This report provides a comprehensive overview of the Palm Beach Rotary Club's engagements, projects, and membership news as documented in recent bulletins, covering the period from July 2024 to May 2025. It was a dynamic year filled with impactful community service, fruitful inter-club collaborations, crucial discussions on the club's future direction, and memorable events.

Fellowship and Planning: Meetings & Gatherings

Regular club meetings, typically held on Wednesdays at the Hotel Clipper, remained central to the Palm Beach Rotary experience. These gatherings served as vital platforms for presidential reports, project discussions, new member inductions, and engaging presentations. Occasionally, meetings were adjusted, such as a cancellation to encourage attendance at a combined service clubs' dinner, or a home breakfast meeting hosted by John Rana in Waikiki on January 12th.

A cherished tradition, "Thumbnail Sketches," allowed members to share personal stories. Mal Hughes captivated fellow Rotarians with insights into his varied working life and his profound passion for philosophy, detailing his academic pursuits. Jill Wright shared her joy and experiences from her first visit to the Australian Alps.

Mal Hughes sharing his life experiences and philosophical journey.

A visual from Jill Wright's presentation on her Australian Alps adventure.

Informal fellowship also flourished with the "Coffee Klatsch," a regular Thursday morning gathering for male members and friends. Attendees like John Rana, Lindsay Hemy, Ben Ostergaard, Ken Gray, Bill Norris, Graham Hunter, Ted Curr, and President Rick Dawson, along with former Rotarians and friends, strengthened bonds in a relaxed atmosphere.

Members and friends enjoying camaraderie at a Thursday morning Coffee Klatsch.

A significant moment was the club's first official photo shoot in the Hotel Clipper's front courtyard on AGM night, a suggestion by Ken Gray. Photographer Rhys Rogers captured the group, with plans to include any absent members in the final framed version via inset photos. This initiative aims to build a visual history of the club.

The Rotary Club of Palm Beach members at their first official club photo shoot.

Fueling Our Mission: Major Events & Fundraisers

Combined Service Clubs' Dinner Meeting

Palm Beach Rotary members actively participated in a combined service clubs’ dinner at the Salvation Army citadel in Rockingham on August 14th. Attended by eighty people from various service clubs, the city council, and the Salvos, the event fostered inter-club understanding. Palm Beach Rotary President Rick Dawson skillfully served as MC. These dinners, revived by Palm Beach Rotary in 2018, highlight the collective impact of service organizations in the community. Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin and several councillors acknowledged the valuable work of the clubs.

Delegates from various service clubs at the combined dinner meeting.

The End of an Era: Rockingham Beach Cup

The Rockingham Beach Cup, initiated by Palm Beach Rotary and its biggest event, faced a significant turning point. After six successful editions since 2016, which brought thousands to the foreshore and raised substantial funds (with a budget exceeding $400,000), the event was not held in 2024. In February 2025, it was announced that the 2025 event would also be cancelled as Racing WA could not guarantee horses and riders. Challenges included the need for underwriting (with $450,000 going through the books), compensation for racing professionals, inadequate jockey insurance, and the impact of sand racing on horses.

"The event was iconic since 2016, brought visitors, showcased the foreshore, supported businesses, and raised funds... While this marks the end of an era, we are committed to developing a new event."

Despite the cancellation, the Beach Cup's legacy includes attracting seven new members to the club. Palm Beach Rotary is now actively brainstorming a new signature event, with Ben Ostergaard suggesting a speedboat regatta. Contributions from Michael McCafferty, Kelvin Robinson, Des Mant, Ken Gray, and Bill Norris to the Beach Cup were acknowledged.

A vibrant scene from a past Rockingham Beach Cup.

Michael McCafferty discussing the Rockingham Beach Cup.

Supporting Cycling Without Age (CWA)

A successful quiz night fundraiser in collaboration with the local Cycling Without Age (CWA) chapter was held at Mangles Bay Fishing Club on February 12th. With CWA needing funds for rising insurance premiums (a $200 increase per trishaw despite no global claims) and other expenses, the event, coupled with the sale of roast pork and gravy rolls, enabled Palm Beach Rotary to transfer $5000 to CWA. The establishment of CWA in Rockingham, initially suggested by John Chatfield to Past President Laurie Smith, saw significant support from the club, including fundraising for the first trishaw and trailer (with generous donations from Gemma Heaney and David Osman).

CWA Rockingham members, including several Rotarians, celebrating their Australia Day award.

Supporters enjoying the CWA fundraising quiz night.

