Welcome To Rotary Club of Launceston

 

The Rotary Club of Launceston has close to 100 years of demonstrated service to the community of Launceston and beyond.  It is widely recognised by its peers and the business community as a Club that demonstrates the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”. 

Are you a person who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a commitment for community service, partnerships, and creating opportunities for fellowship. Becoming a Rotarian will connect you with a diverse range of people to share experiences and give back to communities.
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Our Speaker: Dr Annabelle Workman
 
INTRODUCTION
 
The Rotary Club of Launceston has been serving our local & international communities since 1924. Yes, we have proudly celebrated over 100 years as a Club involved in the Launceston community.
We have an active social and project program. You are invited to come along to:
  • join in our many a range of volunteering opportunities,
  • make new friends and
  • learn new things.
Once you get to know us, you might like to become a Rotary Friend or even to join the 1.4 million Rotarians as a club member. We will make you feel very welcome.
 
If you would like to have a chat our Membership Director will contact you. Please  send an email via our contact page on this web-site.
 
Guest Speaker, April 8, 2026
The guest speaker for meeting on 8 April, 2026 at the Hotel Grand Chancellor is Dr Annabelle (Belle) Workman.  Belle is a researcher for the University of Melbourne exploring how health outcomes can be maximised during the development of climate and energy policies.  She is passionate about putting her knowledge to work to help set up policies address climate change and human health.
 
Dr Annabelle Workman
 
Belle completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne in 2008, majoring in Politics and Chinese. Belle worked for the National Health and Medical Research Council for five years in clinical practice guidelines and research translation before completing her PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2019.
 
Belle's research investigated the role of health co-benefits in the development of climate change mitigation policies.
 
Belle completed a Research Fellowship at the University of Tasmania's Menzies Institute for Medical Research, evaluating the environmental health smartphone app, AirRater.  She has worked with the University of Tasmania's sustainability team and most recently worked as a knowledge broker at the Centre for Air pollution, energy and health Research  (CAR).  She returned to the University of Melbourne in October 2021 as a Research Fellow with Melbourne Climate Futures.
 
 
Take the opportunity to come along and share this evening and hear an enlightening presentation.
 
TO KENYA WITH LOVE
 
TO KENYA WITH LOVE
– GRAEME WILLIAM’S 2025 PILGRIMAGE TO KENYA
 
 
The school Graeme visited in Kenya
 
Graeme Williams is the speaker for the March 25th meeting with the topic “From Kenya with love”, a reflection on this 2025 travel to Kenya with 10 others as part of BCC Africa.
 
Graeme was born in St Helens when it was a small seaside town and after attending school in Launceston worked at textile firm of Paton’s & Baldwins for 10 years and for 40 years with the State Government in industrial relations and workplace safety.
 
Graeme had an active early life in Launceston Jaycees for 23 years and during that time was National Vice President and was awarded Outstanding Australian Jaycee in 1980 & Outstanding Australian Senator in 1983.
 
In 1988, Graeme joined the Rotary Club of Launceston and has given two special periods of international service in Western Samoa in 1996 and 2000. This service involved, on the first occasion with five others, cyclone proofing a 2-storey primary school. On the second occasion, Graeme led a team of six to build an outdoor building for the kindergarten children, refurbish the toilet block & laid new flooring in the classrooms.
 
In 2025, Graeme travelled to Kenya with 10 others as part of BCC Africa and it’s about that trip he will talk on.
 
BCC classroom in Kenya
 
Graeme presenting memorabilia to students at BCC School in Kenya
 
 
SOGGY26 – A GREAT SUCCESS FOR THE CLUB
 
SOGGY26 – A GREAT SUCCESS FOR THE CLUB
 
Under mostly sunny skies, and with the inevitable sinkings, a record number of boats and participants, the Club’s first Soggy Bottom Cardboard Boat Regatta was a great success for the Organising Committee of Sonia Smith, John Dent, Sharon Deane and John Rayner, along with Diabetes Australia’s Clare Klapche and Kate Bucknell fromJCP Youth.
 
Club members, their partners, children and friends came together along with members of the Rotary Clubs of Tamar Sunrise, South Launceston, Central Launceston and the former host Club of Youngtown’s Soggy Crew to make the day run (and to rake those wallaby poops!)
 
