Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin News Notes 29 June 2026
From the Captain's Cabin
President Neil is on his way to Cornwall so no report this week.
Ed.
Last Week's Speaker
Speaker 24th June 2026.
The topic was Plastic- no longer Fantastic. As a Baby Boomer our guest speaker this week Simon Copeland had me feeling somewhat guilty given that during my lifetime the issues of plastic use and abuse has seen Australia become the world’s second biggest generator of single use plastic waste per capita!
The Australian Government along with 175 countries are working on a Global Plastics Treaty. In the ACT between 22023-2024 we consumed 53 tonnes of barrier (plastic) bags! We consumed one tonne of Produce stickers, 248 tonnes of plastic cold cups and 17 tonnes of takeaway bowls. Simon also spoke about the amount of plastic floating in the world’s oceans and our rivers.
The ACT Government has taken some action, and the Human Rights Act 2024 establishes a healthy environment as a human right. There is still much to be done.
You can find out more about plastic issues and what we can do to reduce the use by joining SEE-Change Wasteless Group or support the Boomerang Alliance who are calling for action to reduce the use of plastic.
Our own Liz Scrivener has her own solution, a simple string bag, one that many of our own mothers would have used back in the day. Makes you think don’t you agree!
Michael Rabey
Guest speaker Simon Copeland with PP Warrick at lunch.
Some of the ACT's strategies.
Liz reminded us in day of ol' we happily re-used string bags - not fussing about plastic bags which remain a serious pollution issue.
"On the road" in Western Australia with Astrida
During our recent visit to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Jim and I explored the Rotary Peace Park, a delightful green oasis in the heart of this famous mining town. The park provided a peaceful setting with its picturesque pond, magnificent mature trees, and a variety of duck species enjoying the water.
It was wonderful to see the park being well used by the local community, with families making the most of the children's playground, others enjoying the basketball court, picnic tables and gazebos, while walkers and cyclists shared the excellent pathways. Although it is known as the Rotary Peace Park, we were surprised that we couldn't find any peace poles during our visit.
The Rotary Peace Park, formerly known as Twin Dams, was officially opened in February 2005 by Mayor Ron Yuryevich. It was presented as a gift to the people of Kalgoorlie-Boulder by the Rotary Clubs of Hannans and Kalgoorlie to celebrate the Centenary of Rotary.
Astrida.
Coming up:
Remember: Bill is on leave so Stephen is Editor of the Bulletin. Please send contributions to him at sjmcmillan@live.com
Date: Thurs.
Event:
Club member to Introduce, Thank and send write up to Bulletin editor.
2nd July
John as Chair -
Joanne Hurley from Mawson Primary School attending to thank us for donation towards new soccer nets.
Introduction to Maternal and Child Health
Ross
9th July
John is Chair -
16th July
Social meeting at National Museum – lunch at cafeteria at 12.30 then reserved seats at 3D film of Antarctica
John
8th August
Peace Bell
Remembrance Day for Hiroshima and Nagasaki
21st September
Peace Bell
UN International Day of Peace
24th October
Peace Bell and Canberra Nara peace Park
Candle Festival
13th November
Hay War Memorial High School
Visit to present scholarships to Indigenous students
10th December
UN Human Rights Day with Zonta Canberra remembering victims of domestic violence.
Fred Smith's Upcoming performance in August:
Michael,
Dropping you a line to let you know about the final evolution of that show we put on together at the Canberra theatre in 2022. It's called Unforgotten: Songs of Australians at War.
Australian War Memorial will be hosting the show on 15 August this year to mark the fifth anniversary of the fall of Kabul.
Details below.
Anything you can do to put the word around to members I would be very grateful for.
Recollections - 2009 our Club (under George's tutilage) was active in environmental restoration projects at Angas Downs, NT. Here, Bill is discussing the installation of solar powered water pumps at an isolated waterhole with elders. The Anunga clan were trying to re-establish native fauna, with a secure and camel proof watering hole.