Other key fundraising and community support events included:

• Mind the Walk: Lending 14 marquees to Rockingham Rotary for the annual Mind the Walk mental health awareness walk on November 3. Club members also ran a barbecue selling sausages and burgers. Frank Moelands liaised with the organising committee, and Clint Fitzpatrick also assisted. Participants could walk the beach or other areas, or join guided walks covering local attractions. Visitors Richard and Teresa Carlson attended the club's barbecue at the event.
• Bunnings Sausage Sizzles: Kelvin Robinson booked a Bunnings sausage sizzle for the Saturday after the grand final party. He needed volunteers for ordering and delivery, and Mal Hughes and Max Cornelius volunteered.
  

  Palm Beach Rotarians in action at a fundraising sausage sizzle.

• Triathlon Support: Palm Beach Rotary provides volunteers to man intersections for the Rockingham Triathlon Club's events. Past president Graham Hunter reported needing five, preferably six, volunteers but only having three at one point. He circulated members for details on another triathlon on February 25.
• Have A Go Day: Palm Beach Rotary's board agreed to handle car parking for the Seniors Recreation Council of Western Australia's Have A Go Day event for people over 55 at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Dixon Road on April 2. Club volunteers were scheduled to work from 10 am. Around 1200 people attended the event. Past president Kerilee Dawson and Tarryn Fitzpatrick were among the 86 siteholders promoting Palm Beach Rotary and hoping to attract new members. They were positive about the day.
• Gunfire Breakfast: John Rana, the organiser, reported that the RSL would no longer financially support the Gunfire Breakfast event, suggesting the club apply for a city council grant. Mal Hughes is assisting with the grant application process. Last year's event cost about $1400 for "vittles" (food) and $500 was paid to the PCYC for building use. They catered for 800 people last year. $500 was received from the wishing well. John Rana believes expenses could be trimmed, potentially by reducing the payment to the PCYC, which normally charges $70 an hour for building hire. President Rick Dawson hopes the club can continue the event.
• Opera Among the Vines: Palm Beach Rotary and Peel Estate Winery are presenting "Freeze Frame Opera: Opera and show tunes among the vines" on Saturday, April 5, from 3 pm to 5 pm at Peel Estate Winery, 210 Fletcher Road, Karnup. Tickets cost $30 for adults, and under-18s are free. The venue opens at 1 pm for picnics, and drinks and cheese platters are available for purchase on the premises. No BYO alcohol or pets are allowed. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Rotary charities.

Growing Our Family: Membership & Future Strategy

Membership growth and strategic development were high on the club's agenda. Palm Beach Rotary proudly inducted Amanda and Warren Tilden (the club's third husband-and-wife team, sponsored by Kerrilee Dawson) and later Kressley Gunn (dentistry) and Darren Hall (mining). These additions brought club membership to 40, including two honorary members. President-elect Donna McDonald conducted the induction ceremonies.

Welcome New Members!

Amanda Tilden (seamstress, mentored by Rae Heston) and Warren Tilden (transportation, mentored by Ben Ostergaard) joined the Rotary family.

Amanda and Warren Tilden with Kerrilee Dawson and President Rick Dawson at their induction.

Further Inductions

Kressley Gunn (dentistry), mentored by Past President Kerrilee Dawson, and Darren Hall (mining), mentored by Past President Graham Hunter were warmly welcomed into the club.

Kressley Gunn and Darren Hall during their induction ceremony.

President Rick Dawson aimed for six new members this year, while his wife Kerrilee aimed for ten.

"Fit for Purpose Program": Transforming for the Future

Palm Beach Rotary is one of 100 Zone 8 clubs participating in the "Fit for Purpose Program," a "unique club cultural transformation initiative" running alongside the Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 Rotary years. Palm Beach is one of 100 Zone 8 clubs participating. Zone 8 covers the South Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, and various Pacific islands. Past president Kerrilee Dawson represented Palm Beach Rotary at a "club transformation workshop" in Sydney as part of this program. Participating clubs had to meet certain criteria and nominate themselves. The workshop involved "intense interactive learning and development experience" on membership development topics with facilitators helping delegates create customised "club fitness plans". These plans draw from a SWOT analysis and are intended to transform clubs, leading to substantial membership and other gains if implemented. The program is formally described as part of the Zone 8 Membership team's strategy to address Rotary's "flagging membership" in the region. Rotary International wants Zone 8 to undertake a "full-on membership drive". A key component was a partnership agreement where participating clubs agreed to implement the club fitness plan.

