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Introducing President Phil Byrne

Thank you all for allowing me the honour of being your President this year. I take the reins with a certain degree of trepidation.

First, we are marching quickly towards the Centenary of the formation of our club. The club was chartered by Rotary International on the 16^th June 1928 and it is important that the Rotary family in the region comes together to celebrate this anniversary.

Secondly, I am concerned that I am the first President in the history of our club who has served a second term. It is as it is, but we need to plan now for the future. We have a great club and our fellow members are very capable people. This is borne out in the projects that the club sponsors: Ruby’s Place is a shining example of meeting an important community need, saving vulnerable young people. Also, it is addressing an important and difficult problem. That we have taken on such a difficult issue and achieved such success is testament to the talent and dedication of the members of our Rotary Club. There are other examples of high-quality projects. You know them, reflect on them and feel proud.

So, while we move forward this year, look up, be positive and support the club by attending as many meetings as you can, being engaged in club projects and enjoying your membership.

The Rotary Club of Canberra has achieved a lot in the last 100 or so years and we are still making a big difference in the community. Feel proud of that and work with us all to start the next century on a high.

Phil Byrne

President 2025-2026

Canberra BuyCycle - October 2025

Our Club's annual service and fundraising event, Canberra BuyCycle will be held in October at the fitters Workshop, Kingston. As we get a little closer to the time, we will let you know the details but for those involved previously, it involves all our club members in a variety of ways. We need to advertise the event, collect bicycles, organise the bits and pieces and then be on deck for the actual weekend event. It is all good fun, provides a good service to the community and raises some funds for our club.

All types of bikes can be listed for sale on the Canberra BuyCycle website in advance of the event - road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, cargo bikes, tandems - you name it, you can list it. Bikes must be less than 15 years old and in good working condition. A $5 fee is charged to list a bike and the Club will take 15% of sale proceeds to use for local community projects. this could include the Ruby's House for Vulnerable Youth project, local school support to encourage STEM interest and the Rotary International Student Exchange Program.

Rotary Club of Canberra to Commence Tours of Weston Park Heritage Update

Embark on a fascinating walk through the English Garden at Weston Park Yarralumla on a historical and environmental tour provided to the public for the first time.

The Rotary Club of Canberra, Camellia Ark Australia and the Friends of Weston Park Nursery Heritage, invite you to discover the legacy of Thomas Charles George Weston (1866-1935) and the stories behind the remnant heritage trees and shrubs on the site, some over a century old.

The tour has been designed by Rotary District Environmental Leader Dr Stephen Utick, a Visiting Curator of Theaceae at the Greater Sydney Botanic Gardens, and one of the world’s foremost experts on camellias.

When: Sunday 20 October, Saturday 9 November, Sunday 10 November 2024. Tours start at 3.00pm on each of these days.

Where: Gather at the English Garden sign in the car park of the Yarralumla Heritage Nursery and Oaks Brasserie, Robert Bowden Grove, Weston Park Yarralumla.

Cost: $5 per person, $10 per family, pensioners and under 18 free, with proceeds towards park improvement. Bookings essential through 0421972287 or su.env.envoy@gmail.com and select your tour.

Enquiries from schools welcome.

The Forester Memorial

Charles Weston

the English Garden in Spring

Circus Quirkus 2024 - That's a Wrap!

Thanks again to our amazing supporters across the ACT (and slightly beyond the border) who sponsored tickets for Circus Quirkus this year.

Some of you are annual supporters and for others, this may be your first time helping us bring joy and fun to those less advantaged in the region. Once again, over two days and four big shows, the audience was delighted with the onstage antics, creativity and skill of the CQ Troupe.

We know the Troupe gets as much fun out of performing than the audience and we thank you for coming back again for another year.

Young and old, everyone enjoyed the shows, including our many Rotary Club of Canberra volunteers (some seen seen in the images here taking a short rest after their busy meet, greet and seat tasks) for their time and warm welcomes to all.

President Ash, Hugh and Lawrence

President Ash, Lawrence and PP Chris

Thanks also the team at the Queanbeyan Bicentennial Hall, for their tireless support as well!

Welcome Katharina

Jonas has only recently landed back in Germany and this week we have welcomed the first of this years inbound Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student for the District, Katharina.

Katharina is from District 1841 in Germany and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kempten in the State of Bavaria.

Katharina is staying with Counsellor Helen and Michael whilst she gets organised for her school term then she will move to her first host parents home - with Natalie and Jeff.

Club members Natalie and Jeff (first host parents), Helen (Katharina's Counsellor) and Michael were at the airport to welcome Katharina on her arrival on 11 July.

We look forward to welcoming Katharina to our Club, to Canberra, the District and Australia!

Club Changeover

On Monday 24th June, President Shawn Wilson handed over the role of President to incoming President Ash Marshall.

