Community News

RC Karrinyup's major 40th anniversay project, the Earbus, was designed to work in the Kimberley region of our state. The purpose built vehicle was completed and handed over to the Earbus Foundation in April of 2017 and has been hard at work in the Goldfields and other areas ever since. The State Government has now committed funds to expand the Earrbus program to the Kimberley with the official launch set to take place on 18th May in Kununurra. Our Earbus has finally 'come home' to work in the land for which it was intended.

Members of RC Karrinyup turned out in force for the handover and launch of WA’s first community-funded mobile ear clinic at the Stirling Farmers’ Market. The completed Earbus is the realization of a dream for Professor Harvey Coates AO, Clinical Patron, Earbus Foundation of WA, who three years ago envisaged a mobile 'go anywhere' clinic, capable of travelling to remote areas of the northwest of Western Australia. Thanks to the passionate 'fund, design and build' campaign of the RC Karrinyup, this dream has now become a reality. 

Street Chaplains are non-denominational volunteers, who are ‘Good Samaritans,’ providing crisis care unconditionally to any in need on the streets of our city. They offer compassion and practical help to all, who need and want it, especially the most vulnerable. They had a necessity for a portable defibrillator, which would enable them to administer CPR, when they were required to deal with such emergencies and approached local MP Tony Krsticevic MLA requesting assistance. Tony contacted RC Karrinyup, who, as 'People of Action', made it happen and recently made the presentation.

Jeff Crookes from the Karrinyup Community Men’s Shed (KCMS), seen here with Ross and Peter, gave us an update on the Shed. This RC Karrinyup's major Community Service project was planned some seven years ago. It has now become a reality and has been flourishing for two years. The RC Karrinyup has provided considerable funding for the establishment of the Shed, which is now self-sufficient on an operational basis and no longer in need of support from RC Karrinyup. This project has been achieved because of Rotary and is an excellent example of Rotary making a difference to people’s lives.

Karrinyup Rotary members were proud to attend the renaming ceremony for RDA Carine - Dandjoo Koorliny. The Dandjoo Koorliny Walking Together Social Impact Project is designed and led by Aboriginal leaders to help us all walk together towards the future. 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. The facility, which opened in 2019, is now beautifully decorated by local indigenous artists.

At the recent Club Changeover Dinner the prestigious Graham Fosbery President’s Award for 2014-2015 was presented to Heather Leaney for her outstanding dedication and excellent support in Club Service. The award is given each year to the person or group who, in the opinion of the President, makes an outstanding contribution to the club. President Carolyn called upon Pat Fosbery to present the award.

During November the Rotary Club of Karrinyup showcases Rotary's six areas of focus for promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies. At this time we make a significant contribution from the funds raised at the Stirling Farmers' Market to the Rotary Foundation.

RC Karrinyup has recently funded a new Oxy Viva unit for the Trigg Island Surf Lifesaving Club, building on previous donations for rescue vehicles and equipment over the years and furthering the relationship between the two clubs.

Congratulations to Rotary Club of Karrinyup Paul Harris Fellow recipients for 2015: Kay Durrant, Peter Polain (sapphire pin), Ray Richards (second sapphire pin) and Barry Tibbitts (sapphire pin). Kay's award was presented previously, as she was going away while President Carolyn presented the others at the recent Changeover Dinner as is the tradition in the club. 

RC Karrinyup's major 40th anniversary project - the Earbus, was designed to work in the Kimberley region of WA. The purpose built vehicle was completed and handed over to the Earbus Foundation in April of 2017 and worked at first in other regions. The State Government committed $2.7 million over three years to enable the Earbus program to operate in the East Kimberley, the area for which it was intended, from May 2018. Earbus CEO Paul Higginbotham recently brought us up to date with the work of the Earbus since then.

The RC Karrinyup's major Community Service project, the Karrinyup Community Men's Shed, was planned some seven years ago. It has now become a reality and has been flourishing at 6 Jedda Road, Balcatta for two years. The RC Karrinyup has provided considerable funding for the establishment of the Shed, which is now self-sufficient on an operational basis and no longer in need of support from RC Karrinyup. This project has been achieved because of Rotary and is an excellent example of Rotary making a difference to people’s lives.

At the recent RC Karrinyup Gala Evening, the prestigious Graham Fosbery President’s Award for 2020-2021 was presented to Klaus Nehyba for his significant dedication and commitment, not only as Treasurer but also, in organising and ensuring the smooth running of our many social functions. 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 a period of time. After reading the citation, Presidnet Richard called on Pat Fosbery to present the award.

