Rotary Club of Carindale

Rotary Carindale is proud to support people experiencing homelessness through the donation of Shelterbags to the Salvos StreetLevel Mission in Spring Hill.

Recently, we delivered 28 Shelterbags on behalf of our club, and already they are making a real difference. A local church is helping coordinate their nightly use for those doing it tough in our community.

Another 12 Shelterbags were delivered to St Vincent de Paul at Carindale.

A Shelterbag is much more than a sleeping bag. Made from repurposed materials, each one is waterproof, lightweight and designed for comfort and practicality, featuring a padded mattress and pillow, ventilation, secure storage pocket and carry straps for easy transport. Landed in Australia each one costs around AUD$100.

Rotary imports Shelterbags from South African company Sheltersuit, which also provides employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness to help manufacture the products. Ethically made from durable, high-quality materials, Shelterbags are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions while providing warmth, comfort and dignity.

Through partnerships with outreach organisations, Rotary clubs help ensure these Shelterbags reach the people who need them most. Our member, Robin is seen packing the Shelterbags for delivery.

If you would like to help us purchase additional Shelterbags for people experiencing homelessness in our community, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us via Facebook to find out how you can support this important initiative.

A wonderful morning of fellowship and inspiration at our recent breakfast meeting, with guest speaker Sarah Sigley sharing the incredible work of OzHarvest, and Area Governor Craig Carson joining us for the occasion.

Each week, members take turns at chairing our meetings and during this time, they also share their 'Rotary minute'. We've heard of Rotary signs sighted in remote places, reminders of why we do what we do, reflections on our history, ideas for projects and many more. This week Robin's Rotary Minute was a powerful message on ‘The Power of Showing Up’.

"There is something deeply unimpressive about showing up. It’s not dramatic. It’s not glamorous. It rarely earns applause. And yet, it may be the most underrated leadership skill in the world.

Every Thursday, very early in the morning, something quietly heroic happens. Alarm clocks ring. Coffee is negotiated. Excuses are considered … but mostly rejected. And people show up. Not because it’s convenient. Not because it’s compulsory. But because they’ve decided that belonging to something meaningful is worth a little discomfort.

We live in an age of grand gestures. Bold statements. Online opinions. But very little beats the simple credibility of a person who reliably appears. Showing up says: “I care, I’m accountable, You can count on me.” And that builds trust far faster than brilliance ever will.

In Rotary — especially here at Carindale — progress doesn’t happen because one person is dazzling. It happens because enough people are dependable. Projects move forward because someone attends the meeting. Funds are raised because someone makes the call. Momentum builds because someone resists the temptation to stay in bed. Leadership, in truth, is rarely about inspiration. It’s about consistency. So this week, I want to acknowledge something that may feel ordinary, but isn’t:
Your presence."

Robin.

Where do the funds we raise go?

Every dollar we raise goes straight back into supporting people in our community who need it most.
Right now, our major areas of support include:

💛 Emergency food relief – helping families put meals on the table through the Salvos Community Pantry

💛 Practical, immediate assistance – including help with rent, education costs, and essential household items, delivered in partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society Cannon Hill Conference

💛 Changing lives through opportunity – supporting the Lovewell Foundation’s hospitality training program for women facing significant challenges such as domestic violence, homelessness, addiction, mental health issues, and long-term unemployment.This program doesn’t just provide skills — it creates pathways to confidence, independence, and a brighter future.

Thank you for helping us make a real difference 💛

To our amazing followers — near and far, thank you for your support 💙

If you’re local and curious about what we do, why not come along and see for yourself?

📍 We meet every Thursday�⏰ 6.45am for a 7.00 – 8.00am meeting�☕ Breakfast provided + guest speakers�🎉 First visit is on us

We’re a friendly group of men and women from all walks of life — no pressure, no big commitments, just give what time you can.
✨ Make new friends�✨ Learn new skills�✨ Give back to your community

And yes… we have fun too!

Check out our Calendar Events page and join us
rotaryclubofcarindale.com

Another step forward for the Watson Street Garden 🌱
Rotary members Paul and Bryce lent a hand to Sara from the garden crew today, helping erect the new greenhouse. Just the shade cloth and tie-downs to go and it will be ready to start nurturing new plants.

Our members were out along Creek Road, Carindale taking part in Clean Up Australia Day. It was a great opportunity to work together, care for our local environment, and help keep our community clean and beautiful.

Update on the Watson Street Garden from our community partners.

Lots of fun Christmas spirit at the Wakerley carols tonight. Dozens of Rotarians worked hard to plan, coordinate and set up this event. A perfect night for the thousands of people who attend.

Cr Lisa Atwood
Cr Ryan Murphy
Councillor Alex Givney

Tomorrow, Saturday 13th Dec, 3pm - 8pm is the 2025 Wakerley Carols. Our members have been hard at work to deliver this community event & we look forward to seeing you there. Pop by our stall to make a donation or to purchase a light toy to brighten up the night. There'll be food trucks, rides, entertainment, a visit from Santa & fireworks too.
74 Dianthus Street, Wakerley. 🥳