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Peter Elias

The Rotary Club of Albury is a proud club. Proud of the way we have served the local and international community since 1927. Proud of the way we collaboratively go about our work. Proud of the way we continue to adapt and change with the times.

We meet the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month on-site and on any 5th Mondays we undertake vocational visits within our community, supporting members, local businesses and charity groups.

Our members continually put others before themselves, ringing true our motto of ‘Service Above Self’.

We are well-known in the Albury-Wodonga region for our professionalism, however we also share a great sense of fun. Our social banter and special events including Melbourne Cup Eve, bus trips and Hat Days bring out our creative and colourful best!

Our club is inclusive. We value the contribution of members, male and female, older and younger, from various occupations and walks of life, and respectfully acknowledge our indigenous ancestors who came before us in fellowship.

Thinking of becoming a member of an award-winning, spirited and committed team? Why not give us a call or pay us a visit?

Make Me Mobile Vehicle Handover Event

A fantastic milestone for Make Me Mobile with the official vehicle handover event, marking another step forward in providing wheelchair-accessible transport for those in need.

Well done to Peter White and his team for their dedication and commitment in bringing this important project to life.

Deb from DKiK Shares 16-Year Journey

The Rotary Club of Albury was pleased to welcome another powerful guest speaker on Monday night Deb from DKiK (Deb’s Kids in Kenya).

Deb delivered an emotional and eye-opening presentation on the realities of supporting and caring for children in Kenya. She shared insights from an extraordinary 16-year journey, marked by both challenges and achievements, and spoke openly about the difficulties faced along the way, including her recent return home with the boys under very challenging circumstances to begin again.

The Club is proud to continue supporting DKiK and its ongoing work providing care and opportunities for children in Kenya.

Thank you, Deb, for your honesty, courage, and the powerful insight you shared with members.

Make Me Mobile Celebrates Major Milestone with First Accessible Van Handover

On Sunday 3rd May, local charity Make Me Mobile reached a significant milestone with a fundraising luncheon to officially hand over the first wheelchair-accessible van the result of many years of planning, fundraising and community effort. The Ruggi family were the very grateful recipients of this life-changing vehicle.

The Rotary Club of Albury is a proud supporter of Make Me Mobile and has provided financial assistance towards the purchase of the van.

The luncheon was an inspiring celebration, featuring powerful personal stories, guest speakers, and updates on the ongoing Cans for Vans campaign.

Congratulations to Peter, Josh and Desiree for their dedication, persistence, and commitment in bringing this incredible achievement to reality.

Discover the World with Rotary Youth Exchange

Imagine spending a full school year living overseas in destinations such as France, Finland, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Denmark and many more.

Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program gives students the chance to:

Live overseas for 12 months
Stay with 2–4 approved Rotary host families
Attend a local high school
Learn a new language
Experience a different culture every day

Each year, thousands of students around the world take part in this transformative program, building independence, confidence, global awareness, and lifelong international friendships.

For more information scan the QR Code!

Applications for the 2027 exchange year are now OPEN!

Well Done Sara! Nail Can Hill Podium Finish

We’re proud to congratulate our French exchange student, Sara, on her fantastic achievement at the Nail Can Hill Run.

Sara placed 3rd in the Female Over 16 division an outstanding result and a wonderful achievement.

Well done, Sara! We’re very proud of your effort and determination.

Eva Kaye Shares Her National Youth Science Forum Journey

We were pleased to welcome another outstanding guest speaker to our Monday night meeting Eva Kaye.

We first met Eva in 2023 when, as a Year 9 student, she was selected to spend a year in Italy as a Rotary Exchange student. Since then, she has continued to impress us with her achievements and enthusiasm.

Eva shared an engaging presentation about her experience attending the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra earlier this year, giving members an insight into the opportunities and experiences the program provided.

We wish Eva all the very best for Year 12 and for the future ahead. It is always a pleasure to see her back at our club.

