Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin - News Notes 27th April 2026
Notes on the Run:
"Service above Self" is our ethos and continuing ambition, so it was satisfying to see so much "Service" accomplished over the past week. We supported ANZAC ceremonies at Majura School and for the Chorus of Women at their Kings Avenue gathering, the Nusa Tengarra Association at their fundraising dinner for small economic projects in South east Indonesia. We finalised plans for a visit to Hay War Memorial High School school in November to meet the recipients of our Indigenous Students secondary scholarships, and finalised the financial donations to a number of local charities who work hard to improve the standard of living of need members of our community.
Well done to all members.
P. Warrick (by Ed.)
Last Week’s Meeting:
Thursday's Club excursion was a tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD), located in Australia's Old Parliament House. Before the tour, eight members enjoyed lunch at the MOAD cafe. Jess Howieson joined the group for the tour, while Warrick returned to work.
The tour started in the King's Hall, the only public space in the Old Parliament House. Our tour guide, Joseph, took us through both Houses, explaining the role of each, as well as to many other rooms in the building, explaining their role and notable occupants of each room. Of interest was an unknown Member who dressed in chicken costume and entered the House of Representatives during a late session, to be ordered out by the Deputy Speaker who was presiding at the time. The Senate side of the building featured much memorabilia of the Queen Elizabeth's 1954 visit, as well as the 1975 dismissal of then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. The tour would have brought hack memories for those who have dealt with the government in past careers. As Joseph explained the bells and lights ahead of a division (vote), I recall one visit to an unnamed Minister's office to take notes of a meeting with some industry representatives. Not long before the meeting was due to start, the bells rang on an important vote, and the Minister hurried off, looking mightily pleased with the deferral of the meeting (which was held later in the day).
Stephen McMillan
A selection of Club members enjoying the ambiance of the Courtyard Cafe.
The House of Representatives with the Speaker's Chair sculptured from wood from HMS Victory .
Many signs described the mores of a by-gone era.
ANZAC Commemoration at Majura School
On Wednesday, 22 April, President Warrick and Member Stephen attended the Majura Primary School ANZAC Assembly. President Warrick spoke on the importance of peace, and how students could contribute to peace through behaviours such as acting kindly and including others in activities. He also mentioned the School's Peace Pole (donated by our Club) as valuable reminder of the need for peace in the world.
ANZAC Day commemoration at Majura School last week.
President Warrick at the lectern, with wreathes in front laid by school students, the School Principal, and Army representative and our Club.
Last week : Fundraising Dinner at the Nusa Tengarra Association
From their website:
We would like to say a big thank you to all of our supporters who joined us, or donated towards, our Annual Fundraising Dinner in Canberra on Saturday night. It was a very successful and enjoyable evening with NTA friends, supporters and partners, raising over $7,500!
All funds raised will go towards programs with families in rural eastern Indonesia in our focus areas of Income Generation and Food Security, Water and Sanitation, and Education.
Thank you to the Indonesian Ambassador Bapak Siswo, and all the wonderful entertainers—the Indonesia Canberra Ukulele Group, band Chasing Milo and pak Aziz for traditional Javanese dance. We also extend our sincere thanks to all the businesses that donated prizes and the organising committee!
