Speaker Presentations

Mike Murphy introduced exercise physiologist, open water swimmer and public speaker Ceinwen Roberts, head coach and co-founder of Positive Swim Squad. The 'Bears of Brine' are nine Perth swimmers, all members of the Positive Swim Squad, who spend countless hours preparing for solo ultra marathon swims. Recently, they took on the English and Bristol channels in a bid to fund raise for a five-classroom school and toilet block in Lombok, Indonesia, through the charity Classroom of Hope, a new recipient of Karrinyup Rotary's International funding this Rotary year.

International Director Sandra McGuire introduced Dr. Lorel Mayberry, Lecturer at Curtin University. The Inaugural President of Borderless Friendship Western Australia, for the past fourteen years Lorel has been actively involved in enhancing the lives of hill tribe children in Northern Thailand. Many of these children experience discrimination, poverty and are at risk of sex trafficking. It is two years since Lorel's last visit, when she described the work of Borderless Friendship WA. This time she told us how our International service contribution is having an impact and making a difference to the lives of so many hill tribe children.

Les Woodland introduced Christina Matthews AM, a former Australian cricketer and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) from 2012 until her recent retirement. While Christina has always loved cricket, she discovered that she also had skills at bringing people together – skills that she used to advance her career and put to use every day as CEO of WACA. She spoke on her life since retirement and the plans she left in place, as a legacy for the future development of the WACA ground.

Kay Durrant introduced Aimee Smith, sustainability and climate change consultant, researcher and community builder at Curtin University, to tell us about the Planet Positive Program. This is an educational pathway for sustainability agency and action, offering all students the opportunity to gain sustainability and climate change skills, knowledge and networks during their time at Curtin, regardless of what they are studying, or what field of expertise they want to pursue. Enrolments in the program can come from students from across the entire university ie from all faculties.

Environment Committee member Ross Daniel introduced David Pike and Christine Curry from Friends of Star Swamp Bushland to give an update on recent developments. Friends of Star Swamp Bushland was formed in 1985 to give a community voice and assist with the management of the Reserve. The bushland provides a breeding site and sanctuary for many bird species and is also an important habitat for many species of reptiles, insects, and spiders. Karrinyup Rotary has provided support to this group for many years. 

John Thraves introduced Rotarian Alan Briggs from E-WA to update us on what has happened at treemission, since his last visit. Treemission is a joint project between National Trust of Western Australia and Rotary to inform Rotarians and their communities about the environment. Alan described some of the goals treemission has achieved including informing Rotarians, school children and community members about what is happening to our environment, what can be done to address those impacts and taking action by tree planting.

Mick Rogers introduced Lawson Dixon, business leader, sports manager, automotive marketer, entrepreneur and General Manager of Black Dog Australia. Lawson told us that first and foremost, the mission of Black Dog Ride, which began in Australia in 2009, is to "raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention." It has now evolved into a national charity, a very small organisation with a large footprint, mobilising thousands of people each year across the country in a mission to raise awareness and funds.

Karrinyup Rotary's 2023-2024 Inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student from Poland Karolna gave a final presentation on her exchange year in Australia. She said it had been filled with many new experiences, life surprises, adventures, growing up and so much more. She described highlights of the year, achieving her goals, what she has learned and how she believes the experience will help shape her future. Above all, she expressed her sincere gratitude to all her host families and to the club for making the experience possible.

Les Woodland introduced Don Briggs to share his experience of the Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) 1200 long distance cycling event. Don participated in the event in 1995. He described his long arduous training, travelling to France and the grueling schedule of the ride itself, which he completed in 82 hours 35 minutes, with only short sleep breaks. The most recent edition of PBP was held in August 2023. Read more about the event over the years. 

John Burt introduced Ty Haberland, an associate at Stirling & Rose, a law firm that provides specialist legal advice on digital assets, artificial intelligence and smart legal contracts. Ty told us that AI is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. In other words, the potential for computers to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. He gave a number of examples and explained some legal ramificatons. In the world of AI, we continue to ask 'What's next?'

Nick Nedkoff welcomed back local award winning author and historian Chris Holyday. On this visit, Chris related an account of the short but colourful and interesting life of Frederick Charles Burleigh Vosper, Australian newspaper journalist and proprietor, and politician. Vosper was well known for his ardent views and support of Australian republicanism, federalism and trade unionism. As well as proposing his 'radical' ideas, he made it his business to expose all the scams of his day. A most colourful character, whose views were well ahead of his time. 

John Maker introduced John Rolfe, President of the North Beach RSL Sub-Branch. John served his country with a Tour of Duty in Vietnam in 1970-1971. He joined the RSL in 2017. We learned that The Returned and Services League of Australia is an independent support organisation for people, who have served, or are serving in the Australian Defence Force, and provides a support network and community for veterans and their families. RSL sub-branches can be found in most Australian communities. In this week of ANZAC day we remember that 'the price of liberty is eternal vigilance'.

Ross Daniel introduced Don Briggs, a past Rotarian, PHF and foundation member of the Probus Club of Bannister Creek, Lynwood. Don has a keen interest in WA history and did some extensive study of the topic - 'Pioneers of the Western Australian Timber Industry'. Don gave us the shortened version of his well researched presentation to fit our dinner schedule. Even so, there was a lot of very interesting information, maps and photographs of the early days in WA, including the Bunbury and Busselton jetties.

