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
- Bendigo Bank
As our major long-term partner, Bendigo Bank continues to scale up its incredible generosity. Their contribution has grown to $19,050 this year, bringing their total historical support to $111,000 since 2011. Because of their community-banking model, 60% of their profits go directly back into local grassroots organizations. CEO Nick Coker announced the this amounted to a staggering $1.2 million this year and over $12 million historically. He extended a massive thank you to their customers whose banking choices make this local philanthropy possible.
- Carey Baptist Grammar School
Represented by Bernadette Luker, Carey Grammar expressed their ongoing excitement for the partnership. Bernadette shared her personal love for attending the art show every year. It is a particularly special partnership this year, as Carey Grammar serves as the fantastic venue host for the upcoming show and years to come
- Le Pine Funerals
Represented by Jeremy Barth, the team brought a light touch to a serious industry. Jeremy spoke beautifully about how art—whether visual or musical—compels people to stop, reflect, and appreciate the beauty in life. He is delighted to keep supporting the show and continuing this vital partnership.
- Alteris Financial Group
A warm welcome to our newest sponsor represented by Gary Gleeson, alongside team members Tracy Briggs and Michael Duffy. The group has just rebranded and relocated to Camberwell Road. Celebrating over 25 years of providing practical financial and aged-care advice, Gary expressed how thrilled the team is to weave themselves directly into the local business fabric of the Art Show.
- Davies Bakery
Now proudly operated by its 5th generation, including our longstanding member Rob Davies and his wife Glenda, this iconic Victorian business originally founded by ancestors John and Emily, continues to be a powerhouse supporter. It has been a family-owned business for over 130 years. Attendees were treated to a quick video clip highlighting a Canstar award won by Aldi for the best hot cross bun this year and Davies Bakery is the supplier. A massive 20 million hot cross buns were produced in 2026!
- Travel Associates
Representatives Christine Bottrell and Karen Bennetto drew a beautiful parallel between travel and art, noting both are about creativity, inspiring journeys, and building lifelong memories. They highlighted their partnership with Martin Randall Cultural Tours and treated guests to informational tote bags with a special gift.
- Studio Craft
Located just down the road in Hawthorn, this family-owned business has provided high-quality custom framing for over 50 years. Co-owner Daniel Tran thanked the club and highlighted how the right frame makes an artist's work truly shine. He also jokingly reminded attendees that when they purchase a painting at the upcoming Camberwell Art Show, they know exactly where to go to get it beautifully framed.
- Quantum Education
David Chu gave a heartfelt speech about bridging gaps in the education system. Over the last decade, Quantum has supported over one-third of all Victorian students reaching top-tier national levels in Mathematics and Informatics. He noted it is an absolute privilege to support the local community and the Art Show.
- Melbourne Mortgage Centre
As a long-standing member of the club, Patrick Docherty is proud to support the Art Show.