Our Signature Projects
One Hundred Thousand Million Recycling Project
Formally known as Rotary's "Hundred Thousand Million" Project, an ingenious idea was created in July 2018 to recycle used cans, bottles and plastics through the NSW Government's Container Deposit Scheme.
The target was to raise $100,000 by recycling one million $.10c cans, bottles and plastics by establishing local business connections at hospitality venues, entertainment providers, friends and neighbours from all around the community.
Yes, we know what you're thinking, heaps of work for a small return. Well we did it!! It was pretty much three years to the day when Rotary announced our ONE MILLIONth can/bottle/plastic deposited at the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Caravan Park
It is amazing what the power of recycling can achieve! In 2021 we reached our target of raising $100,000 from ONE MILLION recycled cans, bottles and plastics - a target we believe would be difficult to rival by any volunteer organisation in New South Wales.
Interestingly, 100% of all cans, bottles and plastics recycled are saved from landfill. The benefits to our environment are enormous.
Beneficiaries from our recycling project include; YPSpace Mid North Coast, Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse, EndTrachoma, Sailability Port Macquarie, Hastings Education Fund, School of St Jude, Rotary Foundation End Polio, Jody Geosits - Supporting our Veterans, Baraka Wash Project and a number of youth sponsorships/projects.
Today, our Cans and Bottles Recycling Project is our biggest fundraising initiative and arguably unmatched by any community organisation in NSW. It also ticks one of the boxes of Rotary International's 7 Core Areas of Focus - "Supporting Our Environment", with every item recycled saved from ending up into landfill.
Volunteers are Always Needed - Join our Recycling Warriors today!
Guinness World Record Longest Washing Line of Socks
We all remember the effects of COVID-19 restrictions impacting businesses and the entire community as a whole. From social connections, fundraising, income and more, communities everywhere were struggling to operate throughout a worldwide pandemic.
Rotarians are renown for seeing an issue and tackling it head on through big, bold ideas that if considered and planned well, could create lasting change, and that is exactly what we did in 2021!
Project Director Trevor Gilson, a brilliant man with ambitious ideas developed a plan to involve all the Rotary Clubs in the Hastings and Camden Haven to participate in a Guinness World Record attempt, something never achieved before in our communities. The idea was to create the longest washing line of socks, with the record held by the small German community of Halverde. The target to beat was a 6,066 metre long washing line with 69,152 socks pegged to it.
Why a Guinness World Record attempt for a project and in the middle of a pandemic? Apart from the thrill of holding the first Guiness World Record in Port Macquarie, the overall objective was to raise funds and rebuild community connections through a common goal to help our community.
Rotary chose four service organisations that were impacted financially by COVID-19 restrictions. These incredible volunteers address issues relating to mental health, youth homeliness and education inequalities. Our beneficiaries included; Soldier On, Hastings Education Fund, YP Space Mid North Coast and Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse.
Our Club was thankful to partner with the Lewis Land Group, a business that owned Sovereign Hills Place Town Centre. They became our Principal sponsor, donating funds to the World Record challenge, coordinating media and allowing us to occupy their oval to establish the washing line.
The date we set for the Guinness World Record was the 4-5 June 2021 and it was the date that made history.
Throughout the campaign sock cages were set up in shopping centres and supermarkets, while all the Opportunity Shops saved and donated their old socks for the World Record. People donated from everywhere.
Rotary invited the community to partake in the Guinness World Record and help us hang all the thousands of socks accumulated over the campaign.
The result was simply amazing. The community turned up in droves to help with the socks, people donated funds, business lent equipment and gave discounts for items. Activated Eco, a company that makes stainless steel pegs in Victoria, trucked up 150,000 pegs at no charge to our World Record attempt and that feeling of community spirit amongst the fear of a pandemic was remembered, lived and embraced again.
The money we raised through our Principal Sponsor, the Lewis Land Group and the wider community saw over $40,000 donated to our beneficiaries - a fantastic result! Our gratitude is extended to everyone, from business to private donors, who gave generously throughout the campaign. This funding enabled our organisations to continue their work with people in need, maintaining housing, food, education scholarships and mental health support.
At the end it was not about the Record but it was the icing on the cake. We didn’t only break the record but we smashed it to pieces. We had a clothesline spanning 10,080.30 metres long with a grand total of 107,886 socks pegged to it; that’s 4,014.3 metres longer than the previous World Record and 38,734 more socks dangling on the washing line. We triumphed!
We thank our generous sponsors that without you the World Record simply would not have happened; Sovereign Place Town Centre, Activated Eco (Melb), Hastings Co-op, J R Richards, Plunkett’s Pharmacy, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Hopkins Consultants Pty Ltd, FeelFit, Gosigns, Frontline Removals, Rotary Clubs of Laurieton, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Sunrise, Port Macquarie West, Wauchope and Hastings Rotaract.
This is why Rotarians are People of Action.
