What We Do

Youth service has been the strong focus for our club since its inception.

 

We have provided financial and volunteer support for local high schools, sponsored participants in the youth programs of Rotary in Australia and Rotary International, provided community membership for school boards and supported a wide range of other local and international youth programs.

 

We support the annual National Youth Science Forum through financial support for gifted science and engineering secondary school students to attend Australian and overseas summer schools and supporting these events.

 

A major activity, run annually since 1997, is the national Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) at the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House).  This event brings senior secondary students from around Australia to engage in a weekend of lively debate on current world issues in a simulated United Nations chamber.

 

One of our proudest achievements was raising over $150,000 in 2004/5 for the re-construction of a building at the Galilee School for disadvantaged youth, following the 2003 Canberra bushfires.

 

Club members also regularly support the Handy Help program, through which we provide home and garden assistance for handicapped or the aged people needing that type of support.  This is a very practical service that is greatly appreciated by those we support.

 

Much of our fund raising is targeted toward local community groups, including the Canberra Hospital Oncology Ward for plant hire, the Boundless Canberra ‘all-abilities’ playground project, the Wheelchair Foundation, the Southcare Helicopter, the Night  Patrol Van and the Soup Kitchen in Garema Place.

 

One of the most visible and effective projects supported by the Rotary Club of Canberra Sunrise in recent years has been the building of a new hall and library at the Port Resolution school on Tanna Island, Vanuatu. It is an inspiring story of youth, Rotarians and communities working together to change lives.

 

The seven year journey culminated on 13 November 2013, when the new education and community facility was officially opened.  At the time of the opening the hall, kitchen and library were all  equipped with all necessary equipment to make them fully functional, complete with a large volume books in the library.

 

The Club has also provided financial support to many international projects and programs, including:

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Importantly in all that we do, we aim to have fun doing it, and enjoy the fellowship and community spirit that comes from giving something back and placing service above self. We mix business with social activities and enjoy high quality speakers at our meetings and interesting vocational visits within our community.

If you feel that you have something to give back to the community, please consider joining Rotary.  Contact us for more information at canberra.sunrise@gmail.com.