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This is Christmas

🎅 Rotary of Collie Christmas Party 🎄

On Tuesday night, our President opened the evening with a heartfelt Christmas speech, marking the halfway point of his term.

He thanked the Board for their support and gave special mentions to:
• Peter B for stepping up as Secretary,

• Kathrine H for her tireless dedication as Treasurer,
• Yolanda for her inspiring Youth work with our Exchange students.

Dinner was a delicious roast turkey, graciously served by two of the Collie Senior High School Anzac Tour students — a wonderful way for our club to support their upcoming journey.

After the meal, the fun continued with our festive reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Each member was given a playful elf name and a part of the story to read aloud, filling the room with laughter and cheer.

We rounded off the night with sweets and plenty of Rotary fellowship.

A joyful evening that truly captured the spirit of Christmas and community.

Collie Rotary Calendar Crew – 2026 Edition in Motion!

On Tuesday, 2nd December, the Collie Rotary Club transformed a room full of boxes, calendars, and binding machines into a hive of laughter, teamwork, and purpose — all in the name of the 2026 Rotary Calendar.

With the help of the enthusiastic Collie High School ANZAC Tour students, we collated hundreds of calendars destined for homes across Collie. These students didn’t just lend a hand — they brought energy, precision, and a whole lot of smiles. They’ll also be helping with calendar deliveries, so keep an eye out for your copy arriving soon!

From sorting and stacking to punching and packing, the room buzzed with Rotary spirit and community pride. Tables were covered in colourful pages, tape dispensers, and snacks — and yes, someone may have tried to laminate their Dinner.

But the real Rotary magic came when our original caterer had to cancel due to a double booking. With barely a moment’s notice, Ampol Collie stepped in and saved the day with a generous spread that kept our volunteers fuelled and focused. A huge thank you to the Ampol team — your support turned a potential hiccup into a highlight!

This day wasn’t just about calendars. It was about connection — between generations, between service and community, and between Rotarians and future leaders.

Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen. Whether you stacked, sorted, stapled, served, or simply showed up — you made a difference

Collie Rotary Changeover Dinner 2025

✨ Night of Reflection, Gratitude & New Beginnings ✨

What a fantastic evening we had at our annual Changeover Dinner, celebrating the achievements of the past year and welcoming in fresh leadership for 2025–2026!

🎤 The evening was MC'd by PP John Bylund, with a warm welcome to our guests and a heartfelt Toast to Rotary International by PDG Keith Hopkins, beautifully responded to by DGF Veronica Lawrence.

🌿 Outgoing President Mike delivered a moving address, thanking his board and club members for their dedication and support. He shared his pride in the club’s impact on both the local and wider community. As a token of appreciation, he presented pot plants to his board and awarded PE Peter Hall the prestigious Kaleidoscope Award for Outstanding Rotarian of the Year. 🌟

🔄 The official presidential handover followed, with President Mike inviting Peter Hall to take the helm as our 2025–26 President. After exchanging badges, President Peter gave a powerful and personal address, reflecting on the challenges he’s overcome and the vital role that support networks—like Rotary—play in transforming lives.

💬 President Peter also unveiled his Presidential Project for 2025–2026: “Say NO.”
This youth-focused initiative, supported by a District Grant, will continue our club’s commitment to mental health and drug and alcohol awareness—amplifying our impact where it matters most.

📛 The evening concluded with the presentation of Director badges to the incoming board, a lively raffle draw (well done Yolanda! 🎉), and closing remarks.

💙 Thank you to everyone who made the night so special. Here’s to another year of service, connection, and community impact!

#RotaryCollie #ChangeoverDinner #ServiceAboveSelf #SayNO #RotaryYouth #CommunityStrong

Celebrating Future Talent

The 2025 Collie Rotary Apprentice Awards

It was a night to remember at the Collie Ridge Resort, where community spirit and the promise of bright futures came together for the 2025 Collie Rotary Apprentice Awards. Proudly sponsored by the Shire of Collie, Synergy, and the Collie Chamber of Commerce, the evening was a celebration of dedication, hard work, and the power of mentorship in shaping the region’s next generation of skilled professionals.

