The joy of giving back

TO Dr Jessie Harman, giving back to the community is the key to leading a healthy and rewarding life.

She has volunteered with the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast for 26 years and has no plans of stopping.

Dr Harman has been given a Member of the Order of Australia honour for her service to social change leadership, and the community of regional Victoria.

“I absolutely think it is really important that people give back to their communities,” she said.

“It is a key to individual health and wellbeing to be focused on others, not oneself, it’s absolutely the key to living a rewarding personal life.

“It’s because of the cost-of-living crisis and the fact that there is this increasing polarisation of views, that we should pitch in and support everybody.”

Dr Harman has taken on various roles within Rotary, including Governor of district 9780, and is currently the chair of the Rotary International Communications Committee.

She is also director and chair of Ballarat Community Health and has previously served as director and treasurer of Pinarc Disability Services.

Dr Harman said she enjoys using her unique skills and experience to give back and believes others should do the same.

“I contribute through using my skills of governance and education,” she said.

“The highlight for me is that I get to work with and support some really amazing people and organisations.

“There are Rotarians in communities all over Australia doing incredible things to improve lives and to make communities more liveable.”

Into the future, Dr Harman plans to continue her work on various boards and with Rotary.

“I hope that [Rotary’s] work will continue to be valued and that it will be supported both by governments of all persuasions and by the community itself,” she said.

“I hope that people will continue to want to be community minded.

“I am super lucky to be part of a busy, thriving, large Rotary club here in Ballarat… there are 60 members and they’re all busy, they’re active and they’re making a difference.”