Rotary Community Group Akuna Stands for Peace

 
In February, multiple Rotary Clubs came together for one shared purpose: Peace
 

Pictured: Rotary Community Group Akuna at the location of the Peace Pole, Grace's Place.

In the South Pacific, Rotary Clubs come together for a unique sense of collaboration through Rotary Community Groups (RCG). These community groups comprise a cluster of clubs that are linked through geography, projects or common themes.

In Australia, the Rotary Club of Blacktown led the installation of a Peace Pole at Grace’s Place in New South Wales. Supported by the Rotary Community Group Akuna, a collective of ten Rotary Clubs, the installation was designed to create a lasting and meaningful legacy. Grace’s Place is a world-first residential trauma centre supporting children and young people affected by homicide. Here, the Peace Pole stands as a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and a shared commitment to peace within the community.

Messages of Peace

 
 
Every Rotary Peace Pole carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” a silent vigil for peace and an active reminder for all to think and act in the spirit of peace.
The Peace Pole in Grace’s Place holds three other messages of hope and peace.
  • “Something good has to come out of something so bad” reminds us that even in the deepest pain, we can choose to create something healing.
  • “Service Above Self” reflects Rotary’s commitment to turning compassion to action towards peace.
  • “May every child find safety and peace” speaks to the heart of Grace’s Place and to a shared belief that every child deserves a future free from fear. 
Together, these messages make the Peace Pole not just a symbol, but promise to build peace on behalf of children in the community.

Unveiling

The Peace Pole was unveiled by Martha Jabour OAM, CEO, HVSG and Tess Sayas, President Rotary Club of Blacktown City, assisted by John Barber, CFO Grace’s Place and Gary Raymond OAM, Ambassador Grace’s Place.
 

The Peace Pole was donated by the Rotary Club of Blacktown City and six other Rotary Clubs participated in the Peace Pole installation ceremony, including: Rotary Club of Blacktown City; Rotary Club of Drummoyne; Rotary Club of Granville; Rotary Club of Parramatta; Rotary Club of Strathfield; and the Rotary Club of Environment and Habitat. This is the second combined project executed by RCG Akuna, the first being a domestic violence awareness walk on last November, led by Rotary Club of Environment and Habitat.

Thank you to the incredible Rotary Clubs whose compassion and commitment brought this symbol of hope to life.
 
Want to lead projects like this? If you are a Rotary or Rotaract member, you can nominate yourself as Rotary Community Leader (closes 23 March 2026). 
 
Not a member but love what we do? Start by learning more about volunteering with Rotary.

More news from Rotary South Pacific.