Events

What…

On 28 January 2026, at 7 pm AEDT (4 pm AWST, 6:30 pm ACDT, 6 pm AEST, 8 pm Fiji, and 9 pm NZDT) an uplifting webinar will be held with the Epic Day of Service event founders, live from the US. Discover how you and our club can transform a project you’re already passionate about into something truly extraordinary, with the support and spirit of Membership Voice.

Picture the incredible power of every club in our zone coming together, each taking on a project that ignites their passion, all on the same day! Imagine the energy as we unite, side by side, to make a difference and reveal Rotary’s true impact within our communities.

In 2025, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community partners from five continents, eight countries, 20 states, 57 districts and 539 clubs joined forces in 613 projects, with 6,557 volunteers serving together. Nine of those clubs were ours – just think how much greater our impact will be if we step up even further in 2026. The possibilities are limitless, and the ripple effect of our service can inspire real, lasting change!

Contact

Clare Blake would love to update you on some amazing new clinical trials happening right now in Brisbane at QIMR Berghofer.

• How we started in a broken down old Army supply Hut after the war and now we have 66 labs.
• Do you have Irish or English heritage? - The Story of “The Celtic Curse.” Is it really a curse?
• I’ll show you our mini brains and mini hearts made to safely test new treatments.
• A game changing new hope for treating Dementia
• Streamlining treatment for Melanoma
• Ways to participate in trials
• Can we outsmart cancer?

Clare Blake is a broadcast media specialist with over 25 years’ experience in both radio and television including Channel Ten QLD and hosting the afternoon show on 4BC. Clare studied sports science at Canberra University and holds accreditation with Medicines Australia from The University of Queensland. At QIMR Berghofer, Clare finds the perfect combination of science and communication.

Wendy Mulcahy BBus, LLB(Hons), GradDipLP, LLM

Director

The founder of Domestic Violence Education Relationship Training (DVERT), Wendy Mulcahy has worked in the criminal justice system for nearly 20 years. She has extensive experience working as a criminal defence lawyer in the area of domestic violence and has represented many defendants charged with offences of violence against women. Wendy is a trained and qualified National Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Mediator, who has highly developed communication and negotiation skills.

Wendy was appointed to the Queensland Parole Board in 2020 for 18 months. While working as a Professional Board Member, she was part of a team responsible for assessing parole applications for parolees. Concerningly, many applications involve a history of serious violence against women and domestic violence. This role, although limited to 18 months, provided an appreciation of the consequences of domestic violence outside of her defence role as a criminal lawyer.

Through her extensive legal career, Wendy has gained valuable insight and a unique understanding of the complexity of domestic violence, patterns of perpetration and key drivers and motivators of violence against women.

Wendy has an impressive educational background and is an accomplished and well-respected legal practitioner. Her career background enables her to bring a wealth of experience and real perspectives to domestic violence training and education.

Wendy is passionate and dedicated to educating men and young men to understand the insidious nature of domestic violence and working towards eradicating violence against women.

We meet at the Kedron Wavell RSL for dinner at 6pm.

We try to get finished eating at ~6:50 when we walk across the road to my unit where we can meet in a quite location.

At the cluster meeting, you are requested to present a printed report which outlines the following:

• Current Membership numbers
• Proposals for membership growth
• Current projects
• Proposed projects
• Any activities in which you request support from other Kinross clubs

You will be asked to give a 5 minute verbal report to the meeting.

In addition to receiving reports, we will discuss the running of a Kinross project which currently is the Rotary Scottish Fair planned for June 2026.

