As the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun!
This month is very auspicious as I celebrate a silver jubilee, yes it's my 25th anniversary of me joining the Rotary movement ! 🌟
As I sit down to reflect on my journey with Rotary International, I'm filled with immense pride and gratitude. It’s hard to believe that 25 years have passed since I first joined (at my Mothers insistence) this incredible organisation at the age of 18. What an extraordinary adventure it has been!
From the moment I became a Rotaractor at 18, joining Manly Sunrise Rotaract, I knew I was part of something special. Rotary’s commitment to "Service Above Self" resonated deeply with me, and I was eager to make a difference....after I found a girlfriend of course 🤣
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of participating in numerous projects, activities and other endeavours that have touched countless lives.
One of my earliest memories was participating in a local beauty quest that my Rotaract club put me forward for and I won! The judges must have been blind, but we raised a tremendous amount of money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. It was a simple yet powerful experience that showed me the impact of collective effort. From there, my involvement grew, and so did my passion for service and Rotary.
I’ve been fortunate to work on various Rotary initiatives, from organising blood donation drives, supporting causes for mental health to supporting education and research into the causes of stillbirth which touched my life deeply with the loss of my son Tom.
One of the highlights of my Rotary journey has been our international projects. I had the honour of being in a team to install medical equipment and build a self sustainable toilet in a rural community in Vanuatu. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those who benefited from our work was incredibly rewarding. I also collaborated on a project while in India in 2003 that provided polio vaccinations, contributing to Rotary’s global fight to eradicate this disease. Witnessing the progress we've made towards a polio-free world is nothing short of inspiring.
Another remarkable aspect of my journey has been the opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Rotary has not only given me the platform to serve but also to grow as an individual. I was selected to be a team member on a Group Study Exchange visiting America for the 1st time and landing in New Jersey! I’ve also attended numerous training sessions, workshops, conventions and conferences that have enriched my skills and broadened my horizons....well some have....don't ask me about the 2011 New Orleans Convention, I have no memory of that Lol.
I have also been able to be in the fortunate position to be a keynote speaker, flying around the world talking about change and Rotary. I've served as District Rotaract Representative, and a Rotary club president twice! This was a particularly transformative experience, teaching me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and resilience. So much so that I'll be District Governor in just over a year!?
Promoting Rotary has been a passion for me and something you all know about. Be it from being a Rotary Superhero, to wearing a Rotary suit covered in the logo to making countless graphics and memes, I'm trying to get our message in whatever way I can.
Rotary has also been a gateway to building lifelong friendships. The camaraderie and fellowship among Rotarians are truly unparalleled. I’ve met so many amazing leaders, changemakers and friends from diverse backgrounds, each with a shared commitment to making the world a better place....in some cases after we've shared a drink. These relationships have enriched my life in ways I never imagined possible.
It's also been amazing to have the support of my family in putting up with sometimes a little too much Rotary and my few absences.
As I celebrate this milestone, I am deeply thankful for the support and encouragement of my fellow Changemakers in Rotary. Together, we have achieved so much, and I am excited about the future. (Check in with me in 2049 when I celebrate 50 Rotary years)
There is still so much work to be done, and I am committed to continuing this journey of service and making a positive, fun and outrageous impact wherever I can. Remember this is the guy who taught an RI President how to do the Gangnam style.
To anyone considering joining Rotary, I can only say this: Do it. You’ll become part of a global family dedicated to doing good in the world. The experiences, opportunities, and friendships you’ll gain are invaluable.
Here's to 25 years of service, growth, and friendship. And here’s to many more years of making a difference together. Thank you, Rotaract, Rotary International, for being an integral part of my life’s journey.
Remember Be The Change, Be The Good