Rotary Club of Carindale - a model Club
Our History and Impact
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mt Gravatt, the Rotary Club of Carindale was established through the dedication and hard work of Owen West, supported by Mel Langley and Max Cribb. Interest meetings commenced in March 2000, and the Club was officially chartered on 31 May 2000 with 22 members.
From its inception, the Club has embraced innovation. It was selected as a “Model Club” to participate in a Rotary International initiative aimed at ensuring Rotary’s continued relevance in the 21st century. As part of this, the Club developed its own constitution and bylaws—while not strictly aligned with the standard Rotary Constitution, they remain firmly grounded in Rotary’s core ideals, particularly the Four-Way Test. In 2025, the Club updated its Constitution and Bylaws to align with Rotary International guidelines.
Signature Events and Community Engagement
The Club has a strong history of delivering and supporting major community events. Early annual projects included the Brisbane Billycart Championships (2005–2023) and, in partnership with the Port of Brisbane and Balmoral Rotary Clubs, the Brisbane Kite Festival, first held in 2010.
The Club also played a supporting role in the Wakerley Carols community event before taking on full responsibility in December 2021, continuing its success as a much-loved local celebration.
Community Support and Projects
Over the years, the Club has delivered a wide range of impactful community initiatives. These include:
- Providing a motor vehicle to MND & Me (twice)
- Donating an inflatable rescue boat (IRB), complete with outboard motor and trailer, to the SES
- Supplying a four-seat golf buggy to PresCare Vela to assist residents
- Constructing a shed for PCYC Carindale to support youth activities
- Installing distance markers along the Carindale Reserve walking tracks
Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
Between 2017 and 2019, the Club was a Platinum Sponsor of Gallipoli Medical Research’s annual fundraiser, The Red Run for Remembrance. When the event was impacted by pandemic restrictions, the Club partnered with Gallipoli Medical Research to deliver a Virtual Run for Remembrance, raising nearly $16,000.
The Club also initiated, in partnership with George Hartnett Funerals, a Men’s Cancer Wellness Program. Piloted at the Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre at Greenslopes Private Hospital, elements of this program have since been incorporated into broader cancer wellness services.
International and Social Impact
While deeply committed to the local community, the Club also contributes internationally. Members have volunteered with Mercy Ships in Africa, supported the establishment of school dental clinics in Tonga, assisted with orphanage renovations in Thailand and assisted to set up a club sponsored program for a women's enterprise in Cambodia.
The Club has also supported initiatives addressing domestic and family violence. It sponsored delegates to attend the Alliance for Hope International Conference in San Diego, gaining insights into family justice centres and support programs. This knowledge contributed to the development of local initiatives with Beyond DV, including the establishment of the Hope Hub at Westfield Carindale.
Ongoing Activities
Today, the Club continues to deliver a diverse range of activities, including:
- Community events and fundraising initiatives
- Financial grants to local organisations
- Working bees and environmental projects
- Road clean-up programs
- Bunnings and community BBQs
- Packing and shipping donated equipment through Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE)
- Supporting the Watson Street Community Garden in Camp Hill
- Youth development programs
- Providing food hampers and gift cards to families in need at Christmas