Events

Help Make a Difference with Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE)!

Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) is a project under Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) dedicated to collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing surplus medical, educational, and community equipment to those in need—both in Australia and overseas. Instead of letting valuable resources go to waste, RARE gives them a second life, supporting underprivileged communities and improving lives through practical aid.

Our Northern Region RARE branch has now successfully relocated to its new premises at:
📍 63–71 MacArthur Street, Alexandra Hills

With the final stage of renovations and upgrades nearly complete, we now need Rotary hands to help set up work areas, relocate stock, and organise the space for the long-term success of this vital project.

Volunteers Urgently Needed!

We’re holding two special working mornings to complete as much outstanding work as possible:

🛠️ Saturday 25th January 2025 – 8:00 AM
🛠️ Saturday 15th February 2025 – 8:00 AM

If you're in Rotary, this is exactly the kind of hands-on service we’re here for—so roll up your sleeves and come along! And why not bring a friend or family member to lend a hand too?

Not in Rotary? No problem! If you want to make a difference, come along anyway—we’d love to have you.

📞 Contact RARE on 0400 032 134 or rare.rawcsnorthern@gmail.com to let us know you're coming.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something bigger, meet fellow volunteers, and see firsthand how Rotary turns surplus into service.

Let’s get it done together!

John Paskin – RAWCS Northern Region RARE

WELCOME & WELCOME BACK

Join Us for Rotary Club of Brisbane's Monthly Evening Social!

Looking for an enjoyable and meaningful way to unwind after work? Join the Rotary Club of Brisbane for our Monthly Evening Social Meeting, held on the Grand Deck at Friday's Riverside, with stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere.

What to Expect:

 Casual afterwork drink style gathering with pizza 😀🍕

Enjoy an evening of relaxed networking with local professionals, business leaders, and community-minded individuals. This social event offers a great opportunity to:

• Connect with like-minded people from the Brisbane area
• Learn about Rotary’s local and international service projects
• Discover how you can get involved and make a difference with a Rotary club that meets right on your (work) doorstep
• A few words of Dan Adler, 

  Dan Adler is a past President of the Rotary Club of Brisbane (2020–21) and a passionate advocate for making Rotary more engaging and accessible. A marketing and digital strategy expert, he runs Next Thursday, a creative agency helping brands connect with their audiences.

  Dan first joined Rotary to give back, but he stayed because of the community, purpose, and great conversations. He’s been a driving force in modernising the Club’s outreach and bringing in new faces.

  At our 1st Monday Social Evening, Dan will share his Rotary journey—how he got involved, why he’s still here, and how Rotary can thrive in today’s world. Come along for an insightful and casual chat!

Registration Details:

• Guests & Visitors: FREE  (includes nibbles and a drink on arrival) – we’d love to meet you! 
• Club Members: as per your preference at the bar - pay own way and we can probably shout you some pizza too

Please register in advance (if possible) so we can plan catering accordingly.

Whether you're curious about Rotary or looking for meaningful ways to contribute to the community, come along, share a drink, and explore how you can be a part of something greater.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact our friendly membership guy Phil Gresham

Dan Adler is a past President of the Rotary Club of Brisbane (2020–21) and a passionate advocate for making Rotary more engaging and accessible. A marketing and digital strategy expert, he runs Next Thursday, a creative agency helping brands connect with their audiences.

Dan first joined Rotary to give back, but he stayed because of the community, purpose, and great conversations. He’s been a driving force in modernising the Club’s outreach and bringing in new faces.

At our 1st Monday Social Evening, Dan will share his Rotary journey—how he got involved, why he’s still here, and how Rotary can thrive in today’s world. Come along for an insightful and casual chat!

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $25 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish. This meeing is followed by a Club board meeting (2:00 pm).

Angela Murphy and Winnie Chen will present a five-month plan designed to strengthen our club’s focus on Rotary causes, people, and events while creating an engaging and welcoming environment for both new and existing members.

