Club Projects
Here in the South West, our club is proud to be part of that global movement. The projects featured highlight the many ways Greater Bunbury Rotary is creating lasting impact both locally and internationally.
While these projects are diverse, they all share a common purpose: improving lives and building stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS
The South West Science and Engineering Challenge is held over four action-packed days in May. Students compete in a range of engaging challenges, including designing and building bridges, wind turbines, and fish traps from basic materials. Working against the clock, teams test their ideas, refined their designs and learned valuable lessons in innovation, communication and resilience.
Greater Bunbury Rotary working in partnership with local industry, educators and volunteers are inspiring young people to explore future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
More than 1,000 students from 39 schools across the South West recently rolled up their sleeves and put their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test at the South West Science and Engineering Challenge.
INVESTING IN TOMORROW'S LEADERS
Through initiatives such as Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), we help young people build confidence, leadership skills, cultural understanding, and lifelong friendships.
The Club is currently hosting two Rotary Exchange students from Sweden and Spain who are experiencing Australian life, culture, and community while attending local schools and becoming part of South West families. At the same time, two local students recently returned home after spending a year overseas on exchange in Brazil and Finland. Their experiences have given them a truly global perspective.
DRIVING FOR MENTAL HEALTH ONE DUSTY MILE AT A TIME
Greater Bunbury Rotary’s unique five-day dirt road charity event held in October brings together participants, sponsors, volunteers and communities from across regional Western Australia to support better mental health outcomes.
The 2026 Dirt n Dust Run is set to deliver its most ambitious and impactful mental health and wellbeing program to date.
Through strategic partnerships with Blue Tree Project, WA Recovery College Alliance, Take Charge Wellbeing and Rotary WA Relief, the Dirt n Dust Run is transforming fundraising into real, grassroots mental health support for regional communities.
Beyond the events themselves, the initiative aims to reach thousands of people through storytelling, awareness campaigns and community engagement, helping break down stigma and inspire open conversations around mental health and wellbeing across regional WA.
At the heart of this extraordinary initiative are the participants, fundraisers and supporters of the Dirt n Dust Run. Their efforts go far beyond the finish line — they are helping save lives, strengthen communities and create a future where mental health support is free, accessible and community-driven for all regional Western Australians.
Since 2018 the event has raised more than $550,000, with every dollar invested directly into mental health initiatives.
Want to donate or find out more: dirtndustrun.com
ROTARY SAIL INTO LIFE BUNBURY
The Rotary Sail Into Life Bunbury program celebrated the end of another successful sailing season at Koombana Bay Sailing Club. Sailors, carers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters gathered to celebrate a program that provides free sailing experiences for people living with disabilities. Supported by Greater Bunbury Rotary, Enable Western Australia and Healthway, the initiative continues to build confidence, independence and social connection through the joy of sailing.
Every season demonstrates the power of inclusion, community spirit and volunteer support.
Interested in volunteering contact: sailintolife@gmail.com
IT’S WHAT YOU CAN DO THAT COUNTS
For the past four years the Greater Bunbury Rotary Club has sponsored a hippotherapy program for College Row School special needs students at Riding for The Disabled Association Australia South West Centre. We are always inspired by the positive benefits and outcomes the students derive from this program. A huge shout out to the incredible team of volunteers and horses at RDAASW.
William’s Dad, Troy says “William is always excited when he gets to ride at RDA. Even if we are driving past, he makes the AUSLAN sign for horse riding. His confidence has improved as well as gaining co-ordination and patience.”
Interested in volunteering contact: admin@rdaasw.org.au
CLEAN WATER, HEALTHIER FUTURES IN TIMOR LESTE
For the third year running, a team of Greater Bunbury Rotary Club members departed for Timor-Leste in early June, to take part in one of the largest school water projects ever undertaken by Rotary volunteers in the country. The Team spent ten days in the Los Palos region, east of Dili, installing water filtration systems in five schools as part of the 2026 Rotary Projects Timor-Leste East (RPTLE) School Water Filter Program.
The benefits extend far beyond clean water. Improved health, increased school attendance and stronger communities are helping to create brighter futures for thousands of children and families.
Since 2017, 33 water filtration systems installed providing reliable access to safe drinking water for over 45,000 schoolchildren.
A BUNBURY TRADITION THAT BRINGS SMILES
Held on the third Sunday of February each year, the Fair is designed to give young families a chance to enjoy a fantastic day out without stretching the household budget. From face painting and bouncy castles to train rides, petting zoo, games stalls and delicious snacks, there's something to delight every child.
What makes the Children's Fair truly special is that it is entirely volunteer-driven. Rotary members, community groups and local supporters generously give their time to create an event that puts smiles on children's faces and strengthens community connections.
The Children's Fair is a wonderful example of Rotary in action—bringing people together, creating memorable experiences, and helping make Bunbury a great place for families to live, work and play.
For more than 30 years, the Greater Bunbury Rotary Children's Fair has been a much-loved community tradition, bringing families together for a morning of affordable fun and entertainment.
BOAT RAFFLE WINNER
A huge congratulations to Phil Moyle, this year’s winner of the Greater Bunbury Rotary Annual Boat Raffle And thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket. With your incredible support, we raised over $20,000 which will go toward supporting our local community.
OPEN YOUR MIND TO ROTARY
Looking to connect with passionate people while making a real difference? The Greater Bunbury Rotary Club is all about “Service Above Self” — bringing together like-minded individuals who care about strengthening our local and global communities.
Our club offers fantastic networking and social opportunities, along with weekly meetings featuring engaging guest speakers who inspire and inform. Members are actively involved in delivering meaningful projects that support local initiatives and international causes, creating lasting impact where it’s needed most.
We’re also proud to support Rotary Youth Programs, helping develop the next generation of leaders through mentorship, education, and life-changing experiences.
Whether you want to give back, grow your network, or simply be part of something bigger, there’s a place for you with us.
If you’d like to join a group of people making a genuine difference, get in touch today.