The boat judges had a tough job on the day, not just scrutineering to make sure there was no breaking of the rules but also selecting the best boat design, the best decorated boat and the best boat name – with that winner being ‘Rubber Ducky Squirtletron 8000! There was also the Titanic Award for the most spectacular sinking which had some strong competition.
 
The Corporate Challenge was won by JCP Youth’s late entry – taking home $1,250.00 worth of advertising from Platinum sponsor LAFM/Chilli FM.
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOGGY BOTTOM - Cardboard Box Regatta
SOGGY BOTTOM
Cardboard Box Regatta
 
Division 1, 2 & 3 Races
SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2026
First Basin - Cataract Gorge
 
SUCCESSFUL SOGGY BOTTOM LAUNCH ON 9 FEBRUARY AT GORGE
 
Chairperson Sonia, the star at the media launch for Soggy Bottom 2026 at First Basin Pool at the Gorge (photo by Craig George, courtesy of the Examiner)
 
Chairperson Sonia, the star at the media launch for Soggy Bottom 2026 at First Basin Pool at the Gorge (photo by Craig George, courtesy of the Examiner)
Last week, the Launceston media came out to support the launch of the Soggy Bottom Cardboard Boat Regatta with both 7News and WIN News attending, along with The Examiner, which resulted in fantastic coverage for our upcoming event.
 
Committee Chairperson Sonia Smith was interviewed by the media alongside representatives from Diabetes Australia and JCP Youth, our event partners and co-fundraising beneficiaries and Mayor Matthew Garwood.
 
While at 10:25am it was looking pretty quiet for the 10:30am launch, it was reassuring to see several television cameras being lugged down the hill to the poolside as the time drew near.
 
Sonia and John Dent have also been on air, with interviews with Chilli FM and City Park Radio promoting our Event.
 
The club’s latest Soggy Bottom boat, built for the 2025 Soggy Bottom Regatta which was cancelled due to rainy weather. Now ready for the 2026 Regatta.
 
Claire Klapche of Diabetes Tasmania, one of the Club’s Soggy Bottom partners, spoke at the Launch
Orlando McKervitt, 2024 Exchange Student to Belgium
 
Orlando McKervitt, 2024 Exchange Student to Belgium
 
Orlando McKervitt, travelled to Belgium in 2024 as a Rotary Exchange student sponsored by our club. Tonight, Orlando will speak about her experience and how she has grown from the experience.
 
Exchange students are required to provide reports back to the sponsoring Club and District and excerpts from these reports by Orlando were published in our Bulletin, along with photos of her year abroad.
 
Examples below:
“My first three months in Belgium have been amazing, and I am having an incredible exchange year already.”
“I am lucky to have a host family that has taken me to visit Paris, Spain and all-around Belgium.”
 
Belgian sweet treat for Orlando
 
Orlando in Paris with her host family
A VERY BUSY DECEMBER
 
A VERY BUSY DECEMBER
Sunday 21 December 2025
 
 
CAROLS IN THE PARK – A GREAT CATERING SUCCESS
The 2025 catering at Carols in the Park was a great achievement by club members. Special thanks to Chelsea Deane. Shireen Manson, Zoe Israelsohn, Sue and Glen Reardon and Maryanne Simpson for helping.
 
Past President Sonia Smith pulled off a remarkable organisational effort from liaising with the event organisers, ordering and collecting the BBQ, organising the rosters, setting up, troubleshooting and being there the whole time. Well done, Sonia.
 
The sausage production line in full swing
 
 
FRANKLIN HOUSE PEACE POLE INSTALLATION
 
 
Bill and Pam Dobson installed a Peace Pole at Franklin House, despite the hot weather
 
Stay tuned for the official unveiling of the Peace Pole – the fifth pole installed by our Club as part of the Centenary of Rotary in Tasmania project.
 
