
This figure should be 66000 wheelchairs!
Many thanks to our friends at Rotary Scarborough for running this program since 1998!
Chase the Joker – Bill
Colin found John’s ticket. & John found the 2 of Clubs
Approximately $1,400 in the kitty
Sergeant’s Session
To be held next week
Maureen closed the meeting with the Rotary Charge.