Further details will be advised 

"Sharpey's" talk is a relaxed, story-driven presentation that:

• begins with his journey and the early days of adventure tourism in Brisbane

• looks at how the city and its relationship with the river and adventure have evolved

• explores what the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games mean for Brisbane and its visitors

• finishes with the opportunity for accessible and inclusive adventure as a lasting legacy

Short Bio – John Sharpe (Sharpey)

• Founder and co-founder of multiple adventure tourism experiences in Brisbane and Queensland, spanning more than 25 years

• Founder of Riverlife at Kangaroo Point, delivering outdoor and adventure experiences in an urban setting

• Co-founder of Story Bridge Adventure Climb, including development of world-leading accessible climb experiences

• Co- Founder of P&O Edge (Cruise Ships) & Vertigo at Brisbane Powerhouse, incorporating inclusive design and accessible seating and viewing areas

• Founder of Tangatours and Tangalooma Water Sports, delivering marine and island-based tourism experiences

• Founder of Walkabout Creek Adventures, focused on nature-based and educational outdoor experiences

• Long-term advocate for accessible and inclusive adventure tourism, working closely with disability organisations, government, and industry

• Currently involved in developing future-focused accessible adventure concepts aligned with Brisbane’s growth and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Join us for a fun evening of connection and chat and enjoying great food

WHERE: Paddington Curry House, 3/147 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington (parking available onsite and on street)

COST: Banquet $55 per person including corkage - BYO (Liquorland next door)

RSVP: Deb by 12th February

Pay:  Cindy by 12th February

Discussion Topic – Addressing Gaps In Social Inclusion – The Little King’s Effort_Disconnect between NDIS and Broader Social/Community Supports

A chance for us to catch up and be guided by Anne Maree and John Buttner's wine knowledge to discover newer Australian varieties.

4 different wines to taste and learn about, along with nibbles.

COST: $40 per person

RSVP: to Margot by 6th March

VENUE: John and Anne Maree Buttner's home

Gemma Sisia, founder of the School of St Jude is returning with two former alumni to talk about the school and their future plans.

Guests are welcome - please book with Bill Phillips for yourself and any guests.

COST: $40 per person

There will be raffles at the event.

“Your Place in Peace” encapsulates both an invitation and a call to action—a collective reflection on each individual’s
role in advancing the cause of peace. The 2026 Rotary Peace Fellowship Annual Seminar, curated by
the Class XXIII Fellows, offers an interactive and deeply personal exploration of how our academic training,
applied field experiences, and lived commitments intersect with the foundational pillars of peace architecture:
peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. The seminar allows each Peace Fellow to answer the seminal
question during their presentation: Where/what is my place in peace?

This seminar weaves together the experiences of each Peace Fellow to form a cohesive mosaic of global peace
practice through their diverse identities, cultures, and aspirations. The presentation aims to show how the
Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Queensland has transformed the Peace Fellow into
agents of peace who advance justice, equity, and dignity within communities and institutions. Lastly, each
Peace Fellow will explain their goals for peace work and achievement.

This seminar is more than a retrospective; it is a shared brainstorming space. Through the speakers, interactive
sessions, highlights of peace initiatives across culture, and the Peace Fellows presentation, we hope each
audience member can discover their role within the peacebuilding mainframe. Whether through advocacy,
education, charitable action, or compassionate leadership, participants will explore how they, too, contribute
to the global architecture of peace.

Ultimately, Your Place in Peace affirms that peace is not the sole domain of academics, practitioners, or policymakers,
but a profoundly human endeavor in which all can participate. As emerging peacebuilders, we display
that the Rotary Peace Fellowship is not only an indispensable force in nurturing leadership amid today’s political,
social, and humanitarian crises, but anyone can be included to build a more peaceful world.

Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rotary-peace-fellows-seminar-your-place-in-peace-tickets-1564975557019?aff=oddtdtcreator

Registration from 10am.

Emeritus Professor Roland Sussex MA, PhD, OAM, FQA, Chevalier des Palmes Académiques

BIOGRAPHY:

Roland (Roly) Sussex (M.A. Hons Canterbury; PhD London) is a specialist in language, communication and culture, and health communication. He was Professor of Applied Language Studies at the University of Queensland from 1989 until 2010. Before that he taught Linguistics and Russian at the University of Reading (UK) and Monash University in Melbourne, and was the foundation professor of Russian at the University of Melbourne from 1977 to 1989.

He is currently Research Professor in the Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation, and in the School of Languages and Cultures, at the University of Queensland. Since "retiring" he has become involved in social issues as a public intellectual.