 
COUNCIL BREAKFAST BBQ AT ALBERT HALL
WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER
 
Team Tony – Manson, Hibbs & Cannon
 
Sonia serving in the Albert Hall
 
 
 
Remote-controlled car aims to ease young patients’ anxiety at hospital
 
Remote-controlled car aims to ease young patients’ anxiety at hospital
 
Launceston General Hospital’s Wombat Ward has recently introduced a remote-controlled electric vehicle to help ease the anxiety of young patients heading into surgery, turning a potentially stressful experience into one filled with excitement and smiles.
The initiative, made possible through generous support from the Rotary Club of Launceston, is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.

“Children often feel overwhelmed in hospital settings, especially before surgery,” said Vanessa Cahoon, CEO of the Clifford Craig Foundation.
“This proven strategy, tested at Epworth Eastern Hospital in Victoria, helps reduce anxiety by giving children a sense of control and joy during what can be a daunting time.”

Rotary Club of Launceston member, Bill Dobson, came across the initiative and was compelled to create access to an equivalent service at Launceston General Hospital’s Wombat Ward for young children. Bill and his team of volunteers fundraised, purchased and decorated the electric vehicle.
 
“To offer children and their caregivers something to focus on that has an element of fun, to see smile and wave as they drive into theatre is incredibly heartwarming,” said John Dent, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Launceston. “We’re proud to support this initiative and help bring comfort to families during what can be a very anxious time.”

“This is more than just a toy,” said Ms Cahoon. “It’s a therapeutic tool that helps us connect with patients and make their experience less overwhelming.”
 
The Wombat Ward team hopes this initiative will inspire similar programs across Tasmania and beyond, showing that sometimes the simplest ideas can have the biggest impact.         
 
 
LGH’s Wombat Ward received the kind donation just prior to Christmas.
 
Rotary Club of Launceston handing donated an electric car to LGH’s Wombat Ward.
(article courtesy of Clifford Craig Health Foundation Newsletter)
 
Working Bee at Heritage Forest Community Centre
Heritage Forest Community Garden
Paving around the new Shed
 
 
Enhancing a new administration building at the Heritage Forest Community Garden
The Rotary Club of Launceston has been involved with the development of the Heritage Forest Community Garden since 2013.
The latest contribution by the Rotary Club involved a shed which had been installed at the Garden so Welcome Heritage Cultural Services could have an employee on site most of the time to keep the garden secure and operating efficiently.

Temporary access to the shed building was provided by wooden planks, an unsatisfactory means of access. The Rotary Club of Launceston was requested to install concrete pavers along the front and one side of the building, providing for a much safer access.  The club conducted a working bee at the site on Sunday, 16th August.  Six Rotarians participated, bringing a range of experiences to the working bee – surveying, building and cabinet making, forestry, teaching and veterinary science!  The volunteers brought along their own equipment e.g. compactor and wheelbarrow.

The site for the pavers was dug out and gravel laid over the soil, compacted and levelled. The pavers were then installed, along with concrete piles on the outside edge.
There is now a safe access way to the new administration building.     
 
A shed has been installed at the Heritage Forest Community Garden so that Welcome Heritage Cultural Services can have an employee on site most of the time to keep the garden secure and operating efficiently.  On Sunday, a team of Andrew Kilpatrick. John Dent, John Rayner, Tony Cannon, Peter Jacobson and Rod Oliver installed pavers on the front and one side.
 
Shed before pavers installed with temporary access to building
 
The Rotary Club of Launceston was requested to install pavers around the building to replace the temporary access (see above). 
 
 
Rotarians moving pile for edging of pavers
 
 
Tony Cannon pressing down gravel base with compactor
 
 
Andrew Kilpatrick (left) and John Dent loading pavers for installing
 
 
Pavers being installed
 
 
Paving around 2 sides of office building installed.
 
Changeover Night 2025

On the Wednesday 11th June, members gathered at the Hotel Grand Chancellor to celebrate the Rotary Club’s annual Changeover Night – a time to reflect on achievements and look ahead to the year to come.

Outgoing President Sonia Smith officially handed over the chain of office to our new President, Andrew Kilpatrick, who takes on the role with great enthusiasm and commitment. The 2025/26 Board was also announced:

  • Youth – Bill Dobson

  • International/Foundation – Tony Manson

  • Membership – Tony Cannon

  • IPP/Public Relations – Sonia Smith

  • Physical Projects – Vacant

The evening featured inspiring words from special guests Craig Perkins (Incoming District Governor) and Alan Harris (Community Group Leader 2), both proud members of the Rotary Club of Central Launceston.