This plan aims to:
✅ Attract & Retain New Members – Showcasing Rotary’s impact and creating a welcoming space for professionals looking to give back.
✅ Keep Current Members Engaged – Recognising contributions, fostering connections, and ensuring meetings and activities cater to everyone.
✅ Celebrate Rotary’s Work – Highlighting our causes and community projects to inspire deeper involvement.

Through strategic events, recognition initiatives, and targeted engagement, Angela and Winnie will outline how we can grow our club while strengthening our sense of community.

Don’t miss this important discussion as we shape the future of our club together!

The Rotary Club of Brisbane usually arranges to cover the cost of lunch for the guest speaker and all others attending pay for their own meal. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Help Make a Difference with Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE)!

Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) is a project under Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) dedicated to collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing surplus medical, educational, and community equipment to those in need—both in Australia and overseas. Instead of letting valuable resources go to waste, RARE gives them a second life, supporting underprivileged communities and improving lives through practical aid.

Our Northern Region RARE branch has now successfully relocated to its new premises at:
📍 63–71 MacArthur Street, Alexandra Hills

Club members Phil Saxby and Dickson Ken are facilitating reconditioned comuters to be shipped to Port Moresby area school.

Volunteers Urgently Needed!

We’re holding another special working morning to complete as much packing as possible. No experience required. Closed toe shoes are a must!

🛠️ Thursday 13th February 2025 – 8:00 AM

If you're in Rotary, this is exactly the kind of hands-on service we’re here for—so roll up your sleeves and come along! And why not bring a friend or family member to lend a hand too?

Not in Rotary? No problem! If you want to make a difference, come along anyway—we’d love to have you.

📞 Contact Northern RARE Deputy - Phil Saxby 0428 556 800 or rare.rawcsnorthern@gmail.com to let us know you're coming.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something bigger, meet fellow volunteers, and see firsthand how Rotary turns surplus into service.

Let’s get it done together!

Recognising Rotary’s Beginning. The week of the anniversary of Rotary’s founding, 23 February, is World Understanding and Peace Week. 

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $25 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

The Rotary Club of Brisbane usually arranges to cover the cost of lunch for the guest speaker and all others attending pay for their own meal. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

We will hear from Justin Maher, Program Coordinator for the Salvation Army’s Drive for Life initiative. Drive for Life is a community-driven program that helps young adults gain the skills and support needed to obtain their driver’s licence, opening up greater independence and employment opportunities. Justin will share insights into the program’s impact, the challenges young people face in accessing driver education, and how mentorship plays a vital role in their success.

This lunch is a chance to learn more about a practical initiative making a real difference while enjoying a relaxed meal and engaging conversation. Whether you're a Rotarian or simply interested in community projects, we welcome you to join us.

Justin Maher is the Program Coordinator for the Salvation Army’s Drive for Life initiative, a program dedicated to helping young adults gain the skills and confidence needed to achieve their driver’s licence and greater independence. With a strong background in mentoring and community support, Justin works closely with participants, volunteers, and supporters to ensure the program provides valuable guidance and practical experience. His role involves coordinating training, fostering partnerships, and advocating for safer, more accessible pathways to mobility for young people. Through his work, Justin is committed to helping participants drive towards a better future by equipping them with essential life skills and opportunities.

Add this to your calendar! 🗓️ VP Bruce McNaught is also speaking at this event.

Join fellow Rotarians for a Welcome Morning Tea to meet and support the new cohort of Rotary Peace Fellows at the University of Queensland. This is a great chance to connect with inspiring individuals dedicated to promoting peace and conflict resolution around the world.

💰 No cost to attend

Please register for your free ticket here.

Let’s show our support for these future leaders and make them feel part of our Rotary community! 🌏🕊️

Kindly organsied by our friends at Rotary Club of Paddington

The Rotary Club of Brisbane usually arranges to cover the cost of lunch for the guest speaker and all others attending pay for their own meal. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Join Us for Rotary Club of Brisbane's Monthly Evening Social!

