Behold our heartwarming Margaret River Rotary Family Christmas picture of 2023! Being a part of Rotary isn't just an individual commitment, it's a collective effort that involves the unwavering support and understanding from our families.
A heartfelt cheer goes not only to our esteemed members but also to our amazing families. To those who patiently enjoy frozen meals while we attend meetings, and to those who sacrifice precious weekend hours to assist with a sausage sizzle - to our incredible parents, partners, and caregivers. Each person captured in this picture, alongside those unable to join us, holds an indispensable role in our Rotary team. Your dedication and support are deeply appreciated, and we hold immense gratitude for every single one of you. Thank you for being an integral part of our Rotary family.
Wishing you all the 'Merriest of Seasons' ahead and thank you all
Margaret River Rotary club are currently taking applications from year 12 graduating students for this years Timor-Leste Alternate Leavers week.
The Rotary Club of Margaret River, WA has been assisting the Timorese people since 2011 to help build community projects, as requested by them. So far, our Rotary Club has helped schools with putting in water pumps, 5 playgrounds, supplying over 140 laptops, 2 multipurpose sports courts and communities with re-afforestation and building a solar powered cattle watering station and well and many other projects.
After a couple of years break due to COVID we are excited to be back on deck and part of this project again in 2023.
Please contact us if you would like more information or an application form
It our pleasure to announce that the African region has just been certified wild poliovirus-free.
Rotary members have played an invaluable role in the effort to rid the African region of wild polio.
They should be proud of all the hard work they have done to eliminate the wild poliovirus throughout Africa and in nearly every country in the world. This progress is the result of a decades-long effort across the 47 countries of the African region. It has involved millions of health workers traveling by foot, boat, bike and bus, innovative strategies to vaccinate children amid conflict and insecurity, and a huge disease surveillance network to test cases of paralysis and check sewage for the virus.
Yes it's here. Collect your directory from the Post Office or from our major sponsor, Margaret River Mitre 10 in Station Road.
Check out pages 2 and 3 - Mindful Margaret River have timely information as to who to contact to get help if you are finding things difficult at the moment.
Thank you to all our advertisers. If you missed out and want to organise your online entry now, just visit the directory website or email admin@margaretriverdirectory.com.au
President Brian kicked off the first meeting of the Rotary year welcoming visiting Rotarian and Chair of Rotarians Against Malaria and the night’s guest speaker, Steve Carroll and his wife Dorene from the Rotary Club of Newcastle Harbour. In addition he welcomed partners and guests plus Zoom virtual meeting participants including club member Andy Ledbetter, eRotarians President Shogo Williams-Matsuoka, Jan Horsley, Rod Styles, Alison Lockwood, David Thwaites, Tom Kintail and Kate McKenzie who joined us for Steve’s presentation.
Following the meal and club business Steve took to the floor and explained how his work in Laos, pushing for the clearing of mines and cluster bombs and helping fund the building of schools, eventually led to his involvement with the bid to reduce incidences of malaria.
Malaria is the second biggest killer of people in the world with, on average, 500,000 deaths a year. One particular mosquito, the Anopheles female, is responsible for most deaths. Other mosquitos can spread a different type of malaria which, whilst dangerous and with attacks often recurring throughout life, is not immediately deadly. Steve and Dorene work with Rotarians Against Malaria overseas supplying mosquito nets treated with insecticide (cost $10 each), rapid diagnostic kits ($6 each) and comic educational books for children. There is no immunisation available, but a vaccine is being developed in Queensland. Research is about half way there, but many more funds are needed and Steve and Dorene have been fund raising since 2017. A Rotary Ride Around Australia Motorcycle Ride raised substantial funds. See this link for more information on the work on the vaccine and, in particular, the substantial donation made by Bill Gates A final warning from Steve, when travelling, do all you can to protect yourself against mosquito bites.
The Rotary Club of Margaret River celebrated a busy and fruitful 2018/2019 Rotary year on the evening of 5 July 2019 with members and guests.
The Club awarded Paul Harris Fellowships to two very deserving community members, Wendy Coffey for her work with the Margaret River Senior High School Emergency Service Cadet Corps, for her energy and for her willingness to take on challenges, and Deb Earl for her work in establishing and running the Biggest Morning Tea in Cowaramup which, under Deb's leadership raised $250,000 for cancer research.
