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The Karrinyup Rotary Youth Service team has again established a ‘Back to School 2025’ 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 grant of $200 for local children, who have settled here after fleeing the war in Ukraine. Email to karrinyuprotary@gmail.com To be eligible, they must have the 786 visa that applies to DP’s from Ukraine. 

Karrinyup Rotary's main community service and fundraising project, the Stirling Farmers Market is right onto meeting community needs this Christmas. On Sunday 15th December, there will be a Special Christmas Market. Enjoy Christmas music, check out the Christmas decorations on the stalls and watch for a visit from Santa and his elves! Live Christmas trees are on sale on 8 December but be early! They sell out quickly. As usual, there will be no market on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year - 29 December.

Viki described a visit to Yanchep with her host family, where she saw a koala and had an introduction to Aboriginal culture. Her favourite attraction, was the Crystal Cave. Together with the other exchange students, she went surfing but says she still has a lot to learn. She enjoyed shuffleboard with club members at the Blue Moon event, went to an escape room and enjoyed a production of musical theatre. She was looking forward to a trip to Sydney with the other exchange students and to her first camping trip on her return to Perth.

In her summary of our 50th Anniversary Year, Past President Kay outlined just a few of the club's amazing achievements. The highlight of the year was the wonderful 50th anniversary celebraion with the City of Stirling, where we were recognised for our ongoing contributions to community transformation. From our local Stirling Farmers Market to our global projects, our impact has been profound. We look forward to the continued success of our club as we continue to 'Create Hope in the World'. 

While still a current member, Charter Member Ian McDonagh (Macca) now lives in Dunsborough. He only travels to Perth occasionally and we don't get to see him as often as we would like. Therefore is was particularly pleasant to welcome him back to the club this week for the Annual General Meeting and Projects Update. Ian's good mates Vic Dennis, Klaus Nehyba and Nick Nedkoff are seen here enjoying a welcome drink with him before the commencement of formalities.

Ewan tells us that he is starting to feel sad, as the end of his exchange year is fast approaching. He recently had an amazing tour that went around the whole of Germany. It was especially good to do it with all of the other exchange students, that are in his area of Germany. The group is seen here at the historical 18th century Brandenberg Gate in Berlin. He is really excited for his last two Rotary events coming up - a weekend close to Aachen for the Christmas weekend and a ski tour to the north of Italy with Rotex.

The Rotary Club of Karrinyup is very busy, with many projects on the go. Following the 2024 AGM, Directors and team leaders gave updates on just some of the many projects and activities in each area of service. Of major significance most recently, is the completion and opening of the Lake Gwelup Storytrail, our major Golden Anniversary project. We also heard all about, Peter Durrant's October 2024 visit to the Zambia Water Project.

Following the Welcome to Country and City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin's address, Karrinyup Rotary President Phil Ledger spoke to the assembled crowd at the opening of the Lake Gwelup Story Trail. Phil stated that this new project builds on the legacy of decades of commitment to community engagement, which is deeply ingrained in our Rotary Club. The trail involves three essential narratives - Aboriginal History, European Settlement History and Ecological Significance. He urged that as we come together, we strive for a society that walks together, learns together and builds a stronger more inclusive community for generations to come. Watch a video of Phil's speech.

Disease prevention and treatment is one of the Rotary Foundation's Areas of Focus and one in which many of us would be aware of the numerous projects around the world supported by clubs and the Foundation. The world relies on Rotary to tackle these global challenges and to set an example for others to follow.

This month we examine our role in promoting improved health at home and abroad and supporting these vital programs that contribute not only to healthy communities but peaceful communities.

As advertised, the 2024 AGM was conducted on 26 November at the Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club. Members in attendance, together with proxies received, made up a quorum and the required number of votes. Past President Kay Durrant gave a verbal overview of our fiftieth year. The full 2023 - 2024 Annual Report will be circulated when complete. The Treasurer's report was presented and accepted. The auditor was re appointed for the 2024 - 2025 year. Nominations for Board positions for the 2025 - 2026 Rotary year were received and these members duly elected.

It is time to get organised and book in for for our amazing Christmas function. Again this year we have organised a wonderful evening with a difference. The 2024 Karrinyup Rotary Christmas Dinner will be a fabulous Classic Spit Roast from WA Spit Roast, with all the trimmings, to be held at the Trigg Island SLSC on Tuesday, 10 December 2024 from 6.00 pm for a 6.30 start. As always, partners, family and friends are invited to join in this festive occasion. Check out the details. Bookings are rolling in fast, so be sure to mark your diary and pop online to reserve your spot.

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.

Hilary Thraves introduced Chris Frame, maritime historian, author, lecturer and regular speaker aboard Cunard’s fleet. Chris is a frequent presenter at our meetings and has visited our club many times over the past twelve years. Chris is an expert on Cunard ships and much more can be seen on his Cunard Page. This time, Chris told us a little of Cunard's history with a focus on its one hundred years in Australia. Chris has also shared the story of his history with our club on his official website.

