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Calling for nominations for the RC Karrinyup 2026 Michael Chin Humanitarian Award! Individuals living or undertaking volunteer humanitarian activities within the City of Stirling area may be nominated with the intent that the recipient be local to the Rotary Club of Karrinyup. Do you know an amazing person who inspires others with their dedication to humanitarian work and deserves recognition? We would love to hear from you — entries close 26 March.

Karrinyup Rotary was privileged to be nominated by the Apprentice Employment Network WA (AEN WA) and selected among seventy-four other volunteer organisations by the Department of Communities, Western Australia, to be recognised and honoured for the club’s dedicated volunteer work in building connected, inclusive global communities. A celebratory lunch was held on International Volunteer Day 2025 under the banner of Empowering Futures – International Volunteer Day.

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.

Youth Director Eddy Giacomel introduced Daniel Stayt, who attended the 2025 London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF). Currently studying Frontier Physics at UWA, he was Karrinyup Rotary's 2024 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) participant in Canberra, while in his final year at Warwick SHS. Daniel was jointly sponsored to participate in the London event through the collaboration of the Karrinyup and Scarborough Rotary Clubs. Community Director Jerry Pilcher from the Rotary Club of Scarborough is seen here with Daniel and Eddy.

Mambwe Nsanje introduced Zari Reed, a Karrinyup Rotary participant in the September 2025 Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). Our 2025-2026 Rotary Youth Exchange student, Feli Villaro, also completed the program. Mambwe had completed the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program for 18-28 year olds earlier this year and has since become a coordinator for the younger participants' program. RYPEN is for Year 10 students who have leadership potential and demonstrate other positive personal attributes and who are actively involved in the community.

The Rotary Club of Karrinyup was delighted this week to welcome 2025 - 2026 Inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student Feli from Argentina. While Feli has been in Perth for a few weeks, this was his first chance to meet most of the club members. During his exchange year, Feli will stay with several different host families to broaden his cultural experience of our country. He is attending Warwick SHS, where he has already made friends. Karrinyup Rotary has supported Rotary Youth Exchange for most of our fifty-plus years.

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.

Over the past several weeks, Karrinyup Rotary members have been preparing a welcome banner for the arrival of our 2025-2026 Inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student. A group of club members, together with his first host parents, gathered at Perth Domestic Airport for the arrival of Feli from Trenque Lauquen, Argentina via Buenas Aires, Santiago and Melbourne. Feli was delighted to be here and is looking forward to spending an amazing year with us. See Facebook photo.

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!

Congratulations to 2024-2025 recipients of Karrinyup Rotary Paul Harris Fellow recognition! Youth Director Eddy Giacomel was acknowleded with his first Paul Harris Fellow pin and framed certificate. Carolyn Prunster was recognised, for her consistent support as club secretary over the past seven years, with another sapphire to her Paul Harris Fellow pin. Newly inducted 2025-2026 Co-Presidents Mike and Peter surprised Phil Ledger with another sapphire for his Paul Harris Fellow pin. With no incoming President for the 2024-2025 year, Phil volunteered to step in and serve as club president for the fourth time during his Rotary career.

At the RC Karrinyup Changeover Evening, John Maker was named as the recipient of the prestigious Graham Fosbery President’s Award for 2024-2025 for dedicated 'Service Above Self' with consistent technological support at club meetings as well as outstanding support for the Stirling Farmers Market and manager. The award is given each year by the President to a person or group, who is considered to have contributed significantly to the success of the Club in that President’s year or progressively over time.

Congratulations to Karrinyup Rotary's President Phil Ledger, who was named in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours List and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia General Division. The citation is for service to the pharmaceutical industry and to the community. This community service includes over fifty-six years of 'Service Above Self' as a Rotarian. Phil has served as District Governor (9455, 1991-1992) and is currently serving as Club President for a fourth time - Kellerberrin (1969-1970) and Karrinyup (1987-1988, 2017-2018 & 2024-2025). A well deserved honour and wonderful promotion of Rotary!

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.

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.

President Phil Ledger 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.

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 Zambia Water Project involved scoping and drilling a bore to sufficient depth and installation of a pump and water tank.  This has now provided clean drinking water for the school of some eighty orphaned and vulnerable children under the support of Arising Life Ministries in Ndola, Zambia as well as to the community of the Kaloko area.

The Earbus has been completed and informally handed over to the Earbus Foundation. The vehicle will now go through operational trials to ensure the design is fit for purpose and any issues found during the field trials will be adjusted.  Finally, the vehicle will be transformed with an appropriate Aboriginal livery for its work in the field before the formal handover takes place in the New Year.  On behalf of the thousands of Aboriginal children, who will benefit from this asset, thank you to all our generous donors. The RC Karrinyup is honoured to have been part of this journey with you. 

Over three years ago, Professor Harvey Coates AO, Clinical Patron, Earbus Foundation of WA, envisaged a mobile 'go anywhere' clinic capable of travelling to remote areas of the northwest of Western Australia. For patients unable to travel to a town clinic, it was necessary to take the clinic to them in the battle against the exceedingly high incidence of ear disease among the population of that area. Professor Coates is thrilled that, thanks to the efforts of the RC Karrinyup, this vision has now become a reality.