We share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who strive to make positive changes in our community and the world.
Kerre’s report from the last board meeting
We are going to use the Rotary service to support the club.
Kerre shared that we have 19 goals for 2026/2027, which includes looking into special interest groups locally and working on local projects.
The club is going to continue work with the Haven.
Leanne met with Jacqui Kranz around the domestic violence centre and shared that the women that go there need clothes to replace the ones they were assaulted in, as they would be taken in evidence. Anne, our guest, suggested contacting Thread Together which is a branch of Anglicare, whom might be able to help us with this.
The Glen Aden prize was discussed and it was requested that we change the name back to the Geln Eden Prize, it is still $1000.
The application for a grant for NAPCAN has been completed.
Kerre is going to speak to the club about the district restructuring when she has more details to share.
On a sadder note, Ex member of the club and ex-president Michelle Hart mother has passed away and her funeral is on Thursday at 2pm.
MEMBER' S HIGHLIGHTS
Perry has a seniors card! The age to apply has been moved to 60.
Michelle had a busy week, they had a family day on the weekend and went to the Westlands for a 96th birthday.
B2 saved “Mr Spikey” by strapping him to a pole, if you weren’t there you won’t get this, but then, I was there and I am still confused.
Leanne shared that they had received a gift basket for doing the doughnuts for a wedding.
Greg (that’s me), shared that I had a great time away with my dad, which I did, but my goodness it has been cold since I got back.
Leslie had Bella and Vinny stay overnight with her and then attended the Whyalla Rotary Club 10 pin bowling competition.
Kerre shared that she came equal 1st with Vinny at the 10 pin bowling.
Anne (guest) told the club that she had an RDO Friday and got to catch up with her best friend. She also took her Goddaughter to the senior dance in her husband’s car.
Chrystal, our other guest, had both her kids at home.
Jennifer shared that she had tried Sushi for the first time. Judging by the smile and the way she spoke, she didn’t just like it, she loved it.
B1 went to Cairns and had a lovely time. He also has a seniors card and has never used it.
Keith completed the census before the meeting and informed the group that it took longer for him to get the pin for the online survey than it did to complete the survey.
KEITH'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
According to Keith, Rotary is his religion, or at least, it is according to the Australian Census that he completed before the meeting.
GREG'S TERRIBLE JOKE OF THE WEEK
A young man entered a chemist and asked for some condoms. The chemist told him that they come in packs of 3, 6 and 12. The young man asked why and the chemist explained that the 3 packs were usually bought by Highschool kids (Friday, Saturday Sunday) and that the 6 packs were bought by University students (twice on Fridays, twice on Saturdays and twice on Sundays.) The young man asked about the 12 pack and the chemist explained that they were normally bought by married men. The young man asked why and was told “simple, January, February, March…….)
NEWS FOR THE MEMBERSHIP
Keith shared that the Van clean up went well and identified that there were still gaps in the roster for the show on the weekend of the 16th and 17th. Keith shared that the van was going to be in a new place this year, near the basketball stadium.
We were also informed that Warren Norton, who had visited us and attended a meeting, had communicated with the club the momentous news that the Geelong Rotary Club has amalgamated and is now known as the “Barwon Geelong Rotary Club.” Warren’s father is an Ex DG, ex member of our club and was also the Mayor of Whyalla.
Leanne shared that the club had received a club excellence award for 2025 / 2026.
GUEST SPEAKERS ANNE AND CHRYSTAL FROM CENTACARE
The club was then lucky to have a presentation from both Chrystal and Anne on things that we can do to continue to be a successful club and continue to make meaningful contributions in the community. They are Centacare employees involved in the “Surviving to Thriving” Anne is the project co-ordinator, which is funded by the department of Human Services. Their purpose is to identify issues in Whyalla. Including difficulties in arranging financial counselling in the town.
During the meeting, Anne and Chrystal spoke eloquently about respectful behaviour in practice which includes respectful conversations, professional and courteous speech and honouring group decisions. They helped the club to identify unhelpful and harmful behaviours, including the need to avoid intimidation communications such as aggressive tones, raised voices and sarcastic remarks that shut down open discussions in meetings, and the negative impacts that intimidation can have on participation. They also spoke about the importance of handling conflict constructively and emphasised the need to listen to understand and to pause to regain calm.
They also suggested putting time limits on responding to emails, as this continues to be a challenge, particularly with the roster for the caravan. Everyone agreed that they could do better to support Keith, who continues to make rosters for us all.
But the highlight for the members (other than my joke and Keith’s thought of the week, was the “making a jam sandwich” task that Chrystal tried to get us to do. The 2 ex-teachers (Greg and Leslie) were confident but it should be noted that no-one was going to eat one from Perry, Keith or B1, who admitted that if he wants to get a jam sandwich, he will ask his wife. When Leslie’s turn came, Chrystal called the exercise short due to excessive competence.
Our guest presenters Chrystal and Anne with our President, Kerre.
COMING UP
Next Meeting
3433
Tuesday September 8th
Comfort Inn
6:30 pm
Following Meeting
3434
Tuesday September 15th
Comfort inn
6:30 pm
Chairman
PERRY EDEN
JENNIFER ONYENEME
Guest Speaker
N/A
N/A
Topic
ROTARY INFORMATION
Vote of Thanks
Raffle
Apologies
B2 AND LEANNE
Members
Greg Dunn (Child Protection)
Perry Eden (Metallurgy)
Lesley Hartup (Teaching)
Brian Herd (Metallurgy)
Leanne Herd (Customer Service)
Brian Moodie (Electrical)
Jane Owens PDG (Health Services)
Jari Peltonen (Metallurgy)
Mic Russo (Engineering)
Michele Sellars (Administration)
Keith Sichler (Banking
Jennifer Onyeneme (Physiotherapist)
Cassandra Herd (Junior)
Kerre Willsher (Nurse Education
ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES
If you are unable to attend a Club Meeting or function your apology can be made to Secretary Leslie Hartup on 0488 578 622 or Shelley Sellar on 0414 567 633before 12 noon on the day of the meeting
The Rotary Club of Whyalla holds dinner meetings on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month, starting at 6:30pm, with arrival from 6:15pm. In the 4th week, there’s a fellowship meeting, (Sunday) and in the 5th week, a Club Assembly for members only.