Walter Geldert Award

For First-Year Apprentices

Nominees:

Libby Fisher
Oliver Lister
Arian Gordon
Ty Sloan
Tyler Kallawk

🎉 Winner: Tyler Kallawk

Synergy Connor Jackson & Jack Barton Award

For Second-Year Apprentices

Nominees:

Sky Washer
Khloe Bertolini

🎉 Winner:Khloe Bertolini

Shire of Collie Award

For Final-Year Apprentices

Nominees:

Morris Watkins
Jhasmasyn Hetaraka
Camble Watt
Harley Underdown

🎉 Winner: Jhasmasyn Hetaraka

The atmosphere was buzzing with pride, gratitude, and community connection.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Jacqui, whose tireless efforts brought the 2025 Collie Rotary Apprenticeship Awards to life.

It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all.

ANZAC Tour 2026: Honoring the Journey at Collie Rotary Dinner

Collie Rotary had the pleasure of hosting the ANZAC Tour 2026 students at our Rotary Dinner, where we celebrated their dedication and the incredible journey ahead.

A special highlight of the evening—Hayden presented PE Peter Hall with two Certificates of Appreciation, recognizing Collie Rotary’s unwavering support for the tour.

This year’s group is larger than ever, with 25 students preparing to visit Belgium, France, and London. They are already practicing the French National Anthem, a meaningful addition to their travels, and journaling their experiences as they prepare for this significant journey.

💰 Fundraising has been a tremendous success, with students raising approximately $60,000 through community initiatives like car washes, gardening, roadside clean-ups, and gate sales. Their efforts—and the generosity of the local community—have made this possible!

🍽 A special shoutout to Steere Street Deli for providing a wonderful roast beef dinner that was thoroughly enjoyed by all on the night.

We are immensely proud of these students and their commitment to honoring ANZAC traditions. Their journey ahead is one of learning, remembrance, and cultural exchange.

#ANZACTour2026 #CollieRotary #CommunitySupport #FutureLeaders

2025 Collie Apprenticeship Awards!

The Rotary Club of Collie proudly presents the
2025 Collie Apprenticeship Awards!

This prestigious event celebrates and rewards excellence in apprenticeship training, and 2025 is no exception. Sponsored by a diverse range of local businesses and employers, this year's awards continue to recognize and support the skilled professionals of tomorrow.

Eligible apprentices living or working in the Collie area are encouraged to nominate, submitting written applications backed by their employers and mentors. As part of the rigorous selection process, nominees are interviewed by a distinguished panel of adjudicators with extensive industry and training expertise.

Being nominated in 2025 is a true honour, reflecting the dedication and skill of apprentices across various fields. Adjudicators face a challenging task in selecting winners from such an impressive pool of candidates. Each participant received a certificate, while winners are awarded a cash prize, and nominees are recognized for their outstanding efforts.

Here's to the 2025 Collie Apprenticeship Awards—celebrating excellence, dedication, and the bright future ahead!

Nominations close as of the 19^th of May 2025, Awards night is the 12^th of June 2025 at the Collie Ridge.

Collie Rotary Adventure Race finale

Posted by Peter Hall on Mar 23, 2025

Collie Rotary Adventure Race 2025 Finale

As the dust settles on this years Collie Rotary Adventure Race we would like to give a massive thank you to all the volunteers, local groups, and the dedicated committee members who made the 2025 Collie Rotary Adventure Race a spectacular success!

Special recognition goes to Peter B, Harry, Bec, Rory, Kalon, Peter H, and Yolanda for their outstanding efforts in organizing the entire event. Your leadership and commitment were instrumental.

We also deeply appreciate the support from the Men’s Shed, MTB Club, Swimming Club, Anzac Tour , Trail Runners, and the Pony Club for providing parking facilities. Thanks to everyone’s contributions, proceeds from the race have been passed on to these fantastic organizations, enabling them to continue their invaluable work in the community.

The race has not only brought people together but has also strengthened the bonds that uplift our region and inspired others to stay active and involved.

To the rest of the Collie Rotary Club, your efforts have helped make this event a triumph for everyone involved.

