The club supports a range of locally-based organisations, plus the Calvary Mater Newcastle oncology unit (where many local people undergo treatment for cancer).

This year’s beneficiaries included Coalfields Kurri Diabetes Support Group, Kurri Kurri Girl Guides, Cessnock District Rescue Squad, Kurri Kurri Men’s Shed, Ronald McDonald House, the Masonic Nursing Home Auxiliary, Variety Bash, Weston Community Preschool, the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and others.

The mixed Rotary club was chartered in 2012 and has since raised $19,000, including $4000 for the Mater.

It holds regular raffles and a barbecue each month at the farmers’ markets in Rotary Park, Kurri Kurri.

The club’s publicity officer Sue Burston said members are proud to raise money that goes back into the local community, or in the case of Ronald McDonald House and the Mater, benefits many local people who use these facilities.

The Rotary club’s community work also includes providing a weekly light breakfast for Stanford Merthyr Infants School, and a bursary to the school to assist students.

Last year it took on the Coalfields Kurri Diabetes Group as a club project.

The Rotary Club meets at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall every Wednesday morning at 7.30am.

“Guest speakers are often on the agenda and over the time we have had some very interesting people come along and talk to us,” Ms Burston said.

“Bus trips to different venues with lunch following are held approximately every couple of monthly.”

New members are welcome. Call Carl on 0401 217 190 for inquiries.