Monthly Archives: March 2026

Rotary Wheatbelt Swim for Reading 2026 – Cancelled

Swim 2026 is cancelled

Sadly, having regard for the deteriorating fuel supplies and worsening weather forecasts for 28 March, we have cancelled this year’s swim.

Thank You

Thank you for your support of the Rotary Wheatbelt Swim for Reading 2026.

A Difficult Decision

It is with genuine regret that we advise of the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event. This conclusion was reached after careful consideration of several emerging concerns, including:

  •            The increasingly unpredictable and worsening fuel supply situation
  •            A deteriorating weather outlook for the day of the swim
  •            The possibility of thunderstorms

Community Consultation

We have consulted widely with our swim partners and stakeholders, and it became clear that discretion is indeed the better part of valour.

Sadly, Swim ’26 will not proceed.

Thank you once again for your support, commitment, and understanding. We look forward to continuing to support reading programs in Bruce Rock and Narembeen in the future.

Announcing the Arnold–Strange Rotary Community Challenge

We’re excited to share some wonderful news ahead of the Rotary Wheatbelt Swim for Reading in Bruce Rock on 28 March.

Chris Arnold and Stephen Strange recognized for supporting the Rotary Wheatbelt Love of Reading Project

The Rotary E-Club of Western Australia Inc. Board has resolved to rename the Rotary Community Challenge, in perpetuity, as the Arnold–Strange Rotary Community Challenge.

For more than a decade, Stephen Strange and Chris Arnold have provided tremendous support to the Swim, our Rotary Love of Reading Project, the RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) youth development program, and the many community efforts that make these initiatives possible in Bruce Rock and Narembeen.

Their commitment to strengthening opportunities for local young people — especially through supporting school reading programs — has made a real and lasting difference.

We’re proud to recognise two outstanding community leaders in this way.

How You Can Help

The poster for the Arnold–Strange Rotary Community Challenge is attached — please share it widely with friends, neighbours, past swimmers and RYPEN alumni. Let’s see the community get behind the Challenge in 2026!

Because in the end, the real winners of the Arnold–Strange Rotary Community Challenge are the children of our Wheatbelt communities.

See you at the Swim!

A certificate for the Arnold-Strange Rotary Community Challenge

Recognizing two local legends as we continue to support Bruce Rock and Narembeen kids

Rotary Wheatbelt Swim for Reading 2026

An image of a woman sitting by a pool, recording information, with swimmers in the pool

Rotary in action supporting Wheatbelt schools through community engagement in our annual event

Twelthth Annual Rotary Wheatbelt Swim for Reading

Bruce Rock Aquatic Centre
Saturday 28 March 2026
Registration from 12 noon

This annual event enables the community to fundraise for reading programs at Bruce Rock and Narembeen District High Schools. Importantly, young participants will earn places on Rotary youth programs through their participation in the swim.

We have vacancies for volunteers in a number of categories on the day and will welcome assistance from community members.

Register for the swim and/or to volunteer

Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/DKCVL

The Rotary Swim is a fun event that brings our Rotary team, schools and the community together, promoting a love of reading and fundraising for reading programs, as we enable future leaders to earn Rotary youth program places. Both adults and children are encouraged to swim, and the focus is participation and fun.

Donate to support reading programs at Bruce Rock or Narembeen District High Schools

This year we have again partnered with Rotary Australia World Community Service so that we can offer tax-deductible receipts.

Donate via https://donations.rawcs.com.au/49-2020-21

Donors who enter their details in the form can choose to pay by credit card, bank transfer or cheque. All the instructions are in the form. In the Request(s) to Project Manager box, please name the school and swimmer the donation is supporting. The online form is also great for encouraging family and friends living outside the region to support local kids.

Questions? Email us at swim@rotaryeclubwa.org.au