Lillian Keeping Her Passion for Football Alive in Burgos

Lillian Nicholas, our Australian inbound exchange student, is continuing her passion for football while enjoying her exchange year in Burgos.

It’s wonderful to see Lillian embracing new experiences overseas while staying involved in the sport she loves.

Circus Quirkus is Back in Albury – 2026

The Rotary Club of Albury is proud to once again bring the spectacular Circus Quirkus back to the Border in 2026.

Get ready for jaw-dropping acrobatics, side-splitting comedy, and amazing circus performers that will leave both kids and adults grinning from ear to ear. This high-energy production, presented by International Entertainment Australia, puts a modern spin on the classic circus we all know and love.

Wednesday 29 July 2026

Albury Entertainment Centre

Show times: 11.00 am | 4.30 pm | 6.30 pm

For further information: www.circusquirkus.com.au

Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal – Doing It for the Kids

The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal continues to be one of the most important community fundraising efforts, bringing people together to support children and families in need.

Hume Bank once again played a key role in the appeal, with donations from the Lavington Rural Fire Brigade contributing to an outstanding community effort. Rotarians, Hume Bank staff, and volunteers worked together to sort and count the generous contributions from across the region.

For more than 20 years, Hume Bank has partnered with the Rotary Club of Albury NSW in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, a long-standing commitment that continues to make a real difference.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for their time, energy, and ongoing support truly doing it for the kids.

International Project Update

Following a very productive two weeks building kitchen facilities in schools in Sindhuli, the team returned to Kathmandu and visited the MN Hospital.

The Rotary Club of Dhulikhel and the hospital board continue to patiently await the clearance of a container of hospital equipment through Nepal customs. The Rotary Club of Albury proudly sponsored the project in partnership with the Share Project – eClub of Change Makers.

The visit also included another presentation and afternoon tea, providing a great opportunity to strengthen connections and celebrate the progress being made.

Days For Girls Walk

It was a beautiful day here in Albury and the perfect opportunity for a walk along the river.

We were proud to be out once again supporting Days for Girls, a wonderful not-for-profit organisation that raises funds to provide washable menstrual kits for girls and women in need.

It is always inspiring to see the positive impact community groups like this make, helping improve health and dignity.

Border Easter Egg Hunt - Foodshare

The Border Easter Egg Hunt was a fantastic community event, bringing together families for a day full of fun, laughter, and Easter excitement.

Our French Rotary Youth Exchange student, Sara, embraced the Aussie experience with enthusiasm, enjoying a few classic sausages in bread along the way.

Sara also joined Helen and Tracey to help judge the Easter Hat Parade, where plenty of creativity was on display. Choosing the winners was no easy task, but five deserving entries were selected.

It was wonderful to see so many happy children and families enjoying the day.

A big thank you to the staff and volunteers at Foodshare, along with our dedicated Rotarians, for helping make the event such a success.

Rotary in Action: Supporting Schools in Nepal

The Nepal RAWCS volunteer team has hit the ground running, working to complete planned projects at Shree Kamala School in Sindhuli.

The team is renovating an existing school block into a kitchen that will provide up to 250 student meals each day as part of the student sponsorship program run by the Rotary Club of Wagga.

With enthusiastic volunteers on the ground, the project is off to a strong and productive start.

Rotary Building Global Connections in Nepal

RAWCS volunteers recently attended a joint club meeting with the Rotary Club of Kathmandu, alongside members of Rotaract and Interact.

Such enthusiastic young people dedicated to community service a great reminder of the strength and future of Rotary.

Rotary in Action: Supporting Medical Students’ Journeys

Students from the UNSW Rural Medical School joined us to share their incredible journeys. Last year, the Rotary Club of Albury proudly awarded five fifth-year students a $2,000 Graham Turner Bursary to support their elective placements.

Now in their sixth year, the students reflected on their experiences across Malta, Vietnam, the Northern Territory, Perth, Melbourne and Albury, working in a wide range of medical specialities.

