Stories

The meeting began with a review of various club activities and updates from members. The group discussed the Rotary Club of Brisbane's strategic direction, including their focus on action and delivery, financial responsibilities, and membership challenges. The conversation ended with discussions about fund raising strategies, event planning, and organisational planning, including the presentation of the club's budget and the development of a succession plan.

uded casual chat about accommodation arrangements for Geoff and general updates from members.

The meeting began with introductions and welcoming visiting Rotarians from Germany, followed by discussions about membership status and committee reports. The club reviewed various projects and initiatives, including recycling efforts, coffee quality, and a container donation to Port Moresby, while also addressing concerns about meeting visibility and public relations. The main focus was on the annual Kids' Picnic project, which has been a long-standing community event for special needs children, along with announcements about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

We had an epic party! Check out the photos HERE. Let's make a point of celebrating the club birthday every year and inviting our alumni.

Since 1947, the Rotary Club of South Brisbane has been running this remarkable community event. This long-standing initiative offers a day out for children and carers facing significant life challenges, providing fun, friendship, and a sense of community.

This October, the Rotary Club of Brisbane will be stepping in to support this event as volunteers—part of our commitment to community service and to standing alongside our fellow clubs in shared purpose. It’s also a chance to reconnect with a club we’re historically tied to—South Brisbane Rotary was originally chartered by our club.

To give us a full picture of this legacy and the logistics of the picnic, John Paskin from South Brisbane Rotary will join us as guest speaker on Monday 28 July. His visit will offer insight into how this tradition has evolved, what it takes to run it, and how we can be part of it.

For newer members especially, this is a great opportunity to:

• See how other Rotary clubs are making an impact

• Learn about inter-club collaboration and shared projects

• Get involved in hands-on community service

Let’s show our support and get behind a fellow club continuing a decades-old Rotary tradition.

Today, Wednesday 21 May, is the final day to pre-purchase tickets so the venue can confirm catering. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this milestone celebration. This is our regular Monday night meeting this coming MONDAY 26 MAY - but with cake! 

We invite current and past members, along with family, friends, and colleagues, and all our recent visitors to join us for a relaxed three-course seated dinner, complete with party bags and a few fun surprises. Children are welcome - $15 kids menu and there will of course be an activity corner for them.

As it happens, our celebration also falls on New Member Induction Day, a fitting time to welcome the newest Rotarians into our club and honour the future as we celebrate the past.

And that’s not all—we’ll also feature a special presentation from BestFriends Travel and Club Med, the major sponsors of our upcoming Kyeema Raffle fundraising initiative, officially launching on the day. Thank you to Lisboa Café for the door prize!

Let’s raise a glass to 102 years of service, fellowship, and community impact.

It’s been a vibrant and inspiring season at the Rotary Club of Brisbane, thanks in no small part to the enthusiasm and initiative of our newest members. We’re proud to share that several of our newest Rotarians have hit the ground running—demonstrating service, learning, and leadership in action.

Here’s a round of applause for those who have already achieved the following milestones in their Rotary journey:

• ✅ Completed the New Member Basics course via the Rotary Learning Centre

• ✅ Applied for a New Member Grant to attend conferences and events

• ✅ Attended their first, second, and third club meetings as full members

• ✅ Participated in the District Conference, embracing the wider Rotary family

• ✅ Proudly took part in their official induction on the fourth Sunday of the month

• ✅ Stepped up to chair a club meeting — a true test of confidence and leadership

• ✅ Served as a greeter at club meetings, warmly welcoming members and guests

• ✅ Volunteered at both a District event (such as tree planting) and a Special Club event (like our Club Birthday)

👏 These contributions exemplify the Rotary spirit and set a powerful example for others. If you're a new member still working through your checklist, we encourage you to take inspiration from your peers and tick off the next goal!

📣 A gentle reminder: Inductions take place every fourth Sunday—a perfect time to invite family and friends to witness the Rotary spirit in action.

Let’s continue to support and uplift our new members as they embrace service above self. 💙💛

Overview
Monday’s evening meeting marked a defining moment in the Rotary Club of Brisbane’s journey toward its next chapter. Members came together to reflect, reimagine, and begin to redesign the future direction of the club. With thoughtful facilitation and shared insight, the session set the tone for a strategic and purpose-driven year ahead. CLICK HERE for the slides.

Vision & Strategy
Incoming President Dan Adler led the session with a clear call to action: it’s time to redefine how we present ourselves, what we stand for, and how we deliver value. Using the “D4” strategic framework—Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver—Dan outlined a pathway from exploration to execution. The strategy focuses not just on what we do, but why we do it.

Key elements included:

• Brand Clarity: “A logo is not a brand; the brand is the why.” The club will focus on articulating a meaningful proposition that resonates with new and current members alike.

• Differentiation: Rotary Brisbane’s history and legacy are unique strengths. The challenge ahead is positioning the club as a modern, innovative leader while retaining its historical depth.

• Member Value: A standout initiative is a Mini MBA-style project management course for all members, designed to boost confidence, skills, and project leadership capacity.

• Audience Mapping: The strategy work is actively identifying primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences—from engaged members and alumni, to lapsed Rotarians and prospective partners.

Highlights of Discussion

• Meeting Format: Members discussed the transition from lunch to evening meetings. While generally welcomed, it reinforced the need for clear communication—one member turned up at lunch by mistake.

• Humanitarian Focus: Dan touched on the club’s role in global and local humanitarian networks and the need to integrate community resilience into our service work.

• Casual Conversations: The relaxed setting encouraged lively exchanges—from travel tales to tech glitches—as the meeting room settled in.

• Next Phase Planning: The group reviewed key pillars that will guide the next 12 months: relevance, flexibility, visibility, and member engagement.

Next Steps

• Dan to prepare a detailed strategic presentation for the 1 July Changeover

• Angela to include a workshop summary in the next club bulletin (you're reading it and she got AI to do it)

• Matt to coordinate rollout of the Mini MBA

• Marketing team to initiate branding refresh: agile, modern, and heritage-based

• Membership committee to re-engage past members and define outreach plans

• Club to explore forming satellite groups to pursue niche projects or interests

• Volunteers encouraged to contribute to the club website and bulletin—training available

Closing Note
Rotary Brisbane is entering a season of purposeful renewal. Through reflection and action, we are building a club that honours its legacy while leading with vision. Every member, every skill, and every idea is part of that story.

Dear Members, Alumni, and Friends of Rotary,

It’s a pleasure to write you as we reflect on a vibrant few weeks for our club.

From our recent tree planting event to our full calendar of upcoming gatherings, I’ve seen our values of service, friendship, and growth in action. The tree planting wasn’t just about the environment—it was about laughter, teamwork, and building community. It was also a fitting tribute to Rotary’s Environment Month. Thank you DG Sue Mulraney and the team.

Over the school holidays, I was fortunate to visit Sydney with my family to enjoy a show on the harbour—magnificent in every way and a reminder of what a special country we live in.

