The Karrinyup Rotary Vocational Service Team is excited to announce a new partnership with Directions Workforce Solutions to launch the Directions Workforce Solutions – Karrinyup Rotary Club Tools Scholarship. The scholarship will provide eligible apprentices in Western Australia with up to $400 in approved tools or work-related equipment. Karrinyup Rotary is delighted to partner with Directions Workforce Solutions on this initiative, investing directly in the next generation of skilled workers.

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) is a weekend camp for 14 to 17-year-olds, with a focus on “Fun with a Purpose”. It is designed to develop skills around teamwork, communication, goal setting and problem-solving. Year 10 students who have leadership potential, demonstrate other positive personal attributes and are actively involved in the community are encouraged to apply. Karrinyup Rotary sponsored six students from Balcatta, Carine and Churchlands State High Schools to attend the recent camp held in September. This week, they reported to the club on their experience.

Karrinyup Rotary Vocational Service team is immensely proud to be a silver sponsor of the Child and Adolescent Health Service Recognition and Reward Program – Stars of CAHS. Team members Kay Durrant and Paul Callery attended the Awards presentation event, where they were delighted to meet all the inspiring winners, including our Values in Action award winner, Acting Program Manager for Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH), Kellie Zappara. This event honours the dedication, passion and unwavering commitment of our incredible health workers. Heartfelt congratulations go to all the winners and nominees.

In presenting the planned projects for 2026-2027, Vocational Service Director Kay not only outlined what we are seeking to achieve but also why it matters, the impact we want to make, and who we will touch. The team plans to Recognise, Develop, Connect and Measure. We considered why we do what we do ie to increase our impact, expand our reach, engage and adapt. We will not measure success only by awards presented or dollars spent. We will measure it by the people recognised, the pathways strengthened, partnerships deepened, members involved and stories of impact.

International Director Mick Rogers explained that his team has discussed prioritising the distribution of allocated funds under saving lives, escaping poverty and education. With this in mind, the main beneficiaries during 2026-2027 will continue to be Borderless Friendship WA, Every Daughter Matters and Stellar Child Care Organisation (SCCO), followed by Mukti Australia, Bears of Brine and Wheelchairs for Kids. There will also be continued support for other projects such as Swim Vietnam, Shelter Box, Interplast, Bicycles for Humanity and Polio Plus.   

At the RC Karrinyup Changeover Evening, Eddy Giacomel was named the recipient of the prestigious Graham Fosbery President’s Award for 2025-2026 for dedicated 'Service Above Self'. Rotary Youth Service recognises the importance of empowering youth and young adults through leadership development programs. Eddy has embraced his role as Youth Director with his usual zeal and has made a huge contribution to this avenue of service. This award is given each year by the President to a person considered to have contributed significantly to the success of the Club in that year or progressively over time.