RC Western Endeavour 11 October 2026 (Oct 11, 2026)

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Can I suggest you put a visit to Moora on your itinerary to see the Big Carnaby sculptures. They are worth a visit and certainly more interesting that a big pineapple or banana with the added advantage of highlighting the endangered status of the cockatoos. Moora is an easy day trip or you can include it on you way to or from places further north,

Cat Ferrie and I set up our Black Cockatoo Forest stall at the opening event to promote our mini forest project. We talked to lots of people and made some great connections. And the big bonus was a bag of Moora Rotary's doughnuts for the trip home.

We met community members who are doing their bit to raise money to support various cockatoo projects....one group, Cans for Cockatoos, has a team who collected cans and bottles and have so far donated $10,000 towards cockatoo rescue projects. Another couple have formed a charity, Leafy's Legacy, a memorial fund to remember their son, Chris "Leafy" Taylor. They donate funds to projects close to their hearts, including Kaarakin, the Black cockatoo Conservation Centre. They have partnered with Lions to make a difference.

These connections show people making a difference in their communities, just as we, as Rotarians make a difference in ours. Every little bit helps.

Tuesday is Foodbank packing day so for anyone who hasn't registered yet, here's your opportunity. We need to be at reception by 8:30.

Our next "meeting" is the Liquid Gold Polio Dinner on Friday 23rd October, in lieu of the 20th of October meeting. You can register here. Encourage friends and family to attend as it would be good to have a good turnout from our club. It should be an interesting evening with Nobel Laureate Barry Marshall AC as guest speaker. Book yourself on the Western Endeavour table.

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REVIEW OF OUR INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

When a child arrived at the center with both hands crippled, St Virgula would tell them they still had feet — feet with which they could walk, write and build a life.

Thank you, John for reminding us of the lives we have changed through our international projects. John walked us through international projects since the club started and it was encouraging to see what impact we've had.

Among so many projects, the photo above and its caption, "when a child arrived at the center with both hands crippled, St Virgula would tell them they still had feet — feet with which they could walk, write and build a life" made the biggest impact on me. The photo is of a young woman who is unable to use her hands however she makes exquisite, embroidered items using her feet. John said seeing her thread a needle was something amazing to watch. Rotary can provide funding and materials however, it's people like Sister Virgula who can teach life skills and lessons.

You can revisit John's presentation here and see the number of different ways we have supported overseas' communities, changing lives one by one.

Thank you, John.

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ARE YOU GOING TO RIDE THE TRAIN TO RAISE THE AWARENESS OF ERADICATING POLIO?

Jane and I are planning to ride the train and meet at the Island Bar at Elizabeth Quay for a photo opportunity and catch up. We'd love you to join us.