As part of our service to our local community, Rotary Club of Karrinyup (District 9455) recently partnered with the City of Stirling and the WA Mental Health Commission to provide a fabulous course designed to make our community more 'Suicide Safe'. The interactive ASIST workshop ran over two days at the end of September and was a huge success. Participants spoke very highly of the training they received and were most grateful to the Rotary Club of Karrinyup for providing this valuable opportunity. 

RC Karrinyup is pleased to announce the 2018 recipient of the Dr Michael Chin Humanitarian Award is Elizabeth (Beppie) de Kuyer, a dedicated volunteer at 'Wheelchairs for Kids', the signature project of RC Scarborough. The Award, created in 2000 in honour of charter member Michael Chin, honours outstanding individuals, who serve the community for their humanitarian and volunteer activities. Beppie was honoured to receive the Award, presented by President Robyn and Michael's son Anthony Chin, at the recent RC Karrinyup birthday dinner. 

Caught by surprise at the recent Changeover event, outgoing President Peter Durrant was unusually speechless, when named by District Governor Dee Buckland as the District 9455 2021-2022 Rotarian of the Year. Peter is well known for his diverse contributions to both club and District service. DG Dee mentioned among other items: current and past president of RC Karrinyup (2013-2014 and 2021-2022), District Governance Director 2021-2022, District Representative Transition Governance Focus Team and Founder and Chair WA Rotary Relief.

Congratulations to Rotary Club of Karrinyup recipients of Paul Harris Fellow sapphire pins for 2020 - 2021. Kay Durrant was honoured for her significant contribution in the role of Vocational Service Director. Nick Nedkoff was recognised for the hours he puts in for our club in his many quiet background roles, of which many members are not even aware. Peter Durrant was acknowledged for his ongoing dedication and commitment to the Zambia Water Project. President Richard read out the citations for each one.

President Heather called President Elect Trish to the podium, inducted her as the forty-third President of the Rotary Club of Karrinyup and handed over the chain of office.  President Trish thanked the club for the honour entrusted to her and introduced the Board of Directors for 2016-2017.

At the recent 2021 Changeover event, President Richard called on President Elect Peter Durrant, inducted him as President of RC Karrinyup and handed over the responsibility of the leadership of the Club. President Peter thanked the club for the honour entrusted to him, mentioned that he would continue Richard’s focus on Diversity, Inclusion and the Environment. We would also strive to increase our ability to adapt, attract new membership while retaining current membership and increase our impact. He said we can be justifiably proud of all we have accomplished as we strive towards our 50th anniversary, which will be a milestone to be savoured. 

Rotary Club of Karrinyup members were proud to attend the opening of a fantastic new undercover arena at RDA Carine. Led by our resident builder Ross and one of our many engineers Stuart, the club was integral in providing the leadership, advice, consultancy and technical expertise to convert RDA's need into a proposal that could be submitted for both approval and funding. Enter the City of Stirling, Lotterywest and AE Hoskins Building Services and the dream has now became a reality. Watch a video of the opening ceremony here.

At the recent Changeover meeting, President Robyn called on President Elect Richard, inducted him as President of RC Karrinyup and handed over the chain of office. President Richard thanked the club for the honour entrusted to him, mentioned the theme chosen by the new RI President Mark Maloney - Rotary Connects the World and announced his impact areas for the Rotary year as Diversity, Inclusion and the Environment. He then introduced the Board of Directors of the club for 2019-2020.

The week from 4th - 10th September was designated as National Stroke Week. Thousands of Stroke Week activities took place in communities across the country including information stalls and health checks. Rotary supports this initiative in spreading the word and, as part of our service to the local Community, the RC Karrinyup hosted an information stall and free blood pressure checks at the Stirling Farmers Market. Club members also volunteered at information booths at Joondalup Health Campus and Bunnings Whitfords.

RC Karrinyup has once again supported the Trigg Island Surf Lifesaving Club in the dedicated and amazing work they do in the local community down at Trigg Beach. Our club has enjoyed a long-standing and close relationship with the surf club and has recently funded the purchase of a large beach shelter., thus building on previous donations for rescue vehicles and equipment, such as an Oxy Viva unit, over the years and furthering the relationship between the two clubs.

At the RC Karrinyup Changeover dinner last week, Rotary District 9455 Governor Jerry surprised member Peter with the prestigious Rotary International Vocational Service Leadership Award. Peter was nominated by RC Karrinyup Vocational Service Director Nick.

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. 

Karrinyup Rotary congratulates our esteemed member and Past President Peter Polain, who has been named in the Australia Day honours with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the Community in a variety of roles. Peter led the Community Service Committee through numerous major projects including the Karrinyup Community Men's Shed. He took on a pivotal role in founding the Stirling Farmers Market, acted as manager for nine years and is still involved in the Management Committee.