There are still opportunities to serve – in particular in the areas of Physical Projects Director, Speaker Coordinator, Cards organiser, and President Elect 2026/27. If you’re ready to contribute, now is the perfect time to step forward.

This Rotary year will also see the return of committees under each of the five directors. Members will be allocated or can nominate their preferred committee. The first committee meetings will be held on 9 July – a great chance to get involved from the start.

Here’s to a successful and rewarding Rotary year ahead!

 

President Andrew’s maiden presidential address to
members and partners at the Changeover
 
With the pressure off, Sonya can now smile
 
Board members present at the Changeover Dinner
 
 
 

Change Over Night - Photos

25 June 2025
 
 
 
 
Incoming District Governor Craig Perkins. 
Craig will be following in the footsteps of his
father Michael Perkins OAM who was District Governor in 2008-09
Alan Harris, Community Group Leader 2
 
President Andrew pins director Tony Cannon
President Andrew pins a Rotary pin on Director Tony Manson
 
 
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Soggy Bottom Boat Race
It all starts with a cardboard box and some strong tape.  Okay, a really good cardboard box and lots of strong tape!  From there it is just a matter of turning that box into a boat made for two and hoping you can paddle that boat faster than it takes on water.  Otherwise, you and your boat will both have a soggy bottom! 
 
After a successful outing at the last Soggy Bottom Cardboard Boat Regatta organised by Rotary Club of Youngtown, where the RCL Platypus took out the Rotary Championship by a nautical mile (well at least 30 metres) it was dried out and ready to defend it’s title.  Always striving to do better, we found another really good cardboard box and lots more tape and set about improving the design resulting in the RCL Platypus II.  Longer, sleeker and lighter (perhaps not the crew though!) the RCL Platypus II took home the trophy making it two from two.  Be part of Team RCL Platypus III in 2024.
 
The RCL Platypus  crewed by Ed Kilpatrick and Maryanne Simpson take an early lead
 
RCL Platypus II crew of Andrew Kilpatrick and Sonia Smith find their rhythm  and start to make up ground
 
 Winners are Grinners and taking home the huge perpetual trophy and certificate
 
The Soggy Bottom Cardboard Boat Regatta is one of many Rotary organised community events that provides fun and  entertainment while raising money to support local, national and international youth, education and development programs. 
Australian Rotary Health Research Update and fundraising Evening
Proudly Hosted by the Rotary Club of Launceston.
 
Wednesday 01st March
Venue:  Hotel Grand Chancellor
 
The MC for the night was Co-President, John Dent, who ensured that the event ran smoothly for the fifty-one, Rotarians, family, friends, and special guests who gathered to hear the three guest speakers:
  • Exciting developments in Australian Rotary Health development and direction delivered by PDG Kevin Shadbolt OAM – Chairman of ARH.
  • Research into the Prevention of Youth Suicide in Rural Tasmania presented by ARH Scholar Laura Grattidge.  Laura commenced a PhD in 2020, building on academic and professional experiences to explore the role of communities in rural suicide prevention, and develop ‘Best Practice Guidelines for Youth Suicide Prevention in Rural Australian Communities’. 
  • New Treatments for Stroke Patients – a Promising Future presented by former ARH Scholar, Dr Jason Palazzolo. Jason Palazzolo was a PhD candidate with Monash University and recipient of the PhD Scholarship (Cardiology) supported by Australian Rotary Health and Rotary District 9830. Based at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Jason performed his biomedical research where he aimed to develop novel therapies for the treatment of thrombosis and related diseases, specifically stroke. Jason’s research incorporated innovative therapeutic designs, including novel fusion proteins and nanoparticle technologies.  Jason has completed his PhD and his research has been highly acclaimed. He is now employed as a scientist with CSL.
 
The event was well supported by the District, with both support and participation on the night. Pictured above: District Governor Bob Calvert, DGE Mike Patten, PDG Ken Moore (District Chair of ARH), Lois Moore, PDG Kevin Shadbolt OAM (Chairman of ARH), Anne Shadbolt, Co-President PP John Dent AOM and PP Madeline Logan (member of ARH District Committee).
 