Anzac Day Reflections

This week we pause to honour ANZAC Day—adeeply significant day across Australia and New Zealand. It holds personal meaning for me: my father (left), Valdemar Antonio Correia da Silva fought in Angola for Portugal, and my great-grandfather Lieutenant General Sir Edward Puttick, was an officer who served with the NZ Military during the First and Second World Wars. The first New Zealand-born soldier to reach the rank of lieutenant general, he was Chief of the General Staff of the New Zealand Military Forces from 1941 to 1945.

We also honour our own members who have served, and thank them for their sacrifice and example. I reflect on the effects of war on families, nations and individuals and I trust that those around the world currently suffering because they cannot not live in peace are also in your thoughts.

We’re beginning what we hope will be an annual tradition—laying wreaths on behalf of the club. If you’d like to join VP Bruce McNaught or I at ANZAC day commemorations tomorrow, please check the calendar for details.

Looking Ahead

• Saturday, 24 May – VOLUNTEER for a hands-on fundraising event.

• Monday 26 May - Club’s 102nd Birthday & Alumni Evening – (ticketed and limited).

• Thursday, 12 June – Celebrate Keith Watts at a special testimonial dinner at the Gabba—lit up just for us! (Ticketed and limited).

• And don’t miss the Changeover High Tea for Mark Williams as he steps into his new role as District 9620 Governor—a momentous and well-deserved milestone.

Warm Welcome to New Members

We’ve had a fantastic month of growth—please join me in welcoming:

Marijka Zwolenski-Frantzen (Kyeema)
Peter Palapa (sponsor: Dickson Ken)
Matthew Christopher (sponsor: Dan Adler)
Monika Christopher (sponsor: Dan Adler)
Libby Kilby (sponsor: Angela Murphy)

Your enthusiastic embrace of our new members is what makes our club special—thank you. From experience I know they will be well welcomed. I'm looking forward to discovering what their special interests and talents are!

Club Changes & Thanks

This week is our final meeting at FRIDAY’S Riverside as we trial evening meetings at The Normanby Hotel (just up the road on the edge of Spring Hill / Roma Street Parklands) with free on-site parking! Change isn’t always easy—as PE Dan Adler recently said in his podcast with Matt Christopher—but it’s necessary for growth. I commend your flexibility and positivity as we test what works best for our club.

A special thanks to Monika Christopher for stepping forward to get familiar with the secretary ropes—and a heartfelt acknowledgement of VP Bruce McNaught, who handles that demanding role on top of his already significant Rotary commitments. Bruce, you’re a trooper, and we appreciate you.

Thank you all for your continued support, your energy, and the heart you bring to every meeting and project. We are growing, evolving, and doing it together.

With gratitude and in service,
Angela Murphy
President, Rotary Club of Brisbane
2024–2025

District 9620 is pleased to announce that registrations are now open for the 2025 Interact Conference—a vibrant, youth-focused event designed to inspire and connect the next generation of Rotary leaders.

Hear For You is a non-profit organisation that supports deaf and hard of hearing teenagers through mentoring workshops led by adults with lived experience. This year, they’re running a Teen Film Festival in collaboration with the Australian Acting Academy, where participants will write, produce, and screen their own short films.

They are currently seeking donated prizes or cash contributions to recognise standout achievements—such as Best Film, Best Script, and awards to support further creative study.

If you or your business are able to support this initiative, please get in touch. It’s a great opportunity to encourage young creatives and support an inclusive, empowering project.

Our friends at the Rotary Club of Nundah are holding a Walk for Mental Health, with all money raised going to support research into children's mental health through Australian Rotary Health.

They’re looking for a few volunteers to help with marshalling (guiding walkers and keeping things safe) on the day. It’s a great way to support a good cause—and there’s a free BBQ at the end as a thank you!

This is a great chance to help out a fellow Kinross Cluster club and make a difference in our community.

If you or anyone you know can help, contact Terry Ryan from Nundah Rotary at 0488 698 983 or by email.

The new cycle is based on:

As it happens, the fourth Monday of the month is New Member Induction Day—a time to welcome our newest Rotarians and recognise their commitment to service. Family, friends, and colleagues are all welcome to come along and share this occasion - and what better way to do that than on our birthday.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Photo: Bruce McNaught, NEW MEMBER Monika Christopher, APPLIED FOR MEMBERSHIP Kerstin B, Angela Murphy and visitor Rita A

Hello lovelies

Last week’s social meeting was an absolute vibe! Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a fun, relaxed, and connected evening. It was a sure sign of the positive momentum we’re building together—more of that energy, please!

And how incredible it is to see Past President Dan Adler stepping up as President Elect—now that is dedication! Every incoming president brings fresh energy and perspective, which breathes new life into our shared mission. That enthusiasm complements beautifully the steady, behind-the-scenes work of those who quietly keep the wheels turning week in, week out.(you know who you are and I see you). It’s this blend of vision and consistency that makes our club strong, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

This coming Monday, 14 April, we’re doing things a little differently. Instead of our regular speaker format, we’ll be holding a Working Committee Lunch. The room will be set with smaller tables to encourage group collaboration. Each group will focus on different club priorities, giving everyone a chance to contribute, plan, and make progress. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.

Committee Chairs, please come prepared—bring any materials you’ll need and make sure your members are across the latest developments before the day. All members are encouraged to visit ClubRunner > Organisation > Committees ahead of the meeting to check current listings and background info. You can also use that space to email your committee directly.

Don’t forget to bring your laptops—this will be a hands-on working session!

Photo: Maria Efthymiopolous, HE'S BACK - returning member Matt Christopher, Miles Murphy

In other updates:

• If you have not already please sign up to volunteer at the tree planting day on Sunday 13 April—it’s a great cause and a perfect example of service in action. I’ll see you there (even though I’ll miss the Monday meeting). Volunteering definitely counts as Rotary!

• There will be no meeting on Easter Monday (21 April)

• ANZAC Day (Friday 25 April) is fast approaching. Bruce McNaught and I will be laying wreaths at the early and very early services. If you’d like to join either of us in honouring this important day, please get in touch—we’d be happy to have you with us.

• We’re trialling all evening meetings from Monday 12 May (the first Monday in May is a public holiday so no meeting). And we will also be in a new venue. Keep sharing feedback as we explore what works best for our club’s future. This will be a 45 minute meeting, also available via Zoom, and those who wish to can stick around for a meal in the venue straight afterwards - short and sweet! 

Lastly, to those of you who haven’t been able to attend meetings, gatherings and events recently—you are missed. We understand that life brings all sorts of challenges and commitments, but you’re always a valued part of our Rotary family.

Angela Murphy
President 2024–25
Rotary Club of Brisbane

When President Angela had to pull out last minute, the club stepped in and kept things running smoothly. Ten people came to the lunchtime meeting, including guests we've been trying to connect with for ages - Madonna and John—both said they’d like to come again. Also attending were Matt Christopher, visiting Rotarian Chuck from RC e-Club Wash, Bruce McNaught, Michael Stephens, Peterson Wei, Phil Gresham, Keith Watts, and more!

Thanks to Peterson this video: the RI President-Elect’s address to the RI Governors Assembly, was well received and sparked good conversation about what Rotary does and what our club contributes.

Vice President Bruce McNaught said it was a rewarding conversation about the work Rotary does, especially in our own club. The flexibility of the meeting—and how those present contributed—was a good reminder of what Rotary is all about.

