Club News
FORaMEAL
 
On 6 May Rotary Camberwell members and volunteers met at Canterbury Girls Secondary College to pack emergency food for families and individuals suffering hardships as a result of natural or other disasters.
For the past five years or more the Rotary Camberwell in collaboration with Rotary Canterbury participated in what has become an annual project. FORaMEAL is an initiative to help provide emergency relief meals for those impacted by natural or other disasters.
 
Each year over 250,000 meals are provided free of charge to vulnerable individuals and families across SE Asia and the Pacific region. As well as to the frontlines of countries torn apart by wars like Ukraine. To date, over 1,100,000 meals have been distributed for free.
Further information can be found on youtube and the FORaMEAL website
 
Thanks to the Community Service Committee and specifically David Troon for leading this initiative.
Victoria Emergency Relief Network – Bushfire Relief Program
 
On 1 April 2026, Rotary Camberwell members were inspired by a presentation from guest speaker Past District Governor Ross Butterworth, who highlighted the outstanding work of the Victoria Emergency Relief Network (Vic ERN) and its Bushfire Relief Program. Ross explained how Vic ERN supports families affected by bushfires, floods, family violence, and other emergencies by supplying household goods and vital assistance. Vic ERN operates through collaboration with the WERN (Western Emergency Relief Network), EERN (Eastern Emergency Relief Network), (RIMERN) Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network and (CCCB)Community Care Centre Ballarat — a testament to Rotary’s strength in partnership and community spirit.
The current focus of the initiative is in response to the recent Longwood and Harcourt Bushfires in Northen Victoria. Vic Ern focuses on providing essential household goods such as appliances, bedding, high-quality second-hand furniture and whitegoods. Kitchen utensils and linen are bought new from donations. Ross tirelessly coordinates the collection and distribution of donated goods from a staging point in Ravenhall, working with partners in areas like Shepparton, Euroa, and Harcourt.
 
Rotary Camberwell proudly presented a $5,000 donation to Vic ERN in support of its Victorian Bushfire Relief Program.
Hope in a Suitcase: Small Gifts, Big Comfort for Kids in out of Home Care
 
Hope in a Suitcase (HIAS) is a current Rotary Camberwell community service project with financial contribution from a District 9800 Grant in April 2026. The Project supports children entering Out of Home Care in Victoria—often arriving with few belongings and experiencing significant trauma and disruption. Building on the standard HIAS suitcase of essential items, this one-off initiative will fund approximately 765 “high value” gifts, estimated to benefit around 615 children, adding comfort and a sense of normalcy during a distressing transition.
The project will provide three key items—sports balls, gem art and durable water bottles—chosen for their therapeutic and developmental value. Sports equipment encourages play, confidence and social connection; creative activities like gem art support calm, focus and self-expression; and quality water bottles promote wellbeing while giving children something personal they can feel proud to own. Each suitcase will also include a printed card with a message of hope, reinforcing belonging and self-worth.
 
Gifts will be sourced by Rotary Camberwell in consultation with HIAS, delivered to the HIAS warehouse for packing, and distributed to children across metro and regional Victoria. The wider community as well as Rotarians will be involved through volunteering opportunities. Project promotion of the process and outcomes will be shared through Rotary channels including District 9800. Many thanks to Nadia Hamilton and the Community Service Committee.
The School of St Jude -Transforming Lives Through Education 
 
On 18 February 2026, founder Gemma Sisia shared the remarkable journey of The School of St Jude, which offers free, high‑quality education to academically gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since opening in 2002 with just three students, the school now supports over 1,800 students, providing not only education but also meals, uniforms, transport, and resources. As a guest speaker of Rotary Camberwell, Gemma attracted attendance far and wide. 
Gemma’s story highlighted how education breaks cycles of poverty and empowers young people to achieve their dreams. An Australian, her dedication has inspired many and her dedication has earned numerous honours, including the Order of Australia in 2007 and Rotary Paul Harris Fellow (Sapphire) awards.
A Graduate’s Journey: From St Jude to Success
Accompanying Gemma was graduate Faith Samwel who shared her inspiring path from St Jude Scholl to university. Raised by her mother alongside five sisters, Faith excelled academically, volunteered as a teacher, and earned a full scholarship to study civil engineering, graduating in 2025.
She also founded her own hair‑care business, Hair Gallery, highlighting how St Jude’s education fosters both professional and entrepreneurial success. Faith’s achievements demonstrate how opportunity and education can transform lives, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard her story.
Rotary Camberwell was acknowledged for its long-standing support for the School of St Jude.
Eddie Betts Captivates Rotary Camberwell
 
On Wednesday 11 March 2026, Eddie Betts shared stories from his AFL journey and community work during his inspiring address to members and guests of the Rotary Camberwell. 
 
