First Peace Pole planted in Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia

Submitted:  February, 26 2026
August 11,  2025

Campbelltown is a vibrant, multicultural community, and fostering unity and understanding across its many cultures is a vital challenge. To address this, our Rotary Club of Campbelltown (District 9675) proudly led the installation of the first Peace Pole in the Macarthur region at Campbelltown East Public School. The Peace Pole stands as a lasting symbol of peace, respect, and cultural appreciation for students, families, and the wider community.

The celebration began during the Monday morning school assembly. Each student spoke the phrase “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in their own language, including English, Dharawal, Japanese, Arabic, Samoan, and Filipino. Their voices filled the hall, creating a powerful, living expression of unity and hope, witnessed by families, staff, and community members. A special thank you to our Rotary Youth Exchange student, Haru, for offering the Japanese translation during the ceremony, bringing a unique Rotary overseas fellowship spirit from the Rotary Club of Kumamoto-Joto (District 2720) Japan to the event.

Following the assembly, the Peace Pole was unveiled outside. Bearing the same phrase in six languages, it recognised both the traditional custodians of the land and the contemporary multicultural community. The Mayor of Campbelltown, Darcy LOUND, and local Elder, Uncle Dave BELL, attended, reinforcing the importance of initiatives that foster connection and understanding across cultures.

The initiative was coordinated by our Peace Pole Coordinator, Rotarian Iruni MAHAGEDARA, with support from Rotarian Kerrie HEATH and Rotarian Heidi UNFERDORBEN of Peace Poles Oceania. Club members, school staff, and students were actively involved in planning, preparation, and the ceremony itself. This hands-on participation allowed students to develop leadership skills, practice teamwork, and gain a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity and peacebuilding.

The Rotary Club of Campbelltown plans to continue this initiative, installing a new Peace Pole at a different school each Rotary year. The project leaves a legacy, providing a visible, inspiring reminder that communities can come together to celebrate diversity, nurture mutual respect, and cultivate a culture of peace.

Yours in Rotary Service, 

Iruni MAHAGEDARA
Rotary Club of Campbelltown (District 9675) 
Sydney, Australia