President Shawn summarised his year and presented a number of awards to Club members (see separate story).

2023-24 Paul Harris Fellows

The highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow is the Paul Harris Fellow. It is presented to a Rotarian or a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to Rotary International. The Paul Harris Fellow Program was established by Rotary International in 1957 to show appreciation and recognise individuals who contribute, or have contributions made in their name, of $US1,000 to the Rotary Foundation.

The Paul Harris recipient goes above and beyond in serving our community through promoting change and understanding.

In recognition above and beyond contributions to our Club in the last 12 months, outgoing President Shawn bestowed a number of Paul Harris Fellow (PHE) awards at the Changeover dinner.

RCC Rotarian of the Year

Special congratulations to our Rotarian of the Year, Sue Wigley, for her tireless efforts as Youth Director. A well deserved award, Sue!

Outgoing President Shawn with our Club's Rotarian of the Year, Sue Wigley!

President Shawn had a few words for all awardees as they were presented with their respective awards.

Farewell Jonas

Our Club's Changeover dinner was happy and sad. Happy, because it's a new Rotary year, new President, new Board, Paul Harris Fellow awards and all the usual Changeover activities.

Sad because we said "goodbye" to our most recent Youth Exchange Student, Jonas, who was heading for home in Germany a couple of days after the dinner.

Chris Angus was Jonas' counsellor during his stay and he noted how much Jonas has changed since his arrival almost 12 months ago.

Jonas was leaving us, no longer a quiet shy teenager, but a young man on his way to a great future - confident and well-rounded after his time with Rotary in Australia. Chris presented Jonas with an Akubra hat to take home as a farewell gift from our Club.

Jonas had the opportunity to address the Club and provide us with some insights about the things he has learned, seen and done during his visit - as well as attending school, of course!

We know his parents will notice a lot of changes in the young teenager they left in our care last year, and most likely Jonas' pink hair just might have been the first thing!

Thanks to all the host families who supported Jonas and to the Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends who made his visit so special.

We miss you already Jonas and we wish you every success in your future. We know it will be bright!

Rotary Youth Exchange Program

Katharina Loemke from Germany is three quarters through her exchange here in Canberra. She is currently living with her third host family, Peter and Dot Barclay who are members of the RC Canberra Murrumbidgee. Katharina's fourth and final host family will be one of our members, the Bannerman family and she will move to stay with them in early April.

Katharina has had wonderful experiences both at school, where she gets to go on excursions (such as camping, surfing and learning to be a barista) where her teachers believe she will enjoy and learn new skills. She is able to mix with students from many cultures, play her cello in concerts and study subjects she would be unable to do at home in Germany.

The loan of a fine cello from the leader of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra has allowed her to pay with the Junior Ensemble and to keep up her wonderful cello playing ability.

The next experience is to go on the Safari where she will join with YEP students from other Rotary districts and travel north and west in Australia and samply some of the countries great attractions.

The Youth Exchange program has given her maturity, resilience, great experiences, understanding and lots of fun.

It costs our club very little enable this program to run. Do you know a student who would benefit from a year living in a different country? They would live with different families, experience different culture and language and grow as individuals. For this program to run we need to have students to go on these exchanges so please see if you know or can encourage families with young people who are 15 to 17.5 years old by mid January.

If you know someone who may be interested, please contact Natalie on natvan46@gmail.com. There is plenty of information on the District 9705 website under the Youth Exchange tag.

Circus Quirkus 25-26 July 2024

Have you volunteered to help with Circus Quirkus this year?

It's that time of year again when we are preparing for our annual family entertainment event, Circus Quirkus, held for local special needs and disadvantaged children. We couldn't do it without our generous local sponsors, both individuals and businesses that cover the cost of the production and tickets for us to provide this wonderful show to entertain children of all ages (and a few adults, too!).

This year's Circus Quirkus will run on the 25th and 26th of July. Please speak with PDG Paul if you can volunteer to assist for the shows - and you get to enjoy the show as well!

Weston Park Nursery Heritage Project Update

After the first nine months of activity under the umbrella of the ACT Urban Services Volunteer Program, our small team of volunteers has expended over 40 hours of volunteer time in ivy removal and other activities in the English Garden section of Weston Park, Yarralumla.

Our team consists of volunteers led by the Rotary Club of Canberra, with support from Canberra Sundowners, Canberra-Sunrise, Murrumbidgee Canberra and one volunteer from the Australian Garden History Society. We are hopeful to recruit more volunteers from the community and other Rotary Clubs in 2024.

Our ‘ivy league’ fill a bag on a Sunday afternoon in September 2023

RYLA 2024

The 2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) occurred at Murrumbateman NSW in January.

Our Club sponsored two applicants this year, Michael Ye and Jannis Heinzmann.

RYLA 2024 - President Shawn, Jannis, Michael, Peter and Sue Wigley

Welcoming New Members!