We were privileged to hear an inspiring address from AFL legend Eddie Betts about his challenging childhood and how he achieved his ambition to play at AFL level. The evening proved to be both uplifting and thought-provoking. Eddie highlighted his post footy life of ongoing work supporting indigenous young people with the establishment of the Eddie Betts Foundation.
 
Growing up in a challenging environment, he explained that perseverance, family support and community encouragement played a vital role in his eventual success. His message emphasised the importance of resilience and self-belief in the face of adversity. Eddie reflected on the many people who supported him along the way — family members, mentors, teammates and the local community. Another powerful part of the evening was about the importance of respect, inclusion and understanding in Australian society. Drawing from his personal experiences, he encouraged everyone to continue learning about Indigenous culture and to stand up against racism wherever it appears.
Eddie attracted a significant number of guests and were not disappointed. Eddie’s warmth, humour and authenticity resonated strongly with all who attended. Everyone appreciated his candid reflections and his commitment to making a positive difference beyond the football field.
 
He spoke passionately about the work of the Eddie Betts Foundation, which focuses on creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through mentoring, education programs and cultural engagement. The foundation aims to remove barriers and inspire young Indigenous people to pursue their goals with confidence. He highlighted that education and encouragement are key to helping the next generation thrive.
 
He emphasised donations are the only way to keep the Foundation programs implemented effectively. As a token of appreciation Rotary Camberwell made a donation of $2,000 towards Eddie Betts Foundation.
 
We thanked Eddie for giving his time so generously and for inspiring members to continue their commitment to service and building stronger, more inclusive communities.
 
Reflections of Timor-Leste Trip - Volunteer Grace Docherty
 
I recently spent an unforgettable week volunteering in Timor-Leste with Rotary’s Water & Sanitation Project (WASH). This was my second visit, and it was clear that while progress had been made, many challenges remain. The communities we visited lack running water and electricity; daily tasks such as bathing and collecting water require significant effort, with one water tank sometimes serving over 200 people.
Our main goal was to inspect water tanks and toilets previously installed by Rotary, and test water quality for safety. All samples were clean. Residents expressed appreciation for the improvements but highlighted ongoing needs for more tanks and pipes. Over the week, we travelled through difficult terrain to reach 10 remote villages, where we were warmly received, often with songs and local food.
We led WASH training for students, focusing on handwashing, and I helped teach English at St Joseph’s School, where students were enthusiastic about learning. Special thanks go to Mana Leo, Principal of St Joseph’s, whose leadership is vital to these projects.
We also attended a ‘WithOneSeed’ meeting, which supports local farmers in reforestation efforts, providing economic benefits by paying each tree managed. During our trip, the first rain in months arrived, this was seen as a positive sign by locals and helped fill the tanks.
Being off grid allowed me to disconnect from daily life and connect deeply with the community and environment. Volunteering with Rotary was challenging as well as rewarding, and I’m grateful to be involved in projects making a real difference.
Grace Docherty, November 2025
Backpack Beds for the Homeless
 
Rotary Camberwell is supporting people experiencing homelessness in Boroondara by providing them with Backpack Beds distributed by St Vincent de Paul who are dealing directly with homeless individuals.  
 
Every night, people experiencing homelessness putting their safety and wellbeing at risk. Many need to move from place to place while carrying everything they own, and a way to carry their personal belongings is paramount.
 
A Backpack Bed is a practical solution that acts as both a backpack for storage and a weatherproof bed. This award-winning invention has been shown to improve dignity, health, sleep, warmth, comfort, and safety for people sleeping rough. During the day, the Backpack Bed can also be converted into a weather shelter for wind or sun protection.
 
Above - Joe Hastie, from St Vincent de Paul handing out a Backpack Bed in Camberwell.
Bendigo Bank - 2026 Camberwell Art Show Sponsor
#Camberwellrotaryartshow
Rotary Camberwell’s Vice President (right) attended the Bendigo Community Bank Inner East Community Investment Program Presentation Evening held in October 2025.
During the event, Nick Coker (left), CEO and Executive Director of Bendigo Community Bank Inner East, presented Rotary Camberwell with a sponsorship of $19,250 to support the 2026 Camberwell Art Show.
 