Keith Watts shared an update from our sister club, the Rotary Club of Kobe East. Matt Christopher kindly looked after our guests and made sure they felt welcome. Thanks to Bruce, Keith, and Matt for helping make the meeting a success.

Next Meeting – Monday 7 April, 5:30 PM
We already have lots of visitors booked in—come along and help us make it a good one. Register or Decline and more info here.

Featuring a (video) presentation 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.

From Idea to Impact
What began as a modest collaboration has now grown to involve 26 Rotary clubs across 20 Queensland communities. Through this network, Rotary raised and delivered its first $100,000 cheque to QBI last year—an effort led by our club and presented by President Angela alongside Tim. It marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to support ground-breaking research into the brain and its diseases.

Why the Brain? Why Now?
Tim asked a question many in the room were thinking: “Why study the brain?” His answer was simple

Those who attended the conference had the rare opportunity to hear from Trichur Narayan “Raju” Subramanian, Rotary International Director (2023–25) and a senior counsel in India’s High Court and Supreme Court.

Raju was a standout presence—not just for his distinguished résumé, but for how approachable, friendly, and generous he was with his time. He connected easily with attendees, sharing insights from his decades of service in Rotary and the law.

His speech was a highlight. He spoke passionately about The Rotary Foundation, not in abstract terms, but through powerful stories of impact—from children receiving free heart surgery through global grants, to students in Rotary-supported schools who went on to become engineers, architects, and accountants. His message was clear: Rotary, when done well, transforms lives.

Photo: Raju & Sue

Professor Sebastian Kaempf opened the session by highlighting the Rotary Peace Fellowship as a platform for professional transformation during a time of global "polycrisis"—interconnected challenges like climate change, war, and displacement. He praised the program’s grassroots impact, noting Rotary’s annual funding of 50 fellows and the vital support from local Rotarians in Brisbane and beyond. (Watch the whole segment here)

He then introduced Erica, a fellow from the Philippines.

Erica titled her talk Her Story, reclaiming her narrative shaped by childhood violence, poverty, and resilience. After working through education on scholarships, including Rotary’s Keystone program, she entered humanitarian work in disaster zones. At 17, she was elected to public office but later left due to corruption, refocusing on peacebuilding and emergency response, especially with displaced Indigenous communities.

Thanks to member Winnie Chen for sharing this thoughtful article from 9News: "Kindness Will Make You Happier Than a Higher Salary, Report Shows."

The article draws on findings from the World Happiness Report and highlights that simple acts of kindness—helping a stranger, donating, or volunteering—can increase personal happiness even more than earning a higher income.

This message strikes a chord with us as Rotarians. Service above self is at the heart of what we do, and this report reaffirms that giving back is not only good for others—it’s good for us too. Whether it’s mentoring youth, running fundraisers, or offering time and skills, our work truly brings meaning and wellbeing.

And there’s more—sharing a meal with others, something we often do at our meetings, has also been shown to strengthen connection and boost wellbeing. It's another simple act that brings people closer and builds community.

Take a moment to read it here: Read the article

Let it be a reminder of the joy and purpose that comes from serving our community—something we all get to be part of, every day.

Photo: clearly we love a natter over a meal! Here's some of the gang in Singapore in 2024

Hello lovelies,

It’s been an extraordinary few weeks for the Rotary Club of Brisbane. The Monthly Evening Social on 3 March at Friday’s Riverside was another great night—huge thanks to the Friday’s staff, who always make us feel welcome. Miss S Murphy bravely presented her EarlyAct proposal for Petrie Terrace State School. She was a little shy, but the team loved her idea and the effort made. We also welcomed Kelly Bartle from Port Moresby Rotary and Peter Pelapa, introduced by Dickson Ken. We’ll soon be sharing a story about Kelly Bartle’s insights into her club’s work in PNG and plans for collaboration.

At last week’s Club Lunch Meeting on 17 March, we heard from Emily Skilbeck, founder of REACH Siem Reap, and Sokun Song, REACH’s family assistance manager. It was Sokun’s first time speaking publicly, and she did a fantastic job sharing very openly and movingly about her life in Cambodia. Emily and Sokun were joined by Immediate Past District Governor Paul Roger and the always fabulous Sue Roger (in St Patrick's Day green), along with Ian Haylor, past president of Dalby Rotary and a REACH board member. REACH is doing incredible work breaking the cycle of poverty through education and family support. You can read more about their work at reachsiemreap.org. We’ll also be sharing more on how we can support REACH in the coming weeks—if anyone in the club fancies cycling, their Ride to REACH fundraiser might be calling your name: reachsiemreap.org/ride-to-reach. 

Some great news—we have a stack of member applications to process at our upcoming board meeting. This is a huge positive step for the club.

I also want to acknowledge our members who haven’t been able to make it to meetings recently—we miss you and hope to see you soon. 

This Monday’s meeting is set to be a good one. Our own member Celia Grenning is speaking, we’ve got guests registered who are interested in Rotary membership, Rotarians visiting from abroad and visitors from Briz Pride Rotary Club. If you’re coming along, the club needs some help with set-up and running the meeting. Please let me know if you can lend a hand.

Finally, thank you all. It’s been a wild ride lately, but the Rotary Club of Brisbane is in great shape, and that’s because of our amazing members. See you Monday.

 Angela Murphy

Rotary Club of Brisbane President 2024-25

The Rotary Club of Brisbane is proud to announce the successful approval of a District Grant for the Teacher in a Box (TiB) program, bringing transformative educational opportunities to schools in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This funding will enable the purchase and distribution of nine TiB units, a significant step toward improving digital learning access in remote areas.

A special acknowledgment goes to Phil Saxby for his efforts in securing this funding. His commitment to this initiative, alongside RCoB member Dickson Ken, has ensured that students across PNG will benefit from educational resources previously out of reach. Phil also generously topped up the funding, allowing for the purchase of additional TiB units. 

As Phil noted in his message to club members:

"I note with some delight that the RCoB District Grant application last year for TiB to be purchased and distributed into PNG schools through the expertise of RCoB member Dickson Ken has been successful in this round. Please support RCoB member Dickson Ken in his tireless endeavours to improve educational standards throughout PNG. Through RARE, Dickson has now shipped many containers of educational equipment throughout PNG, not just into his own Province. These TiB units will open exceptional educational opportunities previously not dreamt about in PNG."

Is Rotary truly inclusive? District 9620 is taking a big step forward by introducing the Kids & Carers Room at the conference! A huge credit to the District 9620 Conference Committee for recognising this need and making it happen. This space gives parents and carers a quiet place to feed a baby, take a break with little ones, or enjoy some activities—all while staying connected to the conference through a live audio-visual feed from the stage so they don’t miss a thing.

It may not be packed this year, but "if you build it, they will come." Rotary isn’t always easy for families, but with initiatives like this, it can be in the future.

⬅️ We need your help! Our club can support this great initiative by volunteering for a few hours to help host the room. It’s a simple but powerful way to serve our community and make Rotary more accessible. If you can lend a hand, let us know! Tap the Online Rego.