Well done, team!

Collie Rotary - Going Online!

🎉 A First for Collie Rotary: Going Online! 🎉

We’re excited to share a big moment for the Collie Rotary Club! This year, we held our very first online presentation, connecting with our community in a whole new way.

Sophie, our 2025 RYLA participant, gave an amazing presentation all the way from Derby. She shared her insights with a great PowerPoint and even a fun video! And while she was presenting, our members joined in from the comfort of the Collie Ridge Resort right here in Collie.

A huge thank you goes to Peter H., a local IT business owner and expert, who made this event possible. Peter used his skills to help us host the meeting with 3CX web software, making the experience smooth and interactive. His effort is a perfect example of Rotary’s “Service Before Self” motto.

This online event shows how the Collie Rotary Club is embracing new tech to stay connected and keep learning.

Thanks to this new technology, the Collie Rotary Club can now bring in guest speakers from all over the world, opening up a whole new world of knowledge and perspectives.

A big thanks to Peter for making this all happen, and to all our members for jumping in with enthusiasm. We can’t wait for more events like this in the future!

Here’s to more exciting and innovative moments ahead!

A Night of Teamwork and Gratitude!

Last Thursday was buzzing with activity as Collie Rotary and friends came together to collate and sort the 2025 calendars for distribution.

A huge thank you to all the businesses who supported this important fundraiser through advertising—your contributions make a big difference! We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who lent a helping hand on the night and to the Collie Ridge Resort for kindly providing the space for us to work.

A special shoutout to the Collie Senior High School ANZAC Tour group for stepping up to deliver the calendars to local households. We hope our donation helps bring you closer to your trip!

Thanks to all for making this a successful community effort! 💙

Uncovering the Truth about Snakes & Reptiles: An Inspiring Talk with Phill

Last week, the Collie Rotary Club was treated to a fascinating and eye-opening talk with reptile expert Phill, introduced by PP John Bylund. Phill’s presentation took the audience on a journey through the world of snakes and reptiles, shedding light on the critical role they play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and debunking some popular myths along the way.

Phill kicked off by addressing some of the most common fears and misconceptions about reptiles. Did you know that many of the things people believe about snakes simply aren’t true? For example, snakes don’t "chase" people but are often just darting to a safe place. And the idea that snakes are after chicken eggs? Also false! They’re attracted to the rodents feeding on poultry food, which are a natural part of their diet.

One fact that got people talking was just how many rodents a single snake can eat—up to 10,000 mice a year! Phill also shared that most snakebite deaths occur when people attempt to handle or kill a snake. Fascinatingly, many bites are what Phill calls “dry strikes,” meaning no venom is injected.

With his bobtails, Ralph and Lucy, Phill brought the world of reptiles to life. He explained how these bobtails are a long-term pair—bonded for life! Bobtails, he shared, can even be identified by their unique scale patterns, like a fingerprint. This little-known fact captivated the audience and showed just how distinctive each of these creatures truly is.

As Phill moved on to snakes, he highlighted the Carpet Snake, the only python native to Southwest Australia. While not venomous, they’re known to bite if threatened, though Phill reassured the group that his snakes were calm, having passed his “no-bite” handling test.

Phill also shared essential tips for snakebite safety, explaining that venom spreads through the lymphatic system. Simple steps, like firmly bandaging the limb and staying calm, can help manage a bite until medical help arrives.

The session wrapped up with Phill explaining his reptile education programs and K9 snake-avoidance training. PP John Bylund closed by thanking Phill for the captivating presentation and presented him with a club pen as a token of appreciation.

The real excitement came when Phill invited everyone to meet his non-venomous reptile friends up close. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to overcome their fears, learning firsthand just how remarkable these creatures truly are.

Thank you, Phill, for helping us all see snakes and reptiles in a new, positive light! 🐍

Local Chiropractor Shelby Shares Insights at Rotary Event

At our last Rotary meeting, guest speaker Shelby was introduced by Past President John Vlasich, delivering an engaging presentation about her career and the practice of chiropractic care.

