TONY BONNER AM 60

depression’ ‘suicide’ ‘self harm.’ Just words of support, do your best, have fun doing it, be happy. Is it to late to bring the Cubs, Scouts, Girl Guides back? Maybe so, maybe so. When I started work, I had this feeling that I needed to be of service, needed to help. I had low self esteem, still do in a manner, and just felt better about me, if I was helping another, or an animal, bird etc. so as my work developed, that lifted my profile and I was able to help various charitable causes out. I loved turning up at functions to do stuff, visit hospitals for sick children, talk to schools, MC functions etc. so when the opportunity to become a member of the fabulous Variety Club came, I grabbed it. Now fifty years later I am still with them, now a honoured ambassador. There was also the Bonnie Babes Charity, led by the gifted and passionate Rachel Porter, what a dynamic leader she was. This wonderful charity supported women who had sadly lost a child in or during childbirth, that was a huge understanding I was taught in the journey of motherhood, the courage needed by these women was consummate…. With these organisations was the fantastic Smith Family where I would do what I could in a similar fashion. I am also very proud and honoured to be an ambassador for Brave Hearts. The work that Hetty Johnston and her team have done to bring child sexual abuse cases to justice is to be applauded. Television Telethons were also something many of us did, don’t see them much these days, except the wonderful Melbourne Children’s Hospital Telethon. These charities along with many others helped me as much as I hope I could do for them, I just felt better, not lost. As I have mentioned, my low self esteem coupled with my then disease of alcoholism, sober now thirty three years, and some say there are no miracles, there are, didn’t help at the time. I also had a family that I tried my best to keep intact, just really didn’t know how to do that. Be a parent, not having the best childhood myself it was difficult for me. I just clung onto the values I learnt in the Scouts, and the Cadets….be of service, be of help…. Just be. Maybe that is why I would like to see these childhood groups reignited, the moto “We’ll do our Best’’….. I have a strong opinion that has also been a saviour for me, and I would think many others. It is to be a member of a club. In these troubled times that would be invaluable. Clubs like tennis, football, golf, cricket plus my lifesaving club. Clubs have saved many souls, it gives one a sense of service, duty, comradeship. You become a part of this mixed group of souls, you discover how others live, eat, have beliefs, a chance to share. Many times that I have felt down, alone, maybe a little lost, a visit to a club helps you reconnect with humanity. In the past twenty or thirty years The Manly Lifesaving Club is my main go to club. Honoured on several occasions with being elected president, then a Life Member, and currently still a member and office holder. I love that the Nippers and Junior members have coaches and mentors to help guide them on their journey. That of course goes for all the Life Saving Clubs in Australia. This bloody COVID-19 virus that is amongst us is adding to troubles many have to deal with, without someone to talk with, to share thoughts emotions and feelings with, it is a place of darkness. Please hold your hand out to those who may just need a coffee, a tea and chat, a sense that they are not alone, and are understood, especially our young folk. Just remembered, an old and good friend, the legendary Ronald Dale Barassi once said to me, “IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME’’ and he was correct……….. When I didn’t run or hide from a problem, faced it, fear left me to be replaced by faith, thank you for that Ron... STORY & RECOLLECTIONS COURTESY OF TONY BONNER AM

TONY BONNER AM has appeared in an eclectic mix of critically acclaimed films, television shows and live theatre during his phenomenal career, which include ANZACS, THE LIGHT HORSEMAN, QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER and THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER. He was awarded both The Sammy and Penguin Awards for ‘The Best Single Performance by an actor, in the 1978 Television Movie “END OF SUMMER.’ Tony was also nominated for “The Best Actor in a supporting role’’ by The Australian Film Institute in 2003 for the movie ‘LIQUID BRIDGE’ and received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from The Australian Screen Industry Network Awards in 2011. Bonner was appointed a ‘MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA’ in 2017 for his services to the performing arts as an actor, surf Lifesaving and to the community through charitable organisations.

