Welcome

We are a vibrant and community‑minded Rotary club of around 20 active volunteers who share a simple belief: when people come together with purpose, extraordinary things can happen. For decades, the Grovedale Waurn Ponds Rotary Club has been improving lives — locally, nationally and internationally — through service, fundraising and hands‑on involvement.

Our members regularly volunteer at Bunnings sausage sizzles and other fundraising activities, with every dollar raised reinvested into projects that strengthen education, wellbeing and support for those in need.

One of our cherished initiatives is sponsoring a Story Dog at Grovedale West Primary School, helping young readers build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Education is a long‑standing priority for us, and each year we proudly present Community High Achiever and Science Awards at Grovedale Secondary College, Oberon High School and Geelong Lutheran College.

 

We also stand alongside organisations making a real difference. We have supported the “Pedal for Prostate” cycling group since its inception, backing their efforts to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. Our club is a committed supporter of Foundation 61 and the House of Hope at Mount Duneed, both of which provide vital assistance to people facing challenging circumstances.

You’ll often find us behind a barbecue too — cooking for staff at Barwon Timber as they champion important causes such as R U OK? Day.

 

 

Our service extends far beyond our local area. For many years we have provided monthly financial support to an orphanage in Coffee Bay, South Africa, helping cover operating costs and giving children access to education and opportunity. We also contribute to organisations such as the Barwon Uniting Emergency Relief Fund, Interplast Australia and ROMAC, ensuring our impact reaches people who need it most.

Perhaps our most significant achievement is the therapy pool at Barwon Valley Special School. After recognising the life‑changing benefits such a facility would provide, our members committed themselves wholeheartedly to making it happen. Through government funding secured by one of our members, $60,000 raised through countless fundraisers, and many hours of hands‑on labour, the therapy pool became a reality. We later funded and built a covered walkway to ensure safe and comfortable access for students and staff.

Today, the therapy pool continues to transform lives — a lasting legacy of what a small group of dedicated volunteers can achieve together.

For us, Service Above Self is more than a motto. It’s a commitment to friendship, compassion and meaningful action. We are proud of the difference we make, and we welcome anyone who shares our passion for helping others.

If you’d like to learn more about our club, our projects or how you can get involved, we’d love to hear from you.