Outgoing President Michelle Miller reflected on the Club's many and diverse activities over the past year and its continued support for local and international projects, which included giving financial support to educational programs, the arts, to sports, to the East Timor project and to youth projects generally.
Incoming President Brian Middleton introduced his new team for the year and unveiled the Rotary theme for 2019/2020, Rotary Connects the World.
The annual weekend visit to Margaret River by Curtin Volunteers took place recently. The students spend time during the weekend working on community projects in the area. They are hosted by members of club and the visit includes a social. This year the students helped relocate a landing stage before clearing the banks of weeds at the Rowing Club. After lunch they then moved onto the Old Settlement for the afternoon helping with general maintenance. The CV's enjoyed a vocational visit to the Wallcliffe Volunteer Fire Brigade headquarters where Gordon and Barney bought them up to speed with the latest equipment. A BBQ and fellowship was enjoyed by all, a great chance to mingle as most of these participants are also members of the newly formed Elizabeth Quay's Rotary Club. Sunday saw them reconvene for a bit of weed eradication along the banks of the Margaret River from Rotary Park and a competition evolved which did well to spur on the process. Lunch was kindly provided again by Fran, Sue, Ley, Pat and Marg.
Lease of the Black Smiths shop in the Old Settlement to the Men’s Shed has been approved by the Shire. Planning and development of the main site for the Men's Shed in Gloucester Park continues with initial designs now finalised. Keep in touch with the Men's Shed development via their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/986972651372369/
The club has donated $2,500 to Interplast. Interplast sends teams of volunteer plastic and reconstructive surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals to provide life-changing surgery and medical training in 17 countries across the Asia Pacific region. In partnership with local organisations, including hospitals, universities and local NGOs their mission is to ‘repair bodies and rebuild lives’. https://www.interplast.org.au/
Rotary Margaret River were asked to help in remodelling a garden at a house in town where three disabled people live with their carers.
Club members organised a working party to move a fence, enlarge an enclosed garden area and relocate two garden beds.
After 5 months the garden is now fully established and looking great.
Low awareness and lack of early detection means that bowel cancer continues to have an unnecessarily high death rate. Many of the 4,000 bowel cancer deaths in Australia each year are preventable. Caught early, 90% of cases can be successfully treated – but fewer than 40% are detected early. Rotary is providing test kits during May for just $15
Rotary Margaret River were 'hands on' as the Rotary Club of Pinjarra organised a working weekend to support farmers in the area affected by the recent fires. Working on a 340 acre property where nearly every piece of fencing was destroyed beyond repair a group of 9 volunteers cleared over 5km of damaged fences stacking wire for removal and leaving the fence lines cleared ready for replacement work to begin.
Following a three week construction period the redeveloped South Bank dual purpose trail is now open.
Update May '16
The new drainage for the trail has now been completed.
Running along side the Margaret River from the Old Settlement to Barrett Street Weir the new trail will provide walkers and cyclists with an interesting and scenic circular walk along the banks of the river.
Local School representatives were presented with their microscopes as part of the Microscope for Schools Project. A total of 240 microscopes have been distributed to our local schools. All schools were thrilled to receive these and conveyed thanks to Margaret River Rotary for providing this equipment, which they were sure the students would gain much use from in their learning programmes, including the MR Rotary largely funded Cape to Cape Catchment programmes.
Aaron Thomas (Principal MR Primary School), Di Littlewood ( Augusta Primary School), Lisa Fenton (Principal MR Montessori School) Deb Angel (MR Montessori School), Lindsay Burke ( MR Independent School) and Gemma Hopkins (Cowaramup Primary School)
Gracetown Surfing Scholarships have been awarded to Jamaica Selby and Jolan Bonelli. Club members joined the parents of the awardees and the Club Youth Committee in congratulating both Jolan and Jamaica in receiving the awards. Both were presented with a cheque for $500. Awards and certificates were presented by Rod Pether on behalf of Rotary Margaret River.
Huge thanks to all the volunteers who assisted with the Fun Run on the weekend. 378 people registered for the Run/Walk/Trail, with around 325 showing up on the day. Shame about the wet ending, but everyone who came through the finish line appreciated the welcome, the water bottles and the assistance of the volunteers. It was good to see so many Rotary vests out and about.