Shelby, a native of Eaton and Dardanup, began by sharing her personal journey. After earning a five-year degree in chiropractic from Murdoch University, she gained experience working in various regions, including Tom Price, Perth, the South West, the southern Wheatbelt, and the Northern Territory. In 2020, she volunteered in India before returning to rural Western Australia, where she eventually took over Wagin Chiropractic. Shelby now practices in Collie, operating Collie Chiropractic.

During her talk, Shelby provided an overview of chiropractic care, explaining that chiropractors are university-trained health professionals who employ a range of evidence-based, non-surgical techniques. These treatments, which are drug-free and hands-on, focus on spinal health. The process begins with an initial consultation to determine whether chiropractic care is suitable for the patient. Treatment options can include spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapies, and low-force techniques.

Shelby also addressed some common myths and misconceptions about chiropractic care. While the field has a long history, it has evolved significantly, moving away from outdated practices such as "bed rest" and "resetting bones." Today, chiropractic care is grounded in modern medical and physiological knowledge. Chiropractors are highly qualified professionals who stay up-to-date with the latest research and work in collaboration with general practitioners, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals. Care is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

In addition to chiropractic care, Shelby's practice also offers Pilates. This complementary therapy is an effective, natural method for reducing chronic and acute pain, enhancing daily living activities, and preventing the recurrence of pain. Shelby emphasized that providing Pilates services helps alleviate the strain on the broader healthcare system and fills a gap in rural communities where such services might otherwise be unavailable.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Rotary member Jacquie Shiosaki thanked Shelby for her informative talk and presented her with a Club pen as a token of appreciation.

2024 Roadside Cleanup Success

A great big thanks to all that helped on the roadside cleanup, A huge shout out to Premier coal team with nearly 30 volunteers covering a fair bit of ground, The StJohns ambulance team, our own Collie Scouts and Rory and Bec for jumping in on their day off too.

We even had 6 volunteers from the public join in with the Rotary Club Day and was able to add another road to clean.

All up we believe we had just on 2 ton of rubbish collected by all the groups over several days. We would also like to recognise Terry Ransome who goes out every week and cleans the roads on his own time.

Going from 15 ton of rubbish to 2 ton means that we have won the battle, but we can’t be complacent, we need to keep on top off it.

So, thank you to all that keep our streets of collie clean.

Join Collie Rotary

🌟 Why It's Time to Join Collie Rotary! 🌟

Are you passionate about making a difference in our community? Do you want to connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to service above self? Now is the perfect time to join the Collie Rotary Club!

🚀 Be a Part of Something Bigger: Rotary isn't just about meetings and events. It's about joining a global network of 1.2 million members who are working together to create lasting change—locally and around the world.

💡 Learn & Grow: Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Rotary offers opportunities to develop your leadership skills, network with professionals, and learn from a diverse group of individuals.

🤝 Give Back to the Community: Collie Rotary is deeply involved in local projects that make a real impact. From supporting local schools to helping those in need, your contribution can make a difference right here in our town.

🎉 Fellowship & Fun: Being part of Rotary means more than just service—it's also about forming lifelong friendships and having fun along the way!

If you're ready to step up and make a difference, now is the time to join us at Collie Rotary. Let's work together to create positive change in our community!

#JoinRotary #ServiceAboveSelf #CollieCommunity #RotaryInternational

And the Winner Is !

🎉 Collie Rotary Wood Raffle Winner Announcement! 🎉

We’re excited to share that Shane Platt is the lucky winner of the Collie Rotary wood raffle with ticket number B24! 🏆

Shane and his wife, Jackie, were over the moon when they learned of their win. They were thrilled to unload a massive trailer full of firewood, generously provided by Mark at Mumballup Organics. The raffle, which raised an impressive $1100, will support Youth Mental Health Initiatives in Collie.

Jackie was particularly relieved, noting that their dwindling woodpile would no longer be a concern this winter. Shane and Jackie, who moved to Collie three years ago and now live in a semi-rural home with their three foster children, are incredibly grateful for this win. Shane purchased six tickets for just $10 each just before the raffle closed, and their luck paid off!

