Every so often someone joins Rotary destined to contribute well above and beyond and in the process, really make a significant difference. The late Past District Governor (PDG) Erwin Biemel was such a person.  He joined our Club in 1998 and was very soon making a significant contribution to the Club’s affairs serving at various times as Bulletin Editor and Club Director for International Service, Vocational Service and  Club Service as well as running the Club’s “Books for the Philippines” project ; and at his own cost, creating and printing Read Right Now books, Rotary Fair, Membership and other promotional material and development booklets. Erwin was elected Club President in 2002-03 and continued to make his mark.

His commitment to Rotary went well to beyond the Club and on to District where he served over many years on several youth oriented committees as well formulating a District Working With Children policy which was subsequently adopted by both Districts in WA. He also held several Directorships before serving with distinction as Governor in 2013-14 and subsequently as the Immediate Past District Governor, District Training Officer, guide and mentor to all, but especially incoming and serving District Governors.

For his outstanding contributions over the years, Erwin was recognised as a Rotarian of the Year by our Club and also by District;  and in addition, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, with sapphires, an extraordinary nine times.

Erwin was a giant of a man who raised the Rotary bar to new heights and made a gigantic contribution to all things Rotary. With his recent passing, the Club will be establishing a lasting memorial in his name. The form it will take is still to be determined. Vale Erwin

Youth Service has always been our focus and so it was our pleasure on 11 November to again host and award eight Willetton Senior High School (WSHS) students (four from each of Years 10 and 11) and one teacher, all pictured at right. Watched by Associate Principal Colin Marshall, Year 10 Coordinator, Rachel Harrington, Year 11 Coordinator Kimberley Atkinson, proud parents, family and friends, the students received awards for outstanding achievement in either Sport, the Arts, Community Service or Academic results. The Teacher of the Year was Belinda Morrissy. 

We have a lot to thank Club Director of Youth Service, Simon Cubitt, and his committee for. Not only did they organise the WSHS Awards, but will be sponsoring two WSHS students to attend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in January 2020; sixteen students (14 from WSHS and 2 from other schools) to attend the Conocophillips Science Experience over the Christmas/NewYear break; and will be putting             around 180 WSHS students through their paces on 12 and 13 December 2019 at the Rotary WA Driver Education (RWADE) course held at the Claremont Showgrounds.

On 18 November we hosted visitors Les and Marilyn Woodland from Victoria and guest speaker Lynn Spargo pictured below: 

 Lynn was promoting responsible dog ownership but also spoke about the Welsh Corgi (Cardigan). She was introduced to the breed almost forty (40) years ago when she and husband ,Jim acquired a six (6) week old puppy as their family pet. She was immediately hooked on the special presence of this indomitable little dog. For all of Lynn's story Click here; and for her presentation Click here.