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Rotary Clubs

Rotary is an organisation creating opportunities for people to use their vocational skills in assisting their communities the world over.

What are Rotary Clubs?

Australian Rotary Clubs are part of an international network of business, professional and community leaders who strive to make the world a better place through practical efforts. Through Rotary International, the reward of "paying it forward" unites men and women from different backgrounds, cultures, religious and political beliefs the world over, allowing ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Joining or aligning your organisation with your local Rotary Club can help you build new friendships and business networks. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with teams to improve the lives of others both within your community, and around the world.

Box Hill Rotary members volunteering at the Miniature Steam Railway.
Box Hill Rotary Club members

What happens at a Rotary Club?

As a member you will need to attend meetings and be involved in community service activities. Some clubs meet twice a month. From working on community projects, to engaging with youth and working with local schools and police to create opportunities for young people in their communities, Rotary clubs strive to find new ways to make a positive difference in local and international communities.

Rotary projects you can get involved with cover the following areas:

  • Global peace and conflict resolution
  • Disease prevention
  • Water and sanitation
  • Maternal and child health
  • Education and literacy
  • Economic and community development.
Roasting marshmallows at a market with the Dromana Rotary.
The Dromana Rotary Club runs a monthly Saturday community market.

Where are the Rotary Clubs?

There are over 1400 Rotary clubs across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. You can visit the Rotary website to find a Rotary club near youExternal Link .

If you are interested in setting up a new Rotary Club in your community, please phone 02 8894 9800.

Why join?

There are many ways to join Rotary and becoming a member is the best way to gain exposure to full inclusion in Rotary’s programs and activities. You can also volunteer on fundraising projects, donate to Rotary programs, become a corporate partner or sponsor, or volunteer for overseas aid work.

You are invited to attend your local Rotary Club meeting, or contact Rotary to talk first. Let them know how you would like to get involved.

Rotary will help you to help others, and you’ll have fun along the way.

Rotary Stories

Watch Joseph share his story about why he joined his local Rotary Club, and why he enjoys giving back to the community.

Case study - Rotary Club Shepparton South

The Rotary Club of Shepparton South was chartered in 1974, and still have some founding members involved.

The club meets every Wednesday evening, with the usual attendance being about 30 of its 40 members.

Raising thousands of dollars each year, mainly from markets and catering for outdoor events. Each year they sponsor a student to the National Science Summer School, support a number of TAFE scholarships and award the Graeme Cross scholarship to a year 6 student.

Find out more about Rotary Shepparton SouthExternal Link .

How do you find out more?

For more information about who Rotary are and what projects and program the have visit the Rotary Australia websiteExternal Link .

You can phone 1300 4 768 279 or email membership@rotarydownunder.org

Reviewed 10 August 2022

Rotary Australia

Rotary is an international organisation creating opportunities for professionals and those in business to use their vocational skills in assisting their communities the world over.