At the meeting on Wednesday 3 May the Guest Speaker was Don Watson, Writer, Author
MC Carol Bond opened the meeting and was followed by Barbara Yerondais who delivered the reflection for the day, which is published in written form in this bulletin.
After disclosing the joyous news that John Peberdy will be marrying his partner Vanessa this coming weekend John Peberdy gave an update on RIMERN highlighting the demand for small appliances (e.g toasters, microwave ovens, & kettles) and compact furniture which are urgently needed to support the Independent living needs of disadvantaged clients. Members were encouraged to donate any of these items that are surplus to their needs and consider volunteering at this vibrant source of assistance to underprivileged people in the inner Melbourne suburbs.
In last week’s Bulletin we highlighted a request from Jim Olds, RC Torrance Del Amo, LA US to help locate a Melbourne Rotarian “about 6’2” with short, dark hair and a ready smile who attended the RI Convention in Houston.
President Adrian reported that he has been found – he is Tim Weir a member of RC Preston. What a connected world we live in!
Don Watson a leading Australian author, essayist and speechwriter gave a superb presentation on his latest book, ‘The Passion of Private White,’ at last week’s Rotary Melbourne lunch meeting.
Don’s speech followed on from Rob McGuirk from the Indigenous Programs Committee who spoke of the extensive involvement the Club along with philanthropic trusts since 2003 have had in supporting Dr Neville White and his fellow Vietnam Veterans in building the infrastructure for the Donydji community Homeland in north-east Arnhem Land.
Rob noted the extraordinary financial support initiated by Rotary Melbourne over the past 20 years:
While the work of Neville White, an anthropologist, who worked with the two Donydji clans for over 40 years is the central story in the book, Don Watson in his address acknowledged that other stories are important to recognise – the story of the Vietnam Vets, colonisation in the Northern Territory, the Donydji clans, the stories of the Missions and the anthropologists.
While Neville’s work is pivotal in building the Donydji Homeland infrastructure over many years, his supreme efforts also were most important in recording indigenous culture, traditions and assisting the Donydji clans in dealing with European society. As Don remarked: ‘His role can be seen as a caring, common sense one listening to what needed doing in building a Homeland.’
With the current debate on the Voice to Parliament, Don highlighted that while it is a step forward it is a solution which is immensely difficult to achieve and one that may never be resolved.
Don Watson's presentation #40 Speaker Series can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/OzJQnHm2ajI
The full Meeting video (Without Reflection) can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/RKHPDcXr0MA
