Community News

Community Service Director Merveen Cross introduced Chriss Marinoni, Family Program Coordinator at Camp Quality, to tell us how our support impacts the lives of kids facing cancer and improves their quality of life. Camp Quality gives kids facing cancer the chance to be kids again, bringing positivity, fun and laughter back into their lives through a support network and a range of non-medical support services for the children and their families. RC Karrinyup has been a strong supporter of the program for many years. Chriss explained what is happening currently and thanked the club for its ongoing support.

Long-serving Rotarian and multiple times Past President Peter Durrant recently announced his retirement from Rotary. Peter decided it was time to step back from his many forms of dedicated service to local and international communities through Rotary projects to concentrate on his family. His contribution to Rotary over more than thirty years has been enormous. The Board agreed that Peter's service be recognised with Honorary Membership of the Rotary Club of Karrinyup, in acknowledgment of his years of dedication and significant impact.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 recipients of Karrinyup Rotary Paul Harris Fellow recognition! Carol O'Lone's hard work was acknowledged with a Paul Harris Fellow pin and framed certificate for taking on a 'can-do' leadership role in practical service to Tranby Hub. John Maker was also recognised with a Paul Harris Fellow pin and framed certificate for his ongoing support and willingness to serve in so many different areas of service to the club. Vic Dennis was recognised for his consistent ongoing quiet support behind the scenes over many years, with another sapphire for his Paul Harris Fellow pin.

Karrinyup Rotary’s Nurse of the Year 2026 award was presented at a gala evening to honour outstanding nurses working at Osborne Park Hospital (OPH). This annual perpetual award recognises a nurse whose daily dedication and care epitomises the highest standard of quality and personal commitment. Karrinyup Rotary congratulates all of the 2026 finalists on their achievements and is delighted to recognise the 2026 Karrinyup Rotary Osborne Park Hospital Nurse of the Year – Gemma Hadwell, a most deserving winner.

Thanks to all Rotarians, friends and family who turned out for the 2026 Lift The Lid Walk at Scarborough. Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is a national initiative to raise awareness of mental illness across Australia under Australian Rotary Health. The event was a joint project of the Rotary Club of Karrinyup, Scarborough Rotary and the Rotary Club of Osborne Park. There was a great atmosphere at the event and a lot of positive feedback from the walkers on their return. Thanks to the team of organising volunteers and to the City of Stirling councillors and community members, who supported and participated in the event. Karrinyup Rotarian Hilary is seen here stepping out in the autumn sunshine. See more photos of the event.

RC Karrinyup is delighted to announce the 2026 recipient of the Dr Michael Chin Humanitarian Award is Sarah Lamb. Sarah has contributed over 16 years of dedicated service to individuals living with disabilities, developmental challenges and mental health conditions within our community in her work at Riding for the Disabled Carine. The Award, created in 2000 in honour of RC Karrinyup charter member Michael Chin, honours outstanding individuals who serve the community for their humanitarian activities. This year is the 26th Anniversary of the Award.

Remembrance Day is observed annually on 11 November to acknowledge peace and honour all who have died in the line of duty. Our club supported the Rotary Club of Osborne Park, who were joined by the 10th Light Horse Association and the military section of the Veteran & Classic Car Club of WA, for a Memorial Service conducted by the RSLWA Osborne Park Sub Branch. This was held at the Rotunda, built by our club, at Lake Gwelup Reserve. Karrinyup Rotary supplied morning tea for community members, who stayed to socialise and view the horses and veteran cars. See more photos.

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.

The Rotary Clubs of Osborne Park and Karrinyup collaborated to help bring some joy and the spirit of Christmas to displaced Ukrainian families, remembering loved ones back in Ukraine. 155 guests attended a party at the Colin Moore Centre to enjoy a superb lunch, pantomime, entertainment, games and best of all for the sixty-odd children - a visit from St Nicholas! Feedback received from attendees stated how much they appreciated the wonderful food, toys for the children and Rotary volunteers' efforts to make the Ukrainian families feel accepted and safe. This is what Rotary is all about! See photos on Facebook.

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.

In concluding the 2025 Changeover event, President Phil inducted Mick Rogers and Peter Durrant as Co-Presidents for the Rotary Club of Karrinyup's fifty second year, handing over the responsibility of leadership of the Club. Mick and Peter stated they were excited to be part of a new initiative with a Co-Presidency – a way to share leadership and better serve the club's needs. Their vision is simple: Ignite Change: Let's think big and try new things to address community needs. Inspire Action: Small actions make a difference – let's inspire each other! Impact Lives: The goal is to create lasting positive change and see the results of our efforts. Read the Inaugural addresses from 2025-2026 Co-Presidents Mick Rogers and Peter Durrant.

Thanks to all Rotarians, friends and family, who turned to brave the weather for the 2025 Lift The Lid Walk at Scarborough. Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is a national initiative used to raise awareness on mental illness across Australia under Australian Rotary Health. The event was a joint project of the Karrinyup Rotary, Scarborough Rotary and the Rotary Club of Osborne Park. Thanks to Jerry Pilcher for championing this project, to his team of volunteers and to the City of Stirling councillors, who supported and participated in the event. 