Looking for an enjoyable and meaningful way to unwind after work? Join the Rotary Club of Brisbane for our Monthly Evening Social Meeting, held on the Grand Deck at Friday's Riverside, with stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere.

What to Expect:

 Casual after work style gathering with pizza, bar snacks and drink.s

Enjoy an evening of relaxed networking with local professionals, business leaders, and community-minded individuals. This social event offers a great opportunity to:

• Connect with like-minded people from the Brisbane area
• Learn about Rotary’s local and international service projects
• Discover how you can get involved and make a difference with a Rotary club that meets right on your (work) doorstep

Registration Details:

• Guests & Visitors: FREE  (includes snacks and drinks) – we’d love to meet you! 
• Club Members: you grab your own drink and the club will cover pizza

Please register in advance so we can plan catering accordingly.

Whether you're curious about Rotary or looking for meaningful ways to contribute to the community, come along, share a drink, and explore how you can be a part of something greater.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact our friendly membership guy Phil Gresham

Please contact Tim Keeler for information on this meeting.

https://qbi.rotary-qld.org/

MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO UNCERTAINCY WITH THE WEATHER, PUBLIC TRANSPORT, VENUE, INTERNET ETC

The Rotary Club of Brisbane welcomes Emily Skilbeck, Founder of REACH Siem Reap, as our guest speaker on Monday, 17 March 2025. She will be joined by Paul Roger, Past District Governor and Ian Haylor, Past President of the Dalby Rotary Club and a REACH board member.

Originally from Melbourne, Emily first visited Cambodia as a volunteer at 18, a life-changing experience that led her to return and establish REACH, a grassroots organisation dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education and family support. REACH provides free schooling, vocational training, and essential services for entire families, empowering communities and creating lasting change.

With strong support from Australian Rotary Clubs, including Greater Springfield and Dalby, REACH continues to grow, helping vulnerable families build a better future.

Join us on 17 March to hear Emily’s inspiring story and learn how Rotary can support meaningful change.

Join us for the Rotary Club of Brisbane lunch on Monday, 17 March 2025, where we’ll hear from Emily Skilbeck, Founder of REACH Siem Reap. Emily will share how her organisation is breaking the cycle of poverty in Cambodia through education and family support. She will be joined by Immediate Past District Governor Paul Roger and Ian Haylor, Past President of the Dalby Rotary Club and a REACH board member.

Don’t miss this chance to learn about a powerful initiative making a real impact. It's also St Patrick's Day! 

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $25 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

The Rotary Club of Brisbane usually arranges to cover the cost of lunch for the guest speaker and all others attending pay for their own meal. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

This is not an official Rotary Club of Brisbane event but our members are encouraged to support this important and inpactful program. 

Fundraising Dinner
Rotary Australian Districts - People of Action
You are invited to

📅 Date: 21 March 2025
📍 Location: Ru Yi Dim Sum Restaurant at Calamvale Central Shopping Centre
💰 Cost: $55 per person

👔 Dress Code: Smart Casual
⏰ Time: 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM

🍽 Chinese Banquet with Premium Wines

Event Highlights:

• A Youth Development Sail Training Program for 14 to 17-year-olds
• Lucky Door Prize
• Exclusive Wines Auction
• Magical Family Day Sail Raffle
• Limited Seats Available – Only 48 Spots!

📌 Booking Deadline: Please book and pay by March 15

Payment Details:

Rotary Club of Browns Plains Inc
BSB: 124054
ACC #: 23029966
Reference: NAME + WINDEWARD

🔹 For Direct Transfer:
Send email confirmation to brownsplainsrotaryclub@gmail.com

Join us for an insightful and thought-provoking presentation by Celia Grenning, Rotary Club of Brisbane Treasurer and Volunteer Finance Manager at Kyeema Foundation, as she shares the realities faced by LGBT+ individuals in countries where Rotary operates. With a particular focus on Papua New Guinea (where our Club has significant involvment) and the broader Asia-Pacific region, Celia will explain a bit about the impact of discriminatory laws, violence, and social stigma, as well as the role organisations like Rotary can play in fostering inclusivity and support for marginalised communities.

