Throughout Sydney Airport’s terminals, you may have noticed there are several donation boxes that the support our local Rotary clubs.

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels. Sydney Airport and Rotary have forged a strong relationship through various fundraising initiatives at the airport since the 1960s.

In 2025, our passengers generously donated $88,654 into the 11 donation boxes, and the funds were collected by volunteers from the Rotary Clubs of Botany Randwick & Marrickville. The majority of the funds were used to support the communities closest to Sydney Airport, improving lives, creating opportunities, and strengthening local resilience.

“Thanks to the generosity of Sydney Airport passengers, Rotary has been able to make a real difference for those in need across our local community. We’re incredibly proud of this long‑standing partnership and the difference it has made” said Mark Daniels, a member of Rotary for 25 years who regularly visits Sydney Airport to collect the donations.

Supporting Local Health and Community Wellbeing

Health initiatives were a major focus this year, with funds directed toward improving medical access and support services.

• Ronald McDonald House received significant assistance, helping families stay close while their children receive critical care.
• The Rotary Foundation, Australian Rotary Health, and the RPA Neonatal Unit benefited from major contributions supporting medical research, patient care, and health outreach.
• Windward Bound, a program fostering resilience and personal development through sailing, received combined support from multiple clubs for its youth and wellbeing work.

These contributions reflect Rotary’s strong belief that healthy families and communities form the foundation of long-term social strength. term social strength.

Investing in Young People Across Sydney’s Airport Communities

More than a third of the funds were invested in programs supporting children and youth, showing Rotary’s dedication to nurturing the next generation. Local young people were given opportunities to grow, learn, and lead through programs such as:

• RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
• RYPEN – Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment
• NYSF – National Youth Science Forum
• Scouts Jamboree
• Exchange Student Program, which received one of the highest single allocations in this category

Strengthening Local Schools and Education Programs

• Education remained a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission, with donations distributed across schools and learning programs.
• Casimir College and Marrickville West Public School benefited from targeted financial support, helping enhance educational opportunities for local students.
• Internationally, Rotary helped fund the construction of a pre-school in Hera, Timor Leste, ensuring young children in the region can access early learning in safe, supportive environments.

By backing both local and overseas education, the clubs demonstrated their belief in education as a universal pathway to empowerment.

Keeping Local Communities Safe

A core part of Rotary’s identity is community service, and in 2025 the clubs directed $12,561 toward strengthening community safety, cohesion, and resilience. This included support for:

• ANZAC Day commemorations
• The Salvation Army, providing essential community services
• Inner West and Burwood Police Commands, with funding for life saving defibrillators that enhance public safety across the region

These contributions underline Rotary’s commitment to local partnerships that create safer, stronger neighbourhoods.

Standing With Local First Nations and Women’s Support Services

Rotary also invested the donated funds in First Nations youth programs, and Australian Rotary Health’s First Nations initiatives, ensuring culturally aligned pathways for young people to thrive.

Mary’s House Services provide immediate critical care, safety, and shelter, and then access to legal and financial services and support to women and families that are victims of domestic violence.