Karrinyup Rotary members and friends assisted with the Camp Quality Kids Only Event held at the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQUA) Function Centre recently. The event was organised and managed by Camp Quality volunteers to allow the parents and carers some time of recreation and relaxation. The children were an absolute delight to be with, being well mannered, disciplined and cheerful and a wonderful time was had by all. Sincere thanks go to Karrinyup Rotarians and friends - the past members of Karrinyup Inner Wheel for their wonderful support and assistance towards this most worth cause.

Phil Ledger and Mick Rogers had the privilege of attending the inaugural Child and Adolescent Health Service Awards. This inspiring event shone a well-deserved spotlight on the dedication, passion and unwavering commitment of our incredible health workers. Karrinyup Rotary is immensely proud to sponsor this prestigious event and we eagerly anticipate its growth and continued success in the years to come. A heartfelt congratulations go to all the winners and nominees. Your hard work and dedication makes a profound difference in the lives of so many. We applaud you!

Karrinyup Rotary’s Nurse of the Year 2025 award was presented at a gala evening to honour outstanding nurses working at Osborne Park Hospital (OPH). This annual perpetual award recognises a nurse, whose daily dedication and care epitomises the highest standard of quality and personal commitment. Karrinyup Rotary congratulates all nine 2025 finalists on their achievenents and is delighted to recognise the 2025 Osborne Park Hospital Nurse of the Year – Tracey McCarley, a deserving winner.

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.

The RC Karrinyup Nurse of the Year Award was created in 1990 to honour outstanding nurses and midwives working at the Osborne Park Hospital (OPH). This annual Award recognises a nurse, selected by the hospital, whose daily dedication and care epitomises the highest standard of quality and personal commitment. The selection process now includes finalists in three categories. The overall winner of the 2024 RC Karrinyup Osborne Park Hospital Nurse of the Year Award, selected from the finalists, is Leo Wu. Congratulations Leo!

Karrinyup Rotary commenced planning a 50th anniversary project in 2021. The Golden Project was to be one of significance to celebrate the Club's 50 years of Rotary service. The designated club team worked with architect Alex Godfrey and the City of Stirling. Over the years, it was decided it would be the 'Lake Gwelup Story Trail', an interactive experience, celebrating Nyoongar culture, environmental and historical stories of Lake Gwelup, where the club has a long history of service to the community. The project has now been completed and will be launched on 23 November. Peter Polain and Peter Durrent are seen here toasting the successful completion of the project.

Forty-four years on, a new access ramp has been completed at Mettams Pool. It replaces the old ramp, which was removed in 2021, as it had seriously deteriorated since it was built in 1980. The original ramp, in the early days of the club, was a joint project between the City of Stirling and the Rotary Club of Karrinyup. Some of the Rotarians, who were part of building the original ramp (some of it hands on in those days!) are sill with us today. Building the ramp provided its own challenge with work being conducted at all hours of the night, when the tide was at its lowest. See more photos on Facebook.

On 17 June, representing the Rotary Club of Karrinyup and the Karrinyup Community Men’s Shed, Peter Polain attended a forum on 'Men’s Health and Well Being', sponsored by 'Mens Talk'. The event, which comprised an evening of networking and engaging with the physical and mental aspects of men's wellbeing, featured guest speakers, along with refreshments. It was well attended by over one hundred participants. Notably there were several young men as well as young women.

Karrinyup Rotary has supported RDA Carine for eighteen years and was integral in converting their need for an all weather facility into a proposal that could be submitted for approval and funding for the facility, which opened in 2019. At the recent renaming ceremony to Dandjoo Koorliny, one family told how the arena has provided an incredibly important place within the community and especially in the life of their family demonstrating that Rotary truly does impact and change lives forever.

Members of the Karrinyup Rotary Homeless Working Group and friends recently prepared food and distributed it to the homeless through the Perth Homeless Support Group. On Friday they met at the Perth Homeless Support centre in Bayswater and prepared sandwiches, desserts and packed cakes ready for distribution on Sunday, when the team met at the homeless hub to distribute food, clothing, toiletries and books. This is a very streamlined operation with team leaders organising all aspects of the day. The Perth Homeless Support Group can always use assistance and anyone can volunteer.

Club members Paul Callery, Geoff Inman and Mike Murphy attended a free two-day Mental Health First Aid Course on 13 and 14 October during Mental Health Week. Men's Talk offered the course free of charge to twenty Community Leaders and Not For Profit organisation members within the City of Stirling. Knowing Mental Health First Aid empowers people with the skills and knowledge to help effectively assist someone experiencing a mental health problem, the right way.

On Saturday 5 November the Rotary Clubs of Karrinyup and Scarborough will co host a stall at the Men's Life Fest event at the Scarborough Beach Esplanade. The event runs from 15:30 to 21:30. Featuring a variety of exhibitors and displays that can provide advice, assistance and information on many topics for men of all ages, it will be an excellent event to visit. There will also be plenty of local food and goods stores. Be sure to stop by and say 'Hello'.

Since the inception of Foodbank WA over twenty-five years ago, RC Karrinyup has been a strong supporter. This week, Ian de Nazareth, Senior Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Foodbank WA, visited our club to bring us up to date. Foodbank WA redistributes oversupplied and donated food to those in need but this year the need has been huge. Former Community Service Director Peter advised that the club had recently made our substantial annual donation, just in time for Christmas.