Their presentations were both insightful and inspiring, showcasing what they learned, the challenges they overcame, and the memorable highlights of their placements.

Rotary in Action: Supporting Communities in Nepal

It’s time once again for the Rotary Australia World Community Service volunteer trip, with the team heading to Sindhuli, Nepal.

The group includes Rotarians from Albury, Mulwala and Wagga, along with non-Rotarian volunteers generously donating their time and skills.

We look forward to a productive few weeks supporting the local Nepalese community.

Rotary Celebrates Local STEM Talent

Members of the Rotary Club of Albury Winston, Murray and Peter recently assisted with the NSW University STEM (Science & Engineering) Challenge, hosted by the Albury Wodonga Sunrise Rotary Club.

As strong supporters of education, it was fantastic to be part of such an inspiring program. The event engaged local primary and high school students in hands-on STEM activities, showcasing the incredible talent in our region.

Go our local youth and talent!

Rotary Youth Exchange Program (2027)

Students aged 15–17 have the opportunity to spend a year living and studying overseas through Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program.

Participants will:

Live overseas for 12 months
Stay with Rotary-approved host families
Attend a local high school
Learn a new language and experience a new culture

This life-changing program helps build confidence, independence, and lifelong international friendships.

Applications for the 2027 exchange year are now open:

https://ryea.org.au/apply-today

The Hunt Is On! 2026 Border Easter Egg Hunt Launch

After such a wonderful experience at last year’s Border Easter Egg Hunt, it is an easy decision to be involved again in 2026.

Today marks the official launch of the 2026 Border Easter Egg Hunt, with fantastic support from local media who help bring the excitement to life each year.

the Rotary Club of Albury NSW returns as Major Event Partner, continuing its strong commitment to supporting our local community.

Matt in the Morning from Radio 2AY joins the event as Master of Ceremonies, and Murray Conservatorium provides stage entertainment, showcasing talented local performers.

Event Details

Border Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday 28 March
9:00am – 12:00pm
Albury Botanic Gardens

Children require a ticket to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. Purchasing tickets online doubles the chance of winning the major prize draw.

This much-loved community event supports Albury Wodonga FoodShare, helping provide food for families in our region experiencing hardship.

For tickets and more information, visit:
https://foodshare.org.au/easter/

Supporting Country Hope Together

The Rotary Club of Albury NSW proudly contributes $10,000 in support of Country Hope.

Each Wednesday evening, Rotary members join forces with dedicated volunteers to run weekly raffles at the Astor Hotel Albury. These raffles play an important role in raising funds to assist local families facing serious illness.

We simply could not achieve this without the ongoing support of the Astor Hotel Albury and the wonderful patrons who participate in the weekly raffles.

Together, through generosity, partnership and community spirit, we continue to support Country Hope families when they need it most.

Continued Success Following Rotary Exchange

Rotary Youth Exchange plays an important role in giving students opportunities to experience new cultures, build independence and extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Albury High School congratulates Eva on her continued success following her Rotary Exchange to Italy in 2024.

After spending a year immersed in Italian culture and language, Eva returns to Australia determined to continue her studies. She enrols in distance education to further develop her Italian skills and is awarded a Certificate for Academic Excellence in Italian Continuers in recognition of her outstanding achievement.

We congratulate Eva on her dedication and success.

Youth Exchange Students Return

We recently welcomed Isabelle and Edo back to Albury after their Rotary Youth Exchange year, proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Albury.

Isabelle travelled to Denmark and Edo to Chile. Both shared reflections on their experiences and spoke with impressive confidence and maturity.

We also welcomed Ashok, visiting from Nepal. Ashok and President Peter have worked together on various projects through Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS).

It was wonderful to reconnect and celebrate the impact of Rotary’s international programs.

Lights, Camera… Community! – Movie-Theatre Project for Dempsey Place

Walter Thomasson from St Vincent de Paul Society about an exciting movie-theatre project he is working on.

