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A well known Rotarian to us all especially during Swap meeting weekend  Garry Gunnell reveals how life-changing Rotary is Engineering my way into Rotary As a civil engineer in 1981, jobs were limited so I took on the Assistant Manager role with Hospital Benefits Association. My manager suggested I join Rotary because it would help me build a business network. I joined RC Bendigo as a 27-year-old and went on to become club president, treasurer for Rotary Australia World Community Service, and helped establish the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society. The wilds of PNG A presentation to Rotary Bendigo in 1990 changed my life. A Rotarian from Melbourne South said a school in Popondetta in Papua New Guinea needed help with construction. My father was a builder, and I had previously acquired a range of relevant skills working with him on his projects. So a fellow club member and I headed to PNG to join the Rotary team. PNG, being one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world was a totally different, fabulous experience and it encouraged me to keep my eye open for projects in the Pacific Islands. Samoa calls I imagined that Samoa would be like PNG so when Samoa was struck by two devastating cyclones in 1993 I took my first of 36 visits to help out. Over that time we’ve built cyclone shelters, water tanks, toilet systems, water supplies, libraries and a computer centre. We always have locals working with us so that they can learn new skills and, in time, take ownership of the projects. One time, the Australian High Commissioner asked Rotary for help to install cyclone-proof roofing on primary schools. Off we headed thinking that a few Rotarians and six locals could satisfactorily complete a couple of schools. Imagine the shock when we were asked to help with 40 schools. We recruited more Rotarians from across Australia. AusAID arranged to purchase the materials in Australia and provided a full-time supervisor. The task was completed in 18 months. Life/Rotary balance for 40 years Rotary has been a major part of my life, and there’s real satisfaction in knowing that I’ve helped improve lives. My wife Joy and I have hosted eight international students, and we catch up with some of them in our annual overseas travels because we really value those friendships. I recommend hosting overseas students and attending Rotary international conferences. They are life-changing. |