This is an important conversation about human rights, cultural challenges, and the power of advocacy within Rotary’s global network. Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your perspective and be part of a meaningful discussion.

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $25 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish. 

The Rotary Club of Brisbane usually arranges to cover the cost of lunch for the guest speaker and all others attending pay for their own meal. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

NOTE - our Club board meeting will commence at 1:50 pm (straight after this meeting), those not invited to attend the board meeting are encouraged to continue with fellowship on the main deck of Friday's.

​Celia Grenning is a distinguished agronomist with over three decades of experience in international development. A University of Queensland alumna, she began her career in 1983 and has since made significant contributions to agricultural and community development across the Asia-Pacific and Africa. 

In 2003, Celia co-founded the Kyeema Foundation, a Brisbane-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and prosperity of marginalised communities and their environments. She served as CEO until her retirement in 2022.

Celia Grenning’s presentation will explore the challenges faced by LGBT individuals in countries where Rotary operates, particularly in regions where same-sex relationships are criminalised. Drawing on her extensive experience working in Papua New Guinea, Celia will highlight the impact of discriminatory laws, hate crimes, and social stigma on LGBT communities. Her talk will provide valuable insights into the intersection of human rights, cultural norms, and international development, fostering a discussion on how Rotary can contribute to inclusivity and support marginalised groups worldwide.

Currently, Celia volunteers as the Finance Manager at Kyeema, where she continues to influence projects that integrate agriculture, environmental conservation, and community well-being. Her work in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is particularly noteworthy; she has been instrumental in projects that combine village chicken farming with coral reef restoration to enhance food security and promote sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities.

Celia's enduring commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment exemplifies the values of service and leadership that Rotary upholds.​

REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY 21 MARCH - https://conference25.rotary9620.org/

From the District 9620 Team: 

Join us in unraveling inspiring stories of individuals and communities whose lives have been transformed by the impactful initiatives of Rotary. Witness the extraordinary ripple effect as positive change initiated in one community spread to neighbouring communities and beyond. 

Connecting for Positive Change
Rotary’s commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each community will take centre stage at Toowoomba’s stunning Empire Theatre. Explore the magic that unfolds when individuals unite for a common purpose, fostering positive change.

Our conference speakers and sessions will reflect this alignment with Rotary’s seven areas of focus, promising an insightful and enriching experience for all attendees.

Featuring a presentation (via video) from Rotary International President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo, recommended by our District Governor-elect and club member Mark Williams.

De Camargo’s focus on Innovation, Continuity, and Partnership is particularly relevant to the direction of our club, offering insights into Rotary’s global priorities and how they connect with our own projects and growth.

This is a great opportunity to reflect on where Rotary is headed and how we can strengthen our club’s impact. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $25 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish. 

The Rotary Club of Brisbane usually arranges to cover the cost of lunch for the guest speaker and all others attending pay for their own meal. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Mário César Martins de Camargo - via video

Rotary International President-elect 2024-25
Rotary Club de Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil

Mário César Martins de Camargo is a business consultant in the printing industry and a dedicated Rotarian since 1980. Over the years, he has served as an RI Director, Trustee, and on key committees focused on membership growth, The Rotary Foundation, and global health initiatives.

As President-elect, de Camargo champions the three pillars of Innovation, Continuity, and Partnership, ensuring that Rotary evolves while staying true to its mission. He believes that Rotary’s unique global network gives us the power to drive meaningful change, both locally and internationally.

A strong advocate for service and sustainability, he emphasises the importance of strengthening clubs, embracing new ideas, and collaborating with strategic partners to expand Rotary’s reach and impact.

In this video, he shares his vision and how we, as Rotarians, can contribute to shaping a better future.

Join Us for Rotary Club of Brisbane's Monthly Evening Social!