"Rotary's ageing membership and resulting decline is a concern internationally, nationally, and within the club... Rotary must evolve to attract younger and more diverse members, adapt to modern community needs, and be flexible and innovative."

Kerrilee Dawson discussing strategies from the "Fit for Purpose" workshop.

Kerrilee Dawson reported on the Fit for Purpose workshop, noting that Rotary's ageing membership and resulting decline is a concern internationally, nationally, and within the club. She found some ideas suitable for Palm Beach Rotary, noting that some workshop ideas, such as focusing on membership and mentoring, were already being implemented by the club. She emphasized that Rotary must evolve to attract younger and more diverse members, adapt to modern community needs, and be flexible and innovative. Kerrilee pointed to the Lameroo club, which handed in its charter after its membership dropped to five or six, while a new Lions club started there with 40 members, illustrating the need for service clubs to remain relevant. Zone 8 has averaged more members leaving than joining annually over the last five years, and globally, Rotary also loses more members than it gains. The lack of diversity in the club compared to the Rockingham population was noted. Kerrilee suggested making meeting formats more flexible and engaging, and improving Rotary's online and social media presence. Strategies for attracting new members include promoting fun and fellowship, engaging families and youth, using social media, offering flexible membership models, and strengthening partnerships with local businesses and groups. Meetings should be interactive, fun, recognize contributions, offer leadership/skill-building opportunities, provide mentorship, and encourage participation in meaningful projects. Kerrilee's proposed action plan for Palm Beach Rotary includes evaluating the current culture, introducing flexible models, enhancing digital outreach, fostering an inclusive environment, and launching initiatives. She highlighted successful strategies from other clubs like hybrid meetings, themed service projects, community-driven fundraising, and collaboration with schools/businesses.

Laurie Smith reported that the Baldivis Rotary Club, which is Palm Beach Rotary's daughter club and was the first new club south of the river in many years when chartered, was struggling with only five or six members. Despite this, it was awarded a $20,000 government grant for a barbecue trailer. Laurie intended to visit their next meeting to show support and suggested other Palm Beach members join him.

Service Above Self: Impacting Our Community

Hospital Mural & School Support

The club organised a mural created by Samantha Prentice outside the palliative care ward at Rockingham District Hospital. Palm Beach Rotarians were invited to a morning tea at the hospital to acknowledge the club's contribution. Club president Rick Dawson visited the hospital with past presidents John Simmons, Kerrilee Dawson, and Donna McDonald to view the mural.

The impactful mural at Rockingham District Hospital, organised by Palm Beach Rotary.

The club has a good connection with Rockingham Senior High School. They presented an award for academic excellence to the school dux, Svenjun Tavas, who received several prizes. The school also asked Palm Beach Rotary to again sponsor its educational support unit’s $1000 dux award. Palm Beach Rotarians ran the sausage sizzle during the school's Telethon fundraiser, which raised $57,000, contributing to the school's over $1 million raised through the years. Former Rotarian Patchara Weggers, who chairs the school board, donated all the food for the sausage sizzle. More than 450 students and 60 staff participated in running, walking, skipping, or dancing for five hours to raise funds for sick kids in WA.

Point Peron Gun & Environmental Aid

The club had installed a replica field gun at Point Peron, which was later vandalized with graffiti and started rusting due to harsh weather. Clint Fitzpatrick assessed the work needed, estimating it would require four or five guys over two weekends, using equipment like safety glasses, shovels, wire brushes, and battery-powered grinders. President Rick Dawson reiterated that work shouldn't start until there was no more rain. Ben Ostergaard took on the task of blasting the rust off the gun using a needle gun and prepping it. He has since completed painting it. Rick Dawson commented on how members get enthused about such tasks. It was estimated that the gun would need repainting every four to five years.

The Point Peron field gun after restoration by club members.

Palm Beach Rotary has an account number (C105661798) for the Containers For Change program. Internationally, member Max Bird spoke about an earlier stage in a Timor-Leste water project and is scheduled to return to discuss it further. The Australian ambassador in Brunei is reportedly keen to involve the Timor-Leste Government in the project for public schools and provided a contact.

Max Bird discussing the Timor-Leste water project.

Rockingham Rotary, which works with Palm Beach Rotary on initiatives, sends secondhand medical equipment to Timor Leste, having sent 44 containers. They also have equipment like wheelchairs and walking frames available locally for loan. Rockingham Rotary's international and vocational director, Donna Francome, highlighted Rotary International's polio eradication project, noting that every dollar donated is worth $3 due to matching funds from Bill Gates. Money from the Rockingham markets' spinner and a regular donation contributed nearly $3000 from Rockingham Rotary to End Polio Now. Rockingham Lions have collected 4500 pairs of spectacles to be recycled in poor countries. Operation Sunshine provides support packages for young people and domestic violence escapees. Lions also sponsored a support dog, which unfortunately didn't complete the program, but they hope to sponsor another. Rockingham Lions' work includes school dux awards, Christmas hampers, help for women’s refuges, and coastal care.

