Bulletin No 12, 2017/18

Bulletin report by Robin Gurney

President Ken Jenkyn opened the meeting at 7.03pm andwelcomed all Members, Guest SpeakerMark Cochrane and Exchange Student Keiichiro Kita.

Invocation: Rob Gurney

Raffle winner:Keiichiro on behalf of host Paul Russell

President Ken indicated there would be a change in normal meeting format as our guest speaker had other business to attend to and could not stay for the duration of the meeting.

Guest Speaker – Mark Cosgrove from the local branch of Australian Border Force (formerly Australian Customs)

Mark addressed the meeting referring initially to the recent amalgamation of various Federal Government departments including the Customs Department under the banner of the Australian Border Force. The idea being a much more efficient sharing of information and resources in the ever-increasing battle against bad guys seeking to breach the various laws concerning Australia’s borders and biosecurity issues.

Two officers look after an area spanning Esperance - Kalgoorlie – Eucla and deal with such matters as the security of shipping at Esperance Port, coastal surveillance and illegal activity such as drug and wildlife smuggling (example: the recent intervention in a container-load of native lizards bound overseas out of Kalgoorlie). The public can play a part in such surveillance by reportingthings like boats or people in unusual places or acting in a covert or suspicious manner. Mark shared several anecdotes of his experience in the larger offices where drugs, illegal immigrants, airport border security and smuggling are much moreimportant and much higher profile than Esperance.

Border Force is also able to assist people looking into import or export of their own produce or manufactured goods with compliance issues such as the paper mountain, applicable duties etc.

Guest speaker thanked by Paul Mack

President’s Report: Ken Jenkyn

  • President Ken reported hosting EmmaTimmis, a young lady travelling across Australia on an Elliptigo cycle fundraising for the ‘One Girl’ charity which supports the education of girls in isolated communities. Covering approximately 100km per day, she should be nearing the South Australian border at present.
    Facebook: missemmatimmis

Secretary’s Report – Barry Rollond:

  • Letter received from Esperance Senior High School advising the cost of Year 12 presentation portfolios.
    Resolved that the Club again meet the cost of the Year 12 portfolios and this be conveyed to the High School

Treasurer’s Report – Brian Colliver:

  • Reminder that annual subscriptions are due

Club Administration – Director Rob Gurney:

  • Bulletin: thanks to Russell Bridge for taking on the job of Bulletin Editor. He will be co-opting some assistance with this task
  • Rotary Information: Referred members to the latest Rotary DownUnder, specifically page 7, ‘Let the Countdown Begin’ which provides the latest on the war against polio, in particular, theongoing amazing financial support from Bill and Melinda Gates. There are also some ways in which clubs can join the fight

Community Report – Director Allan Timmins:

  • Rotary Lookout –Allan reported that work should begin on that structure later this week. No permits are required as the work is of a maintenance nature
  • Youth Report – Director Scott Mackie:
  • No report from director
  • Exchange - Doug Murray reported that discussions have been held with senior students at the High School for the 2019 year exchange program. Nothing at Wongutha yet
  • Tournament of the Minds – President Kensaid he read on Facebook of the success of two teams from ESHS at the State finals who will now be going on to National Finals interstate.We have previously supported these teams in their quest for national titles and should expect an approach shortly

Vocational Report – Director Matthew Scott:

  • No Report

International Report – Director Rob Leiper:

  • No report

Membership Report – Director Bob Boord

  • No report

From the Floor:

  • Wishing Well – Neil McCallum put up some ideas for the future of the Len Barker Wishing Well at the Rotary Lookout, principally a much more permanent sealing of the well to deter future burglars
  • Arabiddy Station Trip – Ewin Stewart thanked Matthew Lewis for hosting Members and Rotariannes who visited the Nullarbor station this last weekend, and for the hospitality extended to them

Sergeant’s Session

Sergeant – Acting Sergeant Neil McCallum

Sergeant’s Assistant –

Sgt Neil inflicted many and varied fines on the errant including: not passing on the Copper Kettle, Wedding Anniversaries,no badges, footy supporters not viewing games, arrival taxes, Toyota sales, fines from Arabiddy and President Ken for his busted finger, etc

Attendance Report – Acting Attendance Officer John Honey:

  • Members – 42
  • Present – 20
  • Honorary Members – 0
  • Leave of Absence –12
  • Apologies – 8
  • Silent – 0
  • Members’ guests – 0
  • Visiting Rotarians 0
  • Exchange student (Keiichiro) 1
  • Percentage – 69%

Next meeting’s program – Chas Brodie-Hall:

Esperance Golf Club, October 2, 2017

Guest Speaker:Ewin Stewart

  • Invocation: Ken Beale
  • Sergeant Assist: Neil McCallum
  • Student Host:Doug Murray
  • Welcome Host
  • Guest Speaker Intro: Brad Elliott
  • Guest Speaker Thanks: Alan Timmins
  • Standby: Paul Russell

President Ken thanked Membersand Exchange Student Keiichiro Kita, closing the meeting at 8.20pm with the National Anthem.

Calendar reminders

September 25:No meeting, public holiday

October 2:Meeting at Esperance Golf Club

Oct 20 – 21:Esperance Agricultural Show

Oct 23:District Governor’s visit. Esperance Golf Club. Ladies night

November 17:Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Business After Hours

Please note: if you have not received your Bulletin by Friday of the week of the meeting please inform Paul Goldie at

The Club has a dedicated phone for apologies either by verbal message or SMS text.

Please notify by 10am on the day of the meeting. The phone number is 0419 924 686.

Club Website details:

Log-in and password: as per Rotary email 17/4/14

Ken Jenkyn is available to assist any members who are having difficulty in accessing the Rotary website. He can also assist with recovering forgotten passwords and log-in details. Contact him at or 0411 119 003.

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… just for a laugh

Grandparents’ answering machine

Good morning . . . At present we are not at home, but please leave your message after you hear the beep.

beeeeeppp ....

If you are one of our children, dial 1 and then select the option from 1 to 5 in order of "arrival" so we know who it is.

If you need us to stay with the children, press 2

If you want to borrow the car, press 3

If you want us to wash your clothes and do ironing, press 4

If you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight, press 5

If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6

If you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday or to have it delivered to your home, press 7

If you want to come here to eat, press 8

If you need money, press 9

If you are going to invite us to dinner or you are taking us to the theatre, start talking ... we are listening !!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT?

(Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)

Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people's.

A grandfather is a man, and a grandmother is a lady!

Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them. They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart.

They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'

When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have a snack time before bed time, and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.

GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS, BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!

It's funny when they bend over: you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.