Since the last meeting, we have welcomed Matteo Farina to our Club. Matteo has transferred from the Rotary Club of Adelaide as he is now working in the ACT and reached out to his fellow Rotarian, PP Sandra.

Matteo won’t be able to make many regular meeting because of work commitments, though he has already assisted us with BuyCycle preparation last October and with Stephen’s Weston Park Heritage Nursery Project.

Welcome Matteo and we look forward to getting to know you! PP Sandra recently hosted Matteo for lunch on Australia Day.

We’ve also recently welcomed back Jerry Nockles and it’s been great to see Jerry at recent meetings.

English Heritage Garden - Weston Park

Posted by Sandra Turner PP PHF

There's a wonderful opportunity for all members and friends of Rotary to get down and not-so-dirty at the English Heritage Garden at Weston Park from 1pm - 4pm on Sunday 12th November.

Rotary and friends have been volunteering to work in the garden in the last couple of months. There is more work to do and a job for everyone - no matter your skill or physical ability.

Volunteers from our Club are encouraged for these working bees. If you can't dig or cut, we'll find something for you to do!

This is a Club sponsored project and we really want to see our members engaging in this worthwhile community project that is valuable to all.

Please speak with Stephen on 0421 972 287 or Gaye Shenton on 0401 446 687 for more details.

Circus Quirkus 2023

Once again, many families were delighted by the antics of the amazing troupe that constitutes Circus Quirkus when they returned to the Queanbeyan Bicentennial Hall in July.

The end of the Show!

More Horticultural Surprises Discovered at Weston Park

During October, two RCC members, Gaye Shenton and Stephen Utick, worked with a small team led by CIT Horticulture Lecturer Lesley Pattinson and 2CCC Garden Guru, Pauline Cairnduff OAM, in tagging and starting identification of the rhododendron collection. The team had previously been given approval by ACT Urban Services to undertake this task that will uncover the secrets of this wonderful collection. Already considerable progress has been made through ID advice given by members of the Australian Rhododendron Society.

Pauline spoke at our Club meeting on Monday 28^th November. If you missed her wonderful presentation on the Fetherston Gardens in Weston, why not catch her on 2CCC – and also head to the Gardens in Weston (Heysen Street) for an amazing walk around.

Stephen Utick with 2CCC Garden Guru Paulene Cairnduff and President Chris

Circus Quirkus 2022

It was fantastic to see Circus Quirkus return in 2022 after two years in the Covid-19 shadows. From the smiles on the faces of the children that attended and the screams of delight and laughter throughout the shows (by children, mums and dads and one or two Rotarians), it was a triumphant return! For the Rotarians that missed the opportunity to volunteer to greet the audience as they arrived - you missed a fabulous feel-good event.

Scene from the Show

Scene from the Show

We sincerely thank every sponsor who supported this wonderful initiative that assists our Club to do more good in the world - locally and further afield. We couldn't do it without you!

D9705 Vulnerable Youth Project

Several members of the District 9705 Vulnerable Youth Project / Ruby's House Governance Committee and supporters were invited to view the recently opened Ruby's House in the south of Canberra in early July. Visitors were taken on a tour of the facility by Service Provider, Conflict Resolution Service Canberra's CEO Mel Haley and Kim Bool (who spoke to our Club recently).

Everyone was impressed with the facility and the warm, homely feel of the house. Young people were engaged in discussions about the soft furnishings, etc., within the house so it would fully meet the needs of the age group tat will be staying there. I'm sure everyone will be keen to review the outcomes of the first 12 months of operation.

Thanks to David Marshall and Alan Scandrett for facilitating the visit.

The visitors in the external central courtyard

Lounge area

One of the bedrooms.

Club Changeover 2022-23

Our Club Changeover on the 1st July was a successful event and saw close to 80 people brave the winter chill to attend the formal and fun evening at the Commonwealth Club. After a year impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and other restrictions, uncertainty and once again, cancellation of some of our important fundraising events, outgoing President Sandra handed the Chain of Office to PE Chris who left the event as this year's President.

Rotary supports the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting Ceremony around the Commonwealth.

On 2^nd June 2022, in capital cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth, countries celebrated Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee by lighting Beacons at 9pm. Here in Canberra, District 9705 DG Leo Farrelly and President of the Rotary Club of Canberra were invited to be involved with this significant event on behalf of all Australian Rotary Clubs.

The Australian event was organised by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and was an invitation-only event at the Marion, on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin.

President Sandra was invited to pass the lit torch to the newly elected Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese. It was a small but significant event and was reflected many times in different ways, throughout Commonwealth countries.

