Rotary International embraces diversity, inclusion and flexibility. At individual club level we are truly a ‘grass-roots’ organisation with a belief that ‘small changes can make great changes’. We are dependent on each and every member doing something, sometime to contribute, no matter how big or small. Each ‘club’ is comprised of members; it is club members who decide which causes their club supports, and where to spend their time and energy to action change. Recently RNF has the privilege of sponsoring the President’s collar for the freshly minted Briz Pride Club. This club is the first LGBTIQA+ Rotary Club in the southern hemisphere, with inclusion framing the global vision of Rotary International. It is a Rotary Club that has an intentional commitment to the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion in its identity as ‘BrizPride’. We have it on good word from RNF President Monica that the charter evening was a huge success and attended by Rotarians and non-members, one very enthusiastic crowd.
Monica recounted, ‘On Saturday 19th August the Kinross Cluster welcomed a new club, but one that for the moment is unique. It is the first Pride, LGBTQI+ club in the Southern Hemisphere. There was the speeches with humour, a light -hearted event, the induction of President Craig Bowen was greeted with much applause, great that his daughter Sonia could be present. The food was lovely, catered by an Indian group, District Governor Paul, IPDG Tim ,PDG Chris and others were present, too. There were also quite a lot of friends and family of the newest members to Rotary International. I had many conversations with some members and a lot of guests. Rotary New farm was honoured for their contribution to the night, with providing the President Collar. The night finished with a 15 min Drag Queen act and then some dancing, of which I participated in!’.
Images below: President Craig Bowen and guest, President Craig Bowen and Vice President Sylvester Tan, President Craig Bowen making his acceptance speech with the iconic rainbow stripes on the visual presentation and table.


Furthering the spirit of collaboration it is with great pleasure that we share St Michaels All Angels Spring Soiree scheduled for this Friday night. Can you make it?
In the words of the Soiree organisers for $25 per head, payable at the door, ‘Come for the array of uplifting music, including: real jazz, Australian folk, barber shop quartet acapella, heavenly flautistry, and musos and vocalists that’ll get you grooving on the dance floor! Come for the finger food and wine. Come for the Friday night Brunswick St vibe on the cusp of Spring‘. Doesn’t that sound ‘divine’!
You’ll be supporting the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre. See the flyer image below for more information and learn about the important work of the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre here. You’ll also see the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre and Rotary Club of New Farm ‘New Beginnings art show’ flagged on their website, set for September 2nd.
This week’s ‘fourth Wednesday’ meeting took place at MK Cafe with more collaboration and connection and a great breakfast menu and delicious coffee. We were impressed to hear new to RNF member (who transferred from Rotary Club Geelong) Frank talk about his ‘family, work and life in Brisbane’. Sincerely, we don’t know how his family (now adult children) kept up with him when they were growing up! It was all kinds of wonderful. President Monica also inducted Virginia (a prior member of Rotary Club Fortitude Valley). We’ll share some snippets from Frank’s new member talk in a forthcoming WordPress, and we’ll get to know Virginia, more too.
Images below L to R. MK Cafe’s branding. President Monica setting up our meeting, the agendas on the table: new member talk, member induction, art show and POW preparation, crockery drop to the NFNC and more!, cute coffee art at MK Cafe, our meeting table in progress – a glimpse of Dani, Monica and Monte, staff at the MK Cafe, Monica inducting Virginia. Monica and Virginia with the ‘Welcome to Rotary’ package.









New Beginnings update! The ‘New Beginnings’ Art Show is coming to life from the art classes run by Dani Williams at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre. Do not miss the show – it’s September 2, 11am – 3pm at St Michaels All Angels Hall, 655 Brunswick St, New Farm. It’s free admission and there will be lots of wonderful raffle prizes to win! We thank Cr Vicki Howard’s office for their raffle donation and more coming in.
What’s coming up? POW and Food Pantry Donations. Chef Andy and staff from 3rd Space’s cafe are always gratefully receiving donations of non-perishables – long-life milk, cereals, porridge, biscuits, tinned soups and tinned vegetables and fruits are always needed. The Brunswick Street pantry – just near the Brunswick Hotel also needs non-perishables, or you can drop perishables to the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre. Contact Rotary New Farm via the President Monica’s email below or leave a comment if you’d like to donate and we can help you with logistics. We are here to help!
Images below: L to R Chef Andy and 3rd Space staff receive this week’s drop of raw sugar.


Does your business have POW? The Rotary Club of New Farm invites you to participate in the “Pride of Workmanship” Award Scheme or ‘POW’ awards which our Club conducts each year. Let us know if you would like a nomination form. The awards presentation dinner will honour employees, employers, local heroes (perhaps working in a not-for-profit or charitable) in New Farm and surrounds. Successful nominees will receive their awards at the presentation dinner to be organised by the Rotary Club of New Farm at the Stratton Bar and Kitchen Wednesday 4th October 2023, 6pm for 6.30pm. Check out our POW gallery from 2022! We had a richly rewarding night!












For businesses, can you help us celebrate small business achievements through sponsorship? The sponsorship commitment includes three levels:
Gold $3000 includes free corporate or single membership to RNF, free tickets to the awards evening (up to 10 guests) use of your business logo on our POW invitations and marketing, plus benefits outlined below.
Silver $2000 includes free corporate or single membership to RNF, free tickets to the awards evening (5 guests), use of your business logo on our invitations and marketing, plus benefits outlined below.
Bronze $1000, use of your business logo on our invitations and marketing, plus, see benefits outlined below.
The benefits to your business will be promotion in Village Voice, the region’s leading free local publication, reflecting the views and lifestyles of residents, workers and visitors, our members’ promotion of your business through networks, social media exposure and greater connection to community services in the New Farm area. Contact our President Monica on the email below if you or your business has ‘POW‘ and you’d like to nominate employees, employer or a local hero, or for a sponsorship pledge!
Would you like to join our RNF life? We’d love to have you! We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings at 6.45am for 7:00am at MK Cafe. Note that this venue is a change from the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre. Feel welcome to order breakfast or just enjoy a hot beverage. At our morning meetings we alternatively discuss our projects, discuss our RNF club business or host an interesting and topical presenter.
MK Cafe
938 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005
Opposite New Farm Park
Leave us a comment if you’d like information about memberships! And, if you can – please Share this post!
Get in touch – email President Monica: president.newfarm@rotary9620.org
Join us on social media:
Facebook business page Rotary Club of New Farm https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095321330014
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rotary_new_farm/
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