Would you like fries with that?

Most Rotarians are familiar with the ubiquitous sausage sizzle fundraiser, often undertaken outside the local Bunnings store or supermarket. On tiny Norfolk Island, the local Rotary club has expanded this concept significantly, utilising their custom-built catering trailer.

Since its foundation in 1973, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Island has long been known for catering at various community events. However, its menu offering usually extends further than the humble sausage. Hamburgers, steak sandwiches and hot chips feature regularly as well as the ever popular fish and chips. Healthier options such as chicken, beef or salad wraps are also offered at times.

The club’s catering activities grew to the point it decided to invest in a custom-built trailer. After consultation on an appropriate design, Dean Trailers in Bowral, NSW, were given the task, and on completion the trailer was shipped to the island in 2001. Then club President Bob Little proudly unveiled the new acquisition during the visit of District Governor Sandra McKersey. The trailer features two four-burner gas barbecues, three commercial gas deep fryers, a multitude of storage compartments and a water tank.

The club caters for many community events during each Rotary year, however, the largest by far is the annual Royal A&H Show Day. Typically, the club will serve around 400 hamburgers, 200 steak sandwiches, 200 sausage sandwiches and 180 kilograms of hot chips on the day.

While these catering events do raise significant funds for the club, it is also a way for the club to participate and assist in various island events, while maintaining a positive and active profile in the community.

It is a tradition for District 9910 governors to time their Norfolk Island club visit to coincide with the annual A&H Show Day each October and get put to work on the stand. In 2015, to mark PDG Ned Lenthall’s 50 years of Rotary service, a ‘Gaggle of Governors’ (five) turned up to help.

This year the club celebrates 50 years of service. While small in numbers, it has provided three district governors – Ned Lenthall (1982-83), Lindsay Ford (2012-13) and Ian Kiernan (2019-20) – inducted new members in the last Rotary year and won the district award for the club making the greatest per capita contribution to The Rotary Foundation.

PICTURED: Since its foundation in 1973, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Island has long been known for catering at various community events. However, its menu offering extends further than the humble sausage.