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-line-of-socks
Men’s Health Education Rural Van (MHERV)
One of Rotary’s proud partnerships is with the Men’s Health Education Rural Van (MHERV). Each year, MHERV comes to Port Macquarie for three days offering free health checks to men and women.
During MHERV’s three day stay a registered nurse tests patients’ blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels which takes roughly 10 minutes per patient. Patients can discuss any concerns relating to their general health during their visit.
The MHERV program was established in 2017, with the support of Rotary and the Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution to reduce the growing number of sudden cardiac arrests and strokes among men living in regional and rural New South Wales.
It is a worrying statistic that each year 41,000 Australian men living outside of Sydney die from a preventable disease. That age-old-Aussie-saying amongst blokes “she’ll be right mate” is leading to much heartache. Rotary is calling on the public, particularly men, to start taking their health seriously and think of their loved ones.
This wonderful service naturally extends to women, with one providing the following feedback from a visit to MHERV in Port Macquarie:
“I saw MHERV was in town offering free health checks without an appointment. From that 10-minute appointment it was found I had very high blood pressure and at risk of a stroke or heart attack, which was very unexpected being female and under 50. After working with my doctor, I have been able to manage a very serious health risk. I was one of the 460 cases found by MHERV to require urgent medical attention because I made a commitment to have a health check,” said Jaclyn R.
This is why Rotary supports the Men’s Health Education Rural Van.
MHERV is proudly co-hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Port Macquarie West and Sunrise. Throughout the year we raise vital funds through barbecues and our recycling project to keep MHERV on the road and saving lives.
Baraka WASH in Schools Program Kenya
The Baraka WASH in Schools program, a project by the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West, focuses on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools and communities in Kenya, particularly through the introduction of the SPATAP (a water system) and promoting hygiene education.
The program aims to improve health, reduce communicable diseases, and enhance school attendance and dignity through access to safe WASH facilities and practices.
Benefits of the project
SPATAP: The program introduces the SPATAP (a water system) to classrooms and community clusters, providing access to clean water.
Hygiene Education: The program emphasizes teaching basic sanitation and hygiene practices to communities and school children, with a particular focus on girls' education and gender equality.
Community Involvement: The program involves community development organizations and schools in various stages, including baseline assessments and capacity building.
Improved Health: Access to clean water and improved sanitation practices lead to a reduction in waterborne diseases and improved overall health.
Enhanced School Attendance: Improved WASH facilities and hygiene practices can positively impact school attendance, especially for girls.
Community Empowerment: The program aims to create resilient communities living in healthy environments by promoting sustainable WASH practices.
Winter Woollies Drive
A core area of focus which is close to our hearts is supporting the homeless and those in need. We do this through our barbecues during Homelessness Week and of course our Winter Woollies campaign.
Through the painstaking efforts of Past President Meredith Evans, the Winter Woollies Campaign was created to aid in supporting our rough sleepers and those doing it tough over the cold winter months.
Each year around May, Rotary’s Winter Woollies Capmapign calls on the public to donate something warm for those less fortunate.
Launched in 2023, the campaign to find a new or near new item to keep someone warm over winter has exploded with hundreds of beanies, bed socks, fingerless gloves, mittens, blankets and scarves generously donated by Rotary to welfare organisations.
During this time Rotary was blessed to receive support from The Natty Knitters, a social group of crafty ladies, who meet each Monday afternoon at the Port Macquarie Golf Club and create bright and colourful handmade woollen items from donated yarn.
On collection, Rotary distributes these essential items to organisations like Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse, YP Space Mid North Coast, Neami National, New Horizons, Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, Headspace, Community Housings Ltd, ADRA Wauchope Community Connect Soupervan and TAFE NSW Port Macquarie.
Your donations make such a difference in the lives of those doing it tough. The joy and happiness that a small gift brings to someone in need through winter is priceless and we thank each and every one for your generosity and kindness. It means more than you know.
End Trachoma
EndTrachoma is a Rotary project and partnership which aims to tackle eye disease in remote Indigenous communities.
During the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne 2023, our Club met with Sandi Fulcher, Project Manager for EndTrachoma Rotary Districts of Australia to discuss a serious eye disease among Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory. Folloiwng that conversation, we embarked upon another project through a partnership with the Learning Centre within Yipirinya in Alice Springs.
A major effort by Rotary was made to seek donations and discounted items from local businesses to ensure we reached our goal to truck 30 family-sized toiletry kits to the Northern Territory.
Trachoma is an infectious bacterium of the eye and with repeated cases can cause irreversible blindness. Australia is the only developed country where Trachoma is still endemic. On average 3.3 per cent of children aged 5 to 9 in at-risk communities across Australia are still affected by Trachoma. With the support of the EndTrachoma project the rates in and around Alice Springs have dropped from over 12% to under 6%.
It was a mammoth task amongst Rotary members as an assembly line was established to collect, sort and pack all kinds of toiletry items for the Learning Centre within Yipirinya. What’s more, St Joseph’s Preschool drew and coloured pictures to go with every kit, with a purpose of establishing a connection between the children from both early childhood centres. Likewise, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail donated stickers of Port Macquarie’s most treasured tourist attractions, pictures of 180 plus koala sculptures spread all over the Mid North Coast.