Did you know?

Our club offers Family Memberships, making it easier and more affordable for spouses, partners, and adult children at home to join Rotary.

Similar to corporate memberships, a Family Membership allows a primary member to add one or more alternate members who can either attend in their place or come along to meetings and events. The second person gets 50% off membership fees.

We also offer a monthly payment option, making Rotary more accessible for those who prefer to spread out their dues.

Have you ever thought to ask your spouse to join? Now is a great time. Tap here to refer them to the club 

The event will commence at 10:30am (registration from 10:00am) - lunch is complimentary - and concludes at 5:00pm. All guests are invited to stay for drinks & finger food 5:00pm - 6:00pm with cash bar to informally network with the Fellows and guests.

The Rotary Club of Brisbane is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Kevin Egu. Kevin was a passionate and dedicated coral gardener, committed to restoring Papua New Guinea’s reefs and protecting marine ecosystems. His work inspired those around him, and his legacy will live on in the communities and reefs he cared for so deeply.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

https://kyeemafoundation.org/kevinchampion/

Dear Members,

I’d like to start by acknowledging some of our members who are unwell or unable to attend meetings at the moment. We miss you, and you are in our thoughts. As always, we name and acknowledge our absent friends in meetings, and it’s clear that everyone in the club deeply cares. We look forward to welcoming you back when you’re able. 

A special mention to our Vice President, Bruce McNaught, who is heading off for a well-earned break, travelling around New Zealand with his wife, Cherryl. We wish them both a fantastic and relaxing time.

Club Goals Discussion

At our meeting on Monday, 24 February, we reviewed our club goals and achievements for the year. 

• Leadership Development – At least three of our newer members are already engaging in Rotary Action Groups, helping to build future leaders within our club.

This discussion will continue in future meetings, but I encourage all members to check out myrotary.org to track our club’s goals and see how we’re progressing.

We were thrilled to have 512 people from 84* countries attend our Mega-Meeting co-hosted with Arthur Kanegis and Melanie Bennett of FutureWAVE,  who host The People-Powered Planet Podcast.  Arthur welcomed Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick and the Peacebuilders at the Carter School who are educating future generations in the Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding tools that Jimmy Carter championed. 
Watch the Replay at Mega-Meeting.com

After being approached by a corporate entity expressing general interest in supporting a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Grant project, we invite clubs to submit expressions of interest for potential projects in need of funding.

Projects need to meet the CSR Grant requirements including:

• Alignment with a Rotary area of focus
• Beneficiaries must be in some sort of distress or poverty
• Project must relieve the distress of the beneficiaries (not just advocacy or education)
• Minimum project cost US$20,000 (approx. A$32,000)
• Project must be in Australia

• Helping domestic violence sufferers
• Providing mental health services (not self-help)
• Laptops for vulnerable school kids
• Targeted education programs for disadvantaged communities
• Creating employment opportunities (training, apprenticeships) for indigenous youth
• Disaster recovery/ Disaster response
• Medical equipment for disadvantaged communities

DATE: Friday 7 March at 11.00 am AEDT. 

Click Here Register !  https://forms.gle/TBxBwTrAZtEEhJH49

or Scan the QR Code to Register and Attend
Be part of the global conversations, connect, build your network and share friendships with  hundreds of Rotarians Leaders, Peace builders , Districts, Clubs and friends of Rotary who are joining  from over 50 countries around the world.

She is passionate about women's human rights, peace, and security; she served as a professor in transitional justice and has worked with UN Women in Colombia on projects related to peacebuilding, transitional justice, reintegration, and youth engagement in peace.

Our friends at the Rotary Club of Paddington have kindly invited us to attend the Welcome Morning Tea for the new cohort of Rotary Peace Fellows at the University of Queensland. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet these inspiring individuals, learn about their work in peace and conflict resolution, and show our club’s support for initiatives that promote global understanding and cooperation.

Event Details:
📍 The Terrace Room, Sir Llew Edwards Building (Building 14), UQ St Lucia
📅 Thursday, 20 February 2025
🕤 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
💰 No cost to attend

Please register directly here: https://rotary.centre.uq.edu.au

A big thank you to the Rotary Club of Paddington for organising this event and for their continued support of the Peace Fellows program. Let’s show our appreciation by attending and giving the new cohort a warm welcome!

We’d like to highlight the contributions of Professor Alastair Blanshard, a member of the Rotary Club of Brisbane, who has been actively supporting our club’s initiatives. Alastair holds the Paul Eliadis Chair of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Queensland’s School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry. His academic work focuses on the social and cultural history of ancient Greece, particularly in relation to gender, sexuality, and classical traditions.

Beyond his academic achievements, Alastair has made a significant impact by organising students from UQ to assist with packing containers at Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE). These efforts have been vital in facilitating the shipment of essential medical, educational, and community supplies to regions in need.

A big thank you to Alastair for encouraging his students to get involved. It’s inspiring to see people, whether Rotarians or not, stepping up to support these projects. This kind of collaboration is key to making Rotary’s work possible and impactful.

It’s also worth noting that Paul Eliadis, whose name is associated with Alastair’s academic chair, is a member of our club as well. Their contributions, both in their professional fields and through Rotary, reflect the diverse talents and dedication within our membership.

Thank you, Alastair, for your continued support and for bringing new hands to help with our shared mission of service!

Our first social evening meeting at Friday's Riverside went exactly as we'd hoped! Members who can’t usually make it to our lunch meetings were able to attend, bringing along family members and even a few local office workers curious about what Rotary is all about—which is exactly why we planned it this way.

We shared pizza, enjoyed relaxed conversations, and even had a few impromptu mini committee meetings. It was a fantastic mix of socialising and club business in a more casual setting.

As we begin 2025, it’s a great time to plan ahead for the United Nations International Day of Peace in September. With our Peace Pole installed at Petrie Terrace State School, now is the perfect opportunity to connect with the school and organise a ceremony around the Peace Pole to mark this important day. Clubs that have held similar ceremonies report excellent feedback from students and staff, creating meaningful connections within the community.

The latest Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) newsletter for January–February 2025 is out, detailing the incredible work being done to support communities across the Pacific and beyond.

Highlights include:

The D9620 District Conference is hosting a photo competition to highlight Rotary in Action across the district. They’re looking for action shots—photos of members actively engaged in projects, fundraisers, or community service activities. These should capture people in motion, working on Rotary-related tasks, rather than static group poses.

If you’ve snapped some great moments while volunteering, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase our club’s work. Consider submitting photos from:

• Eddie’s Van, capturing the team in action during summer service.
• RARE (Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment) 

For seven weeks over summer, Denise Schellbach led another successful season with Eddie's Van, providing warm meals and support to those in need. A heartfelt thank you goes out to her loyal team of volunteers—always up early, punctual, capable, helpful, and smiling. It’s truly a pleasure to work alongside such dedicated individuals!

Remarkably, not a single morning was spoiled by rain this season—a rare blessing for this time of year, making the work that much smoother.

Denise always needs volunteers, so keep an eye out for her call towards the end of the year. It’s a rewarding way to give back and connect with the community.

