Club News
Changeover 2026
On Wednesday 10 June 2026 the Rotary Camberwell Changeover Dinner was held at the Green Acres Golf Club. The room was absolutely filled with energy, laughter, and that great sense of community that makes Camberwell Rotary feel like family.
At its core, Rotary is a massive global network of 1.2 million people doing good across over 200 countries, but nights like last night remind us just how powerful local connections really are. The night kicked off with an Acknowledgment of Country and a warm welcome and toast the people of Australia and Rotary International by District Governor Elect, Graeme Hope.
President Vijay highlighted the club’s achievements over the past year as a slideshow. It demonstrated the hard and varied work the club achieved in our local and overseas communities.
Members who reached their milestone years of membership were acknowledged as were members who have left us for higher service. Three members passed away over the last year – Past President Neil Hookey, Adrian Campbell and Clement Fisk.

Members were recognised for their efforts over the year. Robert Pattison and David Chu each received a Royce Abbey.
Yvonne Wills received a PHF.
As the supportive wife of Adrian Campbell, Mandy received an acknowledgement for her support, loyalty and commitment to the Club also with a PHF.
Grace Docherty received a Certificate for the contribution of many years at the Camberwell Art Show and attending the WASH Project in Timor Lester twice.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The theme of "Uniting for Good" was well achieved in 2025-2026.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Then came the main event, the official Changeover! It’s that time of year where we say a farewell to our outgoing President Vijay and pass the presidential baton over to our new President. President Daya received a warm welcome! He is stepping into the role with so much compassion, confidence, and a great sense of fun. He’s got big plans for the future of the club, local businesses, and the community. He was supported with the attendance of his family and his old classmates.
 
 
 
 
 
President Daya also introduced his new board for 2026-2027.
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Rotary Camberwell Celebrates Sponsors of the Camberwell Art Show
On Wednesday, 3 June 2026, sponsors and Rotary Camberwell members gathered at The Tower Hotel in Hawthorn East for a spectacular evening for the Camberwell Art Show Sponsor Night.
This year marks 61 years of the Camberwell Art Show which will be held at Carey Baptist Grammar, Kew for the first time, from 4 July to 12 July 2026 with the Gala Opening on 3 July 2026. The club is most grateful for Carey’s support, and we look forward to a great venue.
With over 1,000 paintings entered this year alongside 10 demonstrating artists, the event remains a premier platform for Australian artists. To match this scale, a robust radio campaign is driving public awareness for the main show and the Gala night.
(L-R) President Vijay Susarla, Bernadette Luker, Executive Assistant – Finance and Operations, Carey Baptist Grammar School, and Robert Pattison.
The night was ably chaired by Camberwell Art Show Chair, Jon Oppy, who handed over to club sponsor lead, Robert Pattison to introduce each sponsor. Robert reminded everyone that while the club has a number of fundraising activities throughout the year, the Camberwell Art Show remains the single biggest initiative contributing significantly to our community work. Rotary Camberwell is most grateful for the support of all our sponsors, and each were invited to address the club. 
The Platinum sponsor is Bendigo Bank. Other sponsors included Le Pine Funerals, Alteris Financial Group, Davies Bakery, Travel Associates, Studio Craft, Quantum Education, and Melbourne Mortgage Centre.
We also acknowledge the support Exponet for their outstanding venue fit out service. 
(L-R) CEO Bendigo Community Bank Inner East Nick Coker, President Vijay Susarla, Anna Gration, Juliann Byron and Robert Pattison
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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Graduates – Matthew Anticaglia and Autumn Yang
 
#rotaryyouthprograms
On 13 May 2026 Matthew and Autumn who were sponsored by Rotary Camberwell shared their experiences participating the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Program.
Autumn is a communications/Design student at Swinburne University. She prides herself on the creativity and has a deep appreciation of Art. She volunteered at the Camberwell Art Show over the past two years. Autumn is the current Secretary of the newly chartered Rotaract e-Club of Camberwell.
Matthew is a graduate of Rossbourne School in Hawthorn. He is on the Autism Spectrum and is a charismatic speaker. His presentation demonstrates his caring and compassionate nature as well as his wit. He is currently his class Student Representative at TAFE. He is a devoted supporter of the North Melbourn Football club.
Both Matthew and Autumn reflected on the positive elements of the RYLA program that had the greatest impact. Each of their experiences were unique but they both referred to how their initial anxieties were overcome by the supportive environment both in relation to the fellow participants and the able facilitators.
They both described their experience as transformative and empowering, stating that self-explorative tasks provided valuable insights of their individual leadership styles.
Many thanks to Lindy Anderson from the Youth & Vocation Committee for identifying the two graduates and coordinating their attendance.
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.
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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.
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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
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Speakers
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