It will be the last major project, and one of the most significant, in a long list of special celebratory events to highlight Rotary International’s Centenary of Service in 2005.
Significantly, the safari will also mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund.

Now recognised as perhaps the most important private medical research organisation in Australia, the ARHRF has a corpus of $A16 million and allocates more than $1 million annually toward vital areas of medical research in Australia, by Australians, for Australians.

In an amazing gesture of corporate citizenship, Winnebago has generously offered to specially fit-out one of its largest motor homes as the flagship of the safari.

Major sponsorship is being sought from other corporates as the ARHRF Board of Directors strives to fund a budget of $200,000 for the event.

Chairman of the ARHRF, District 9470 Past Governor John Ranieri, emphasised that the decision to go ahead with the safari was not taken lightly.

He said: “Our board has been considering many submissions dealing with various aspects of the proposal for several months.

“We believe we have covered every possibility and are confident of sponsorship funding the entire project.”
PDG John praised Winnebago, stating that the company provided the leadership and inspiration to get things started in a positive manner.

“Winnebago has promised to fit out the motor home to whatever specifications the project may require and completely free of cost,” he said.

Negotiations are already under way with several other major corporations to support the project.
To achieve a spectacular effect, members of Rotary Fellowships (Caravan group, Off Road vehicle group, and Motor Cycle Fellowship) will be invited to join the Rotary Health Safari for all, or part of the journey.

Clubs on the Safari route will be invited to hold special community functions to welcome the travellers and discover at first hand the vital work of Rotary International, the ARHRF and the challenges associated with mental health.

The ARHRF Board has invited beyondblue, the national depression initiative, to take part in the Rotary Health Safari. Other health-related corporations have also showed interest.

Principal objectives of the project include
• Promoting awareness of community health issues.
• Creating an awareness and value of the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund.
• Focussing on mental health awareness, and particularly the mental health of children, through celebratory functions and community forums.

Pictured The Rotary Health Safari was promoted to District Governors Elect at the annual briefing weekend in Parramatta, N.S.W. The DGsE and their partners are pictured at Rotary Down Under House with one of the Winnebago motor homes made available for inspection. R.I. Director Joc Joc Bolante is pictured in the driver’s seat and Australian Rotary Health Research Fund Chief Executive Officer Past President Joy Gillett and Community Relations Officer PDG Ted Atkinson are in the doorway.

This day is to recognise and show appreciation for the efforts of volunteers within the Town of Victoria Park, the City of South Perth and the City of Belmont.

The District 9470 Public Relations and Marketing Committee is being assisted by local Rotary clubs in co-ordinating this initiative. 

Invitations have been mailed to volunteer organisations to attend and network with fellow volunteers at McCallum Park.

The Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Sheila McHale, will present certificates to each volunteering group.

A colourful Field of Banners is an area where all volunteer and supporting organisations, including Rotary, are encouraged to place banners to display further the spirit of volunteering in Western Australia.

Rotary WA Public Relations and Marketing Chair, Robyn Thorpe, of the Rotary Club of Burswood, W.A., said: ‘‘We’re going to use this event as a test case and see if we can do more next year.