Category Archives: Discover a Cause

What goes around, comes around . Thank you

Congratulations to recent grant awardees. Not only do we recycle, repurpose and reuse, funds raised go to support so many other worthy causes!

Over sixty community groups that received Small Grants from the City of Boroondara Community Strengthening grant pool.

The Rotary Club of Balwyn contributes around $225,000 annually to the City of Boroondara Community Strengthening Grant pool. Boroondara Council contributes another $302,000.

Balwyn Rotary’s funds are raised at the Camberwell Sunday Market.

The remainder of this grant pool will soon be distributed as Community Strengthening Grants.

The decision 49 years ago, by Balwyn Rotary to start a car park market in Camberwell, has been significant for local, national and international communities.

Discover a cause

When visiting the Sunday Market you not only support sustainable reuse of second-hand materials, you also support a multitude causes with gold coin donations and proceeds from the market operations.

Here is an update on just two causes:

Thank you to everyone who recently contributed to with gold coin donations to support Queensland flood relief. While the massive flooding may have disappeared from the headlines, your donations, combined with other funding from the Rotary Club of Balwyn, equaled $50,000 in cash relief funding. The money was transferred to impacted Rotary Districts in Queensland to administer deliver support locally. Thank you for your support!

Other uses for funds raised by the market are wide and varied over our nearly 50 year of history. For the Centenary of Rotary International the Rotary Club of Balwyn established the Balwyn Centenary Grants with funds raised from the Camberwell Sunday Market.

Since establishment, the fund has provided financial support to many local and international projects. One project we heard from recently was from Nepal:

“Dear Members of the Balwyn Rotary Club and the Balwyn Centenary Grants Committee,

On behalf of all involved, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the Balwyn Centenary Grants Program for your generous support. The grant you provided will enable critical upgrades to the maternity ward and operating theatre at the remote Sunkoshi Community Hospital in Khurkot, Nepal.

We would also like to thank Northlakes Toukley Rotary for the continued support in implementing this valuable program.

Additionally, the funding supported a two-day emergency obstetrics training program, which will significantly enhance the capacity of local healthcare providers. Their new skills will have a lasting and life-saving impact on maternal and newborn health in this remote region, where resources are limited and the need is great.

Your generosity will directly contribute to safer births and healthier outcomes for countless women and families. “Thank you” hardly seems sufficient, but please know your support is deeply appreciated and will make a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Please find attached the final report, financial accounts, and photographs documenting the program’s implementation and impact. We hope these materials provide a clear picture of how your support has brought meaningful change.

With sincere gratitude,
PP Northlakes Toukley Rotary
The Didi Foundation”

Fun ways to spoil Mum on Mother’s Day in Camberwell Junction

Mother’s Day is a special opportunity to pause and celebrate the remarkable women who nurture, guide, and support us in countless ways.

While, for many, this day is about celebrating their mum, it’s also a time to recognise grandmothers, stepmothers, mother figures, and mentors — the women who have shown love, care and wisdom, in all their different forms.

However you choose to spend it, Mother’s Day is about honouring the love, strength, and generosity of all the women who have helped shape our lives.

Whether it’s quality time, delicious treats or a thoughtfully chosen gift, Camberwell Junction has plenty of ways to spoil the special mums (and mother figures) in our lives.

Read about how to create unforgettable memories this Mother’s Day at Camberwell Junction here.

Happy Easter

This weekend, why not enjoy Camberwell Junction?

What better way to spend time with family and friends than browsing the treasures of Camberwell Market?

The market will be operating as usual from 7am – 12:30pm Sunday, at Market Place, Camberwell Junction. Thank you to the volunteers from the @rotaryclubofbalwyn and associated clubs giving up their time on Sunday mornings – especially this Sunday.

Thank you to everyone for donating to Queensland flood relief appeal last week. Rotary is working with their Queensland colleagues to determine the best way to distribute the funds. Thank you to all who donated and enjoy your long weekend!

Support Flood Relief this Sunday

The Rotary Camberwell Sunday Market is stepping up to support communities impacted by the devastating floods in Queensland.

This Sunday, 13 April 2025, all donations received at the Market will go directly towards Queensland flood relief efforts, helping those affected rebuild their lives and recover from the damage caused by the recent natural disaster.

Balwyn Rotary has a proud tradition of mobilising community support in times of crisis. We know our market community is generous, and this Sunday presents a powerful opportunity to make a real difference.

Every donation, big or small, will help provide emergency assistance, supplies, and support to flood-affected individuals and families. We encourage all visitors to the Market this Sunday to contribute what they can.

Donation points will be clearly marked and staffed by Rotary volunteers throughout the day. Join us in showing Queensland they’re not alone.

Together, we can help communities recover, rebuild, and return stronger.