Rotary Margaret River has received the first 3 of 5 vehicles for the Wheels for Hope program about to be rolled out for the Disability Services Commission. Wheels for Hope assists WA families with disabilities who do not have suitable transport to access critical medical and remedial care, education and community activities. Clients of disability services can hire the cars for a nominal fee. Rotary is handling the Margaret River Hub
We are delighted to welcome two Margaret River residents as new members of the club.
President Terry led the induction of Brian and Lyn Warren into the club at the meeting on Monday night. We hope that they will both enjoy many years of fun and fellowship as club members.
Every year the Rotary Club of Margaret River produces a printed community and business directory and this year is no exception
with the 2015 edition being distributed this week. 8000 copies will be distributed free throughout the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
Watch out for delivery of a new edition to your letterbox or local post office.
Margaret River Rotary Club have been very much at the centre of the local news since the New Year. To enable local residents to see more about all the projects that the club runs we have our promotional trailer out and about around town. If you see the trailer please stop by and say hello.
The trailer will be at Rotary Park tomorrow (Tuesday 13/01/15) from 11.30am until 14.30 so come and take a look. Or Wednesday (14/01/15) the trailer will be at the White Elephant - Gnarabup from midday until 15.00.
The club are pleased to donate $10,000 to the Cape to Cape Catchments Group to further extend the Our Patch program. The funding supports educational visits by classes from local primary schools to local waterways/wetlands in the region. Cape to Cape Catchments Group education officer Tracey Muir said Rotary had been one of the strongest supporters of Our Patch since its inception, the program now reaching 500 students from Cowaramup to Augusta.
Margaret River librarian Rachael Drummond has been selected to participate in a Rotary Vocational Exchange to Turkey in 2015. Rachael was one of 4 selected out of a field of 8. Rachael reported to the Club on her progress learning the Turkish language and the excitement of team meetings. The team leaves in April and their trip will coincide with the Centenary Anzac commemorations.
You can follow the team throughout their journey on Facebook
The Harvey Bike Riders arrived in town on Friday as part of their fund raising project for the Childrens Cancer & Leukaemia Foundation –this is their tenth year and, if they met their target of $60,000 from this year's ride, they will have raised $600,000 in total.
The Margaret River Rotary Fun Run had been confirmed for this year. Set for Sunday 30 November 2014, the event has been moved back a month from its previously slated date to move it away from conflicting events in a busy shoulder season calendar.
Dave Macauley talked us through his professional surfing career, from catching the wake of ski boats in the Collie River as a young kid through to his days finishing as high as 3rd in the world rankings, his surfing travels and the creation of a family…who are now competitive surfers in their own rights.
This was one of the best presentations we have had this year. Many thanks to Dave.
The "Rotary Floatery" is a pontoon anchored off the beach at Gnarabup Beach for several months each summer; it is used as a marker buoy and support equipment for the many children taking their vacation swimming classes at the beach during January each year, as well as being great fun for the whole community who utilise this popular and sheltered swimming spot. - See more at: http://rotarymargaretriver.org.au/Page/rotary-raft-at-gnarabup#sthash.akQ7kCzt.dpuf
The "Rotary Floatery" is a pontoon anchored off the beach at Gnarabup Beach for several months each summer; it is used as a marker buoy and support equipment for the many children taking their vacation swimming classes at the beach during January each year, as well as being great fun for the whole community who utilise this popular and sheltered swimming spot. - See more at: http://rotarymargaretriver.org.au/Page/rotary-raft-at-gnarabup#sthash.akQ7kCzt.dpuf
A new inflatable water trampoline has been purchased by the club as the existing "Rotary Floatery" is sadly getting old and worn out. Watch out for the 'new' trampoline at Gnarabup when it is launched in December.
Margaret River Rotary Club's 'Friends of Rotary' Scheme is designed to provide an opportunity to people who cannot, or may not wish to, join the Club as a Rotarian at the present time (eg due to time and travel constraints ) but who nevertheless would like to assist the local Community by getting involved in the Club's Projects and activities. To find out more click here.
