Global Empowers' vision is a world where water access is not a charity project - but a self-sustaining economic system that generates income, builds infrastructure and empowers communities to own their future.
Chewe Nkole is an educator, entrepreneur and social impact practitioner with experience spanning organisational development, education, social impact and community engagement.
He serves as CEO of Global Empowers Foundation Australia, an Australian DGR-1 charity focused on sustainable, community-owned development and expanding access to clean water in Zambia.
His experience includes developing organisational systems, strategic and operational frameworks, partnerships, financial models, and presentations for donors and investors.
He is also the founder of AfriCapital Connect, an emerging financial infrastructure venture connecting the African diaspora with investment opportunities across Africa.
Chewe Nkole is passionate about institution-building, sustainable development, innovation and creating opportunities that empower communities.
Club meetings are generally held on Thursday mornings - 6:45am for 7:15am
Scarboro Surf Lifesaving Club
The Esplanade, Scarborough WA
Apologies and Guests names to:
Jerry Pilcher
jerry.pilcher@gmail.com
Ph 0428 911 505
Please send apologies by 10.00am on Tuesdays for catering purposes.
2026/27 Management Team:
President: Jon Stokes
President Elect: TBA
Past President: Darren Meakins
Secretary: Andrew Fisher
Treasurer: Trevor Canning
Director of Club Service: Ben Furler
Director of International Projects: Jessica Sutton
Director of Community Projects: Mitch Whalan
Director of Youth and Vocational Projects: Jon Stokes
Director of Vocational Service: Darren Meakins
In conversation with Graham Edwards AM
It was a privilege to share an evening with Graham Edwards AM at our recent “Bringing People Together” event at Karrinyup Shopping Centre.
Graham has led an extraordinary life. While serving Australian Army in Vietnam, Graham lost both legs after stepping on a landmine. In a testament to his resilience and spirit, Graham did not let this serious injury stop him from being a major contributor to Western Australia and Australia.
Graham has served as a councillor on the City of Stirling, been a member of the WA Parliament where he rose to be Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Aged and Minister for Racing and Gaming, Sport and Recreation and Youth.
Not content with those achievements, Graham went on to serve in the Australian Parliament then become Chair of RSL WA and patron of Wheelchairs for Kids as well as raising a family with his wife Noelene among many other things.
Graham and our own Ben Furler had a fascinating conversation about his life and his recently completed book, “Stone the Bloody Crows” a copy of which can be obtained from Wheelchairs for Kids.
Paraplegic Benefit Fund
Recently we heard from Rotary Club of Scarborough member Carly Figgis about the Paraplegic Benefit Fund (PBF).
Since 1984 the PBF has been delivering injury prevention programs and financial suport for members who suffer a total permanent spinal cord injury.
It is perhaps not widely apprecaited that evry day an Australian suffers a spinal cord injury and over 20,000 Australians are living with a spinal cord injury.
A spinal cord injury can have a devastating effect on people's lives and impacts the lives of their friends and family.
Carly explained how the PBF works to improve the lives of people who suffer a spinal cord injury.
Scarborough Rotary wins Outstanding Club Achievement Award 2025-2026
The Rotary Club of Scarborough was proud to receive the Outstanding Club Achievement Award for 2025-2026.
District Governor Veronica Lawrance presented the award at the Rotary District 9423 changeover event held on Saturday 11th July 2026 and this was reaffirmed at a recent “Bringing People Together” event.
In the words of District Governor Veronica Lawrance:
"This award is based on many Criteria and included:
Goals entered into MyRotary Goal Centre, the quality and the number of those Goals achieved
Attendance at President Elect Training Seminar (PETS), District Assembly, Grants and Youth Protection seminars
Achievement of 4 or more new members in 2025-2026
The criteria was based on percentages and not just raw numbers and it takes a well-integrated club to immerse themselves and be represented at each of these events and more, making an impact not only in Rotary but in encouraging their members to participate in all things Rotary, keeping up the momentum, member satisfaction and relevance in today’s ever-changing world."
Exchange Student Update
Outbound Exchange Student - Grace Johnson
Our outbound exchange student, Grace Johnson is 3 quarters of the way through her exchange year in Brazil.
Grace has been enjoying trips through the Amazon rainforest and meeting other exchange students.
You can read a more detailed update from Grace here. Alternatively, Jerry Pilcher can provide a printed copy of Grace's update on request.
Inbound Exchange Student - Rebecca Cavanagh
Our inbound exchange student from Turin in Italy has been settling into life and school in Australia.
Rebecca has been meeting other exchange students and is getting used to wearing a school uniform.
Update from Brittany Wolff (nee Mann)
Back in 2020-23 the Rotary Club of Scarborough provided some assistance to Brittany while she was studying for a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Western Australia.
After graduating Brittany moved to the United States and is now an assistant Professor at the University of California Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine, where she works as both a clinical neuropsychologist and researcher.
Brittany's research focuses on the question "why do people who share vulnerability for serious mental illness follow such different paths, some developing persistent illness and disability, while others recover or remain resilient?
Brittany is very grateful for the assistance provided to her by the Rotary Club of Scarborough and has been kind enough to provide an update on what she has been doing which you can read here.
Conti's BBQ
The annual Conti's BBQ is scheduled this year for Saturday 14th November from 12 noon.
This is a great event where members and friends can socialise and sample some top-quality wines.
It's BYO food and drinks with wines supplied for tasting by the Conti family.