Looking for an enjoyable and meaningful way to unwind after work? Join the Rotary Club of Brisbane for our Monthly Evening Social Meeting, held on the Grand Deck at Friday's Riverside, with stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere.

What to Expect:

 Casual gathering with pizza, snacks and drinks

Enjoy relaxed networking with local professionals, business leaders, and community-minded individuals. This social event offers a great opportunity to:

• Connect with like-minded people from the Brisbane area
• Learn about Rotary’s local and international service projects
• Discover how you can get involved and make a difference with a Rotary club that meets right on your (work) doorstep

Registration Details:

• Guests & Visitors: FREE  (includes pizza and a drink) – we’d love to meet you! 
• Club Members: the club will shout you pizza - but as usual, your beverage cost is up to you

Please register in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Whether you're curious about Rotary or looking for meaningful ways to contribute to the community, come along, share a drink, and explore how you can be a part of something greater.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Us for the D9620 Tree Planting Challenge!

When: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Sunday 13 April 2025
Where: Whites Hill Reserve

This year, District Governor Sue Mulraney has given the green light for another D9620 Tree Planting Challenge Day—and we’d love to see our club members out there making a difference!

✅ Use the volunteer tab to sign up so we can keep track of nunbers.

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Get your hands dirty for a great cause
• Contribute to Rotary’s latest focus area: Supporting the Environment
• Spend a Sunday morning outdoors with fellow Rotarians from across Brisbane
• See immediate results from your efforts as we help restore a vital green space in our city
• Kenmore Rotary Club will be providing morning tea for everyone (including the very popular jam and scones)

The Brisbane City Council’s Offsets and Restoration Team has generously provided Whites Hill Reserve as our planting site for this year. It’s a beautiful spot, and together we can make it even better.

Plus, this isn’t just a one-off event—DGE Mark Williams and DGN Ian Hope are already committed to continuing this tradition in their years. So, let’s show up strong and set the tone for future tree planting days!

Bring your gloves, your enthusiasm, and a friend! It’s a great way to connect with nature, our community, and each other.

April is MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH MONTH

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

More information to follow.

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

Immediately preceeds the usual Rotary Club of Brisbane Monday lunchtime club meeting.

https://qbi.rotary-qld.org/

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

April is MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH MONTH

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

ROTARY CLUB OF BRISBANE IS 102 YEARS OLD

There will be cake. Possibly party games. We certainly will celebrate so please join us for this special milestone.

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

Join Us for Rotary Club of Brisbane's Monthly Evening Social!

Looking for an enjoyable and meaningful way to unwind after work? Join the Rotary Club of Brisbane for our Monthly Evening Social Meeting, held on the Grand Deck at Friday's Riverside, with stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere.

What to Expect:

 Casual cocktail-style gathering with canapés and drinks

Enjoy an evening of relaxed networking with local professionals, business leaders, and community-minded individuals. This social event offers a great opportunity to:

• Connect with like-minded people from the Brisbane area
• Learn about Rotary’s local and international service projects
• Discover how you can get involved and make a difference with a Rotary club that meets right on your (work) doorstep

Registration Details:

• Guests & Visitors: FREE  (includes canapés and drinks) – we’d love to meet you! 
• Club Members: $25 per person (includes canapés and drinks)

Please register in advance so we can plan catering accordingly.

Whether you're curious about Rotary or looking for meaningful ways to contribute to the community, come along, share a drink, and explore how you can be a part of something greater.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact our friendly membership guy Phil Gresham

June is Rotary Fellowship month.

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

June is Rotary Fellowship month.

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

June is Rotary Fellowship month.

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.

June is Rotary Fellowship month.

Members, visitors and invitees of the Rotary Club of Brisbane are invited to arrive at the venue (Friday's Riverside) from 12:15pm, order what you like from the $20 meal + drink lunch menu  - and sit down for the meeting start at 12:45 pm. We aim for a 1:45 pm finish.