Are you a member of the Rotary International Membership Society

Launched in 2022, Rotary’s Membership Society recognises Rotarians who drive club growth by successfully introducing new members.

Words: PDG Andy Rajapakse. Regional Council Membership Director.

In July 2022, Rotary International launched the Membership Society, a program designed to acknowledge and celebrate those who bring new people into Rotary. The Membership Society serves as a recognition platform for Rotarians who go above and beyond to grow their clubs.

One of its notable features is an online virtual gallery, accessible through My Rotary, where high-achieving sponsors are listed. Every time you introduce a new member, make sure your name is listed as the new member sponsor on the new member application and that it is reported to Rotary International through My Rotary.

Criteria and recognition levels

Each time a Rotarian successfully introduces a new member, Rotary International sends you a thank you letter as a token of appreciation. Upon reaching the milestone of introducing 25 new members to your club, a Rotarian becomes eligible for inclusion in the Membership Society Hall of Fame. The tiered system provides ongoing motivation for Rotarians to continue supporting the growth and diversity of their club. The society recognises sponsors at four distinct levels:

• Bronze: Sponsor of 25 to 29 new members
• Silver: Sponsor of 30 to 49 members
• Gold: Sponsor of 50 to 74 members
• Platinum: Sponsor of 75 or more members

This year marked a significant achievement for District 9705, as District Governor Robert Shore became the first in his district to be admitted to the Membership Society. Robert reached the threshold by sponsoring his 25th member in June 2025, contributing significantly to both the Rotary Club of Parkes, where he served as president for two years, and his subsequent club memberships.

Reflecting on his approach, Robert said, “The secret is to be enthusiastic when talking to people about Rotary and the impact Rotary has in the world and the community and invite them to a Rotary activity. Many people don’t join simply because they have not been asked.”

His dedication exemplifies the spirit of Rotary’s membership expansion ethos.

Zone 8 Members of Rotary International Membership Society

Gold Level

• Liudmyla Olkhovska, Rotary Club of Sydney, NSW – 50 members sponsored to her former club in Ukraine and current club

Silver Level

• Beryl Robinson, Rotary Club of Bay of Island, NZ – 36 members
• Vanessa Jansen, Gold Coast Corporate Rotary Club, Qld – 33 members
• Peter Zhuang, Rotary Club of Sunnybank, Qld – 34 members
• Terry Daley, formerly Rotary Club of Rockhampton, Qld – 30 members
• Graeme Carter, formerly Rotary Club of Como, WA– 35 members
• Diane Collins, Rotary Club of Freshwater Bay, WA – 38 members
• Htet Nyi, Rotary Club of Perth, WA – 31 members

Bronze Level

• Bruce Davies, Rotary Club of Orewa-Millwater, NZ – 26 members
• Rhonda McKenzie, Rotary Club of Mount Waverley, Vic – 25 members
• Paul Rake, Rotary Club of Chadstone/East Malvern, Vic – 26 members
• Dorothy Hennessy OAM, Rotary Club of Sydney Cove, NSW – 27 members
• John Craig Bowen, Rotary Club of Briz Pride, Qld – 28 members
• Dr Ken Collins, formerly Rotary Club of Freshwater Bay, WA – 29 members
• Robert Shore DG, Rotary Club of Batemans Bay, NSW – 25 members

For more information, visit rotary,org/awards Find the Membership Society Virtual Gallery at my.rotary.org/en/membership-society/recognition