Kathy Brown, Born in Perth and the youngest of 6 siblings. Growing up she loved sports, playing netball and soccer, and competed at a state level.
At 16, she and her best friend saved solid for 2 years to visit Europe when they were 18, and upon their return saved together to buy a car.
At 24 years old, she attended a club night at the soccer club. Where she met John, they dated for 2 years, before marrying. They have 2 children, and now 6 grandchildren.
She has had many jobs over the years, working for Katies for 13 years, and K-Mart for 24 years. At Kmart in Midland she has worked in many departments, unfortunately never in the Hollies Café, which had the best chips and gravy.
John Brown, born in Glasgow, Scotland. His family moved to Perth when he was 13, where he attended Kent Street School. Moved back to Scotland at aged 21 and then back to Perth at 24. Where he attended the club night at his soccer club, and met Kathy.
John and Kathy married in 1984, and have been married for 41 years now!
John currently works for Transperth, and has some involvement in a BioTech company.
John shared the following thoughts on his life journey, and why they have chosen to join Swan Rotary.
'Its an honour to be here with Swan Rotary, an organisation that represents service, leadership, and integrity in action. Being among people who believe in making a difference gives me the confidence to share a bit of our story.
If we had to describe out life in a phrase, I’d say it’s a story of learning to grow through what we go through.
Like many of you, we started with a plan – An idea of what life should look like. But reality, of course, had its own road map. There have been seasons of progress and pride, and also moments of deep challenge – time when I questioned our direction, our purpose, and even ourselves.
And yet, each one of those moments became part of our education – not the kind you get from books or degrees, but the kind that teaches you resilience, empathy and humility.
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned along the way is that success isn't always loud. Sometimes it looks quietly showing up when it would be easier to give up. Sometimes it looks likes pausing to reflect, pivoting when needed, or helping someone else rise while you're still figuring things out yourself
And perhaps the most meaningfully I've discovered that fulfilment doesn’t come from what accumulate, it comes from what you contribute, that’s what Rotary’s commitment to ‘Service above Self’ resonates so deeply with us. When we focus on giving back – whether through our time, our talents, or just our presence- we not only up life others but find purpose ourselves.
Throughout my journey I’ve leaned on mentors friends, family and at time completed strangers who reminded me what community looks like. And I've font my best to pay forward; by listening more, judging less and staying curious about both people possibilities.
Today , we see our life not as a finished story, but as a work in progress- one that we continues to write with intention. We may not always know that the next chapter will hold, but I do know this, I want to lead with integrity, service where I can, and grow into the kind of person my younger self would be proud of.
So thank you for letting us share a part of our story with you. And thank you for the stories you're all living everyday, through your work, your service and your example.
Its people like you and organizations like rotary, that remind us we don’t have to change the world at once, but if we each commit to making a difference where we are, that’s how the world changes.
Thank you.'
Induction of new members
For the past month or so, we have been lucky enough to have John and Kathy join us as guests. A few weeks ago we received their nomination forms to join Swan Rotary.
Tonight, we formally welcomed John and Kathy into Swan Rotary.
