PDG Marilyn Barton
February is Peace Building and Conflict Resolution month highlighting one of the organisations core areas of focus. During this time, Rotarians worldwide emphasise service projects, education and initiatives that address the root causes of conflict such as poverty, discrimination and lack of education.
During February, we have been trialling the use of zoom at our lunchtime meetings, in order to include those who are unable to be physically in the room. We used the zoom to welcome Cheryl Bell from Broome back into Rotary. Several other members also joined us, either from their workplaces, their car or their home.
The availability to join the meeting by zoom will continue, and we will be able to gauge the interest from members in joining in. however, if you are able to come to the meeting in person, you also gain the social aspect, and also it is good to have a reasonable audience for the guest speaker, to make it worth their while. My thanks to the Membership Director for providing the equipment and organising this facility.
During the past month, we inducted a new member, Shelley Banner who has joined the Community Committee. We also welcomed back into Rotary, Lesley Jones who was previously a member of the Rotary club of Welshpool.
Shelley Banner receiving her Membership Plaque
We heard a really interesting talk from archaeologist Daniel Holland, about what is under the floorboards of Fremantle prison, as well as a talk from visiting Rotarian, William Jones, from the Rotary Club of Janace in France. In addition, we held a function at Eco Hub (formerly Piney Lakes) as a celebration for Paul Harris’s birthday on 22nd February, 2026.
Graham Wheeler has organised some excellent future speakers for our Wednesday meetings.
- Wednesday 11th March, 2026: Graham Jenke: Friends of Wireless Hill
- Wednesday 25th March, 2026: Bec Saraceni: Thumbnail
A reminder that we are still looking for a President Elect, and so, if you feel you would like to assist the club in that role, please let myself, or the current President Elect/Secretary, Dale Cole know.
Marilyn Barton
President 2024 - 2026
Fremantle Prison by Daniel Holland
Daniel, an archaeologist, gave us a fascinating insight into how archaeologists work in the context of fining information about the Fremantle prison. Fremantle prison was used as a prison for 134 years until its closure in 1919. In 1992, just twelve months later, it was opened for tourism.
Daniel spoke about the deposits under the cells and although it included a lot of rubbish, there were things such as hair and nails, but also other artefacts and contraband. A lot of this material had been stashed there since the beginning of the convict era. There were also a lot of rat and mouse deposits.
There has been more than 100,000 objects recovered since the beginning of the convict era (134 years) and over 500 objects have been deemed significant enough to go into a museum.
Social Event at the Eco Hub Centre
During February, we celebrated the birthday of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary with a social get together at the Eco Hub Centre, where our member, Em Charlton runs her project, Bottle Top Hill recycling on a monthly basis.
The Eco Hub centre is situated on Piney Lakes Reserve, which was named Bidi Katitjiny by the local Whadjuk Noongar families, which means “Pathway of Knowledge” and describes the role that the area played in educating children about their history and traditions as they transitioned into adulthood.
Ed McKinnon
Ed McKinnon gave us a history of the Centre, and the involvement of Melville Rotary, which contributed both financially and with personal support by promoting the concept. Prior to that Melville Rotary had been involved in several environmental projects, including being a founding member of the Barbara Kernot Bushcare fund and being an ongoing supporter of the regeneration of bushlands within the city of Melville. It has also encouraged the development of native vegetation strips within school grounds, and produced a poste highlighting the causes and controls of dieback and disseminated it through the state’s schools.
Then in February, 1995, Past President Kevin (Rusty) Christensen (1982-83) suggested the Piney Lakes Environmental Centre and a special committee was set up. Club members provided expertise including surveying and mapping, architecture, engineering, project management, finance and the environment.
Local interest groups were also identified and invited to a series of meetings resulting in the identification of the aim of the centre to environmental education, with Murdoch university to play an important role. The area was also seen as a provision of public open space for the community. Melville Rotary and the City of Melville became joint partners in the project, and a close working relationship developed.
Melville Rotary contributed to 50% of the initial conceptual plans, a brochure outlining them, and working drawings, as well as many hours of expert advice. Additional funds came from a Lotteries Commission grant.
Several Rotary members & prospective members enjoying fellowship
The City of Melville was awarded the Banksia Environmental Award for Sustainable Development in 2002, and also recognised the contribution of Rotary to its development by naming one of the rooms in the building the “Rotary Room”.
