Rotary Club of Cairns West Breakfast Club
The Rotary Club of Cairns West Breakfast Club is a volunteer‑run community program providing free, nutritious breakfasts to disadvantaged school‑aged children at the Manoora Neighbourhood Centre, in partnership with Centrecare FNQ. The program operates every school day during Queensland school terms, helping ensure children start their day nourished, supported, and ready to learn.
Manoora is a community facing significant socio‑economic challenges, including a high concentration of public housing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage, refugee settlement, unemployment, and food insecurity. For many children in the area, access to a healthy breakfast is not guaranteed. The Breakfast Club responds to this need in a practical, dignified, and welcoming way.
An Inclusive, Family‑Focused Program
The Breakfast Club is designed to be inclusive of both children and their parents or carers. Families are encouraged to attend together, share a meal, and engage in a safe and positive environment. Alongside nutrition, the program strengthens social connection, encourages positive routines, and provides a supportive space for families at the start of each day.
Impact and Outcomes
Since commencing in Term 1, 2026, the Breakfast Club has demonstrated strong and growing demand. During the first full school term, the program supported a total of 518 children, parents, and carers, with attendance increasing steadily as community trust grew.
Beyond meeting immediate food needs, the program is delivering meaningful outcomes, including:
- Improved school attendance
- Increased focus and engagement in learning
- Children receiving student‑of‑the‑week awards
- Improved confidence, manners, and positive behaviour
- Stronger connection between families, volunteers, and the wider community
These outcomes clearly show the role the Breakfast Club plays in supporting children’s wellbeing and long‑term educational engagement.
Powered by Volunteers
The program is operated entirely by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Cairns West, reflecting Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self.” Meals are prepared and served using safe, hygienic practices, with a strong focus on sustainability — including reusable plates and cutlery, recycling, and composting food scraps through worm gardens.
If you are able to help and volunteer for our program, please contact us here.
Supported Through RAWCS
The Breakfast Club is registered with Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) as a Rotary Australia Compassionate Grant (RACG) project. This registration allows the program to receive tax‑deductible donations and enables eligible matching funding through national philanthropic partners. All funds raised are used directly to support the delivery and sustainability of the Breakfast Club.
How You Can Support the Program
Community support is vital to the ongoing success of the Breakfast Club. Donations, partnerships, and volunteer involvement all help ensure vulnerable children continue to receive a healthy start to their school day.
If you would like to support the Rotary Club of Cairns West Breakfast Club or learn more about the program, please contact us!
You can make a tax deductible donation on this page.
Make a tax deductible donation to fund this program.
Volunteer with us!
We would love to hear from you! If you are able to volunteer with us, please complete the below form and we will be in touch!