The Rotary Foundation is dedicated to assisting Rotary members to 'Do Good in the World'. It is something we should not only be proud of but should also be aware of what a huge impact it has. Rotary’s seven areas of focus are: preventing disease, providing clean water, supporting education, growing local communities, saving mothers and children, promoting peace and, most recently, supporting the environment. The Rotary Club of Karrinyup can be proud of the support we contribute not only with direct involvement in these projects but also with substanial financial support.

The next Rotary Means Business event will be the Christmas Breakfast held on Tuesday, 3 October, 2024. Join RMBWA for an enjoyable morning of networking, fellowship and knowledge sharing with special guest speaker Brad Ness OAM. Five-time Paralympian, former Captain, and now Paris Paralympics Head Coach of the Australian Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Cost $70. All Rotarians and their guests are welcome. 7:30 - 9.00 am at Anzac House, 28 St Georges Tce, Perth, WA 6000. Bookings at humantix.

It has been quite some time since senior member Stuart Stone has been able to attend a Rotary club meeting, so it was really wonderful to welcome him back. Members were quick to greet him and President Phil extended an especially warm welcome. Stuart's good mate Ross, seen here with him, was quick to enjoy a drink with him. It was also great to welcome Honorary Member Peter Polain. Together with Peter Durrant, Jenni Wilke and architect Alex Godfery, Peter formed part of the team that worked on the club's Golden Anniversary Project - The Lake Gwelup Story Trail.

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.

With generous support from the WA community, the goal for 'Give a Feed' in 2024 is to provide over 3,000 Festive Hampers to West Australian families in need. Hampers are packed by volunteers and distributed by Foodbank WA to ensure they reach the most vulnerable in our community.​ At 'Give a Feed' anyone can donate a Christmas hamper so a needy family can celebrate Christmas. Hampers cost $50 each (tax deductible) but are packed with more than twice that value. You can also donate a hamper on behalf of that special someone, who has everything.

For many years, Karrinyup Rotary has supported ShelterBox Australia, with a budget allocation for disaster relief annually. ShelterBox teams work with disaster-hit families, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives. This committment has earned Karrinyup Rotary a Shelterbox Bronze Champion Award for 2023-2024. These awards are accorded to Rotary clubs that have committed to making an ongoing impact in worldwide disaster response by supporting ShelterBox annually for three consecutive financial years.

When there is a fifth week in the month, Karrinyup Rotary members enjoy an informal 'Once in a Blue Moon' outing because Rotary is also about having fun. This time we tried something completely different, booking a shuffleboard for a couple of hours at The Breakwater. With drinks and snacks added it was a great atmosphere. No real skill is required and everyone took a turn for a lot of laughs and loads of fun. It could be said we are sold on the game and will definitely plan a return visit. Check out more photos on the club Facebook page.

Nick Nedkoff introduced Michael Hurley, General Manager of Infrabuild and its associated steel manufacturing and distribution companies in Western Australia. Michael has an economics and management background, which commenced in Melbourne. His presentation centred around the Infrabuild environmental steel recycling model and some of the major projects in which the company has had major input, notably constructing the eyecatching Matagarup Bridge. The company is focused on building futures through sustainable steel as well as supporting local jobs and local economies. 

Youth Director Eddy Giacomel recently received an update from Ewan, our 2024 Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange student to Germany. He tells us that his exchange year is just flying by. Highlights from this report included: enjoying the company of the new exchange students, who have recently arrived, giving a presentation in German to his Rotary club, looking forward to a nine day tour of Germany starting this week as well as to a ski trip at the end of December.

The recent detection of variant poliovirus type-2 isolates in environmental samples and the confirmation of a child contracting polio in Gaza is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere. The ongoing crisis in Gaza has contributed to reduced routine immunization rates and an increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio. Rotary has committed US$500,000 to a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund. This contribution represents Rotary's sustained support in combating polio globally.

President Phil Ledger and Treasurer Paul Callery represented Karrinyup Rotary at the 30th anniversary of Foodbank WA. We were delighted that Pat Fosbery, widow of Karrinyup Rotary charter president Graham Fosbery, was able to join us as a special guest. The Rotary Club of Karrinyup has had a long association with Foodbank WA having been involved since its inception in the early 1990’s. Charter President, Graham Fosbery, served as a Founding Director during those early years and remained a supporter throughout his life. 

Youth Service Director Eddy Giacomel introduced Tynuka Reed, a Karrinyup Rotary participant in the September 2024 Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). Our 2024-2025 Rotary Youth Exchange student Viki Herczegh, who also completed the program needed, no introduction. This program is for Year 10 students, who have leadership potential and demonstrate other positive personal attributes, who are actively involved in the community. In thanking the club, the students spoke positively about their experience saying that they had gained new skills to help them grow in confidence.