Club Executive 2023-24 Year
President – Jim Booth
President Elect – Christopher Lang
Secretary – Peter Dillon
Treasurer – Brian Cox
Club Administration – Peter Dillon
Vocational Service – Gavin Hombsch
Service Projects – Graeme Mills
Membership – Bede Burke
Foundation Service – Phil Lyne
Youth Service – Mal MacPherson
Public Image Officer – James Hindmarsh
Public Officer – Patrick O’Halloran
Five worthwhile Reasons to Join Rotary.
Rotary is a great way to actively participate in projects and services that give back to the community both nationally and internationally. Notwithstanding this some key reasons to join Rotary are:-
- The opportunity to serve the community – Rotary Club of Tamworth West contributes on both a local community and international level to raise funds and foster projects that aim to improve the health and well being of those less fortunate within the community.
- Fellowship – Members have the opportunity to convene regularly for meetings and fundraising activities and build lasting friendships along the way. With more than 30,000 members in over 160 countries worldwide Rotarians also have the opportunity to visit other Rotary Club meetings wherever they go and so build friendships all over the world.
- Social Events – Given these lasting friendships members have the opportunity to participate in activities that are either organised from within the club (such as social trips and events) to District and International Rotary conferences that can take the Rotarian to all parts of the Globe.
- Personal Growth and Development – Membership in Rotary can assist in nurturing ones personal and professional development. Rotary provides the opportunity to enhance ones skills in the art of leadership, public speaking and communication, organization and planning, team-building, fundraising, and mentoring.
- The opportunity to gain a closer understanding of those within the Community – Possibly the greatest reward of being involved in Rotary is not only the satisfaction of being able to assist in helping those in need within the local community, but all of the experiences and people that a Rotarian encounters along the way.
Rotary For Newcomers
What is Rotary?
In response to the often asked question “what is Rotary”, or,”what does it do?” this is a simplistic overview of Rotary’s origins, structure and achievements. This is not a detailed outline. There is so much more to Rotary, but this document should go a long way in de-mystifying the legend of Rotary. Rotary was the world’s first and is therefore the world’s oldest Service club.
When Did It All Start?
It was formed in Chicago in 1905, by four friends who wanted to meet regularly for the sake of acquaintance and to further their businesses. Their names were Paul Harris (a lawyer), Silvester Schiele (a coal dealer), Gustavus E. Loehr (a mining engineer) and Hiram Shorey (a merchant tailor). Membership grew rapidly and today there are over 1.2 million Rotarians in 200 countries.
Where Did The Name “Rotary” Come From?
The name “Rotary” came about because of the rotation of visits by the original four members to each other’s offices. Initially it was known as the Chicago men’s club and, as membership grew to a point where it was no longer practical to meet in each other’s office, it was decided that meetings would be held once a week in restaurants or hotels.
It was at this time that the group formed “ The Rotary Club of Chicago”. Originally only one person per form of occupation was given membership, e.g. dentist, doctor, carpenter, electrician etc.
As membership grew it was decided that the members should engage in community projects and the first Rotary community project was a public toilet in Chicago.
Rotary Becomes International.
When a club was formed in Manitoba, Canada in 1911 Rotary became an International organization. Next came a Rotary club in Cuba and from there Rotary has expanded to the giant humanitarian fraternity that it is today.
Rotary is non-political, non-religious and welcomes women.
Rotary was influential in the formation of the UN and today holds a non-voting permanent seat on that body.
The Rotary Motto.
The sole objective of Rotary is to serve others. In fact the Rotary motto is
“Service Above Self.”
This service to others less fortunate is done in friendship. The camaraderie within the Rotary family is strong. Rotarians meet once a week for fellowship and fun.
The Four Way Test
Rotarians are expected to demonstrate high ethical standards in their business and private lives. They are guided by “The Four Way Test” which states:
Of the things we think, say, or do:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Demystifying Rotary: It’s Structure.
The governing structure of Rotary is quite simple.
The head body is simply Rotary International, or “RI”
Then the Rotary Foundation, known as “TRF”, this is the financial arm of Rotary.
Rotary divides the world into zones. There are 34 Zones worldwide.
Each Zone is divided into districts. Tamworth falls into Zone 8, district 9650.
Each district has a Governor, known as The District Governor, or “DG.”
Several Assistant Governors, or “AG’s” assists each Governor.
Each district is broken down into “Clusters”. There are 9 clusters in district 9650.
Each cluster has its “Group of Rotary Clubs.” There are 8 clubs in Cluster 6 (Tamworth Region). These include the Rotary Clubs of Manilla, Quirindi, Tamworth, Tamworth First Light, Tamworth on Peel, Tamworth North, Tamworth West and Tamworth Sunrise.
The strength of Rotary comes from its clubs, the grass roots.
The highest rank in Rotary is the International President.
Below the President is a governing body, the board of directors. Like any business this body is the administrative heart of Rotary.
Next in the chain of command come the Governors, then the assistant Governors and then the club Presidents.
Each Rotary club is an incorporated body subject to certain parameters set down by Rotary International by charter. Apart from that they are completely autonomous.
Although Rotary is not a charity it is a not for profit organization. But to be effective there is an obvious need for funds.
So, Where Does The Money Come From?
Rotary raises its funds in several ways.