The concept has already proven to be a great success at an aged-care facility in Batemans Bay, and Walter is keen to bring the idea to Dempsey Place. The project will feature screenings of old-time movies, including a mix of comedy, westerns, action films and classic musicals.

Walter shared how theatre, movies and music can have a strong positive impact on social interaction, behaviour and overall wellbeing, and is looking forward to hosting the first screening once the project comes to fruition.

Dressed for the occasion in a theatre usher’s outfit, Walter certainly set the scene, although we forgot the popcorn this time!

We wish Walter all the best with the project and hope the residents enjoy many memorable movie nights.

Say No Walk – Ending Domestic and Gender-Based Violence

Members of the Rotary Club of Albury recently participated in the annual “Say No” Walk in Albury, joining the community in raising awareness of domestic and gender-based violence.

The walk took place from the corner of Young and Dean Streets to QEII Square, with participants showing their support through the colours purple (Rotary) and orange (Zonta) symbolising a shared commitment to supporting families affected by violence in our community.

The event also featured a powerful address from guest speaker Simone O’Brien, who shared her personal experience of domestic violence. Her courage and honesty provided a moving reminder of the importance of awareness, education, and ongoing community support.

Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) Program

The Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program is a road safety education program for secondary students, designed to help young people develop safer attitudes and behaviours before they begin driving independently.

The Rotary Club of Albury recently delivered the RYDA program at PCYC Albury over three days, welcoming Year 10 students from Xavier Catholic College, James Fallon High School, Billabong High School, Murray High School, and The Scots School.

In total, more than 250 students took part, learning practical skills and strategies to help them stay safe on the road.

The Rotary Club of Albury has been delivering the RYDA program in our community for many years, reflecting our ongoing commitment to youth safety and education.

This program was made possible through the generous support of PCYC Albury, Jacob Toyota, Lavington Tyres and Exhaust Centre, Martin’s Bus Lines, along with our dedicated facilitators and Rotary volunteers. Their continued support ensures this important youth safety initiative can be delivered in our local community.

Christmas Hamper Appeal – Women’s Centre for Health & Wellbeing

The Rotary Club of Albury is proud to support the Christmas Hamper Appeal coordinated by the Women’s Centre for Health & Wellbeing Albury Wodonga, an organisation we have supported for many years.

The appeal supports women and children in the Albury–Wodonga region who are experiencing financial hardship by providing food hampers and Christmas meals, helping families enjoy the festive season with dignity and care.

Rotary’s involvement includes supporting and promoting the appeal within the community, working alongside the Women’s Centre and local businesses to help ensure vulnerable families receive practical support at Christmas.

Supporting Days for Girls – Albury Central NSW

The Rotary Club of Albury is proud to support Days for Girls – Albury Central NSW, a dedicated volunteer group that meets on the first Wednesday of each month to sew and assemble menstrual health kits for girls and women overseas.

Days for Girls works to eliminate the stigma around menstruation, helping improve health, education, and livelihoods. To date, the organisation has reached over 3.5 million women and girls worldwide.

Through Rotary grants, our club has supported the group with the purchase of sewing machines, overlockers, and materials. Recently, the team assembled 2,033 kits, with 1,275 already distributed to countries including Papua New Guinea, Laos, Vanuatu, Chad, and refugee camps across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Rotarians Pam and Karen Perston are active members of the group and attend each month, contributing to this meaningful work.

Presentation of the Graham Turner Bursaries at UNSW Rural Medical School

Karen and Murray Perston represented the Rotary Club of Albury at the UNSW Rural Medical School end-of-year Graduation Ceremony on Saturday evening, where they presented the Annual Graham Turner Bursary certificates.

This year, five fifth-year medical students were each awarded a $2,000 bursary to support their upcoming elective studies. The bursaries aim to assist students as they undertake placements that will contribute to their professional development and future careers in medicine.

The Rotary Club of Albury congratulates all recipients and looks forward to meeting with them in the new year to hear about the outcomes of their elective studies and the experiences gained.