THE ROYAL FAMILY’S THREE LEADING LADIES STEP OUT in style

TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY & THE

G7 SUMMIT

After what can only be described as a turbulent year for The Royal Family, who like most of us have had to endure the ongoing repercussions of COVID-19. Her Majesty the Queen has had a particularly sad start to 2021 with the added stress of having to nurse her husband Prince Philip through his final days before his passing in April.

However, with her mourning period officially over, the Queen recently greeted the world’s Leaders at the G7 summit meeting in Cornwell. After months of meticulous planning and amid a massive security operation, the historic gathering of the world’s most powerful figures including Prime Ministers and Presidents from all over the world were able to join the Queen and three generations of her family at the summit. Dressed in summer floral, The Queen happily exchanged pleasantries and chatted with world leaders including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and US President Joe Biden before assembling for the traditional “family photo.’’ Her Majesty was later joined by The Duchess of Cornwell, Camilla and The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate. The family’s three leading ladies made a rare appearance together as they stepped out on their first official engagement as a trio in nine years. They joined members of the public at The Big Lunch Community Initiative, which is run by the Eden Project. The annual get-together is funded by the National Lottery, and is subsequently a chance for neighbours and communities to share friendship and food and get to know each other. Unfortunately, over the past two years it has run online due to the pandemic. However, Her Majesty was in fine form and all smiles and insisted on chatting freely and using a ceremonial sword to cut the cake, much to the amusement of Camilla and Kate. That same week, The Queen also celebrated “The Trooping the Colour’’ at Windsor Castle, with her cousin The Duke of Kent. The Trooping of Colour is the annual ceremony that marks The Queen’s official birthday. In a touching tribute to her late husband Prince Philip, The Queen chose the same elegant ensemble she wore for his 99th birthday photo. According to a palace spokesperson, The Queen misses her husband every day, however insists “that the show must go on.’’ Royal fans are delighted that the Queen has been able to step back into Royal duties with such enthusiasm …………………..

LEEDERVILLE SPORTING CLUB CELEBRATES 116 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY...

Founded in 1905, Leederville Sporting Club held its first meeting at The Masonic Hall on Cambridge Street, West Leederville. At the time membership consisted of only forty male bowling members and twentyone female croquet members. Originally known as “Leederville Bowling and Croquet Club.’’ The name was subsequently changed to “Leederville Sporting Club’’ in 1980. The club was one of the first clubs established in Western Australia and is currently the only club in its original location with grass greens, which now have “State Heritage Protection’’ still in use. Today the club is no longer just a “Lawn Bowls facility.’’ It is a thriving hub of activity with over 500 members, resulting from an influx of social bowlers joining lifelong members on the green. It is also home to numerous corporate events and functions and is the current meeting venue for high profile organizations such as Rotary Endeavor, Western Suburbs Prostate Cancer Support Group and The Leederville Primary School Fathers Project. However, the club also offers valued members and locals an enticing and relaxed ambiance coupled with a mammoth selection of significant activities that can be enjoyed by the community throughout the year, plus great food, good times and live sport. In 2018 The Club was successful in winning “The President’s Award’’ for the most improved club in Western Australia. This amazing achievement was the culmination of the combined work ethic of the staff and incredible committee members who worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that the club continues to thrive for another hundred years.

STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO

Douglas Pearman

Alpha Decks and Patios

Covers from the Gold Coast- Brisbane to Ipswich We build Premium Outdoor Living Spaces that are long lasting and visually appealing to compliment the home, yard, and overall settings at your home or business. Fully insured and licensed professionals for all your decking and patio needs. We have a passion to work as a team with our clients. We base our client and professional relationships on the highest morals, ethics, and values. We take pride in our work and your property. Our professionals deliver the highest level of design, architectural, and construction services to help clients with every step they take. Family owned and operated - Free quotes- Prompt Service Call Douglas on 0424 672 972 alphapatios@hotmail.com