My husband and I both joined Rotary Matamata in 2008, after I was invited to speak to Rotarians about vaccines. At that time I did not really know much about the organisation but realised it would be good networking for my husband who had recently joined a local business.
I soon became very impressed by what the Rotary did in our town but it was when I learnt more about the Rotary Foundation (Rotary’s charity) and particularly polio eradication that I really ‘got’ what Rotary was all about. The global scope of the work Rotary does and how many lives it affects still blows me away!
As a nurse with expertise in child health and immunisations it is Rotary's health projects that really interest me. I soon joined the District Foundation Committee and became our District Polio Chair from 2015-2024, and District Foundation Chair from 2024-27. I have held positions in Rotary Matamata as secretary, membership committee chair and president (2016-17).
From 2018-2025 I was the Marketing Chair to the Rotary Australasia centenary project Rotary: Give Every Child A Future, a project to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australasia in which, working in partnership with UNICEF, we immunised 120,000 children across nine Pacific Island Countries with vaccines they would otherwise not have access to. And with commitments from the governments to continue funding the vaccines this project will continue saving lives for generations to come. How cool is that to be part of? Rotary allows me to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired throughout my professional life but in a context that goes way beyond the scope offered to me through my ‘paid’ work.
Joining Rotary introduced me to a whole new world. I love attending training and conferences, and educating Rotarians and non-Rotarians about our work. I have friends across the globe I would have never met if I were not a Rotarian. I attended International Conventions in Sydney, Atlanta, Melbourne and Calgary and visited Pakistan twice (never in my wildest dreams did I think that would ever happen). I know that I am making a difference in the lives of others; from the children I have given polio vaccines to at the zoo and in the slums of Lahore, to the Pakistani children of garbage pickers who now have a school, library and computers because of a project I proposed to Rotary Matamata in 2015.
During my year as President I led the establishment of an Interact club (Rotary for 12-18 year olds) at our local college and remained involved with that until 2025. Rotary offers our young people so many opportunities from exchanges to leadership and driving courses, to Outward Bound. It is a privilege to be involved with these and see our youth thrive and grow.
While the slums of Lahore might not be everybody’s cup of tea, Rotary offers a smorgasbord of experiences to anyone who cares about the world we live in. It provides individuals with so many opportunities to learn, gain confidence and grow. From leadership and mentorship opportunities to our online learning centre, Rotary will have something for you. And it's such great fun!!
Please contact us if you would like to 'give back' and join us in making a difference in the world.