Rotary Youth Exchange – Supported Proudly by the Rotary Club of Albury

The Rotary Youth Exchange program continues to be strongly supported by the Rotary Club of Albury. Over the weekend, our club was well represented at the District 9790 Orientation Weekend, with three of our members currently serving on the District Youth Exchange Committee. Rodger attended in his role as an Outbound Coordinator, Melissa as a STEP Coordinator, and Alison as an Inbound Coordinator. Each of them is deeply committed to the Youth Exchange program and brings valuable experience to their roles.

Rodger and Melissa currently have a daughter on exchange in Denmark and have hosted four students so far. Alison, who was herself an exchange student to South Africa in 1990, has now hosted six students.

We were also pleased to see two Rotex members, Tanner (Chile 2023) and Eva (Italy 2024). Both continue to play important roles in training and supporting students across the district.

Our current inbound student, Sara from France, attended the weekend, as did our future outbound student, Lilly. Lilly proudly received her brand-new Rotary blazer and will depart for Spain in January 2026.

If you know a young person aged between 15 and 17 who may be interested in applying for the 2027 Rotary Youth Exchange program, or if you are considering hosting an exchange student, please contact the club through our website’s Contact Us page.

Celebrating 25 Years of the UNSW Rural Clinical Campus

The Rotary Club of Albury is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UNSW Rural Clinical Campus and its long-standing partnership through the annual Graham Turner Bursary.

This bursary supports fifth-year medical students undertaking placements in their chosen fields, both locally and abroad. It reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to education and community health.

We extend our congratulations to all the medical students who have graduated over the past 25 years and credit to this outstanding local facility, which continues to make a lasting impact on regional healthcare.

End Polio Film Night

On 24 October, the Rotary Club of Albury proudly supported the End Polio Film Night at the Regent Cinema Centre.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this special event. Our gratitude also goes to Kelly and Luke, whose efforts made the evening possible.

Funds raised from the night will support the Rotary International End Polio program, helping to eradicate polio worldwide.

Make Me Mobile Reaches Major Milestone!

After 2.5 years of dedicated fundraising, Make Me Mobile has reached a major milestone — raising an incredible $60,000!

This achievement was made possible through the generous support of the Beechworth Prison Charity (Prisoners On The Run), whose donation of $12,600 has helped turn a dream into reality.

With these funds, Make Me Mobile can now purchase its very first vehicle as a registered charity for our first client, Melanie Ruggi from Beechworth. A deposit has already been placed on Melanie’s vehicle, which will enter production with Freedom Motors Australia Pty Ltd next month. The vehicle is expected to be fully modified by late March 2020.

Make Me Mobile will proudly present the vehicle to Melanie and Kay Ruggi at our first charity event in mid-April, marking an incredible milestone for our organisation and community.

This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to start the journey all over again as we work towards supporting our next client.

Jindera Pioneer Museum - Echoes of the Past, Visions for the Future

The Jindera Pioneer Museum is proud to share the results of a recent project made possible through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Albury.

With their funding, we partnered with heritage interpretation specialists Mental Media to explore how technology might gently enhance the way we share our stories. In May, Bruce Brown visited the museum, walked our grounds, listened to our stories, and imagined fresh ways to bring the past to life.

The resulting report is a treasure trove of ideas, thoughtful, respectful, and deeply attuned to the museum’s character and charm. One concept already capturing our imagination is a soundscape in the blacksmith’s forge, where the clang of hammer on anvil and the hiss of steam might once again echo through the rafters.

This project has given us clarity, confidence, and a compass for the road ahead. We’re grateful for the opportunity to dream boldly while staying true to the spirit of our place.

Wodonga Bulldogs All Abilities AFL 2025 Presentation Day

We’re proud to have supported the Wodonga Bulldogs All Abilities AFL program for the past three years, watching it continue to grow and thrive.

Karen, Murray, and Charlene were honoured to attend the 2025 Presentation Day on Saturday, where they presented several awards to the talented footy and netball players.

