Booragoon Rotary

23/05/2026

ROTARY ACTION GROUP AIMS TO FREE THE WORLD
Slavery is a term that we tend to associate with the distant past, but a special worldwide group of Rotarians is dedicated to fighting the modern form of an age-old evil.
The Global Slavery Index estimates that 40.3 million people are subject to some form of slavery: bonded or forced labour, child slavery, s*x trafficking or forced marriage.
The Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery was established in 2013 and has Rotarian members in over 65 countries. It describes itself as a global, action-driven network dedicated to freedom fighting, justice, seeking, problem-solving and advocating for basic human rights.
It describes modern slavery as a severe exploitation of others for personal or commercial gain, often linked to human and s*x trafficking and to land and labour slavery where the victims are forced to work entrapped and controlled against their free will – either physically, financially or psychologically.
Many fall into this oppressive trap because they are trying to escape poverty or insecurity, improve their lives and support their families.
By the numbers --
+ 49.6 million people are in forced labour, s*xual exploitation, domestic servitude or forced marriages worldwide
+ $US150 billion is made each year from forced labour, translating to over $4,750 per second
+ 71% of women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labour around the world
In addition, Freedom United, a partner group with RAGAS, highlights the following “five hard facts” on modern child slavery –
+ 1 in 4 victims of slavery are children
+ 10 million children are considered slaves
+ 300,000 child soldiers are forced to fight wars
+ 700 million women alive today were married as children
+ 17.2 million children are working as domestic workers
Through education on awareness and prevention, RAGAS works to activate Rotary clubs and Rotarians to counter vulnerability to human trafficking/modern slavery in their communities. Rotary has proved it can best effect change within communities.
Once identified, RAGAS can share and better help to coordinate successful projects, connect local partners and promote Rotary’s areas of focus. No other organisation matches Rotary’s ability to be focused at the local level while operating at a global level.
RAGAS has developed a Community Awareness and Prevention Education plan that equips and empowers members to execute projects in their communities – and around the world. It will assist members to connect with like-minded Rotarians to take action to end human trafficking/modern slavery.
Through Rotary’s influence and strength, RAGAS will continue to globally network one community at a time for real and lasting impact, change and hope to end human trafficking/modern slavery.

12/05/2026

Another delivery of sleeping bags and underwear to St Pats Community Support Centre

11/05/2026

Dear Friends

You are warmly invited to participate in the 2026 ART FOR PEACE – Inspiring Young Peace Builders Art Project across Australia and around the world.

We sincerely thank the many Rotary districts, clubs, and partner organisations already participating—and those who have sent enquiries to be part of this inspiring initiative.

Register here to receive the official 2026 artwork template:
https://forms.gle/L5gd5aBdMtUuugLK6
(Or scan the QR code on the poster.)

Closing soon!
Learn more and how to participate:
https://www.mega-meeting.com/

Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
https://www.mega-meeting.com/about-5

Two Entry Categories
A – Colouring Artwork
Use the official Art for Peace colouring sheet.

B – Original Drawing Artwork
Students create their own original drawing on A4 paper based on one of these themes:

• Peace & Unity — “Everyone Belongs”
• Environment & Sustainability
• Family & Community — Peace Begins at Home
Artwork must be completed in colour (pencils, crayons, markers, or paint).
As People of Action within Rotary International, this project affirms that our work for peace starts now. If our children—the leaders of tomorrow—are to be inspired by our legacy as peace advocates, humanitarians, and changemakers, then we must begin building those leaders today.

We warmly invite you, your club, and your organisation to be part of the 2026 ART FOR PEACE Project.
For more enquiries, please email: [email protected]

Together, let us build a culture where peace is lived, shared, and sustained—from one generation to another. Peace is possible.

Warm regards,

PP. Ozuem O. Esiri (AmbP)
Host & Convener, Peace Begins at Home – Australia International
Host & Convener, International Online Mega Meeting (Rotary Mega Meeting)

The Art for Peace project empowers children to become young peace builders by expressing their understanding of peace, unity, and harmony through creative art.

28/04/2026

DOORS OPEN FOR OUTSTANDING SCIENCE STUDENTS SCHEME
Applications have opened for the 2027 National Youth Science Forum Year 12 program, which brings together outstanding students across Australia and particularly those in regional and rural communities to learn more about science and the opportunities it can offer them.
The program, established by Rotary in partnership with our major universities and science organisations, brings together 235 students from across Australia who have demonstrated their ability and interest for nine days of deep immersion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The students engage with researchers, scientists and industry professionals, and leave with connections, confidence and a much clearer picture of where STEM can take them. It truly is one of the most formative experiences a young STEM-curious person can have.
The 2027 program will be held across two sessions. Participants are allocated to one session:
• Session A: Australian National University, Canberra on January 6-14, 2027
• Session B: University of Queensland, Brisbane on from January 13-21, 2027
Applicants will be in Year 11 currently, and planning to continue science subjects in Year 12 next year.
Rotary clubs, including Booragoon, regularly help to make NYSF accessible to young Australians regardless of where they live or what resources they have by offering sponsorships to successful applicants.
For more NYSF information, go to 2027 Applications Poster (A4) or email [email protected] headed: NYSF 2027

