Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS)
is smashing it in our District.
Recently I attended the quarterly meeting at Grace’s Place in Doonside to catch up with RAWCS Rotarians from Eastern Region and hear some great stories from people Uniting for Good.
I am proud to say that our district leads the way yet again when it comes to the number of projects. Eastern Region leads overall in Australia.
As at February 2026 we have:
- 86 projects spread over 23 countries
- 21 projects are in Australia
- 9 projects have been registered this year alone
- 5 of those new projects have applied for the compassionate grant matching funds made available through the generosity of Dick and Pip Smith who again donated $1m to RAWCS.
Here are some examples of the great work our Rotarians are doing:
Philip Newall – Carlingford Rotary
We ran a clinic for a week in the Senese Centre. We tested 27 adults and children, fitted 35 donated hearing aids and took 25 ear-mould impressions. We had sent three parcels of supplies since our last visit and we donated an air conditioner. We also took some items for the dentist in the more remote island of Savaii and we visited the Australian High Commission in Samoa to talk about our work.
Jan Pryor – Toukley Wyong Rotary
We are excited to say that Anura whom we have raised and educated, is now an International Cabin Crew member and has moved to Dubai. Being from the lowest caste she has a exceeded all cultural expectations for a girl. She is proving that you can change your destiny with a little help. Thank you RAWCS and donors who got her there.
PDG Christine Owen – Kincumber Rotary
During 2025 the Safe Hands Bursaries (SHB) project provided bursaries for 21 school-aged survivors of domestic violence providing school equipment, uniforms, school fees and excursions to support education endeavours. During 2026 SHB will again seek referrals through DV organisations across D9685. Donations from Rotary Clubs and individuals welcomed. Prompt payments appreciated.
Sue O’Neill – Brisbane Water Rotary
A team from D9685 responded immediately to the Koolewong bushfires, which tragically destroyed 16 homes and displaced affected families. We registered the project with RACG and secured a $15,000 grant. Rotary Gosford North conducted a bucket collection at local Shopping Centre, raising $25,000+. Funds will be delivered in early March.
Please consider either supporting one of the 85 projects via the RAWCS website or starting one of your own.
The Dick and Pip Smith funding will match up to $15000. Ryde Rotary is the latest recipient of this funding that will go towards their DV Safe Place project.
In April I’ll be heading off to Nepal with other members of our district on Jan Pryor’s Didi Aid Tour. The last time I was in Nepal was 1977 as I embarked on the Kathmandu to London hippy trail. I’m a little bit excited…
Congratulations to all of the wonderful project managers, their co-managers who quietly carry out their work to improve the lives of those less fortunate.
PDG Mina Howard
District RAWCS Chair