He was chair of the Library Board of Queensland from 2009 to 2014, and then Deputy Chair (2014-2016). He was President of the Alliance Française of Brisbane (2010-2017), and is currently President of the English Speaking Union of Queensland (2018-).

In 2012 he was made Patron of the Institute of Professional Editors. He is co-editor of the international journal Intercultural Communication Studies, and is a member of the editorial boards of a number of academic journals.

His current research is focused on language, culture and society, technology, and, more recently, pain and health. He is a member of the PainLang Research Group at the University of Queensland, which is investigating the use of language in the diagnosis, treatment and management of pain (http://www.uq.edu.au/painlang/).

His most recent major publications are The Slavic languages with Paul Cubberley, Cambridge University Press, 2006); Andy Kirkpatrick and Roland Sussex (eds), English as an international language in Asia: Implications for language education. Berlin and London: Springer-Verlag, 2012); and Andy Curtis and Roland Sussex (Eds). (2018). Intercultural communication in Asia: Education, language and values. Berlin and London: Springer Verlag. And of course Word for today (University of Queensland Press, 2021).

Roly Sussex wrote a weekly column on language for the Brisbane Courier-Mail from 2006 to 2021. His talkback radio program A Word in Your Ear has been broadcast every week to Queensland on ABC radio since 1997, and for the last 20 years to South Australia. His Queensland broadcasts are podcast by the ABC:

         https://www.abc.net.au/radio/brisbane/programs/saturdaymorning/a-word-in-your-ear/

         https://www.abc.net.au/radio/brisbane/programs/saturdaymorning/woofties/

When he is not engaged in researching and writing about language, communication, culture and health, he works on his garden and acreage, rides road bikes and mountain bikes, and indulges his passion for classical music.

He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012, and was a made a Chevalier des Palmes Académiques by the French Government in 2017, and a member of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2020.

A social enterprise initiative, providing opportunities,skills and friendship through electrical waste recycling. We provide valuable work experience for individuals with disability or disadvantaged background, and volunteering opportunities for people in Brisbane (Kenmore Hills, Yeronga and Ipswich), while keeping ewaste out of landfil.

BIO: Monique Lowndes - CEO/Founder of eWaste Connection.

In early life, I obtained a B Comm/Law from UQ.  I was a Certified Tax Adviser (CTA) and a CPA.  I originally worked in the tax division of Arthur Andersen, which became Ernst Young for about 23 years.   Whilst with Andersen/ Ernst Young, I worked in Brisbane, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

I was the first female employee in EY Australia to successfully return to the tax division after having children and worked part-time for many years, specialising toward the end in SMSFs.  

After a few years in a smaller accounting firm setting before choosing to run my own tax/accounting/ SMSF auditing practice.

As my son Joshua approached the end of his schooling years, I began to look for options for him after school and came upon ewaste recycling. .

After spending time with another recycler in Logan, eWaste Connection was formed and opened its doors in Kenmore in September 2016.  eWaste Connection is an ewaste recycling centre which is run by volunteers for disabled participants to learn work and social skills.

A few years later, eWaste Connection has grown to the point that I ceased my accounting practice and devote all of my time to supporting eWaste Connection and its amazing participants and volunteers.

I now oversee the operations and management of 3 very busy recycling centres.

Since starting eWaste Connection, I mostly eat, sleep, recycle, repeat !!

We meet at the Kedron Wavell RSL for dinner at 6pm.

We try to get finished eating at ~6:50 when we walk across the road to my unit where we can meet in a quite location.

At the cluster meeting, you are requested to present a printed report which outlines the following:

• Current Membership numbers
• Proposals for membership growth
• Current projects
• Proposed projects
• Any activities in which you request support from other Kinross clubs

You will be asked to give a 5 minute verbal report to the meeting.

In addition to receiving reports, we will discuss the running of a Kinross project which currently is the Rotary Scottish Fair planned for June 2026.

Sting in

THE LAST SHIP

Music and lyrics by Sting
New book by Barney Norris and Lorne Campbell
Based on the original book by John Logan and Brian Yorkey

Amsterdam, Paris, Brisbane.