STOP PRESS!! Thanks to all who have volunteered already and to the two new volunteers today Myriam and Jeff. Why not you?
click hereMargaret River Rotary Club's 'Friends of Rotary' Scheme is designed to provide an opportunity to people who cannot, or may not wish to, join the Club as a Rotarian at the present time (eg due to time and travel constraints ) but who nevertheless would like to assist the local Community by getting involved in the Club's Projects and activities. - See more at: http://rotarymargaretriver.org.au/Page/friends-of-rotary-margaret-river#sthash.7XWoKKMy.dpuf
Margaret River Rotary Club's 'Friends of Rotary' Scheme is designed to provide an opportunity to people who cannot, or may not wish to, join the Club as a Rotarian at the present time (eg due to time and travel constraints ) but who nevertheless would like to assist the local Community by getting involved in the Club's Projects and activities. - See more at: http://rotarymargaretriver.org.au/Page/friends-of-rotary-margaret-river#sthash.7XWoKKMy.dpuf
Margaret River Rotary Club's 'Friends of Rotary' Scheme is designed to provide an opportunity to people who cannot, or may not wish to, join the Club as a Rotarian at the present time (eg due to time and travel constraints ) but who nevertheless would like to assist the local Community by getting involved in the Club's Projects and activities. - See more at: http://rotarymargaretriver.org.au/Page/friends-of-rotary-margaret-river#sthash.7XWoKKMy.dpuf
Margaret River Rotary Club's 'Friends of Rotary' Scheme is designed to provide an opportunity to people who cannot, or may not wish to, join the Club as a Rotarian at the present time (eg due to time and travel constraints ) but who nevertheless would like to assist the local Community by getting involved in the Club's Projects and activities. - See more at: http://rotarymargaretriver.org.au/Page/friends-of-rotary-margaret-river#sthash.7XWoKKMy.dpuf
Guest Speaker Brett Pollock, Treasurer of WA Men’s Shed Association gave a very motivating and inspirational talk on the community benefits of having a men's shed and how they operated.
We are delighted to welcome two Margaret residents as new members of the club.
Sally Hayes led the induction of Gary and Michelle Miller into the club at the meeting on Monday night. We hope that they will both enjoy many years of fun and fellowship as club members.
Club Member Smiler Gale has been presented him with a second Sapphire Pin to add to his Paul Harris award in recognition of almost 54 years of service to Rotary.
We welcome Karen Tearney into the club. Karen has been associated with the club for several months through a contract she has for public relations and media. We welcomed Karen and the club is fortunate to attract such a high calibre member.
Arts Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival was a great success this past weekend. Over 1000 children enjoyed visits from an author and an illustrator; the sessions were held in the schools and very positive feedback received from parents whose kids attended.
Bowelscan is happening at the Margaret River pharmacies this month and kits are now available. Bowel cancer results in over 4000 deaths per anum in Australia with a strong impact on those over 40.
The members of the club are holding an information evening at Adinfern Winery on Tuesday March 25th. If you would like to attend to find out more about Rotary Margaret River and the work of Rotary worldwide please email mhopkins@iinet.net.au.
Kaitlynleft Margaret River on Saturday 18th January and arrived in Brasil after 26 hours of flying and a 2 hour stop over in Doha, Qatar. You can follow all her adventures on her blog at http://learningthelingobrasil.tumblr.com/
With the help of Tom Ralph and friends the Rotary Floatry is back in the water for a another season at Gnarabup. There are 3 new moorings anchoring the raft which will no doubt be as well used by the community as it is every year.
An eventful week for Margaret River. Saturday 9.40pm the town was rocked by an earthquake and then Sunday night into Monday morning a cold front brought winds that uprooted trees throughout the area.
The opening days of spring and bright sunshine was on hand to welcome the members of Margaret River Rotary Club who tackled an over grown garden in the south of the town.
Each year Margaret River Rotarians and other community volunteers conduct a job interview exercise with year 12 students from the school’s vocational studies program.
The 2013 interviews were held from the 27th to 29th August. With 34 interviewers on 12 panels based at various locations around the town a total of 41 students were interviewed on a range of careers including construction, media and print, sports, and clerical.
August 26th: Catherine gave a powerful presentation to the evening meeting on the importance of effective communication. She spoke of the need to be on the front foot, empathetic with your listener and rock solid in your own position.
The latest in bound Youth Exchange Student Chris from Germany arrived in Margaret River after two long flights via Dubai. Chris will be settling in over the next few days.
