The Rotary Club of Karrinyup has been privileged to support the Riding for the Disabled facility at Carine for over twenty years. The club was integral in converting their need for an all-weather facility into a proposal that could be submitted for approval and funding. This was completed and opened in 2019. Club support has been ongoing. Recently, the club was invited for an informative visit and given an eye-opening tour of the facilities. Members described this as an excellent initiative, saying it was good to revisit an organisation that we have supported for so long and witness ongoing progress.

Vocational Service Director Kay Durrant introduced Irene Walker, Executive Officer of the Apprentice Employment Network WA, (AEN WA), a registered Not for Profit Charity. This year, Karrinyup Rotary's Vocational Service team honoured ten outstanding apprentices/trainees with Special Recognition accolades and provided practical support by means of vouchers. Irene introduced the six award recipients present, who spoke on their career paths and explained how the club's practical support would assist with the purchase of tools and other essential work items.

Sudbury Community House was identified as a worthy recipient of funding from the wonderful Westral Foundation, which is administered by the team from Karrinyup Rotary. Recently, Sudbury reached out with a call for hands-on assistance to unload a pallet of fresh provisions, as well as sort predetermined orders for schools and other service organisations on a couple of weekday mornings up until Christmas. Sue, from the community service team, is seen here thoroughly enjoying herself among the veges. She will be returning next week. Contact Community Service Director Jane Wake if you can join her for an hour or so.

Sandra McGuire introduced guest speaker Nakita Kitson, founder of the Stellar Children’s Trust (SCCO). While volunteering in Cambodia in 2011, Nikita saw the needs of the displaced people. She established the trust to develop sustainable education and employment opportunities for them in Cambodia. Over the past few years, contributions from Karrinyup Rotary have enabled seven students to complete vocational training, bringing hope for a better future to Cambodian slum kids.

Since the inception of Foodbank WA over thirty years ago, RC Karrinyup has been a strong supporter. This week, Arnya Tait, Partnership Engagement and Events Manager at Foodbank WA, visited our club to bring us up to date on recent developments. Foodbank WA redistributes oversupplied and donated food to those in need. A cost-of-living crisis has seen this need in households across WA more than double. Karrinyup Rotary has recently made our substantial annual donation. Arnya thanked the club for the ongoing support.

RYLA is an intensive eight-day program designed for 18-28 year olds with leadership potential and a commitment to community service. This a unique opportunity aimed to bring participants out of their comfort zone and challenge them to think outside the square, while actively using and building on their existing skills and knowledge. RYLA 2025 will be held at the Serpentine Camping Centre from Saturday 10 January – Saturday 17 January 2026. Karrinyup Rotary prefers to sponsor young people who are already volunteering in the community. Contact Eddy Giacomel.