It was a fantastic afternoon celebrating the players’ achievements, sportsmanship, and team spirit, capped off with a fun surprise performance from Elvis that added a touch of sparkle to the event.

Congratulations to all the players and organisers on another successful season. Enjoy the break, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the field in 2026!

Rotary Club of Albury Recognised as AWH Unveils New Life-Saving Paediatric Equipment

We’re proud to support the Good Friday Appeal alongside our local emergency service organisations.
Yesterday, Albury Wodonga Health recognised that support as they unveiled two new pieces of paediatric medical equipment funded through a grant from the Appeal: an echocardiography machine and an infant transport crib.

These additions will help care for sick children and babies closer to home, reducing the need for transfers to The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. It’s a practical, local impact made possible by our community working together.

All Fired Up at Wodonga TAFE: MBA Apprentice/Trade Night

The Rotary Club of Albury was on the BBQ last night, cooking up burgers and snags at the Master Builders Association Apprentice/Trade Night at Wodonga TAFE’s trade centre.
A wide mix of companies attended, showcasing opportunities across many trades and pathways. Great conversations, great food, and a great night supporting the next generation of tradies in Albury-Wodonga.

O&M Grand Final

Once again, we were proud to support the community at the O&M Grand Final in Lavington by running the canteen on the hill. This is something we do each year, and we love being part of such a great local event. From chips and dimmies to hot dogs and meat pies, it was wonderful to serve the crowd and contribute to the atmosphere. We also appreciated the support of our Rotary Youth Exchange Students, who generously gave their time to help out on the day.

Out of the Shadows Walk

Once again, it is with great privilege that the Rotary Club of Albury supports Lifeline Albury’s annual “Out of the Shadows Walk.”
Each year, as the sun rises, we gather to honour those lost to suicide and bring their memory into the light, helping to remove the stigma surrounding suicide.

This annual walk provides a safe and supportive space for those affected by suicide to connect, reflect, and find comfort in community.
Together, year after year, we walk to raise awareness, foster hope, and encourage open and compassionate conversations.

Rotary Youth Exchange

Tonight we had the pleasure of meeting Sara, who is our new Rotary Youth Exchange student, and will be with us in Albury for the next 12 months. Sara's first host family are members, Melissa and Rodger and their son Lawrence.

Sara comes to us from Niort, France and is sponsored by the Rotary Club Saint-Maixent l’Ecole in District 1510

Welcome to Australia Sara!

President Peter and Sara

Sara and her host family

Sara presenting to the club

Circus Quirkus

Circus Quirkus is back in Albury, July 2025 !!!

The Rotary Club of Albury is proud to bring the spectacular Circus Quirkus back to the Border this winter.

Get ready for jaw dropping acrobatics, side splitting comedy, and amazing circus performers that will leave kids and adults alike grinning from ear to ear. This high energy production, presented by International Entertainment Australia, puts a modern spin on the classic circus we all know and love.

Thursday 31 July 2025
Three exciting shows at the Commercial Club Albury
11.00 am | 4.30 pm | 6.30 pm

Last year, over 1,000 very lucky circus goers were thoroughly entertained across three energetic performances, and this year promises to be just as exciting.

Circus Quirkus is an annual event hosted by the Rotary Club of Albury, providing free entertainment to families and carers of disadvantaged children in the Albury region. Generous local businesses purchase tickets to make this unforgettable experience possible for participants who might not otherwise have the chance to attend.

This special event offers children with special needs or those experiencing hardship a rare moment of joy and wonder, a chance to simply smile, laugh and be amazed. Every ticket sold puts a little sunshine back into the lives of local children and their families, even if just for a few magical minutes this winter.

Funds raised from the event stay local and go directly towards special needs projects in our community. These include music and cooking programs, sporting equipment, and the creation of engaging indoor and outdoor learning spaces, all designed to support and uplift young people in local schools and organisations.

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