Happy Birthday to us! The Rotary Club of Karrinyup was chartered in 1974 and this week celebrated fifty one years of service at a special birthday dinner at the Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club (MAAC). MC for the evening, Mick Rogers acknowledged the past and present traditional owners of the land. He then welcomed everyone and recognised the many distinguished guests.

Mick called on Karrinyup Rotary President Phil Ledger, who gave a brief overview of the many wonderful projects the club has achieved over the years. He then called on Pat Fosbery, widow of Founding President Graham Fosbery, and charter member PP Ian McDonagh to join him in cutting the cake to get the party started. Everyone enjoyed a fabulous birthday evening. Read President Phil's address.

RC Karrinyup is delighted to announce the 2025 recipient of the Dr Michael Chin Humanitarian Award is Joan Petroboni. Joan has a long history, spanning more than forty years, of service to the local community with Star Swamp Bushland, Friends of Star Swamp Bushland Reserve and Mt Flora Museum. She also volunteers with Meals on Wheels, bringing social contact to seniors. The Award, created in 2000 in honour of RC Karrinyup charter member Michael Chin, honours outstanding individuals, who serve the community for their humanitarian and volunteer activities. This year is the 25th Anniversary of the Award.

Do you know a young person, who would benefit from RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment)? This weekend camp is for 14 to 17 year olds, with a focus on “Fun with a Purpose” to develop skills around team work, communication, goal setting and problem solving. Participants are encouraged to push their boundaries and challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment. Karrinyup Rotary will again fund this program. The next RYPEN camp is from Friday 2 – Sunday 4 May 2025. Contact Youth Director Eddy for further information.

Karrinyup Rotary contributes to the Borderless Friendship Foundation WA (BFF WA), a Perth based not-for-profit organisation, which supports children in hostels in the Hilltribe region of Thailand. Recently Karrinyup Rotarians Sandra, Jane and Jenni, seen here with Lorel from BFF WA, made a ‘hands on’ visit to this International Service project. They reported back to the club on their amazing experience. There are 380 hill tribe children in BFF’s care. In addition to club support, several club members have chosen to sponsor an individual child. Read how you could too.

Vocational Service Director Kay Durrant introduced trainee Lucia Curti, a recipient of 2024 Karrinyup Rotary Special Recognition, and Vanessa Hayes from Electrical Group Training Perth. Kay described the club's partnership with the Apprentice Employment Network WA (AEN WA), a Registered Not for Profit Charity. Our Vocational Service team provides practical support for outstanding apprentices/trainees with Special Recognition. Lucia spoke about her career, explaining how the club's support had assisted her in purchasing a laptop computer, an essential item for her work. Group Training Organisation (GTO) representative Vanessa explained the work of GTOs.

The Karrinyup Rotary Youth Service team has again established a ‘Back to School 2025’ humanitarian grant to assist children of Ukrainian Displaced Persons living in Western Australia. Its purpose is to help cover the expenses of funding their back-to-school requirements for 2025. Limited funds are available for families to apply for a humanitarian grant of $200 for local children, who have settled here after fleeing the war in Ukraine. To be eligible, they must have and submit the 786 or 866 visa that applies to DP’s from Ukraine. Please read instructions on the second page carefully. Email only the first page to karrinyuprotary@gmail.com.