With best wishes from Denise:
"Look forward to seeing you next time at Eddie’s Van."

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As we move further into the year, I’d like to take a moment to highlight some important updates and opportunities within our club.

Please take a moment to read through this week’s bulletin thoroughly, as it includes several key updates and requests for volunteers. There are also opportunities to engage with other clubs, strengthening the connections that make Rotary such a dynamic and impactful organisation.

Key Highlights:

• Volunteer Opportunities & Events: Check the events list for upcoming activities, including ways to get involved with both local service projects and regional initiatives. These are great chances to meet members from other clubs while making a tangible impact.

• Celebrating Our Members' Work: We continue to be inspired by the incredible work being done by our members. From local community service to international projects, this bulletin features several stories worth reading.

• Testimonial Dinners: Planning is underway for Dr Keith Watts' testimonial dinner, and we’re also awaiting a date from Denise Schellbach for her event, once she can take some time from her busy schedule.

• New Members – Don’t Miss Out! If you’re new to the club, make sure to check out information on the District Conference and other upcoming events. There are grants available to help with costs, so read on to find out how to apply.

• The GIST Newsletter: Keep an eye on your inbox for the GIST newsletter. It’s full of updates, stories, and opportunities for you to stay connected with the wider Rotary community.

Rotary Youth Exchange – Host Families Needed

We are excited to share an opportunity to support the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. We are currently looking for members willing to host Venezuelan exchange students. Our very own Juan Renato Laporta is eager to help facilitate this initiative, and we’ve also received a request from Johnatan Teran, a Rotary Caracas member and Action Plan Champion for District 4370, who is hoping to find a welcoming host family here.

If you are interested in opening your home and heart to an exchange student, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

District 9620 Conference – Toowoomba, 28-30 March 2025

A quick reminder about the upcoming D9620 District Conference at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. While I’ll be sharing the official letter separately, I want to remind everyone that our club will be hosting the Kids & Carers Room at the conference. This is a wonderful way for us to support families attending the event, and we’ll be looking for volunteers to help out once the registration link goes live.

As we reflect on the first half of the Rotary year, I want to thank you all for your dedication and support. Our meetings are not just about discussions—they’re about action. Whether it’s through volunteering, connecting with other clubs, or supporting initiatives like the Youth Exchange, every contribution makes a difference.

Let’s continue to build on this momentum and make the rest of the Rotary year as impactful as possible.

Kind regards,
Angela Murphy
President, Rotary Club of Brisbane

For those who missed or valued the recent Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) courses in our district, the Learning Centre offers a wealth of leadership training. These courses are designed by Rotary International to empower members with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead effectively within the club and beyond.

The Rotary Learning Centre is an invaluable resource for all Rotarians—whether you're new to the club or a long-standing member. Accessible online through Rotary International's Learning Centre, this platform offers a wide range of courses tailored to enhance your Rotary experience, develop leadership skills, and deepen your understanding of Rotary’s global impact. 

Why Should You Engage with the Learning Centre?

1. For New Members:
   The Learning Centre is an excellent introduction to Rotary's structure, values, and opportunities. It helps new members quickly acclimate to the organisation, understand how clubs operate, and discover ways to get involved in meaningful service.

2. For Long-Term Members:
   Rotary is constantly evolving, with new initiatives, leadership strategies, and global projects being introduced. Even seasoned members will find value in the latest courses, keeping them up-to-date with Rotary’s direction and offering fresh perspectives on service and leadership.

Mark Williams, a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Brisbane and 9620 District Governor Elect, is currently attending the 2025 Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, Florida. This prestigious event brings together Rotary leaders from around the world to prepare for the upcoming Rotary year, share ideas, and strengthen connections across districts.

From 2025-2026, Rotary International will no longer launch an annual presidential theme. This decision, made by the RI Board of Directors in October 2023, is part of a move to simplify and standardise Rotary’s branding and communication.

Presidential themes were originally meant for internal use to inspire members, but many clubs and districts began using them publicly, leading to inconsistent messaging. With themes changing every year—and some clubs preferring older ones—this created confusion about Rotary’s focus and identity. Simplifying Rotary branding is always a good idea, and this change will help present a clearer, unified message to the public.

And while we’re at it, maybe we Rotarians can break the habit of using acronyms for everything too—because let’s be honest, that’s just as confusing!

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Happy New Year! I’ve missed the Club and all of you over the break, and I can’t wait to catch up in person this coming Monday, 3 February, for a WELCOME AND WELCOME BACK casual social meeting at 5:30 PM at Friday’s Riverside. It’ll be a great way to ease into the year, reconnect, and welcome potential new members. Click the meetings listed below for more details and to register or send apologies, and scroll down to see who’s speaking at upcoming events.

🫵 Members have been allocated meetings to chair and other responsibilities, scroll down (down down down all the way to the bottom of the bulletin) to Commitments to see what yours are - if you can't - please find someone who can.

Even though it may have seemed like a quiet break, Rotary never really stops—so I want to take a moment to acknowledge all the members and friends of Rotary who have been working and volunteering over the summer break on various projects, tasks, and initiatives. So much of what we do happens behind the scenes, and it only works because of your dedication and efforts—thank you! 

A special shoutout to Denise Schellbach for her ongoing work with Eddie’s Van, and to all those who helped out at RARE last Saturday—your commitment to service truly embodies the Rotary spirit. These volunteer efforts (and more) will be featured in the next bulletin, so stay tuned!

📌 Upcoming Board Meeting – 10 February
The first Board Meeting of the year will be held on Monday, 10 February, after our lunch meeting. If you’d like to submit a motion, please click the meeting link for more details. Your input is always valued!

As we step into the second half of my term as President, I am committed to focusing on Rotary causes, people, and events—ensuring we not only attract new members but also create an environment where they stay engaged. At the same time, I want to recognise and support our existing members by ensuring our meetings and activities are meaningful and rewarding. Most importantly, we have some fantastic projects to complete, and I’m looking forward to seeing them through with all of you.

On a personal note, I had a wonderful time in New Zealand over Christmas and New Year, catching up with family and friends. Right now, Miles and I are deep in work on a commercial project, so I truly appreciate the support of our incredible Club members while I focus on that for the next couple of weeks.

I look forward to seeing many of you on Monday 3 February at 5:30 pm —let’s start the year off with great conversations, laughter, and a shared vision for the months ahead!

Rotary Regards
Angela Murphy
2024/25 President, Rotary Club of Brisbane

People of Action know that achieving any vision, big or small, requires a plan.

Rotary International pioneered a model of service leadership more than a century ago based on person-to-person connections. That model is just as powerful today as ever. Except now, those individual connections span the globe. Today's Rotary doesn't just reach out to act on communities' needs close to home; we transcend borders, generations, languages, cultures, and historic differences to create hope for a better world.

When we imagined where Rotary is going in the next 100 years, we developed a plan built on four priorities: increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant engagement, and increasing our ability to adapt.