The latest East Timor Alternate Leavers week student was interviewed this week. 10 students have applied. Students now face the challenge of raising funds for airfares. The group are having a fire wood raffle this Saturday at IGA so please support. Update 13/08/13: The raffle raised $761 toward trip expenses
Speakers at this weeks Rotary meeting were Jacqui Biddulph and husband Bob - local dairy farmers. They gave the meeting an interesting talk with a perspective on the WA dairy industry.
Kaitlyn O'Connor has been selected as next year's Rotary Club of Margaret River Outbound Youth Exchange Student but as yet does not know which country she will be traveling to. - On Saturday 3rd August Kaitlyn is having a cake stall in front of IGA to help fund raise for her trip Latest news the cake stall raised $1300.
The change over meeting on Saturday 13th July featured good company, good food and a nice review of the year from outgoing president Richard Vos who hands the presidency to Fran Temby for the next Rotary year.
The Rotary club of Margaret River awards Paul Harris Fellowships to Rotarians or members of the community who have shown tangible and significant assistance for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world. This year (2013) the club has chosen to award three Paul Harris Fellowships to club members Sally Hayes, Julien Sanderson, and Doug McKennay.
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River have added a footpath through Rotary Park. The footpath leads from the entrance, down past the playground area to the new barbecues. If you're in Margaret River drop in and see the excellent addition to the Park.
They were away for 36 days, spending 24 hours flight time getting there. They did 15 presentations, attended a District Conference, attended countless Rotary family social functions and had a great time. Paul noted that the pace of the trip was gruelling at times and not a ‘trivial’ exercise.
This weeks guest speaker was Tracey Muir speaking about Cape to Cape Catchment Group. Environmental Programs for local schools.
Tracey described her program, which features environmental education IN the environment. An interactive classroom and excursion based program that has expanded to all the local primary schools Year 3 and Year 6.
8 students are definite starters for the December 2013 Alternative Leavers week.
Alternative Leavers Week is a project in partnership with villages in Timor Leste; a team of school leavers from Margaret River visits East Timor to meet the people, learn about life and work on community development activities. This project aims to provide support for the Timorese people and an understanding of life in a neighbouring country like Timor.
If you are or you know students who would like to participate please contact the club.
Visiting Rotarian Geoff Wyatt from Rossmoyne Club won the jackpot raffle on Monday but gave the prize money back to President Richard to go to a club project. We, of course, chose End Polio Now. We were down to the last chip so it would have been approx $170 added to the coffers.
Thanks for a random act of kindness and service above self
Club members Lloyd and Rod P visited Punmu recently to talk about a proposal for a water slide as a health initiative believed to be equally effective as a swimming pool but more cost efficient to both build and operate.
After 25 years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of eradicating this tenacious disease, but a strong push is needed now to root it out once and for all. It is a window of opportunity of historic proportions. Read more and watch the video.
A huge success for this year’s Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival – Words Uncorked and particularly the Behind the Label sessions sponsored by the club.
Club community service project for May. is Bowelscan WA, a district coordinated bowel cancer awareness program – 'Catch Cancer before it Catches You'. Rotary Margaret River works in partnership with local pharmacies that stock and sell the kits. Rotarians collect kits returned from participants and deliver to a local pathology laboratory for testing.
News this week from Atauro High School, East Timor.
The computers taken to the school on the most recent trip along with the battery backup power supply are proving to be an excellent resource for the High School
13/05/2013 Latest news from Atauro High School, East Timor. Read more
Alternative Leavers Project - Rotary Park - Margaret River Senior High School Chaplaincy Program - First Responder guest speakers - and in addition to these ........
This week the club met at the Margaret River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Station. It was a joint meeting between Rotarians and members of the local Lions club. The main event of the evening was the presentation of the Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) which was funded jointly between Margaret River Rotary Club and the Lions Club.
The clean and tidy Rotary Park was venue today for an Our Patch end of term excursion. The day was led by coordinator Tracey Muir of Cape to Cape Catchments Group and presenters included.......
Our most recent guest speakers have all been sponsored by Rotary Margaret River to participate in youth leadership and science experiences in the past few months.
They came to the most recent club meeting and spoke about their experiences.
Five new members for the club this year. What's stopping YOU!
Maybe you've seen a need in our community and wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others — or even learn new skills. Maybe you're seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in our community or abroad.
