Remarkable Rotarians

THE Rotary Club of Greater Geelong celebrated 100 years of dedication and service last week – a remarkable milestone and a testament to its Rotarians.

For a century, Rotary has demonstrated a commitment to its mission, ‘Service Above Self’, in all aspects of the organisation.

Rotary is one of our community organisations that has always stepped forward with kind offers of support. It’s a shining example of how an organisation can adjust its projects to reflect the changing needs of its community, all while maintaining a focused commitment to a cause.

In the 1930s, Rotarians provided milk to children during WWII and continued feeding families across the world in the years that followed.

In 1954, Rotary looked closer to home and helped establish the Geelong Community Chest, which has since evolved into Give Where You Live.

Rotary has always managed to balance a local and global mindset.

In the ’60s and ’70s the group hosted international exchange students while also supporting local educational programs, placing value on working towards a global community.

They have also struck a balance between funding both vital infrastructure and projects for community enjoyment.

In the ’80s the group fundraised for a water slide at Kardinia Park while also raising critical funds for the establishment of a dialysis unit at Geelong hospital.

During the mid-1990s, Rotary even leased the Old Geelong Gaol from the City of Greater Geelong to develop a tourism initiative that raised funds for local and international humanitarian projects.

These are the kinds of practical, hands-on contributions Rotary is known for, helping to build stronger, more connected communities.

Today, the group is a proud supporter of initiatives like the TAC L2P program, which for over 15 years has helped almost 600 young adults gain their probationary licence and freedom.

Geelong Rotarians have consistently demonstrated that a community is strongest when everyone works together.

Celebrating the achievements of our community groups is so important, and while most volunteers don’t seek recognition for their efforts, it’s incredibly gratifying to be recognised for supporting the community.

I have been a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Highton for almost a decade now, and it has been a truly rewarding experience in so many ways.

The Highton group is responsible for conducting tours of the Fyansford Paper Mills, celebrating our local heritage while raising funds to support various projects.

We provide care packs and clothing to those escaping domestic violence, in support of the Meli organisation.

Globally, Highton has had projects in Cambodia ranging from building safe sanitation for a school to offering scholarships for young people to study midwifery.

We are also currently working on a project in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Torquay to provide batteries and solar panels to a health facility in remote Papua New Guinea.

Without the support of dedicated volunteers, none of our Rotary groups would succeed.

We are conscious that we need to engage the younger generations to carry the torch and continue the Rotary mission for the next hundred years.

If you know somebody who wants to support both local and global projects in health, peace and conflict resolution, literacy, economic development, disease prevention, sanitation and sustainability, I urge you to steer them towards Rotary.

To learn more about all the organisation’s fantastic initiatives, or to become a member, head to rotary.org

Cr Ron Nelson

Barrabool Hills Ward,

City of Greater Geelong