12/04/2026

WARM HEARTS HELP EASE WINTER CHILLS FOR OUR HOMELESS AND NEEDY
Thanks to the Kardinya Markets community, several bags of new and good condition used warm clothes have been handed over to St Pat's to help homeless and needy people get through the coming winter.
The clothes - including shirts and trousers, jumpers, jackets, scarves, nightwear and socks - have been donated by sellers and buyers at the weekly markets at Kardinya Markets through the last month.
Brooke Peacock, the team leader at St Pat's Community Centre in Fremantle, expressed her thanks to all who contributed.
The Booragoon Rotary volunteers at Kardinya Markets will continue to accept further donations in coming weeks.
And the Kardinya Markets community will come together again in May, when the annual Give a Damn, Give a Can (GADGAC) appeal for donations of packets and cans of non-perishable food will be run by Booragoon Rotary at the weekly markets and by Fremantle Rotary through shopping centres and schools.
Kardinya Markets operates from 6am to 11am each Sunday in the ground floor carpark (undercover!) at the Kardinya Park Shopping Centre, at the corner of South Street and North Lake Road.

04/04/2026

KARDINYA MARKETS BUILD CHARITY FUNDS, COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Kardinya Markets, the weekly trash and treasure market run by Booragoon Rotary in partnership with Fremantle Rotary each Sunday morning (except this week: we’re closed for Easter), is going from strength to strength since its move undercover three months ago.
The swapmart has been part of the community for nearly 37 years. It was initially established by Booragoon Rotary at the Bull Creek Shopping Centre in July 1989, but after three unprofitable years made the move west along South Street to the Kardinya Park Shopping Centre in January 1993.
There, with the generous and sustained support of the shopping centre’s owners and managers, it has delivered a regular income for the club. The income comes from fixed fees paid by the market sellers plus donations by buyers and casual visitors. (Important note: as with all Booragoon Rotary activities, all funds raised at the market are dedicated to our charity account to support local, national and international projects that are run/backed by Rotary.)
However, being set up outdoors in the shopping centre’s carpark had some drawbacks. In the 2025 calendar year, we lost no fewer than 12 weekly markets due to bad weather – it got so bad for a while, it seemed the weather gods were deliberately saving their worst for Sunday mornings. Even on dry mornings, the intense heat of a typical Perth mid-summer’s day often kept numbers down.
That was why the announcement by the shopping centre management a couple of years ago of a multi-million dollar upgrade, including a three-storey carpark building, was an exciting moment for the club.
Since the switch to the ground floor of the carpark on January 4, the average number of sellers each week has risen significantly and we’re also attracting a wider range of buyers – including, very pleasingly, a greater number of family groups.
In addition to the increased charity income, the change of venue is enabling us to begin expanding our community presence through Kardinya Markets. For instance, we’ve just completed a special Warm Winter appeal for donations of new and good condition used clothing for distribution to the homeless and needy in our community. Four large bags of clothing will be delivered to St Pat’s Community Centre in Fremantle next week.
This will be followed by our annual Give a Damn, Give a Can (GADGAC) appeal for donations of cans and packets of non-perishable food for distribution through St Pat’s and another local homelessness charity, PortCare.
At the same time, we’re working on plans for special events at Kardinya Markets such as a visit from WA Wildlife that will include a few of the entrancing native animals from its Bibra Lake hospital and rehabilitation centre.
We are working through local community radio and social media to build more public awareness of the Kardinya Markets. We’re appealing to all Rotarians and supporters to assist this PR program by clicking on to www.facebook.com/kardinyamarkets and liking or, even better, sharing our positive messages.
Booragoon and Fremantle are among a number of Rotary clubs across Western Australia that draw much/most of their charity funds from similar markets.
An outstanding example of that is the monthly Artisan Market run by Willetton Rotary on the second Sunday of each month at Agincourt Reserve, close to the Willetton Library and Southlands Shopping Centre in Willetton.

6-11am each Sunday, now undercover in Kardinya Park Shopping Centre car park building.

14/03/2026

RYPEN’S CALL TO YOUNG ADULTS: STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
The call for nominations has gone out for the next weekend camp under the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, to be held on May 1-3.
RYPEN is a unique Rotary program that helps young people discover their potential and develop essential life skills by taking part in an exciting and transformative weekend camp. Through interactive workshops, team challenges, adventure courses and hands-on activities, the participants gain confidence, leadership skills and a stronger sense of responsibility toward their community.
All those selected to take part in RYPEN are sponsored by Rotary clubs. Booragoon Rotary is a long-term supporter of the program and is proud of the dozens of young people who have enjoyed the life-changing experience it gives them.
Who should apply?
Young people aged 14-17 who –
✅ Are eager to grow but may not yet have had leadership experience.
✅ Would benefit from a structured confidence-building program.
✅ Are looking to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
✅ Want to make new friends and have a fun, inspiring weekend.
If this fits you (or someone in your family), please advise us by contacting [email protected] or calling 0432 298 325.
The weekend camp will be held at the Serpentine Camping Centre, 22 Transit Road in Jarrahdale. Arrival time is 4.30-5pm on Friday, May 1 and departure at 2-2.30pm on Sunday, May 3.
Applications close on April 12. Click Here for the application form.

