Centenary original

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The Rotary Club of Adelaide turned 100 in 2023! That’s over 100 years of Rotary in South Australia – something for all of us to be proud of.

Rotary Adelaide has a proud history of doing good work in communities both locally and internationally.

Our Centenary year during 2023-2024 provided a unique opportunity for Rotarians to do what we do best, and that’s to be people of action, working together to create a better place for our community and the world, through purpose, fellowship and fun.

We have helped create a lasting legacy for our future generations.
Read below about our ongoing legacy projects and events held during our Centenary year.

Centenary projects

Aboriginal Chronic Disease Prevention Project

ACDPP24

This project has been developed as an enduring and worthwhile legacy to mark the Centenary.

The project will fund two Aboriginal PhD scholars over 3 ½ years to undertake research to establish a capability development program that supports the upskilling of an Aboriginal healthcare workforce in chronic disease prevention.

The successful candidates will work within Aboriginal communities to develop culturally appropriate models for improving health outcomes.

To deliver this important project, Rotary Adelaide, Rotary District 9510 and Australian Rotary Health are working in partnership The School of Public Health at The University of Adelaide and the Wardliparinggi Aboriginal Health Equity team at SAHMRI.

How to support the project

The Aboriginal Chronic Disease Prevention Project is an opportunity to contribute to an enduring legacy for future generations. Tax deductible donations to fund the project can be made by contacting us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

100 Peace Poles for 100 Years of Rotary Adelaide and Rotary in SA

More than 130 Peace Poles have been placed across the state in recognition of our centenary.

The number 1 Peace Pole is located at Adelaide Oval, near the members cross over at the northern end.

Peace Poles are a universal symbol of peace, with over 300,000 peace poles located in over 200 countries around the world. They are placed in the earth and stand as a silent vigil as a reminder of the importance of peace in our hearts, homes and in our communities.

Schools, individuals, Rotary Clubs, community organisations and businesses are invited to help spread the message of peace across our state and throughout the world by sponsoring a peace pole.

Please contact us for more information about how to get involved at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

History of the Rotary Club of Adelaide 1924-2024

An opportunity to purchase 2 Rotary Club of Adelaide history books, watch a short film of Rotary Club of Adelaide members’ stories and be provided with a Rotary Club of Adelaide family tree are all available.

Events

2 significant celebratory events were held during the centenary year.

Founders Day Luncheon - Rotary Club of Adelaide

Thursday 24 August 2023
12-2.30pm
Ian McLachlan Room
Adelaide Oval

To launch the centenary year, Rotary Adelaide held its Founder’s Day Lunch exactly 100 years from the date the club held its first meeting in Adelaide on 24 August in 1923.

The lunch included current and past Rotary members, families and friends with guests from across Australia and the world, plus many of our service recipients and representatives from organisations we have supported over the past 100 years.

The Reverend Dr Lynn Arnold and Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia were just two of the guest speakers, with entertainment from Jyoti Singh, Lex Jones and the Rotary Adelaide Choir. Our MC was Mike Smithson from Channel 7.

Watch the videos from the Founders Day Lunch at https://www.youtube.com/@rotaryclubadelaide

Centenary of Rotary in South Australia Luncheon

Sunday 4 February 2024
12-3pm
William Magarey Room
Adelaide Oval

This very special lunch was a celebration of the people of Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs that have made up the rich and diverse tapestry of Rotary in South Australia and the current District 9510.

Guest speakers included Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC Governor of South Australia, and the remarkable and well known Professor Veena Sahajwalla, an inventor and world pioneer on research into waste who is revolutionising recycling science. Veena is renowned for her internationally commercialised ‘green’ steelmaking process.

Mickey O’Brien, Senior Kaurna Man provided the Welcome to Country, and the Rotary Adelaide Choir and Band of the South Australian Police Group 5 performed for the over 370 guests in attendance.

This luncheon was held 100 years to the day from when the Rotary Club of Adelaide was officially chartered by Rotary International on 4 February 1924.

You can watch the video presentations from this event at https://www.youtube.com/@rotaryclubadelaide and then search Centenary Lunch.