We support local solutions to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more people every day. We don’t just build wells and walk away. We share our expertise with community leaders and educators to make sure our projects succeed long-term.
Rotary Melbourne's mission to uplift underserved rural communities is grounded in a simple yet profound principle: "connection towards sustainability." Our life-changing international WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives have expanded to include healthcare, literacy, and livelihood programs, improving the lives of thousands in the Philippines and beyond.
With strong partnerships - NGOs, local governments, and grassroots associations - Rotary Melbourne ensures that our projects are not just impactful, but built to last. Even when disaster strikes, such as the frequent cyclones during the construction phase, the team remains undeterred in its efforts to rebuild and uplift.
In rural, mountainous Isabela, Philippines, Dangan Elementary School faces limited access to water, sanitation, and educational resources. Students fetch water daily, and literacy is hampered by a lack of supplies. Rotary Melbourne together with a Melbourne Primary school is transforming lives by providing clean water, a new library, 380+ books, teaching aids, and sustainable gardens. This project fosters health, education, and resilience, creating a legacy of hope and opportunity for the future.
Launched in October 2024, our San Mateo Clean Water for Life project - partnering with the Rotary Club of Greater Marikina Valley (Philippines) and Rotary Australia World Community Service - delivers safe drinking water and a WASH hygiene station at Jose F. Diaz Memorial National High School.
Amid widespread devastation and a dire water crisis in Magsikap Quezon, Rotary Melbourne and Greater Marikina Valley launched a transformative project. We installed a water distribution system for over 2,000 households and key community sites, while also introducing sustainable crop programs, offering immediate relief and long-term hope for the village's future.
Rotary Melbourne and Ortigas Center Rotary provided two Skyhydrant water filtration units to the rural villages of Baroro and Pandan in northern Philippines.
Rotary International’s fourth Programs of Scale grant will support members' work with Indian farmers who have been affected by climate change. The program, Partners for Water Access and Better Harvests in India, will aim to increase groundwater tables, extend cultivation areas, and raise the incomes of about 60,000 farmers by 25% to 30%.
A gamechanging new WASH project at Agkawayan Elementary School in the Philippines, brings vital toilets and wash stations to boost hygiene and health. With strong community support, this initiative of Rotary Melbourne and the Rotary Club of Lubang Island transforms lives and protects children from disease in Agkawayan.