We thank our sponsors: Big W, Coles, Officeworks, Pillow Talk, Hello Koala Sculpture Trail and Pack & Send for giving generously and supporting this amazing project.
Preventable blindness due to poor hygiene should not be a reality for our remote Indigenous children in Australia: that is why Rotarians are ‘People of Action!
Rotary Lodge
There are projects that make a difference for a short time and there are those that create an enduring legacy. Rotary Lodge in Port Macquarie is that project which continues to give and has become an essential piece of infrastructure for the Mid North Coast Local Health District.
Located only metres from the Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Rotary Lodge provides accommodation for patients and family members travelling for surgery or visiting their loved ones in hospital.
Bookings ensure that family and friends can stay in motel style accommodation for the duration that their loved ones are in hospital.
This community service project was commenced in 1990 and officially opened in March 1996, initially with 6 units. The building of 18 more units was commenced in 2003 and officially opened on 16th April 2005. Construction is now underway for a further 23 units, taking the grand total to 47 when completed.
The latest expansion will allow for medical staff undertaking complex shift rotations to book accommodation at Rotary Lodge. Prior to this, rooms were prioritised for patients and visiting family/friends.
Thanks to Rotary, the stress and anxiety in looking for accommodation in or near Port Macquarie and then commuting to the hospital is a thing of the past.
Rotary Lodge is a project of the five Rotary Clubs in our region. This facility is planned by Rotary, funded by Rotary (through State and Federal Government grants and local donations) and managed by Rotary.
Just another example of Rotary working in your community.
Rotary Catering
One of our favourite activities is cooking an Aussie barbecue to support community service organisations and fundraising events for people in need.
The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West supports the following annual events which focus on tourism and connections, mental health, homelessness and reconciliation:
• Youth Homelessness Matters Day
• Neami Cup
• Salvation Army Corps - Moneycare
• Scouts Australian Jamboree
• Port Macquarie Base Hospital Children’s Ward
• EaTs Soul Savour Festival
Runfest Port Macquarie & Ironman 70.3 Oceania Triclub Championship
Throughout the year, our Club actively volunteers to support the operations of Runfest and Ironman 70.3 Triathlon.
We feel promoting an active lifestyle through physical activities like running and walking improves overall health and well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers as well as improving mental health.
Our members are marshals on the ground, offering praise and encouragement while directing the participants on the course location and assisting when a competitor requires help.
McInherney Park Port Macquarie
Described as the home of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West, McInherney Park barbecue shelter was funded and built by our Club in the 1970’s and still remains a favourite place for locals and holidaymakers to enjoy a barbecue, overlooking the beautiful Hastings River.
It is still a Rotary tradition to celebrate Christmas and the New Year at McInherney Park over steak, rissoles, sausages, onions and homemade salads, before finishing off with Christmas cake and fruit platters - yummo!
Towers of Strength
Did you know the lifeguard towers in the Hastings and Camden Haven are a product of Rotary?
Back in the 1990s a major fundraising campaign was led by the five Rotary Clubs in the area to fund what we call the 'Towers of Strength' project.
The lifeguard towers allow for unrestricted supervision of the beach and ocean, a tremendous support for our surf lifesavers as they patrol our local beaches.
This infrastructure, funded through Rotary, saves lives. Another example of the Magic of Rotary.
The White Navigational Cross
Did you know that the White Navigational Cross in Port Macquarie is the last remaining timber navigational cross on the east coast of Australia?
The preservation of history is another service our Rotary Club provides to the Port Macquarie community. In 2016 a team of passionate Rotarians led by Geoff Jhonson heeded a cause to restore a piece of Port Macquarie’s maritime history.
Partnering with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and grants sourced through NSW Heritage, the repairs began on the Cross, with paint to finish and complement the restorations. An access path was built, with native plants sourced and positioned in the location to add to the appeal for visitors.
Our Club was pleased to have the assistance of maritime historian Lyn Workman guiding us through the restorations. Lyn was instrumental in installing historical interpretation panels to explain the story of the White Navigational Cross.
The idea for the restoration project was put forward by Bruce Jordan to president Geoff Johnson in 2006, not long before Bruce passed away.
Bruce was a long-time Port Macquarie resident, business owner and the backbone of the region’s maritime industry. A bench to recognise Bruce’s vision was installed by Rotary as a fitting memorial for an influential man in our community.
The White Navigational Cross is located on the Hastings River foreshore opposite Settlement City Shopping Centre. All are welcome and encouraged to visit the area and learn more about Port Macquarie’s Maritime history.
Port Macquarie West Rotary Club remains the custodian of the White Navigational Cross today.
Contact Us
Join Us
Port City Bowling Club, 4 Owen Street
6:00 PM on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month
Visitors welcome: RSVP required