Club Operations & Initiatives

Internal club matters included managing club assets and streamlining communication. Centrepoint Embroidery in Dixon Road now supplies Palm Beach Rotary uniform shirts and jackets in club colours. Members can try them on at the shop, or past president Kerrilee Dawson offered to organise a bulk purchase. Former members Mary Carmody and Dee Pyke have donated their club shirts for use by others.

The club's storage shed on Hurrell Way, subject to a council query about guttering.

A committee was formed to review the club's standing orders for selecting the Rotarian of the Year and Paul Harris fellows. The committee members are youth director Kerilee Dawson, Bruce Cairns, John Rana (all past presidents and Paul Harris fellows), and newcomer Tarryn Fitzpatrick. The review is to be completed by October 30. The club board passed amendments to the standing orders and bylaws, which needed to be approved by the general membership at a special meeting. President Rick Dawson expected this to be a formality as no one had objected. Webmaster Lindsay Hemy requested club organisers use Club Runner instead of clipboard lists for seeking volunteers so activities become part of club records. President Rick Dawson mentioned using both electronic and other methods as some members were not happy with or lacked access to electronic communication. Ken Gray suggested taking a photo of club members every couple of years to be kept as part of the club history, a suggestion generally well-received. Donna McDonald suggested setting a date for this year's photo. The first club photo shoot took place on AGM night. The Rotary Club of Palm Beach received a complaint from Rockingham City Council regarding the lack of guttering on their Hurrell Way storage shed. The council's inspection on April 30 revealed erosion caused by water overflow from the roof, potentially leading to under-slab washout. The council recommended gutter and downpipe installation and asked if it had been rectified. Members noted that the letter was dated October 18 but this was the first they heard of the problem.

Our People: Member Highlights

The strength of Palm Beach Rotary lies in its dedicated members. Many individuals made significant contributions throughout the year:

• Rick Dawson (President): Led meetings, MC'd the combined service clubs dinner, reported to the club about the community leaders' meeting regarding the Beach Cup and the need for underwriting, presented the club's award to the Rockingham Senior High School dux, visited the hospital to view the mural, stepped in as secretary for a board meeting when John Simmons was absent, expected club membership to increase by six this year, commented on the Rockingham Sunset Market organised by Tarryn Fitzpatrick, drew up a statement regarding the Beach Cup cancellation, and will decide on the pull-up banner design.
• Kerrilee Dawson (Past President, Youth Services Director): Reported on club uniforms, is Beau Wadley's grandmother, was part of the committee reviewing standing orders, visited the hospital to view the mural, attended the Rotary "Fit for Purpose" workshop in Sydney representing the club, is a pilot for Cycling Without Age Rockingham, was pictured at the Australia Day award ceremony for CWA and at the Have A Go Day, and reported on the Rockingham Rotary market barbecue dates.
  

  President Rick Dawson and Past President Kerrilee Dawson, a dynamic duo in the club.

• Donna McDonald (President-elect, Past President): Suggested setting a date for a club photo, visited the hospital mural, her home was the location for a pizza and pasta night, reminded the club about the contract with the city council for erecting event advertising signs (worth over $15,000 annually paid in four instalments), conducted the induction ceremonies for Warren and Amanda Tilden and Kressley Gunn and Darren Hall, gave Tegan Napier a farewell gift, is the chairwoman of the Rockingham Beach Cup committee and announced its end, paid tribute to Ben Ostergaard's energy, and was pictured at the hospital mural and at the Australia Day award ceremony for CWA.
• John Simmons (Club Secretary): Was absent from a meeting due to a back injury sustained moving boxes, visited the hospital mural, was to send a notice about a special meeting for approving standing orders/bylaws amendments, reported on the agreement to handle car parking for the Have A Go Day event, and reported on the visit of a Californian vocational training team.
• Laurie Smith (Past President): Sent reminder invitations for the combined service clubs dinner, was behind the dinner's resurrection in 2018, suggested helping to establish the Cycling Without Age chapter in Rockingham, and reported that the Baldivis Rotary Club was struggling but received a grant.
• Mal Hughes: Discussed his life and philosophy studies as a thumbnail sketch, volunteered for a Bunnings sausage sizzle, and is assisting with the grant application for the Gunfire Breakfast.
• Jill Wright: Discussed her travels in the Australian Alps as a thumbnail sketch, and asked for volunteers to help at the Salvation Army building, specifically with her arts and craft group and the kitchen, which was short-handed.
• Tarryn Fitzpatrick: Club newcomer, was part of the standing orders review committee, organised the revived Rockingham Sunset Market (which attracted a huge crowd and was welcomed by President Rick Dawson), and celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary with Clint Fitzpatrick, and was at the Have A Go Day.
  