Watch the video, read more and learn about the Action Plan Toolkit for Clubs here

Dear reader

It's been an action packed week, I want to acknowledge the dedication and energy that make our projects and initiatives thrive. Whether through leadership transitions, successful fundraising, or community-focused programs, the Rotary Club of Brisbane continues to make meaningful contributions. Here are the key highlights:

Leadership and Club Structure

Our ongoing leadership transition remains a priority. We’ve established a Nominating Committee, chaired by Keith Watts, to identify a President for 2025–26. We also formalised Keith’s appointment as Club Historian, recognising his outstanding work in preserving our legacy. Additionally, a mid-year update request was made for members overseeing international and local projects to ensure transparency and progress reporting.

Fundraising Success

The 50/50 Charity Raffle on Melbourne Cup Day was a tremendous success, raising approximately $36,000. Our club’s share is $4,000 —thank you to the volunteers who made it happen! We are also exploring additional opportunities to participate in 50/50 raffles with the Rotary Club of Hamilton. The upcoming Kyeema Raffle promises to be another impactful initiative, with further details to be shared ASAP.

Youth Empowerment and Community Impact

We are proud to sponsor a student for the Rotary Youth Transitional Seminar (RYTS), an impactful leadership program for high school students. The Teacher in a Box project, led by Dickson Ken, is in the process of being adopted as a formal club initiative, providing offline educational resources to underserved communities in Papua New Guinea. The board also approved the formation of a Rotary Youth Exchange Program Committee to facilitate cultural and educational exchanges, lead by Juan Laporta.

Engaging Initiatives

A dedicated Kids & Carers Room will debut at the 2025 District Conference, ensuring inclusivity for parents attending with young children. Thank you to District Governor Sue Mulraney for her support in making this happen. The initiative sets a precedent for future conferences, demonstrating our commitment to fostering inclusivity within Rotary.

Decisions Made

Key motions passed during the board meeting include:

• Kinross Scottish Ceilidh (Fair) Participation: Our club will join as part of the Kinross Cluster management committee and explore a fundraising stall, potentially selling haggis and tatties.
• Guest Speaker Recognition: VIP visitors and speakers will now receive a copy of our club history book, a token of our appreciation for their contributions.
• International Service Agreements: Agreements with inactive clubs will be reviewed and potentially retired.
• Autism Global Project: Member update in minutes to follow.
• Social Media and Marketing: Five marketing students under the guidance of Winnie Chen are assisting with social media efforts, aligning with a proposed campaign to attract younger members from the Brisbane CBD.
• Governance: Deadlines for board meeting documentation have been adjusted to streamline preparation and decision-making processes.

Acknowledgments

A special thanks to Keith Watts for his tireless contributions to International Service, overseeing vital projects and fostering meaningful partnerships. His work ensures our club’s global outreach continues to grow. Thanks are also due to all members who have supported fundraising, youth initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

Looking Ahead

Mark your calendars for these important dates:

• Monday, 2 December: QBI Breakthrough Project Update RSVP
• Monday, 9 December: AGM and our last meeting of the year RSVP + Christmas celebration drinks afterwards on the big terrace at Friday's
• Monday, 20 January 2025: First meeting of the new year RSVP
• 28–31 March 2025: District 9620 Conference in Toowoomba REGISTRATION

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club of Brisbane. Together, we are making a difference in our community and beyond. Let’s continue this momentum into the festive season and the new year ahead.

Angela Murphy
Chuffed to be 2024-25 President of the Rotary Club of Brisbane

As a Research Fellow in Neuroeconomics, Dr Dragan Rangelov investigates human sensory perception, decision-making and memory. His work explores how the brain processes and stores information that leads us to make decisions in all aspects of life. He does this by using techniques designed to measure and record brain activity, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging and by identifying patterns of neural activity associated with external sensory stimuli.

In this conversation, Dragan delves into various intriguing topics, including:

• The brain systems responsible for decision-making

• How neuroeconomics explores economic decision making

• Game theory and how it provides a platform for neuroeconomic studies

• Why we choose to purchase one thing over another

• The idea behind establishing a neuroeconomics research profile at UQ (Learn more about Rotary Queensland's QBI Breakthrough Project here).

Rotary Club of Brisbane Meeting Highlights – 18 November 2024
Celebrating New Beginnings and Insightful Conversations

🤝 Club Meeting Photo Album

The meeting, chaired by Area Governor and Vice President Bruce McNaught, was packed with inspiration, fellowship, and forward-looking initiatives. Here's the scoop:

The Induction of New Member Henry Pawa
A highlight of the day was the induction of our newest member, Henry Pawa, introduced by Dickson Ken.

Henry brings a wealth of experience as a political advisor to Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister and extensive academic achievements, including a Master's in Economics and International Trade. His dedication to governance and youth missions makes him an exceptional addition to our club.

In his first engagement, Henry will play a key role in presenting a 40-foot container of RARE medical and educational equipment in PNG next week—a testament to the impact of Rotary partnerships.

Welcome and Toasts
President Angela Murphy opened the meeting with a warm welcome to members, guests, and visiting Rotarian Luis Filardi Carneiro. Bruce led a heartfelt toast to King, Country, and Rotary International.

Speakers - Luis Filardi Carneiro (BSI Group & Rotary Club of Cleveland, Brisbane), Mechelle Nickelson (Club Med)

Visiting Rotarians - Luis Filardi Carneiro 

Visitor - Mike Speter

Speakers of the Day

1. Michelle Nickelson (Club Med)
   Michelle shared the fascinating origins of Club Med and its mission of joy and community. She also revealed the Club Med Raffle Prize - in partnership with Best Friends Travel :

   • A five-night stay for two at an Asian resort (Bali, Phuket, or Bintan) valued at $5,000+.
   • Proceeds will support the Kyeema Foundation.

2. Luis Filardi Carneiro (BSI Group) - pictured right with Angela Murphy
   More on him later in the bulletin

Mark Your Calendars

• Monday, 2 December: Important QBI update.
• Monday, 9 December: AGM and last meeting for 2024.
• Monday, 20 January: First meeting of 2025.
• 28–31 March 2025: District 9620 Conference (Toowoomba).

Thank you to everyone who made the meeting such a success. We look forward to seeing you next week for another round of Rotary inspiration!

The Rotary Foundation is the best steward for your money. Here’s why.

Rotary Club of Brisbane Meeting Highlights – 11 November 2024
Women and the Rotary Club of Brisbane

🤝 Club Meeting Photo Album

Our meeting kicked off with a warm welcome from President Angela Murphy, setting the stage for a vibrant afternoon. Vice President Bruce McNaught led us in a heartfelt reflection for Remembrance Day, followed by Chair Phil Gresham raising a toast to King, Country, and Rotary International.

The highlight of the day? The exceptional Dr Dorothy Watts AM (pictured left with her husband Dr Keith Watts), who captivated us with her groundbreaking research on the role of women in the Rotary Club of Brisbane. A rare and fascinating topic, her talk was both enlightening and inspiring—a true treat for all attendees! It's posted verbatim below.

We were honoured by the presence of special guests who joined us specifically for Dr Watts' presentation.
Visiting Rotarians:
Kim Brown, Michelle Davis, President David Frost (Paddington), President Ebony McNaugton, and Quinn Venz (Paddington Rotaract).

Visitors:
Lily Reichardt, Pauline Beames, and Caroline Gresham.