Whatever your reason, joining Rotary can help you achieve these goals, and so much more. See why these men and women are members of their local Rotary club. Watch this short video and learn more.
aybe you’ve seen a need in your own community and wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others — or even learn new skills. Maybe you’re seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in your community or abroad.
Whatever your reason, joining Rotary can help you achieve these goals, and so much more. See why these men and women are members of their local Rotary club.
aybe you’ve seen a need in your own community and wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others — or even learn new skills. Maybe you’re seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in your community or abroad.
Whatever your reason, joining Rotary can help you achieve these goals, and so much more. See why these men and women are members of their local Rotary club.
aybe you’ve seen a need in your own community and wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others — or even learn new skills. Maybe you’re seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in your community or abroad.
Whatever your reason, joining Rotary can help you achieve these goals, and so much more. See why these men and women are members of their local Rotary club.
aybe you’ve seen a need in your own community and wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others — or even learn new skills. Maybe you’re seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in your community or abroad.
Whatever your reason, joining Rotary can help you achieve these goals, and so much more. See why these men and women are members of their local Rotary club.
aybe you’ve seen a need in your own community and wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others — or even learn new skills. Maybe you’re seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in your community or abroad.
Whatever your reason, joining Rotary can help you achieve these goals, and so much more. See why these men and women are members of their local Rotary club.
A Rotary Group Study Exchange Team from Western Australia is currently on route to Virginia in the USA. The team who are all serving police officers will spend 4 weeks working and studying with counterparts in Virginia. The team comprises of leader - Paul Daly from Margaret River and team members Gerard Murphy and Taryn Werrett from Bunbury, Jeromy Jones also from Margaret River and Aaron Biggs from Katanning. Follow the team on Facebook
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program was highlighted last month with a reception at Parliment House in Perth on February 22nd hosted by the Rotary Club of Matilda Bay and Barry House, president of the Legislative Council.
Barry House, US Consul Aleishia Woodward, with Margaret River Rotarians
President Richard Vos, Sgt Paul Daly, and the Margaret River Rotary Clubs current in bound student, Joe Richardson.
The Rotary Club of Margaret River has donated $2,500 to Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC). Now in its 20th year of operations ROMAC’s mission is to provide medical treatment for children up to 15 years from developing countries in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.
Inbound: Rotary District 7610 West Virginia, USA. Team Leader Rotarian Bill Croxton with team members, Jordan Clough, Megan Leigh Kuhn, Dwayne Petersen, Diana Truong.
Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) recently received $2500 from the Rotary Club of Margaret River. This money will go to help the Prosthesis Foundation at Chiang Mai Thailand; they create artificial limbs for children injured by land mines.
What a great achievement from joining RC Manjimup at 26 and the suggestion of his bank manager (not to be denied) to the big move to Margaret River 11 years ago in 2002. PHF Doug has been very much involved with all roles in Rotary including President of Manjimup 1975-76 and assistant governor 1976-77. At Margaret River has been active with vocational visits and activities. Doug is active with the Fun Run and has been a safari leader for youth exchange travels around the north-west.
Congratulations Doug Mckennay For 50 Years Of Service To Rotary
Rotarian Rod Pether began one of the most important train of events in our club history by confronting our members with a question about our apparent lack of effort to address disadvantage in Aboriginal communities in Australia. Encouraged by the response of the Club to his challenge, Rod found a candidate community in Punmu in the East Pilbara region. Remote and acutely disadvantaged, the community were keen to seek assistance to bring a dream to reality in the cause of better school attendance, healthy lifestyles and community engagement. Their chosen 'vehicle' was a covered multi-purpose sports court.
During his visit to the club this week he enthralled us and made us laugh with his pictures and stories of North West Safari. He described the experience of sailing on a catamaran out of Coral Bay, staying at New Norcia, bushwalking in Karajini and Kalbarri and dolphins in Shark Bay.
Our club has used community projects in Timor Leste to engage Year 12 Margaret River school leavers in community service. This year the Margaret River kids each carried a laptop computer loaded with some context appropriate educational software (GCompris) on their trip to Timor Leste. The laptops will assist our partner schools to bring digital learning into the classroom.
The intention is to hurry slowly. We hope to make education a centre-piece of our engagement with engagement with Timor Leste for many years to come.