The Bendigo Community Bank Inner East has been a valued and long-term partner of the Camberwell Art Show. Funds raised from the Art Show are channeled directly into Rotary Camberwell’s local community initiatives. The club extends its sincere thanks to the Bendigo Community Bank Inner East Community for their ongoing generosity and support.
 
President's Message
Vijay Susarla
Welcome to Camberwell Rotary
 
The Camberwell Rotary Club has been proudly serving the community since 1956.
 
Our members are all volunteers who willingly give their time and effort to serve our locality, municipality and internationally with a range of programs. Members enjoy strong friendships whilst in the pursuit of these activities.
 
Our signature fund-raising events are the Camberwell Art Show, Hawthorn Makers Market, Camberwell Sunday Market and Bunnings Sausage Sizzles. The funding received enables our members to actively engage in identifying community needs and to respond to these needs with financial, in-kind and hands on support.
 
That’s what being a Rotarian is all about.  It is at the core of our Club’s purpose which is to be of service to others, to take action to create positive change and to promote understanding, goodwill and peace in our community.
 
Camberwell Rotary values diversity, equity and inclusion and has a supportive environment for people of all backgrounds. If you are looking to make a positive difference in the community, the Camberwell Rotary Club welcomes your enquiry – simply click the Contact Us button.
 
Vijay Susarla
President 2025-2026
Meeting Information
Welcome to Camberwell Rotary
We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
The Tower Hotel
686 Burwood Road
Hawthorn East, VIC 3123
Australia
We hold our weekly Dinner Meetings at The Tower Hotel from 6 pm to 8 pm, or off-site for fellowship meetings. Visitors and guests are most welcome, simply click on an event in our Events Calendar to register & pay. Please give 36 hours notice.
Venue Map
The Hawthorn Makers Market (HMM) is a community event of the Rotary Camberwell Club since 1979. It is one of Melbourne’s best known makers markets. HMM is managed by Rotary Camberwell in partnership with the City of Boroondara. https://hawthornmakersmarket.org.au/
The Hawthorn Makers Market is committed to supporting local, independent artists and designers curating the best of Australian handcraft in one central marketplace. Stalls are set up both indoors and outdoors. All proceeds from HMM goes to Rotary Camberwell’s charitable work in the local and wider community.
The HMM monthly market is held at the beautifully restored Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. It operates each Sunday of the month, March to December inclusive, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. HMM is proud to be family-friendly event.
Links
Upcoming Events
View More...
Speakers
RC Camberwell
Jun 10, 2026 6:30 PM
Change Over
Jon Oppy
Jun 17, 2026 6:30 PM
Past President Night
Art Show
Jun 24, 2026 6:30 PM
Art Show Member Briefing
View entire list...
Camberwell Sunday Market - Volunteer Roster
Click here to see the Roster for June 2026: CSM Signup List
The Camberwell Rotarian
 
The annual Camberwell Art Show (CAS) is a signature project of Rotary. This year we celebrate its 60th year since its inception in 1966 https://camberwellartshow.org.au/ Since then, CAS has raised over $3M to support local, national and international humanitarian projects.
The show is set up by the members of the Rotary Camberwell and volunteers including Swinburne students and others, spouses, family and friends. Beyond the artists’ prize money, all funds raised (as with all Rotary fundraising) goes to the club’s charities.
CAS relies on the generous support of sponsors including Swinburne University for providing a magnificent glass façade venue at its Technologies Centre with the benefit of Burwood Road frontage. Other long standing major sponsors are Bendigo Community Bank of Canterbury, Ashburton, Surrey Hills and Balwyn and City of Boroondara. Other sponsors are from many local businesses. Without their support, CAS would not be the success that it has been over many years. 
The Rotary Outreach Myeloma program - Tackling Myeloma in country communities “One nurse at a time”

It’s clearly unfair that people living with cancers in regional communities don’t live as long as their capital city counterparts.
 
ROMP (a signature program of the Rotary Club of Camberwell) brings Rotary Clubs together to make a positive difference for country families who are challenged by myeloma and many other cancers.

Like to know more? Please visit the story of ROMP by clicking here or visit the ROMP website at www.rompteam.net