Though many sent their apologies, including Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, their spirit was felt in the room as we embraced fellowship and shared insights.

Thank you to all who attended for making this meeting a memorable one. Stay tuned for next week’s updates, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for upcoming events!

Exciting news for the Rotary Club of Brisbane! We’ve officially offered to host testimonial dinners for two of our much-loved members, Keith Watts and Denise Schellbach, in 2025. These events will be a wonderful opportunity to honour their incredible contributions to the club and the wider community.

SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER

As we approach the festive season, Miles, Silva, and I would love to invite our club members and their family to join us for a casual but Christmassy Christmas dinner at our home.

Click Online Registration MEMBERS - to RSVP

Can you bring some Christmas crackers or a sweet treat please? Click Online Registration BRING A CONTRIBUTION - if you'd like to help out and so we don't end up with 19 packets of scorched almonds (not that Miles would mind). There will be a special present under the tree for anyone who brings prawns!!! 🍤🍤🍤

🍾 BYO drinks

🎁 Please bring along a wrapped gift valued at around $20 for the present game (this year, to keep things interesting no bottles of wine please).

The Rotary Club of Brisbane was recognised with a sincere message of appreciation from John Leddy, President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton, for their role in the Melbourne Cup Day 50/50 raffle. This collaborative effort, driven by members of the Rotary Club of Hamilton, alongside the Rotary Club of Brisbane, the Rotary Club of Nundah, and a team of Paddington Rotaractors, proved to be a significant success. Photos of the day including Bruce's crazy lunch!

Rotary District 9620 extended its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the Rotary Club of Brisbane for their significant contribution to the End Polio Campaign. Gail Wallace, the District 9620 Rotary Foundation Secretary from the Rotary Club of Capalaba, acknowledged the club's generous donation of US$1,000 as part of the District 9620 End Polio Club Challenge.

We were honoured that Roslyn Teirney came in person to deliver an engaging invitation to all members of the Rotary Club of Brisbane, announcing that Coolangatta will be the host venue for the 2025 Rotary Pacific Zone Conference. The event is scheduled to take place from 31st October to 2nd November 2025.Roslyn encouraged all Rotarians and Rotaractors to attend, emphasising that everyone is welcome.

Speakers - Mac Millar (Kicks for Kids Foundation), Nick Sale (Morgans)

Visiting Rotarians - Roslyn Teirney (Grants Chair, Rotary International District 9830, Zone 8 Rotary Pacific 2025 Conference committee member), Ralph Teirney (Rotary Club of North Hobart), John Owens (Rotary Club of Thurso, Scotland), Sheena & Fraser MacGillivray (Rotary Scotland North 1010)

Visitors - Chantel Duffy, Sacha Millar, Bridget Hellawell, Mitchell Smith (all Kicks for Kids), Sasha Millar

🏆 See a rolling album our meeting photos here, including our Monday 4 November Evening Social Night Meeting - Trivia at The Regatta Hotel with Team Rad, there was 10 of us and we came 4th! 

• September 2024

  Dear Club President:

  On behalf of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, please accept this special 2023-24 banner recognition as an expression of our sincere appreciation for your members' generous support of the Annual Fund. Your club is distinguished from more than 36,000 Rotary clubs worldwide as being one or more of the following:

• One of only 1,520 clubs to achieve Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving honors in their district (only clubs with a minimum US$50 Annual Fund per capita contribution were eligible).

• One of only 3,800 clubs worldwide to attain status as an Every Rotarian, Every Year Club (clubs must have achieved a minimum Annual Fund contribution of US$100 per capita with every dues-paying member contributing US$25 or more to the Annual Fund during the Rotary year).

• One of only 4,600 clubs worldwide to become a 100% Foundation Giving Club (clubs must have achieved an average of US$100 in per capita giving and 100 percent participation, with every dues-paying member contributing at least US$25 to any gift designation during the Rotary year).

Kyeema Foundation: Empowering Papua New Guinea through Sustainable Practices

Celia Grenning and Ali Ume spoke highlighting The Kyeema Foundation's work in Papua New Guinea focuses on addressing food security, income generation, and environmental restoration by leveraging local resources and sustainable methods. Through programs like village chicken farming, coral gardening, and mangrove replanting, Kyeema aims to tackle the pressing challenges faced by rural communities, many of whom have been impacted by climate change, environmental degradation, and social issues. Their initiatives, which began in collaboration with Rotary in 2018, are designed to enrich the livelihoods of these communities by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term self-sufficiency.

Click here to see a presentation of this talk and hit Read More for a summery 👇

Nigel Harris then took the floor to discuss the broader ambitions of the project and Rotary's role in raising $5 million to establish a Perpetual Chair of Neuroscience. He began by posing several fundamental questions to the audience—WHY this project is important, WHY it will matter to people, WHY people will donate, and HOW Rotary can achieve such a significant fundraising target.

All motions were agreed to:

1. Membership Approvals:

   • Approved the membership application from Melanie Liu and Henry Pawako and directed the secretary to proceed with the right of approach.

2. Casual Vacancy:

   • Appointed Bruce McNaught as secretary for 2024-25 to fill the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Peter Saxby from the board.

3. Teacher in a Box Contribution:

   • Proposal to fund one or two Teacher in a Box units at $350 each. Noted that Dickson Ken is purchasing one unit to take to PNG in mid-September, and it would be impactful for the club to match this contribution.

4. Donation to Russell Island State School:

   • Approved a donation of $275 to Russell Island State School to cover bus costs for underprivileged students to attend Tennis Queensland’s “Schools Future Fit” Program at the Pat Rafter Arena on 10th September.

5. Support for Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative:

   • Approved a remittance of $300 to the Rotary Club of Beenleigh to assist with the purchase of Zone Domestic Violence initiative T-Shirts for PNG Clubs.

Queensland Breakthrough Project - To mark Rotary Queensland's Centenary, we're teaming with Rotary Clubs across the state to raise funds for a perpetual chair and research in Neuroscience at the University of Queensland Brain Institute (PDG Tim Keeler)***Major announcement pending***

RARE aka Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment  - A volunteer-based recycling facility collecting and redistributing medical and educational goods. We often need hands to help pack containers of medical equipment and school supplies to send to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands etc (IPP Phil Saxby, Dickson Ken). 

Denver Fresser, CEO of HELP Enterprises, presented a report to the Rotary Club of Brisbane, highlighting the significant role the club played in HELP’s early success. In the 1960s, the Rotary Club of Brisbane was instrumental in initiating support for inclusive workshops for people with disabilities. Through the efforts of John Russell and Wallace Bishop, the club raised AU$500,000—equivalent to $7,353,260.87 in today’s terms. This substantial funding was crucial in establishing HELP’s permanent base at Eagle Farm, where the organisation continues to operate.

Maria's Greek parents immigrated to Albury, Australia and we are very fortunate that Maria moved from Melbourne to Brisbane and decided to join us at Rotary Club of Brisbane. Maria has also lived in Mexico and loved Mexico's vibrancy and the happy culture of the people she met there. 

Maria is a highly experienced Brisbane based Casting Director with over 20 years of experience under her belt. She was co-founder of 2 leading Melbourne casting agencies:  2 Divas and Chameleon Casting.