Rotarians meet once a week for fellowship and to plan local and world community programs. They typically meet at a club or restaurant for a meal and a percentage of that cost, approximately $2, is sent to Rotary headquarters. There are 1.2 million Rotarians in 200 countries meaning this levy becomes considerable in time. Each club is also responsible for a further levy per member which is usually a part of the annual membership dues.
On top of this each club engages in annual fundraisers such as sausage sizzles, raffles, book sales, trivia nights, dinners and other, sometimes quite innovative, means.
What Happens To This Money?
The amount collected each year is distributed by each club among the projects and programs it set out to assist at the beginning of the Rotary year. Really the fund raising is two pronged. A small percentage goes to “headquarters,” while the greater amount raised by each club goes to that club’s dedicated programs.
Funds are also raised by donations, grants and the issuing of “Paul Harris Fellows” (or PHF). As mentioned a PHF is awarded for outstanding service to the cause of Rotary. But each medal costs $US 1,000 which goes directly to headquarters. Rotary also receives bequests from people who wish to contribute even after death.
What does Rotary do?
Rotary serves. The object of every Rotarian is to serve their fellowman. This is achieved through a system of “branches” or committees. Each committee sets an agenda to address a particular problem faced by certain countries or peoples.
Here are some examples with their respective acronyms.
Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) This is a one-week residential seminar, which concentrates on developing leadership, self-confidence, dignity and self-respect in 18-24 year olds.
Model United Nations assembly (MUNA) This assembly concentrates on building bridges of goodwill and understanding in the minds of youth as they debate, research and speak of a range of world issues.
Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) This program deals with the incoming and outgoing students from each District to and from other countries over a 12-month period. Very educational and eye opening.
Rotary Youth Driver Awareness. (RYDA) Promotes driver awareness in youth to prevent road deaths.
Australian Rotary Health (ARH) Raises money and invests in worthy medical research such as Mental illness, Indigenous health and the provision of scholarships in Rural medicine and Rural nursing.
International Plastic Surgery (Interplast) Undertakes programs of plastic and reconstructive surgery such as cleft palates, severe burns, or other crippling injuries in children an adults from neighbouring countries.
Rotary Youth in Agriculture (RYAG) The various RYAG programmes listed below are developed and run by clubs to provide vocational experience for high school students.
- RYAG Aquaculture
- RYAG Beef
- RYAG Cotton
- RYAG Dairy
- RYAG Equine
- RYAH Sheep
- RYMARINE
- RYSTARS (Astronomy)
- Rotary Aviation Careers Expo (RACE)
Rotary World Community Service (RAWCS) is the body responsible for international services and projects in developing countries. The following committees come under the umbrella of RAWCS:
Rotary Volunteers (Fourth Avenue in Motion or FAIM) Volunteers work with and train local people in developing countries, mainly the South Pacific.
Donations In Kind (DIK) This committee collects, sorts, packs and dispatches goods when and where they are needed.
Pacific Training Aid (PTA) Educates people with skills they can then pass on to their countrymen. Also helps them experience the Australian way of life.
Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) Addresses the prevention and treatment of Malaria through research, education and training.
Adopt A School (AAS) Matches a local school with one overseas to provide school equipment and correspondence.
Safe Water Save Lives (SWSL) Aims at providing clear water to overseas communities by a planned system of water catchment, storage and reticulation and to provide education, tank construction and related health programs.
There are other committees dedicated to various programs, but the above are an example of some of Rotary’s involvement in world and community projects.
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Provides several and varied grants and scholarships for local and overseas students and programs.
Rotary rewards Rotarians and others with a “Paul Harris Fellow” medal. It is treasured by all Rotarians as a mark of the recipient’s contribution to Rotary and world peace.
Some of Rotary’s Achievements
- Was instrumental in the formation of the UN and has a permanent seat;
- Help set up United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);
- Also, the International Society for Crippled Children (now Rehabilitation International);
- After World War ll set up educational and charitable organizations through The Rotary Foundation;
- Provides the funds and expertise to provide clean water in developing countries;
- Helps combat illiteracy by way of funds and training;
- Through the “Fred Hollows Foundation” combats blindness in developing countries;
- Has all but eradicated polio worldwide. This is ongoing;
- Through education, training and provision of treated nets, combats malaria;
- Provides vocational training for near pacific countries;
- Is still rebuilding after the India earthquake of 2001, floods in Papua, 2008 Indonesian Tsunami 2004 and raised vast sums and goods for the Victorian bushfires of Feb. 2009;
- Through Interplast and Operation Cleft has given new hope to people, mainly children, with horrific disfigurements and afflictions;
- Has so far contributed over 1.6 billion dollars in medical research for many diseases including cancer, mental and indigenous health and rural nursing; and
- Provided valuable exchange programs for students and professional people.
It must be remembered that on top of all that each club throughout the world recognises and responds to local needs that are of course unique to that club, country or area.
In Conclusion.
In response to the question “What is Rotary” it can be seen that Rotary is a not for profit service club that is non-political, non-religious and non-sexist. Rotary exists to alleviate the suffering of those who, for various reasons, can’t help themselves. Through the ideal of Service Above Self and high ethical standards Rotary aims at achieving world peace and understanding.
In summation Rotary is a vast, well structured service club, who’s members maintain high ethical standards in business and personal dealings. Rotarians believe that through “Service Above Self” we can achieve world peace and mutual respect among all nations. This may not occur in our lifetime, but it will occur.