100 Years ago, Lieutenant Colonel J. L. Ralston and James Davidson left the shores of Canada to make their way here to Australia. Arriving in Sydney they were soon told, "leave Sydney and head to Melbourne, you have arrived at the time of the Sydney Easter Show, we don’t have time to talk about Rotary just yet".
So, they boarded the train and headed for Melbourne. On the 21st April 1921 at Scott’s Hotel, the first Rotary meeting was held in Australia. Rotary continues, however the Scott’s Hotel has long gone.
After Melbourne they headed back to Sydney, this time they were welcomed and Rotary Club of Sydney was started, then Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand.
Lieutenant Colonel J. L. Ralston went on to be the driving force behind establishing over 60 Rotary clubs across the globe.
We are charged with growing Rotary, we have an obligation to grow Rotary so we can continue to make a difference.
We have been serving our communities for 100 years and over this time we have seen Rotary grow and give opportunities to join this wonderful organisation here in our country. There are approximately 33,000 Rotarians in Australia but unfortunately, that number is declining. With a declining membership it means our impact will be less and I wonder how are we going to continue to make that difference?
We can be proud of our achievements that include Australian Rotary Health, Rotary Foundation, Peace Scholarships, Clean Water, Saving mothers and children, Supporting education, growing economies and the environment. The major focus for 40 years, ending Polio, is our promise to world so no child should ever have to suffer from this disease!
Now it is time to regenerate Rotary. It is our responsibility. What are you going to do about growing Rotary so that we can:
- Increase our impact
- Expand our reach
- Enhance participant engagement
- Increase our ability to adapt
Because TOGETHER, we see a world where PEOPLE unite and take action to CREATE lasting CHANGE across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.