In addition to her casting work, Maria is the director and founder of Brave Studios, a highly respected acting school known for its exceptional training programs. Her passion for nurturing talent and bringing out the best in actors has earned her a solid reputation in the entertainment community.

Maria’s network extends from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and beyond, giving access to top-notch studios, cutting-edge casting tools, and a pool of incredibly talented actors along the east coast of Australia.

She is a strong advocate for equal representation and diversity in the Australian film and creative industries and is passionate about  creating a safe and nurturing environment where she can get the best out of actors in every audition.

Robyn Hilton and Allison Scifleet may never have become firm friends had it not been for their involvement in fundraising for dementia research. Both women understand what it is like to care for a loved one with dementia. With more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia and no cure (yet), Robyn and Allison are determined to raise awareness in the community and vital funds for research. All while having as much fun as possible!  

In this delightful conversation, Robyn and Allison share:  

• What inspired one woman’s annual tribute to her late husband 
• The serendipitous moment that led the other to QBI 
• The challenges of caring for someone with dementia 
• How bringing dementia out of the shadows helps families 
• How they tackle fundraising fatigue and the flow-on effect of doing good

Listen to the podcast via this link 

Teagan Hood, a Peace Fellow sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brisbane, has safely arrived in Sweden to begin her studies. Teagan expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the club’s support, which contributed to making this opportunity possible. She is currently exploring the local sights before classes begin and is meeting with her Rotary Host family, who will help her connect with the local Rotary groups.

Teagan's journey highlights the impact of Rotary's global programs, and we are proud to support her as she embarks on this exciting new chapter. Stay tuned for more updates from Teagan as she continues her studies abroad.

On Tuesday, August 13th, the Kinross Cluster of Rotary District 9620 came together for a special evening of fellowship and recognition, replacing our usual Monday lunchtime meeting. The event, hosted by Hamilton Rotary Qld and attended by members from Brisbane Airport, Brisbane High-Rise, and the Rotary Club of Brisbane, saw around 70 Rotarians gather for an informative and enjoyable night.

District Governor Sue Mulraney

District Governor Sue Mulraney was keen to learn about the club's recent activities, and the evening provided a perfect opportunity for members to share updates and celebrate achievements. The delicious food added to the warm atmosphere, despite the rainy weather outside.

A highlight of the evening was the induction of Maria Efthymiopoulos into the Rotary Club of Brisbane, marking the beginning of her Rotary journey.

District Governor Sue Mulraney, Maria Efthymiopoulos, Angela Murphy

The night also saw the presentation of Rotary Lifetime Achievement Awards to two distinguished Rotarians. Past President Dan Adler had the honor of presenting these prestigious awards to Graeme Whitmore, a four-time president of the club and long-time board member, and Cherryl McNaught, a past president of the Albany Creek club, both recognized for their significant contributions to Rotary.

Past District Governor Wendy Protheroe was among the distinguished guests, and the event was chaired by Terry Rogers. The venue provided a cozy setting for this memorable evening, which strengthened bonds and celebrated the spirit of Rotary.

Progress Update from Kavieng, Papua New Guinea: Local Leadership in Action

The recent training session in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, held in July 2024, marks a significant step forward in Kyeema's locally-led program. Under the guidance of Kyeema’s PNG Program Manager, Ali Ume, the initiative is now being fully implemented by local leaders, showcasing the community's commitment to sustainable development.

One of the highlights of the visit was the construction of a second Master Farmer chicken house, built entirely with local resources in anticipation of the training. This achievement reflects the community's proactive approach and readiness to embrace new agricultural practices.

This program, entirely funded by Rotary to date, owes its progress to the support of the Rotary Club of Brisbane and the Rotary Club of Moorestown. Their contributions have been vital in empowering local communities to build sustainable livelihoods.

The Rotary Club of Brisbane has been a proud supporter of the  Kyeema Foundation, a Brisbane-based not-for-profit organisation since November 2018. The project we are supporting involves the breeding and conservation of indigenous village chickens in Papua New Guinea (PNG). RCOB initially supported set-up of a village chicken farm for Haus Pikinini in Wau, Morobe Province, which is a community home that looks after 30 children from the local community who have no-one to provide for them. We supported the set-up of the chicken shed and yard, purchase of local chickens for breeding and training in village chicken keeping. Kyeema are still providing support to Haus Pikinini with the management of their chickens.

In April 2020, RCOB provided a donation of A$3,980 to support setting up of another village chicken farmer in Gabagaba village. Kopure Airi (Kopsi) was trained as a Master Farmer in Fiji in October 2019. Since then, he has returned to his village in Gabagaba, Central Province and with funds provided by RCOB, has been set up as a Master Farmer of village chickens for his community. The picture below shows the chicken house built and stocked using Rotary funds as part of this project.

The RCOB support is part of a larger project being supported with funds from the Australian Government’s NGO Cooperation Program, which means that every dollar provided by RCOB has been matched by an additional five dollars from the Australian government.

This project also includes support of community-led no fish zones and coral reef gardening activities. One of the nutrition problems faced by coastal communities is that of reef degradation, reducing available protein sources. The solution for the reef is a rebuilding and re-seeding process, but this takes time and requires that the reef become a no-fish zone for an extended period of time. Without a replacement source of protein, this would potentially result in malnutrition. This is where village chickens come into play. They provide an alternative food source and livelihood activity while the reef is being mended.

And just like that …. It’s done. The Centenary Gala was a wonderful evening that simply could not have happened without the help, effort and support of the many people, businesses and organisations who decided to lean in and make it a night to remember.

From the pink velvet ropes to the stunning venue, glittering guests and dancing till midnight it was a magical night and fitting way to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australasia. The Rotary Club of Brisbane would like to thank those who attended, those who made financial and auction contributions, those who bid on the auctions, those who braved the stage to inform, encourage and inspire the audience, Galabid, W Brisbane and their team, Richard O’Leary from Event Photography and who could forget the spectacular Ben Trigger?

Together we raised about $15,000 for Jelly Beans via Open Doors which enables them to continue their critical work supporting vulnerable young people in the Brisbane area. We also raised over $17,500 for PolioPlus which, matched with a 2 for 1 contribution from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a 50% match from the RI Foundation World Fund, will supply as many as 175,000 doses of polio vaccine to children who would otherwise be susceptible to this debilitating disease. The auction of a Painting by PNG artist Serge Ahwong from the Hebouhebou (join together and talk) series raised $600 for the Kyeema Foundation which conducts chicken breeding and reef restoration projects to promote better nutrition in PNG.

Click here for the Centenary Gala photos.

This new service will offer a wide spectrum of programs including inpatient admissions and an outpatient clinic focussing on supporting babies and families to have the best start in life.

In recognition of the Club’s gift, the Mater will establish the Rotary Club of Brisbane – Best Start Grant to provide professional development for staff who will work in the service to further their knowledge base and expertise in infant and perinatal mental health.

The project involving renovations to an existing heritage building and a new build for inpatient admissions will commence in January, 2021.

27 Rotarians were at DIK last Saturday 23^rd June.