RCCBG News Notes (Sep. 08, 2026)

Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin News Notes 14th September 2026

From the Captain's cabin

President Neil has been asked to undertake a project in Thailand at the request of the PM, and when that's completed another important job in Hanoi. Neil should be back in mid October.

Stay away from all those croissants Neil!

Ed.

Last week's meeting

We enjoyed a different kind of presentation by Pat and Warrick Wright last week, on the topic "Who's the smartest: Plants or Animals? " The answer isn't as simple as one might expect as Pat showed us how a variety of plants use ingenious sensors to entice, trap, deceive and destroy passing animals in the quest for reproduction and survival.

The talk ranged across a variety of plant species : Proteuas including Grevillea, Eucalyptus , Mistletoe, Wattle and insect catching varieties , and finally orchids which Pat said had an "amazing sex life". One wonders....! One orchid secretes a pwowerful poison to catch insects which scientists developed into one of our most potent fox poisons - 1080.

A fascinating talk , thank you Pat and Warrick.

Bill

Pat Wright warming up...

This grevillea grows a leaf that looks like a female wasp to attract males.

Thos flower taps the pollen onto the passing bird's head..

Next Week 17th September - we meet at the Golf Club

Apologies for the confusion in the Bulletin. Next week we will have a meeting at the Golf Club as usual. Final planning for the World Peace day commemorations will be discussed. All club members are invited to attend that ceremony which will be attended by diplomats, the Chief Minister and other dignatories, on Monday 21st September 20256 at the Peace Bell at 10.30am

This ceremony will replace our usual meeting for Thursday 24th September.

Editor

Bill will be away on grandparent duties in Darwin for 2 weeks so please send your contributions to Associate Editor Stephen at sjmcmillan1974@live.com

This month's RI theme is Basic Education and Literacy - if you can assist with finding speakers to fill our calendar please liase with the Chair, Russell or President Neil.

Visit to Hay War Memorial High School on 13th November 2026

We received confirmation from Hay WMHS for our visit on 13th November, part of which appears below. Are you coming? See Neil or Bill.

Hi Bill,

The time for our Presentation Day is now 11.30am. It will be held in the Spirit of Anzac Centre.

We invite you to stay for lunch and meet with students.

We appreciate your support and look forward to you joining us on Friday 13^th November.

Regards,

Kylie

Mrs Kylie Kerr

Head Teacher

English, Library and Creative and Performing Arts

Student Representative Council

Community Connections

Hay War Memorial High School

Michael is rambling on the Camino

Michael has grown a beard!

Peace message from the Spanish pilgrims

Photo of track??

Join us for the International Day of Peace

Members are invited to join us at the Rotary Peace Bell at Nara Peace Park on Monday 21 September to commemorate the UN International Day of Peace. Observed around the world each year, the day promotes peace, non-violence and a temporary halt to fighting, reminding us of the importance of working together for a more peaceful world.

The commemoration will feature a number of distinguished speakers, including representatives from the United Nations, His Excellency Suzuki Kazuhiro, Japanese Ambassador, and Judy Ford, Rotary District Governor 9705. A highlight of the morning will be the presentation of the annual ACT Chief Minister’s Rotary Peace Prize, with Andrew Barr MLA, Chief Minister of the ACT, presenting the award to a deserving peace advocate in recognition of their contribution to peace and community harmony.

Monday 21 September 2026
10.30am for a 10.45am start
Rotary Peace Bell, Nara Peace Park, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla

We encourage you to come along and join in marking this important international day. Please RSVP by 17 September by completing the International Day of Peace 2026 – Fill out form.

*Save these dates in your diary* 21 September	UN International Day of Peace	Peace Bell
24 October	Candle Festival	Peace Bell and Canberra Nara Peace Park
13 November	Visit Hay to present scholarships to Indigenous students	Hay War Memorial High School
10 December	UN Human Rights Day with Zonta Canberra remembering victims of domestic violence.	Peace Bell

Next meeting

Our next meeting will be held at the Royal Canberra Golf Club at Yarralumla at 12.30pm.

If you have not already done so, please respond to Eric’s invitation by 11 am on Tuesday.

Duty Roster

Date:	Chair:	Guest speaker:	Member to propose Toast to Rotary, thank guest speaker, and write up for Bulletin:


17 September	Eric	At the Golf Club to discuss the forthcoming community events, particularly the World Peace Day commemoration next Monday.	Warrick to assist
21 September		Club get together at the World Peace day commemorations at the Peace Bell. This replaces the Thursday meeting -24th	Warrick, Ross, Neil and Astrida.
24th September		No meeting as we will attend the World Peace Day commemorations.	Neil and strida

If you cannot perform your allocated duty, please arrange a replacement and advise the Acting President for that meeting (listed above). Please advise the Bulletin Editor of any planned absences to avoid being rostered on while away.

To see the program of future meetings, visit: Rotary activities Spreadsheet

This Bulletin is the creation of Bill and Stephen who work late into Sunday night to ensure it is sent on Monday morning. So please send any contributions by beer o'clock Sunday to sjmcmillan1974@live.com