Acclaimed musical THE LAST SHIP, written, composed and starring international music icon Sting, will be presented for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere in QPAC’s magnificent Glasshouse Theatre in 2026.

Inspired by Sting’s childhood in Wallsend in the United Kingdom, and drawing on his own musical roots, THE LAST SHIP tells the piercing story of a community facing the disappearance of their shipyard – the heart of their existence. In a world where past and future collide, themes such as loss, pride and connectedness echo.

“I literally grew up in the shadow of the yard,” Sting says. “I dreamed of escaping – and I succeeded. But later I realised I had to give something back. THE LAST SHIP is my tribute to the people and the place that shaped me.”

Playing the leading role of Jackie White on stage in this deeply personal show, Sting immerses us in a universe imbued with love and hope.

Sting’s music – from raw folk and rousing choirs to intimate ballads – forms the beating heart of the production. THE LAST SHIP is a true musical odyssey carried by powerful and moving melodies and lyrics with well-known songs such as “Island of Souls”, “All This Time” and “When We Dance” interwoven.

Low tide is at 7am on Thursday, 24th April, which is important to be ready to drive up the island to Happy Valley Retreat.

Contact Russell Postle -  russell.postle@bdo.com.au 

ANZAC Day Ceremony conducted in front of the SS Maheno shipwreck on K'Gari

Ceremony begins at 10:00am

Parking available on beach.

Are you ready to connect with like-minded leaders and make a lasting impact on communities worldwide? Join us for the 2026 Rotary Combined Districts 9560, 9620 and 9640 District Conference at Royal Pines, where our theme is “Reaching Across Boundaries”.

From inspiring keynote speakers and project reports, to networking sessions with community champions, we’re bringing people together from all over—uniting passions, sharing innovations, and embracing diverse perspectives.

At Rotary, we believe that when we stand together, we can move mountains. “Reaching Across Boundaries” means tearing down walls, forging new partnerships, and creating solutions that transcend borders and barriers.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary.

Reaching Across Boundaries. Together. We’ll shape a brighter future—one connection at a time!

• Golf Tournament Friday 1st May
• Chef’s Choice Welcome Banquet Friday evening 1st May
• Conference Sessions Saturday 2nd May and Sunday 3rd May
• Boogie Wonderland 70s and 80s Gala Saturday 2nd May
•  
• Conference Website:  https://conference.rotary-3d.org/
• Registration:  https://rotary9620.org/events/rotary-tri-district-conference-2026/
• Accommodation:  https://www.racv.com.au/travel-experiences/resorts/royal-pines-gold-coast.html

Using clever technology, we can design, create, build and modify equipment to help you live a more independent life. Whether you need solutions to help you access your home, travel abroad or even support study or work

Wendy, Brisbane High-Rise club member, two times District Governor and international board member of the Rotary Foundation will be telling us all about the "DNA" of Rotary. 

Many of our members are new and do not know what is around in Rotary and what is available to them.  Our longer term members may not be aware of more recent additions to Rotary or what may no longer be done. 

Matt Kearney commenced as Chief Executive Officer of 3rd Space on 20 April, 2026. Born and raised in Ipswich, he began his career in South East Queensland before spending the past decade with St Vincent’s Health Australia, most of that time serving as Executive Director of Mission & Health Equity at St Vincent’s Public Hospital Sydney.

Matt has maintained a lifelong connection to homelessness services, beginning as a Rosie's volunteer in the early 1990s. He brings governance experience through board roles with homelessness organisations and holds a Master of Counselling, a Master of Business Administration and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Matt is deeply committed to strengthening compassionate, dignified services and improving supported pathways to housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital - People in Action

Christine West, a Rotarian from Albany Creek, will share the remarkable journey that has taken place over the past 10 years — from community advocacy to self-representing in the Environment and Planning Court to challenge local councils and developers to ensure room is left for wildlife in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

Christine’s persistence and vision have since led to the establishment of the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital, with the project now securing $15 million in State Government funding to build a dedicated wildlife hospital at Dakabin in North Brisbane.

