Rotary Peace Centre at The University of Queensland

SAVE THE DATE | 4–6 March 2027 🎉

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of partnership between Rotary and The University of Queensland.

This special 3-day event will honour a quarter-century of collaboration in peacebuilding, education, and global impact, while looking ahead to the next 25 years.

📅 Save the date now! Event and registration details will be shared closer to the event.

Rotary Down UnderRotary Peace Centers The University of Queensland

✨ Semester 02 is officially underway for the RPF Class 24 cohort! ✨

The cohort welcomed the new semester with a gathering to celebrate Htwe’s birthday, which also provided an opportunity for the fellows to reconnect and continue their planning and preparations for the upcoming Annual Seminar next March. 🌏🤝
The birthday celebrations continued throughout July and August, with the cohort also celebrating their July and August-born fellows, Igor, Amanda, and Becca. 🎂🥳

It’s wonderful to see the Class 24 fellows continuing to build connections, celebrate one another, and work together towards their upcoming Annual Seminar.

Wishing the RPF Class 24 cohort a meaningful and inspiring Semester 02 filled with learning, collaboration, and many more memorable moments! 🌿✨



Rotary Down Under Rotary Peace Centers

Have a look at how Becca Buse, one of our current Rotary Peace Centers fellows, is seeking to bring about reconciliation through music: https://indigenous-engagement.uq.edu.au/stories/little-things-big-things-grow-how-uq-reconciliation-choir-brings-reconciliation-life Rotary Down Under

A passion for peace • Rotary Down Under At the UQ Rotary Peace Centre, future peacebuilders learn to resolve conflict in a shifting global order.

As part of their Rotary experience beyond the classroom, Praveen (Class 23), Sajani (Class 24), and Becca (Class 24) attended the Rotary Club of Paddington Changeover Ceremony, joining Rotarians in celebrating leadership, fellowship, and the beginning of a new Rotary year.

A wonderful evening of meaningful conversations, new connections, and Rotary spirit. Wishing the Rotary Club of Paddington every success for the year ahead.

On July 9, Class 24 Fellow Becca was invited to speak to Rotary Club of Toowoomba East. The day began by enjoying the views from the Great Dividing Range at Picnic Point. Then the club members welcomed Becca with singing and club traditions. During the meeting Becca presented to the club about the Rotary Peace Fellowship, and the global experiences that brought Becca to apply and be accepted as a peace fellow here at UQ.

As a thank you the Rotary Club made a donation in honour of Becca to further health research.

Thank you to Rotary Toowoomba East for hosting Becca. We hope to continue the connection between UQ and Toowoomba and hope to see you join us in the seminar next March.

SAVE THE DATE | 4–6 March 2027 🎉

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of partnership between Rotary and The University of Queensland.

This special 3-day event will honour a quarter-century of collaboration in peacebuilding, education, and global impact, while looking ahead to the next 25 years.

📅 Save the date now! Event and registration details will be shared closer to the event.

The UQ Rotary Peace Fellows Class 24 had an enriching and inspiring study tour to Canberra, gaining valuable insights into Australia's governance, peacebuilding, diplomacy, human rights, and international development through visits to key institutions and meaningful engagements with experts and practitioners. It was truly a memorable learning experience that strengthened the commitment to building peace.

A heartfelt gratitude to Vagda Galhotra (Class 24 Peace Fellow) for coordinating the tour, and to Christy Kaehne and Darren Kaehne (Rotarians) for their timeless efforts in organising the tour, exceptional hospitality and dedication. We also extend sincere appreciation to all the Rotarians who warmly hosted and supported the Peace Fellows throughout their time in Canberra.

Throughout the tour, the Fellows visited Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy, Canberra Rotary Peace Park, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations, and engaged with leading experts and practitioners.

🌏🕊️

Some journeys are measured by the places we visit. Others are measured by the lives we touch.

On 16 July 2026, the Rotary Peace Fellows Class 23 celebrated their graduation at the University of Queensland, closing one extraordinary chapter and opening another. They arrived as strangers from different corners of the world, each carrying unique stories, hopes, and dreams. They leave as lifelong friends, united by a shared purpose and a promise to build a more peaceful world.
This remarkable cohort includes Camilo Arango (Colombia), Khrisna Avila (Philippines), Patmillia Doe Paivey (Liberia), Koduah Emmanuel (Ghana), Lorena Jesus (Brazil), Thristina Kanka (USA), Samantha Murray (Canada), Kathleen Novelia (Canada/Indonesia), Salim Uqdah (USA), and Pravin Wankhede (India). Though their next destinations may differ, they remain connected by a shared mission to advance peace, justice, and understanding across communities around the world.

As they step into the next chapter of their journeys, they carry with them far more than a Master's degree. They leave with lifelong friendships that transcend borders, unforgettable memories, and a renewed commitment to creating positive change wherever life takes them. While their paths may now lead in different directions, the bonds they have built and the purpose they share will always unite them.

To the Rotary Peace Fellows Class 23, thank you for reminding us that peace is not simply an idea. It is found in every act of compassion, every courageous conversation, and every life dedicated to serving others.

May this graduation be not an ending, but the beginning of countless new stories of hope, healing, and leadership. As Rotary Peace Fellow alumni, may you continue to inspire, connect, and transform communities across the globe. No matter where your journey leads, may you always carry the spirit of peace with you, and may the world be better because you chose to serve.
Congratulations, Class 23. You may leave the University of Queensland, but you will always remain part of the Rotary Peace family. The classrooms may be behind you, but your greatest work is just beginning. Go forward with courage. The world needs you now more than ever. 🌍🕊️💙