14/03/2026

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE WHATS, WHERES AND HOWS!
For those of us who have never known - or long ago forgot all we did know – about computer science, it seems these days that artificial intelligence has taken over just about all our interactions with the world with almost frightening speed.
So complete has the takeover been, the abbreviation AI has become ubiquitous – to the extent that no-one even bothers to spell it out anymore. And no, AI does not stand for A1 (excellent) or Al (everyone’s pal). More often, it’s a shortened form of AIEEEE (help!).
It’s there when your phone recognises your face or fingerprint, when a search engine somehow seems to anticipate what your next question is going to be, or when your car beeps loudly to alert you to a cyclist about to swoop past you on the wrong side.
If we don’t know the science, or understand its capabilities, how can we tell what it is doing, where it impacts our daily lives and how it does that.
Our guest speaker for the Booragoon Rotary meeting on Tuesday, March 17 (see details below) is AI consultant and postgraduate researcher, software architect and entrepreneur Kasun Wijayamanna, the founder and lead developer of Australian technology firm Hello People that specialises in AI solutions, software development, mobile applications and complex systems design.
Alongside his industry work, Kasun is conducting research on Artificial Intelligence and Retrieval-Augmented Generation at Curtin University for a postgraduate under the Higher Degree by Research scheme.
He describes the aim of his research as exploring how the technology can produce more reliable, explainable and decision-ready AI systems. “Technology should create real impact — that’s what continues to drive my work ...”
Kasun, and his wife Sony Sindhe, are well known to Booragoon Rotary. Kasun was a club member for over 10 years and served as club president in 2009-10.

NOTE: Booragoon Rotary welcomes visitors to meetings such as this or other guest speakers. We meet each Tuesday at 6pm in the Library at Dome Deep Water Point, 100 The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant. Please notify us by email to [email protected] at least a day ahead so we can advise the cafe of numbers. (We don’t charge a meeting fee, by the way. Members and visitors all order and pay for their own meals and drinks from the café menu.)

07/03/2026

DENTAL ADVENTURES IN THE WEST AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK
Booragoon Rotary and its 10 partner clubs in the Metro South area of Perth (Rotary Community Group 1) have been mulling over plans for several months to purchase, fit-out and operate a mobile service that would travel to various localities in and around the city to provide dental care for homeless people.
The potential benefits of good dental hygiene for the health, confidence and general wellbeing of people in deprived circumstances are well recognised, although significant questions have been raised about how effective the proposed service would be in reaching and delivering sustained care to its target audience.
At our meeting in the Library at Dome Deep Water Point at 6pm on Tuesday night (*details below), we will have the privilege of hearing from two people who have very successfully established and run a mobile dental scheme – although in a vastly different environment.
Prominent dentist and consultant orthodontist Dr John Owen and his wife Jan, a former dental nurse and dental health educator, came up with the idea for what became the Kimberley Dental Team in May 2009 during a visit to Halls Creek in the East Kimberley.
Jan, a member of the choir Madjitil Moorna: Singers of Aboriginal Songs, was in Halls Creek to sing with the students in the local high school.
The couple learned that the school had been without a dental therapy service for some time and many of the students were suffering dental disease and pain, so they offered to provide dental screening and health education during the week of their visit.
With the success of that venture, and their increasing awareness of the inequality of dental health care in outback areas compared to major centres, Jan and John resolved to develop a volunteer team of dental health personnel to improve dental servicing and dental health literacy.
The Kimberley Dental Team continues to recruit volunteer dentists and allied health professions to deliver culturally competent oral health care to indigenous children and their families.
The non-profit organisation works with relevant health and indigenous agencies to provide additional and often urgent services to those most disadvantaged by lack of access, limited staff and distance, reducing the long-term costs and suffering resulting from dental disease.
Members of Booragoon Rotary have already learned something of the KDT’s work during a visit to the club late last year by Dr Alan Wright and his wife Diane, who have used their own medical expertise to help people in regional WA as part of the Lions Cancer Project and described the Kimberley team as one of their inspirations.
John and Jan Owen have now written and published a book, Outback Dental Adventures, about their 17 years with the KDT, and will have copies available for sale on Tuesday night.
(The attached picture shows Outback Dental Adventures, the new book tracing the 17-year journey, challenges and triumphs for John and Jan Owen as they established and operated the Kimberley Dental Team. Copies will be available on Tuesday night at $35.)

NOTE: Booragoon Rotary welcomes visitors to meetings such as this or other guest speakers. We meet each Tuesday at 6pm in the Library at Dome Deep Water Point, 100 The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant. Please notify us by email to [email protected] at least a day ahead so we can advise the cafe of numbers. (We don’t charge a meeting fee, by the way. Members and visitors all order and pay for their own meals and drinks from the café menu.)

28/02/2026

Rotary in an AI World
Maybe Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take away some peoples' jobs. Those people could lose their sense of purpose, some of their social connections and sense of self. That's where Rotary membership and volunteering can offer a reason to exist, a purpose in life.