This project is also creating an exciting opportunity for Rotary involvement. Rotary clubs are being invited to help fit out the hospital with vital medical equipment so it can operate at full capacity from day one. Sponsoring equipment will create a lasting legacy in our own community while supporting the care and rehabilitation of native wildlife for generations to come.

BIO

Christine West – Community Advocate

Christine West is a wife and mother of three young adults, deeply committed to her community. Since 2017, she has served in various roles for the Albany Creek Scout Group and became a valued member of the Rotary Club of Albany Creek in 2018. Christine’s passion for community service and environmental advocacy led her to become a Director of the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital in 2022. Her tireless efforts have earned her the 2025 Federal Dickson Award for Excellence in Community Service and she also received a Queensland Day Awards for Pine Rivers 2025 for Excellence in Community Services.

Over the past decade, Christine has worked closely with local developers and the council to secure better planning outcomes that prioritise the preservation of wildlife corridors and natural habitats. Her advocacy has focused on protecting vulnerable species, including the koala and the wallum froglet. Through her team’s dedication, they have successfully influenced planning decisions, ensuring that the welfare of local wildlife is considered in development proposals.  Through her advocacy work, funding has now been secured for the creation of a new wildlife hospital in the Moreton Bay region.

We meet at the Kedron Wavell RSL for dinner at 6pm.

We try to get finished eating at ~6:50 when we walk across the road to my unit where we can meet in a quite location.

At the cluster meeting, you are requested to present a printed report which outlines the following:

• Current Membership numbers
• Proposals for membership growth
• Current projects
• Proposed projects
• Any activities in which you request support from other Kinross clubs

You will be asked to give a 5 minute verbal report to the meeting.

In addition to receiving reports, we will discuss the running of a Kinross project which currently is the Rotary Scottish Fair planned for June 2026.

As Executive Officer for HealthServe Global, Chris Dickons leads an international health development agency committed to equipping and enabling healthcare specialists and community development workers to deliver transformational health outcomes in resource‑poor settings worldwide. He is deeply convinced that lasting change in communities is only possible through genuine collaboration — partnerships that empower local leadership, unite diverse expertise, and mobilise communities to work together for the common good.

Chris brings over two decades of senior leadership experience across ministry, education, and the not‑for‑profit sector in Australia and internationally, and has served on several school and community‑based boards. His work is shaped by a passion for strengthening leaders, building healthy organisations, and fostering collaborative ecosystems that multiply Kingdom impact.

Originally from Middlesbrough in the UK, Chris now lives on the Sunshine Coast with his wife and two young children.

Join us for the 33rd Brisbane High-Rise Presidents' Changeover High Tea 2pm - 4pm

COST: $50pp

Free parking available next to Bluey's House or the North Shore City Cat Terminal.

Dr Scarlett Raine -  Lecturer (Underwater Perception, Computer Vision and Marine Robotics):

Chief Investigator, QUT Centre for Robotics. School of Electrical Engineering and Robotics, Queensland University of Technology

BOOK HERE: 

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50367/Events/district-9620-district-changeover

• Administrator of Rotary’s International Travel and Hosting Fellowship (ITHF) since July 2023. This is a Fellowship with 900 members from 80 countries.
• ITHF Member for the last 4 years.
• Addressed clubs in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and the Netherland
• Rotarian for the last 9 years.
• Served as one of the Directors on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Trivandrum South in 2018, 2019 and 2020
• Member of ‘Uday Kiran’ a major construction project launched during the Golden Jubilee year of our club.
• Guest Speaker at Various clubs in Australia, New Zealand and Europe
• MPHF
• Addressing Papanui Club, Christchurch, New Zealand.

• Sivaprasad S Pillai, a native of Trivandrum, the capital city of the South Indian state of Kerala.
• Graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Retired software consultant with 30 years of experience in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
• Extensive experience in the design, development, and implementation of software systems for banks, hospitals, airports, and other businesses.
• Currently active in Rotary, in addition to engaging in farming activities in our farm.

WINNING ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

THIS IS AN INVITATION-ONLY EVENT

Times and costs to be advised