60 years of service and storytelling

Co-founded by the Rotary clubs of Newtown, NSW, and Bayswater, Vic, Rotary Down Under celebrates its 60th anniversary this month.

For six decades, Rotary Down Under has served as the voice of Rotary in Australia, New Zealand and the South West Pacific. Launched in April 1965, the magazine has been an essential medium for connecting Rotarians across the region, sharing stories of service and enhancing Rotary’s public image.

It is more than just a publication; it is a reflection of Rotary’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service, community engagement and leadership development.

The birth and evolution of Rotary Down Under

The idea of a regional Rotary magazine originated in the early 1960s when Rotarians from the Rotary clubs of Bayswater, Vic, and Newtown, NSW, recognised the need for a dedicated publication to share local stories and initiatives.

At the time, Rotary International’s flagship magazine, The Rotarian, provided global coverage but lacked content specific to the Southern Hemisphere. Determined to find a solution, then president of the Rotary Club of Bayswater Jim Robinson and his friend Les Gilbert, along with Paul Henningham from the Rotary Club of Newtown, founded Rotary Down Under in 1965.

Despite initial opposition from some senior Rotarians, the two relatively small clubs (35-40 members) obtained the permission of all 11 Australian district governors to seek subscriptions for three issues of a magazine as a pilot program followed by a plebiscite of all clubs.

The magazine was an immediate success, with the 1965-66 district governors becoming the first Board of Rotary Down Under, an unincorporated, not-for-profit association of Rotarians.

Paul Henningham, the proprietor of a small suburban newspaper in Newtown, became the first editor and the driving force behind the establishment and early growth of Rotary Down Under.

Since its inception, Rotary Down Under has evolved with the times, adapting to changing media landscapes while maintaining its core mission of telling good news stories of ‘doing good’.

He led the organisation for 19 years before handing the reins to Bob Aitken, a newspaper editor from Parkes, NSW, in 1984. Often referred to as ‘Mr Rotary’, Bob ran Rotary Down Under for 30 years until his retirement in 2014.

Since its inception, Rotary Down Under has evolved with the times, adapting to changing media landscapes while maintaining its core mission of telling good news stories of ‘doing good’.

What started as a print-only publication has expanded into a multimedia platform, embracing digital formats to reach a wider audience. The magazine’s website, social media channels and digital editions complement the traditional print version, ensuring that Rotary’s stories are accessible to members and the general public alike.

Today, the legacy left by both Paul and Bob is proudly continued by long-serving ‘Team RDU’ members – General Manager Gay Kiddle, Club Relationships & Merchandise Manager Sam Ausburn, Editor Meagan Martin, Creative and Digital Director Rhys Martin and Proofreader Gwen Walker.

Promoting Rotary’s impact in the region

One of the most critical roles of Rotary Down Under is its function as a public image tool. Recognising that visibility and awareness are key to attracting new members and partners, the magazine plays a vital role in showcasing Rotary’s work and impact.

Each issue features inspiring stories of community projects, disaster relief efforts, youth programs and international initiatives led by Rotary clubs in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Whether highlighting polio eradication efforts, water and sanitation projects or grassroots programs supporting education and health, Rotary Down Under ensures that Rotary’s work is both recognised and celebrated.

One of the most critical roles of Rotary Down Under is its function as a public image tool. Recognising that visibility and awareness are key to attracting new members and partners, the magazine plays a vital role in showcasing Rotary’s work and impact.

It also helps shape Rotary’s identity in the public sphere by reinforcing Rotary International’s values of service, fellowship, diversity and integrity. It provides a platform for Rotarians to share success stories, best practices and innovative ideas, encouraging clubs to collaborate and learn from one another.

Strengthening membership and engagement

Beyond promoting Rotary’s public image, Rotary Down Under is instrumental in fostering a sense of community among members. The magazine connects Rotarians across vast geographical distances, keeping them informed about regional and international Rotary developments. This sense of connection is crucial for member retention and engagement, as it reinforces the shared purpose and impact of Rotary’s work.

The magazine also serves as a recruitment tool, attracting potential members by illustrating the diverse opportunities Rotary offers. Through compelling storytelling and powerful imagery, Rotary Down Under helps non-Rotarians understand the value of joining the Rotary family, strengthening the organisation’s future.

Looking ahead: The future of Rotary Down Under

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Rotary Down Under is committed to keeping abreast. The shift towards digital content and social media has expanded the magazine’s reach beyond its traditional readership. Interactive features, video content and online storytelling are now key components of its communication strategy, ensuring t hat Rotary’s impact remains visible and relevant.

Moving forward, Rotary Down Under will continue to be a vital asset for Rotary’s public image efforts, adapting to new technologies while staying true to its mission of storytelling and service. By showcasing the extraordinary work of Rotarians in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, the magazine ensures that Rotary’s message of Service Above Self remains relevant for generations to come.