Nick Nedkoff introduced Jean Moreton, a former lecturer with Australian Business College/TAFE, where she taught a range of business subjects. Her presentation covered a wide range of aspects - the "do's and don'ts", "hearing but not listening" and "good and bad" body language, whilst engaging in conversation with vulnerable people. The presentation was well delivered, interesting, informative and well received by the members, who were fully engaged by Jean's enthusiastic personality.

Born in Afghanistan, Hassanian Qambari arrived in Australia as a seven year old, who spoke no English. Through sacrifice and hard work, the family created a successful life. In Year 11, Hassanain chose to pursue higher education. He graduated from UWA with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science and went on to complete a master's with distinction. Passion for his research work led him to pursue a PhD at UWA’s Lion’s Eye Institute, where he began investigating the cellular changes in the early diabetic eye. Hassanain has already made a significant contribution through his research.

Sandra McGuire introduced guest speaker Nakita Kitson, founder of the Stellar Children’s Trust (SCCO). While volunteering in Cambodia in 2011, Nikita saw the needs of the displaced people. She established the trust to develop sustainable education and employment opportunities for them in Cambodia. Over the past few years Karrinyup Rotary has contributed a total of $AUD15,000 in support vocational training, bringing hope for a better future to Cambodian slum kids. Nakita gave an update on how that support has been utilised.

For several months, a team from Karrinyup Rotary has been volunteering at Tranby Hub, which exists to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. To this end Tranby Hub provides a very wide range of services, and members were  keen to learn more about these. Team leader, Carol O'Lone introduced Rhys Powell, Manager Community Engagement, and Danni Evans, Operations Lead for Transitioning from Homelessness Services at Tranby Hub, to tell us about the many aspects of services provided.

March is designated as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month in the Rotary Calendar. 22 March is World Water Day. This is also recognised by the United Nations, where it is known as an Annual UN Observation Day. This year they have designated “Water for Peace” WASH Rotary Action Group supports and ensures sustainable long-lasting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to communities in need. Our club trainer, Past District Governor Phil Ledger told us about some of what Rotary and our own club are doing in this area.

As part of our Youth Service, Karrinyup Rotary again sponsored two students to attend the 2024 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF). Eddy Giacomel introduced our 2024 students Daniel Stait from Warwick SHS and Purva Patel from Churchlands SHS. In their presentations, the students each described their experience at NYSF, an annual program which brings together hundreds of Year 12 students from all around Australia. The program is designed to encourage young people in their passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

From time to time our we enjoy hearing vocational updates from our own members. Relatively new member, Beth McCormack has lived an interesting and varied life and has had experience and found work in some very unusual areas. This evening she told us about the time she worked in the aviation industy in the Northwest refueling all manner of aircraft. Vocational Director Tess Gardner was on hand to wish her well with her presentation.

Eddy Giacomel introduced Guest Speaker Kevin Gest, a member of the Wanneroo Branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A). He has spoken to that group a number of times about inventions. He maintains that very often some of mankind's greatest inventions happened by chance or serendipity. Some examples of this are: vacuum tubes (valves) - later replaced by transistors, the microwave oven, the telephone, cornflakes and penicillin.

Vocational Service Director, Tess Gardner introduced Adam Hewber, Founder and CEO of Ability Heroes and his dad Joe. Adam, who has lived with spastic paraparesis since birth, told us how he developed self-determination and resilience from an early age by pushing through the perceived and real barriers he experienced. This self determination increased his self worth. His mission through Ability Heroes is to raise awareness of the need for access, inclusion and acceptance of people of all abilities.

In Vocational Service month we welcomed Irene Walker, Executive Officer of the Apprentice Employment Network WA, (AEN WA) a Registered Not for Profit Charity. Irene described the work of AEN WA and the wonderful parternership with Karrinyup Rotary, instigated by President Kay. This year our Vocational Service team provided practical support for outstanding apprentices/trainees with Special Recognition Awards. Irene introduced the four award recipients present, who spoke on their career paths and explained how the club's support had assisted with the purchase of essential items for their work.

International Director Sandra McGuire introduced the Guest Speakers Duy Nhu Nguyen and Cam Nhu, from Swim Vietnam, a recipient of Karrinyup Rotary International funding. Duy and Cam provided an update on the work and changes, which Swim Vietnam has implemented during the past year. They thanked RC Karrinyup and RC Wanneroo for their generous support, which will greatly assist in giving Vietnamese children a skill that could save their lives.

Dawn Palm introduced Shayde Douglas, seen here being greeted by President Kay. Shayde describes herself as an educator, librarian, social worker and activist. She loves to do research and became interested in 'Memento Mori', which is literally an artistic or symbolic trope serving as a reminder of the inevitability of death. However, Shayde prefers the expression 'Pieces of the People We Love'. She focussed her presentation on hair, explaining that people have been giving and receiving locks of hair as keepsakes and expressions of love for centuries. She shared some of her research into this aspect of the history of hair.