At our last meeting, we held our Club Assembly, an evening dedicated to sharing insights and achievements from each of the Chairs. It’s always inspiring to see how much we’ve accomplished and to learn about our plans for the upcoming months.

Our guest from Boronia Scouts found the evening particularly beneficial in understanding the impact our Rotary Club has in the community. He expressed a strong desire to foster a greater sense of community in Boronia. We were able to explain to him our support of local community projects such as Knox Infolink, the Knox Community Gardens and how we are involved with the local schools through various projects. The more connections we can make in our local area, will not only help strengthen the community, but will make us more relevant to the local community.  I believe our Anzac Day ceremony stands as a pillar of community spirit, uniting local schools and organisations in remembrance and respect.

A call to action for all Presidents in our District is to report on our progress towards the Framework for Improvement set by DG Colin Byron. I presented this framework during our Club Assembly, and I’m proud to say that we are well-positioned to meet the targets, which focus on increasing our impact, enhancing participant engagement, expanding our reach, and improving our adaptability. Reflecting on my term as President, I feel grateful for our collective productivity in these areas.

 

As Rotary International marks its 120th anniversary, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey and the positive impact it has made around the world. Here are some fun facts that highlight Rotary’s rich history and legacy:

Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer, who wanted to create a professional club where friends could meet, exchange ideas, and give back to the community.

The first Rotary Club was established in Chicago, Illinois. The name "Rotary" originated from the practice of rotating meetings among members' offices.

Today, Rotary International has over 1.2 million members in more than 35,000 clubs across nearly every country in the world, making it one of the largest service organisations globally.

Rotary has played a crucial role in the global effort to eradicate polio since 1985. Through its PolioPlus program, Rotary has contributed over $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunization efforts, helping reduce polio cases by 99.9%.

The Rotary Four-Way Test, created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932, is a guiding principle for members’ ethical decision-making. It asks:

     1. Is it the TRUTH?

     2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

     3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

     4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Rotary is dedicated to youth development through programs like Interact (for youth aged 12-18) and Rotaract (for young adults aged 18-30). These programs empower the next generation of community leaders.

Women were first admitted to Rotary clubs in 1987, marking a significant step towards inclusivity. Today, women make up a growing percentage of Rotary’s membership and leadership.

Established in 1917, the Rotary Foundation is a key component of Rotary's work, funding numerous projects aimed at promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and growing local economies.

The Rotary Club of Boronia was Chartered in April 1968 and is part of Rotary District 9815.  The Club currently has 50 members and 3 Honorary members.

 

As we celebrate 120 years of Rotary International, let’s take a moment to appreciate our rich history while also embracing the future. Together, we can persist in making a positive impact in our local communities and beyond. Let’s build on our achievements, stay busy and collaborate to enhance our connections in our community!

 

 

Warm regards,