  Clint and Tarryn Fitzpatrick celebrating 20 years of marriage at a club meeting.

• Ben Ostergaard: Warren Tilden's mentor, took on the task of restoring the replica field gun at Point Peron (blasting and painting it), suggested a speedboat regatta as a potential new signature event, and Donna McDonald paid tribute to his energy.
• Lloyd Kerferd: Was in hospital for tests due to coughing and missed meetings, and was visited by several Palm Beach Rotarians while at the hospital for the morning tea acknowledging the club's mural contribution.
• Teresa Carlson: Past president (2018-19), she and her husband Richard Carlson (club secretary for three years) visited from Echuca, Victoria. They attended the club's barbecue at the Mind The Walk event. They had previously moved to Rockingham to take over the furniture department at Port Kennedy Harvey Norman and were instrumental in reviving that and Palm Beach Rotary Club activity. They tragically lost their daughter Michelle to cystic fibrosis, which galvanised Teresa into raising over $1 million for research. They were the club's first husband and wife couple. Teresa was officiating at a wedding in Western Australia in late October and they hoped to attend a Rotary night but their 5-day visit didn't include one.
• Clint Fitzpatrick: Husband of Tarryn Fitzpatrick, he helped Frank Moelands with the Mind the Walk barbecue, assessed the work needed on the Point Peron field gun, and he and Tarryn celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at a club meeting.
  

  Beau Wadley (RYPEN nominee) with Clint Fitzpatrick at Point Peron.

• Beau Wadley: Rick and Kerrilee Dawson's grandson, he was the club's nominee for the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) camp from September 13-15. He was very enthusiastic about his RYPEN experiences when he addressed the club, although less so about the early wake-up calls. He made friends at the camp and hopes to do the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program when old enough. Applications for RYPEN for 14-17 year olds close on April 21.
• Doug Hess (Treasurer): Reported that all members were financial, transferred $5000 to the Cycling Without Age bank account, and was mentioned in the context of the Rockingham Beach Cup.
• Frank Moelands: Liaised with the organising committee for the Mind the Walk barbecue, reported that his wife Carol now has a heart pacemaker, and he and Carol planned to be away from home for 10 weeks, travelling in WA, Sydney, and Brisbane.
• Kevin Fahie (Immediate Past President): Suggested telling the Catalpa committee that the $500 donation was what the club could afford, noted that if 30 Palm Beach members attended the Mandurah TAFE vocational dinner, they would have the restaurant to themselves, reported that the Mandurah Saltbush restaurant was "brilliant to deal with" for the club's TAFE visit, and was mentioned in the context of the Rockingham Beach Cup.

Also On Our Radar

The club's agenda also included vocational meetings/visits including to St Johns Wine Cellar (partners' night) and Saltbush, the Mandurah TAFE training restaurant. The visit to Saltbush is likely to replace visits to Bentley Pines. If 30 members attend the Saltbush dinner, the club would have the restaurant to themselves. Palm Beach Rotarians were invited to a combined club meeting hosted by Rockingham Rotary on March 24 to meet a Californian VTT. This scheme allows groups with similar vocations to visit other countries to see how things are done in their field. The district conference was scheduled for March 28-30 in Margaret River. The Palm Beach Rotary board agreed to give a $500 donation to the Catalpa Festival organising committee. Club president Rick Dawson noted that the club's physical assistance was worth considerably more and their cash reserves were not large. Secretary John Simmons agreed, pointing out they charge the council $25 per volunteer hour. A discussion about Kerrilee Dawson's Sydney visit mentioned a house swap service for Rotary International, which could be useful for Rotarians travelling interstate or abroad. President Rick Dawson mentioned that two Queensland Rotary districts were working on disaster coordination, noting the loss of over 100,000 head of livestock. Rockingham Sunset Market: This revived market (formerly twilight market), organised by Tarryn Fitzpatrick and sponsored by the Rockingham Community, was held for the first time on Saturday, September 21, attracting a huge crowd.