Share in DG John and Irene’s excellent adventure to Rotary clubs through western Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Kicking off in late August, DG John Hall and Irene set out on a 5,000km round trip from Townsville to visit clubs and projects from Mount Isa to Darwin.

“Our first port of the call was the Rotary Club of Mount Isa South West, learning about the club’s continued fundraising with the Mount Isa Rodeo and inducting new Rotarian Ishani Candauda,” John said.

“At Tennant Creek we participated in a unique blended meeting of the E-Club of Outback Australia hosted by President Victoria Porter from her base in Kenya where she is hands-on in Jifunze’s work supporting women and children – just one of the humanitarian projects supported by the club.

“This was followed by a visit to Katherine Rotary, with a core of hard workers doing great work providing much-needed assets for the local community. 

"It was also a chance to hand over red socks to President Christine Sutherland.

“We discovered they are a perfect fit for everyone, and I’d like to thank Townsville Sunrise for providing them to raise awareness of prostate cancer.”

After arriving in Darwin, John and Irene visited all local clubs where they were dazzled by the local and international work being done by members.

“All the meetings were so affirming with programs like the school lunch program of the incredibly generous Litchfield/Palmerston club, where members make hundreds of sandwiches for kids who don’t have a lunch from home, making a huge difference,” John said.

“The Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise has sponsored the formation of the Rotaract Club of Young Professionals Northern Territory, a model for adapting Rotary to the needs of emerging leaders.

"The Territory’s oldest club, Darwin Rotary, excels in supporting youth, men’s health and local events such as the Beat, Bali Vibe, and Junior Golf with members committed to Timor-Leste and district support.

“And then there’s Darwin North continuing its proud legacy of supporting humanitarian projects preventing wildlife-induced famine in Tanzania and supporting education in Cambodia."

Another highlight was meeting the Schilling grandchildren in the family environment of Darwin South while hearing about the club’s work with Peace Poles, domestic violence, and human rights.

It wasn’t all work, no play, with Irene and John enjoying local highlights including a day trip to Katherine Gorge, a relaxing barbecue at East Point with Darwin Rotarians, stunning sunsets, swimming at Bitter Springs, and the Adelaide River War Cemetery.

“The Rotarians were so helpful in suggesting activities that would enhance our experience and it was fantastic to get that local insight and really understand the beauty and character of the region," John said.

Irene said she wanted to thank all clubs for their hospitality and for donations to her partner project Flourishing Women.

“Everyone was so hospitable, and we loved all our gifts from fridge magnets to local food treats, calendars, and art,” she said.

“They were unexpected and so very appreciated.

“Thank you sincerely to every club and the amazing individuals who have donated or pledged to Flourishing Women,” she said.

“Every cent counts and will make a difference.”