A big thank you to Mark from Mumballup Organics for the firewood and to Rotarian Liz Heffernan for organizing the raffle. Your support makes a difference in our community! 🌟

#RaffleWinner #CommunitySupport #CollieRotary #GratefulWinners

Collie Rotary Club Applauds Collie Bendigo Community Bank’s Local Impact

The Collie Rotary Club recently hosted Community Engagement Advisor Michelle Loxton, who presented an insightful review of the significant benefits the Bendigo Community Bank of Collie has brought to our town.

(Left to Right - Rotarian John Bylund, Michelle Loxton, Darcy Mandry, Rotarian Keith Hopkins)

During her presentation, Michelle Loxton emphasized the unique mandate of the Bendigo Community Bank, which differentiates it from major banks. Unlike the big four, the Collie Community Bank reinvests up to 80% of its profits directly back into the community. Over its 23 years of operation, this commitment has translated into more than $8.5 million being funneled back into Collie and its surrounding districts.

The bank's motto, "Our community is our priority," was clearly demonstrated through the various projects Michelle Loxton highlighted. Major initiatives funded by the bank include the $150,000 music shell, the $390,000 Collie Community Radio station building, and the state-of-the-art Collie Art Gallery. Additionally, the bank has provided $250,000 in scholarships, supporting local education and opportunities, such as the $20,000 for St John’s Ambulance school group First Aid Training.

Health and well-being in the Collie community have also greatly benefited from the bank’s profits. Some contributions are less visible, such as $2,000 for sensory dolls for dementia patients at Valley View and ongoing support for Father Gerald Tan’s food ministry. More prominent projects include the $57,000 Central Park “Fairy Lights,” which have become a source of delight and town pride.

Michelle Loxton’s presentation at the Collie Rotary Club was met with enthusiastic appreciation. Our members expressed gratitude for her detailed insights and the bank’s unwavering support for our community and then was presented a thank you gift by Rotarian Jim Henderson.

The Bendigo Community Bank of Collie continues to exemplify the power of local investment, fostering a thriving community through dedicated financial support and engagement. The Collie Rotary Club is proud to recognize and support the ongoing efforts of this vital community partner.

Collie Rotary Adventure Race 2025

The Adventure Race is back!! Get your team together or enter as an individual for #crar2025.

Have a Go. Take the Challenge. Be part of the Adventure.

Kayak 10km of pristine river with gorgeous views across jarrah forests, golf course. Followed by 23km of mountain bike riding on the new Collie Kylie trails. Swim 1km from a sandy beach and finish with an 11km run through jarrah forests over low hillside to allow competitors of all types to be able to complete.

Full details on our event Website: https://crar6225.wixsite.com/collie-rotary-advent

Local Donation for Church

Collie Rotary Club Donates Freezer to Harvest Life Ministries to Aid their Food Ministry

In a heartwarming gesture of community support, the Collie Rotary Club has donated a much-needed freezer to Harvest Life Ministries. This donation is set to make a significant impact, as the ministry can now store bread and other perishable items to distribute to those in need.

The freezer, delivered to the ministry's facility last week, is already being put to good use. With this new addition, Harvest Life Ministries can ensure a steady supply of fresh and nutritious food for the needy families they serve. This move not only helps in preserving the quality of the food but also allows the ministry to plan and manage their food distribution more effectively.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Collie Rotary Club for their generous donation," said Reverend Gael from Harvest Life Ministries. "This freezer will enable us to store larger quantities of bread and other foods, ensuring that we can provide for more people in our community. It’s a game-changer for us."

The Collie Rotary Club, known for its dedication to community service, saw the need and acted swiftly. "We are proud to support Harvest Life Ministries with this donation," said a spokesperson from the Rotary Club. "It’s part of our ongoing commitment to assist local organisations that make a real difference. By helping them store food more efficiently, we hope to contribute to the wellbeing of our community."

This collaboration highlights the power of community partnerships and the positive outcomes they can achieve. The freezer is not just a piece of equipment; it represents hope and sustenance for many families facing tough times.

As Harvest Life Ministries continues its mission to support those in need, the Collie Rotary Club remains a steadfast partner, exemplifying the spirit of giving and community solidarity.