It was an honour for Rotary to be involved on behalf of Rotarians everywhere across Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese and President Sandra

Community Paul Harris Fellows

It's members of our community that work tirelessly in a number of ways that help us to do what we do - as well as the other way around! On the 9th May, it was President Sandra's honour to bestow both Amanda Paroz and Lara Ghaly, both from the Parliamentary Education Office, with Paul Harris Fellow recognition for all the work they have done tirelessly over a number of years (including pre-Covid-19) to ensure a successful RAIC (Rotary Adventures in Citizenship) program.

Amanda, President Sandra, Lara and RAIC coordinator, Natalie

Member's English Garden Visit

About 15 RCC members enjoyed a delightful garden ramble through the English Garden in Weston Park on Sunday 31 October, taking advantage of our beautiful spring weather. Our group was privileged to have nona-generian Rotarian John Gray (from the Rotary Club of Woden), a retired heritage landscape consultant, provide us with an opening address as to the immense heritage significance of this site.

Rotarian John Gray recites the history of the beginnings of the Garden.

Assisi Centre for Social Justice and Peace now an official RAWCS Project

The Assisi Centre for Social Justice and Peace in Uganda has a very strong focus on increasing access to quality education in some of the poorest and most marginalised communities in Uganda. The Centre acts in a rights-based approach therefore, to help disadvantaged children to overcome barriers to education by eliminating the obstacles they face. To this end, the Centre works in more than 50 communities of Greater Masaka Region - in South Central Uganda, to;- improve learning infrastructures, provide free meals to pupils, and to strengthen Hygiene, Water and Sanitation facilities in schools.

Between 12^th July – 10^th September 2021, Assisi centre for Social Justice and Peace successfully implemented two project activities; the renovation of two classroom blocks and construction of five pit latrine stances at Bukulula Mixed Primary School in Kalungu district, Uganda. These projects were financed by contributions from our Club as well as the generosity of individual Club members and also from a District 9705 Grant.

At least one other Australian Club has offered future support and Rotary Peace Fellow Emily Nabakooza has a number of projects well worthy of recognition.

We are pleased to report that the Centre is now part of a Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) project and as such tax deductible donations can easily be made by other clubs or individuals towards assisting the Centre.

New Rotary Foundation Australia Website

As you may know, Rotary Foundation Australia (RFA) is one of The Rotary Foundation’s eight Associate Foundations around the world. RFA enables Australians – both individuals and organisations – to make tax deductible gifts to the Foundation.

Timor-Leste Presentation

Her Excellency Ms Inês Maria De Almeida, Ambassador for Timor-Leste, addressed our Club on Tuesday 13th October 2020. Ambassador Almeida's presentation follows.

Timor-Leste Ambassador Her Excellency Ines Almeida, with First Secretary to Her Excellency, Sam Soares (L) and President Desmond Woods (R).

Mark Your Calendars!

Posted by Rim El Kadi on Nov 08, 2013

Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!

Thought for the Week - Who Said It?

Posted by Rim El Kadi on Nov 08, 2013

An optimist is the human personification of spring.

Quote of the Week - Who Said It?

Posted by Rim El Kadi on Nov 08, 2013

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.

Keen on making a contribution to your local community and perhaps even assisting those in need overseas? Would you also like to have some fun along the way with like-minded people? Why not join us?

You are most welcome to attend one of our meetings (currently alternating between Zoom and face to face) to learn more about who we are and what we do in the community, both here and abroad. Just send us an email and one of our members will be in touch with you.

In the meantime, why not scroll through our News and see what we get up to.

About our club...

About Our Club

November 2025

RCC Joint Meeting with Rotary Club of Weston
Nov 10, 2025
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Meeting duties 11 August 2025

Front desk

Moore PP PHF, Helen

Meet and greet

Dakin, Hugh

Raffle prize

Woods OAM PHF, Desmond

Rotary International

RI President Home

Rotary Global Rewards

Joining Rotary

Rotary History

Rotary Foundation

For New Members

Some of our Partners in Service

Rotaract Clubs

Canberra Rotaract

2024-25 Club Changeover Dinner

Assisi Centre for Justice and Peace - Uganda

2020-21 Changeover

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Welcome to our Club!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Mondays at 12:30 pm

Commonwealth Club

25 Forster Cres.
Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Australia

We meet at the Commonwealth Club on the first and third Monday of each month. This may change due to public holidays. Dress code at the Com. Club requires smart casual with a jacket as a minumum.,

District Site

Venue Map

The JCOT is a Public Fund ‘for the relief of persons in the Commonwealth of Australia, who are in necessitous and deserving circumstances’.

The J.C. Olsson Relief Trust Fund (JCOT) was named in recognition of the outstanding contribution made over many years by Rotarian Jack Colvin Olsson OAM PDG PP PHF, both nationally and internationally to the work of Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, be remembered in perpetuity.

The JCOT qualifies under the provisions of section 78(4) of the Australian Income Tax Assessment Act with endorsements both as an ‘income tax exempt charity’ and as a ‘deductible gift recipient’.