Community News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of First World War hostilities 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 in the Rotunda, which was originaly 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.

Karrinyup Rotary has shared a wonderful relationship with the Trigg Island SLSC for many years. Recently our Club was invited to help celebrate their Silver Salties program having been awarded Community Education Program of the Year. Silver Salties Trigg Island, has become more then just a program, it is an internal family, that enriches the lives of all who are involved. Paul, Murray and Geoff reported on their visit to the Trigg Island Surf Club to attend the celebrations.

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 members recently attended a celebration of the life of Past President and Honorary Member Frits Van Irsen. Inducted into the Rotary Club of Karrinyup in 1986, Frits served as President in 1996-1997 and later as Secretary and Treasurer. He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1993 - 1994 and in 2011 was honoured with a sapphire pin. In 2010 he received the Graham Fosbery Presidential Award for his excellent support as Club Secretary. He will be sadly missed.

Building on twenty years of Black Swan Health's Freo Street Doctor Service Success, Black Swan is now providing very much needed services to the Northern Corridor at a new location in Mirrabooka. The operation is jointly funded by the Rotary Clubs of Karrinyup, Osborne Park and Scarborough, The weekly three hour clinic commenced operation on 13 March. Rotary collaborating to contribute to the well-being of the homeless community and 'Create Hope in the World'.

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.

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.

Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of First World War hostilities and honour all who have died in the line of duty. This year, our club supported the Rotary Club of Osborne Park, who were joined by the military section of the Veteran & Classic Car Club of WA, for a Memorial Service conducted by the RSLWS Osborne Park Sub Branch in the Rotunda at Lake Gwelup Reserve. DG Ineke Oliver laid a wreath on behalf of Rotary. The event drew a good crowd for the first of what it is hoped will become an annual event.

Give A Feed is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Heirisson. The goal was to provide more than 3,000 Give A Feed Festive Hampers to West Australian families in need so they could celebrate Christmas and not go hungry. Over the November-December festive season, thanks to Rotary’s support network, 'Give a Feed' rocketed past its 2022 target, to reach an impressive 4,300 hampers. A fantastic result, as the most recent campaign raised over $129,000. Sincere thanks to all who contrubuted.

Karrinyup Rotary's winter support for the homeless commecnced several years ago with collecting warm socks. Later this was expanded to gathering other warm items of clothing and preparing backpacks for the homeless. This year the club also donated sleeping bags. Following a recent busy bee preparing these for distribution, they were delivered to the Perth City Homeless Support Group. Karrinyup Rotary club members Beth, Tess and Jane are seen here working away on packing day. Karrinyup Rotary's donations were set for distribution on Tuesday, 9th May.

Karrinyup Rotary Youth Services has set aside funds for financial assistance for young people from families in need to attend Girl Guides, Scouts or similar pursuits (other than sports). The scholarship will cover the annual fees to be a member and participate in a youth development activity. Western Australia resident children aged 5 to 18 years participating, or wishing to participate in approved activities, whose parents/guardian have a Health Care/Pension Concession Card or members of Ukrainian refugee families are eligible.