PDG David Rosback AM puts forward the view that Rotary is not merely a sausage-sizzling charity, but with the member’s varied vocations, Rotary can become a conduit for community-based projects. He uses “conduit” in the sense of an agency or means of access, communication, transmitting or distributing.
When Rotarians identify a need, they can then co-ordinate the community, government, finance, designers and builders to bring a project to fruition.
I would like to give you some examples of CONDUIT action that puts ROTARY on top as a community service .
1). I was in Si
r Peter Derham’s office discussing a development of Australians Against Child Abuse, when his phone rang. Peter asked what was that, I explained that ROMAC, PNG were flying the Bosin conjoined twins (left) with mother to Townsville free of charge but to get them to Melbourne would cost $10,000. In typical style Peter said “Get into your car and drive to Melbourne Airport, whilst I ring around for financial support”.
r Peter Derham’s office discussing a development of Australians Against Child Abuse, when his phone rang. Peter asked what was that, I explained that ROMAC, PNG were flying the Bosin conjoined twins (left) with mother to Townsville free of charge but to get them to Melbourne would cost $10,000. In typical style Peter said “Get into your car and drive to Melbourne Airport, whilst I ring around for financial support”. Just as I arrived at Melbourne Airport, the phone rang, and it was Peter: “ Good news we have the $10,000, thanks to Rotarian David Jones of Tattersalls”. One hour later the Lear Jet taxied up to the SouthEast corner with the Bosin twins aboard, and there was an ambulance ready to take them to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
After a few days examination the Surgeons successfully separated the girls. As an extra their mother was extremely ill, and was taken to the Royal Women’s Hospital, who could be praised as having saved her life.
In 2011 the Bosin family visited the Rotary Club of Hawthorn to thank them for their ROMAC support. (right)
2) The late John Meehan (of Melbourne Central RC) and I over lunch discussed how could we start a major project. We agreed that to be the conduit was the only way. So we called into Commonwealth employment office in Camberwell, to meet the manager, and from there ideas expanded with the assistance of two non-Rotarians and Rotarian Ann White. Anne was able to provide a computerised list of all Company CEOs and Managers, phone numbers and addresses across Australia.
Seekers (right) Bruce Woodley’s great song “I am Australian” (that Paul Leeds made into a T.V. commercial) lead to the completion of “Rotary Employ Australia”.
The advertisment inspired 21 of the 23 Districts across Australia to participate in contacting the local companies in their Club’s area, to make this project to increase employment a success.
3) The Commonwealth G
overnment offered to pay the wages of any long term unemployed that would be involved in the project. Hence the Fritsch Holzer Park. After several hurdles were overcome, such as Council agreement, Board of Works drainage at the South Western end, our Rotarian Ian Warren (left) agreed to manage the entire project.
overnment offered to pay the wages of any long term unemployed that would be involved in the project. Hence the Fritsch Holzer Park. After several hurdles were overcome, such as Council agreement, Board of Works drainage at the South Western end, our Rotarian Ian Warren (left) agreed to manage the entire project. Ian’s support was vital as it was far from an easy job to organise with an over all cost of $380,000. This included Past President Charles Morrison’s year of $38,000 for the path through the Park.
There was many projects started across Australia and I recall in addition to the projects, 15,000 long term unemployed started work, with other job seekers in the new year totalled 49,000, the first time for many years the unemployed figure did not increase in January or February.
4) There is a good example of one Rotarian, Ian Pohl (right) using his Vocational contacts to be the CONDUIT in refurbishing a Youth Hall in Auburn Road. Ian had some assistance from members but in the main Ian was the Conduit that brought his Trade to the project.
5) There are m
any examples: when the Rotary Club of Hawthorn first started, they identified the need for a Senior Citizens Centre. Using their Vocational strength they built the Centre on Glenferrie Road.
any examples: when the Rotary Club of Hawthorn first started, they identified the need for a Senior Citizens Centre. Using their Vocational strength they built the Centre on Glenferrie Road. 6) They started the “Hawthorn Community Chest”. Where citizens door knocked all of Hawthorn and raised money for needy charities, and major national appeals. Once established it was handed over to a community committee that operated it for many years and closed it down in the more recent past.
Back in the mid 1960’s there was considerable complaint of too many Door knocking appeals and so Hawthorn was confined to one only per year. Hence Hawthorn Community Chest. 
Eventually National appeals where allowed to door knock e.g. Red Cross, Salvos.
Eventually National appeals where allowed to door knock e.g. Red Cross, Salvos. Our photo shows Treasurer Josh Frydenberg at the unveiling of the 60th Anniversary of the Hawthorn Community Chest.
These examples demonstrate how the vocations of Rotarians can lead to improvements in services to the community.
In her Annu
al Report 2019-2020, PP Charlotte England wrote: “There remains a place for Vocational Service in each Rotary Club. With District support, this Avenue of Service can more easily implement a range of vocationally orientated projects supporting a range of groups in the community and increasing the Rotary’s visibility.”
al Report 2019-2020, PP Charlotte England wrote: “There remains a place for Vocational Service in each Rotary Club. With District support, this Avenue of Service can more easily implement a range of vocationally orientated projects supporting a range of groups in the community and increasing the Rotary’s visibility.”
David Rosback AM was Hawthorn Rotary Club President in 1989-90, and District Governor Rotary District 9800 in 1994-95. He was awarded an AM in 2001 for service to the community, particularly through the programmes of Rotary International and Australians Against Child Abuse. David’s father died when he was eight, but he found Sir James Darling, Headmaster of Geelong Grammar School, to be an inspirational mentor.