Speakers

Dee’s Rotary experience commenced in 2002 when she joined the North Berwick Rotary Club in Scotland. Getting involved with numerous hands-on community projects, with dedicated club members, Dee experienced the Objects of Rotary in practice. Encouraged by members to attend the Rotary International British Isles (RIBI) Conference in 2003 was a real turning point, which started her on a life changing Rotary journey.

Returning to Australia in 2009, after 8 years working overseas, Dee joined the Rockingham Rotary club. She authored and implemented the inaugural Rotary Rockingham Community Grants program which is now in its 10th year in Rockingham, with 43 organisations making applications in 2018-19.

After moving to Perth in 2011, Dee joined the Kalamunda Rotary Club. Taking on numerous club roles she also introduced the Rotary Kalamunda Community Grants program, which has helped a huge range of organisations.

As President of Kalamunda Rotary Club in 2016-17, assisted by DG Charles Johnson, she implemented the club Strategic Plan. Doing away with many traditions, including sergeants fines and grace, which helped to modernize the club and make it more relevant to new members. The highlight of that year was the charter of the inspirational Kalamunda Rotaract Club and receiving the District 9455 Club of the Year award.

Dee enjoyed being a Rotary Youth Exchange host parent in 2017 and 2018 and was an Assistant Governor from 2018-2020. With a passion for Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Aboriginal reconciliation and Protecting our Environment, Dee is excited about the opportunities to expand Rotary membership, to increase the impact in our communities and across the globe.

Professionally Dee has spent her career in Technology, commencing as a Computer Programmer with Wesfarmers in 1968 and later as CIO in Financial services. Setting up her own business in 2002, she was awarded numerous Project Management contracts in Australia, England, Scotland and India.

Married to Rotarian Jonathan Weir they have 6 children and 10 grandchildren between them. Jonathan is a keen golfer and Dee enjoys Book club and choral singing, having sung in the Perth Concert Hall, Northampton Cathedral UK, the Ulster Hall Belfast Northern Ireland and the Usher Hall Edinburgh, Scotland.

Michael Bleus is an ex-Chief Pilot of the RFDS.  He talks about his experiences with the RFDS and has recently retired after more than 44 years with the service from 1973 – 2017.

Michael started in Carnarvon in 1973, working in Pt Hedland and then Perth.  He has seen many changes including the advent of pressurised aircraft, improved communication technology and modernised medical equipment.

Gary talks about the Military History of conflict within Afghanistan from 1839 to the present day.  Gary is a long time serving member of the Australian Defence Force who has had numerous deployments to Afghanistan since 2002. He is well known within the Military Research Community and has Membership within the Australian Military Historical Society, the British Orders and Medals Research Society.

Gary’s talk will encompass the period from the first British intervention into Afghanistan and the various other countries that have fought in Afghanistan over the years. Gary will also bring along various military artifacts to assist with his talk.

Sue has been a qualified flying instructor in both RAF and RAAF for over 30 years and is currently in the RAAF instructing young military pilots how to fly fast jets at RAAF Base, Pearce.  Previously she was a fighter pilot in the RAF flying Tornado F3 aircraft.  After 25 years of service in the RAF Sue decided to jump ship to Australia. Her talk details experiences through flying, training and on the front line as a female fighter pilot.

John and his wife Rita started bee keeping as a hobby 9 years ago. They were motivated by media stories about the plight of bees and thought they should have a hive and look after it.  They now have 20 hives at friend’s properties from Byford to Bindoon and are learning something new every day.

Beekeeping is a great hobby which keeps John and Rita physically active, tuned into nature and looking forward to the next season.  They also get some honey which they sell locally.  Previously John was the President of the W.A. Apiarists Society which now has 1,200 members across the state, mainly hobby beekeepers like John and Rita.