Lasting benefits of grounds’ makeover for New Horizon’s Club
New Horizons Club provides sporting and social activities for people with disabilities in Launceston.  The Club has facilities in Mowbray.  Over time, the grounds had deteriorated and were unsuitable for club social activities.  The Rotary Club of Launceston came to the rescue and, in 2014,  launched a major project to upgrade the grounds.  Apart from voluntary labour from the Rotary Club of Launceston members, the club arranged for numerous trades and business organisations to contribute their products and services.
An extensive range of activities were undertaken e.g. regrading the grounds, installing new services e.g. electricity, removal of the old BBQ area, mending fences, installing new decking and paving and replacing gardens.  All up, the total cost was estimated at $200,000.
The upgraded facilities now provide an excellent location for Club social events.  No better example that the Annual Christmas BBQ and Party where members of the Rotary Club of Launceston do the catering for the event.  This project is a great example of the lasting benefits that the Rotary Club of Launceston has delivered to Launceston.  Members of the Rotary Club of Launceston are proud of being involved in a community project with lasting benefits.  
 
New Horizons Club members and guests enjoying the upgraded grounds at the Annual Christmas Party catered by members of the Rotary Club of Launceston.
 
Rotary Club of Launceston Co-President John Dent, serving New Horizons Club guests. 
Sponsoring Rotary Youth Exchange student
Rotary Youth Exchange has been one of Rotary International’s signature programs, enabling students to spend 12 months in another country.  Unfortunately in 2020, the Rotary Youth Exchange Program had to stopped due to COVID, and students on exchange in many cases returned home.  The program has been in abeyance since then.  It has been revived in January 2023.
The Rotary Club of Launceston is sponsoring a year 10 student from Riverside High School, Holly May, to attend a year’s exchange in Suldrup in Denmark.
Holly was farewelled at a Rotary Club BBQ on Wednesday night, 18th January.  At the function, Holly was presented with a cheque to $500 to cover initial living expenses.
Rotary Club of Launceston Director of Youth Services, Sharon Deane, said youth exchanges like Rotary Youth Exchanges frequently have very positive outcomes for participating students.
Rotary Youth Exchange is one way the Rotary Club of Launceston benefits the Launceston community.
 
Rotary Youth Exchange student, Holly May (second right) with Sharon Deane (second left), and Co- presidents, Robyn Phillips  (left) and John Dent.
 
Holly May (left) and fellow exchange student from Hobart, Layla Mae Halliwell, at Launceston Airport, before flying out to commence exchanges in Europe.
 
Rotary at the Start of the United Nations

Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world.

During World War II, Rotary informed and educated members about the formation of the United Nations and the importance of planning for peace. Materials such as the booklet “From Here On!” and articles in The Rotarian helped members understand the UN before it was formally established and follow its work after its charter. 

Many countries were fighting the war when the term “United Nations” was first used officially in the 1942 “Declaration by United Nations.” The 26 nations that signed it pledged to uphold the ideals expressed by the United States and the United Kingdom the previous year of the common principles “on which they based their hopes for a better future for the world.” 

 

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Rotary’s Response to the 1918 Flu Pandemic

An estimated 500 million people worldwide became infected. Many cities closed theaters and cinemas, and placed restrictions on public gatherings. Rotary clubs adjusted their activities while also helping the sick.

This is how Rotary responded to the influenza pandemic that began in 1918 and came in three waves, lasting more than a year.

The Rotary Club of Berkeley, California, USA, meets in John Hinkel Park during the 1918 flu pandemic.

Photo by Edwin J. McCullagh, 1931-32 club president. Courtesy of the Rotary Club of Berkeley.

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Young Inventor Eco-Friendly Bricks Come Full Circle

Every hero has an origin story. “I was 10 years old when the entire journey started,” explains Binish Desai. It began with a cartoon called Captain Planet, an animated TV series from the 1990s about an environmentalist with superpowers. Desai can still recite the show’s refrain: Captain Planet, he’s our hero / Gonna take pollution down to zero! “That tagline stuck in my mind,” he says. “I wanted to do something to help Captain Planet.”

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