Rotary Down Under

Spreading good news across Oceania.

For more than 60 years, Rotary Down Under has kept Rotary South Pacific alive with good news. Consistently reporting on a wide range of initiatives, projects and causes, RDU helps Rotarians build connections and share their many success stories. It is a great read and an invaluable hub for marketing the good work that happens when we put our hands together.

When the original Bayswater Rotarians, way back in the 1960s, decided it was high time their region had its own Rotary magazine, they likely didn’t anticipate exactly how big Rotary Down Under would one day become. The magazine now has some 50,000 readers across 15 countries; it has won accolades for editorial and design, and was the first regional magazine to be recognised with official status by the Rotary International Board.

RDU is headed up by General Manager Gay Kiddle, Editor Meagan Martin, Creative and Digital Director Rhys Martin, Club Relationships and Merchandise Manager Sam Ausburn, RDU Supplies Dispatch Clerk Jaythene Hiscock and Proofreader Gwen Walker. It operates using a collective ownership model: Rotary South Pacific’s districts are shareholders, and the RDU production team reports directly to a board of directors populated by Rotary past, present and future district governors. Articles range from interviews with CEOs and Rotarians in leadership positions to grassroots projects and initiatives, and are usually written in third person.

Here, I’m breaking from that format temporarily because, as a regular contributor over the past year, it’s been both humbling and extremely inspiring to interview these changemakers.

Diverse as they may be, every person I have worked with has shared a singular passion for helping others with their own resources, and encouraging others to do the same.

Some projects have required intense technical knowledge and patience. Others, a huge amount of resolve, bravery and compassion. From Jasmine Harrison’s solo circumnavigation of the globe, to Phil Saxby’s tireless hauling and installation of dental equipment for children in Port Vila, it has been a distinct privilege to research and write each article.

A highlight was putting together a piece on the Hervey Bay Z Bus initiative and finding out that one of the most enthusiastic volunteers was a 14-year-old boy, Toby. He put in more hours than any other volunteer and was later recognised for his hard work by the city council.

RDU General manager Gay Kiddle has been with RDU for almost three decades, and when asked about her own experience, she agrees that it’s a particularly special magazine to be a part of.

With the current turmoil across the globe, each story serves as a ray of light: a reminder that human nature is generous and kind, and that through teamwork and good leadership we are capable of incredible things.

“Working for Rotary Down Under over so many years has given me a unique front row seat to the remarkable evolution of Rotary,” Gay says. “Throughout this time, I’ve witnessed new ideas, new energy and an ever-deepening commitment to service.”

A favourite piece of hers is the Rotary Club of Bendigo’s ‘Operation Dog Food’, which arose out of severe drought conditions in regional Victoria. Farmers there, like those across Australia and New Zealand, rely heavily on their dogs. As a combination of companion, employee and family member, they’re essential working animals. Realising that many of these farmers were faced with the heartbreaking decision to choose between feeding their families or their dogs, the Rotary Club of Bendigo stepped in, working with a local supplier to buy dog food at cost through a series of fundraising efforts. These were then distributed to an overwhelmingly grateful community.

After reading the article, Gay remembers being excited by the prospect that it was an idea other regions could easily replicate.

“It’s a great heartwarming story… such a simple project that any club of any size could undertake.”

This is the strength and importance of humanitarian communication. So many projects have started from someone hearing about what another club is doing, even halfway across the globe, and realising, “Hey, we can do that, too.” By cataloguing such a large range of initiatives, but keeping the local, personal specifics of Rotary South Pacific, RDU hopes to create many ripples.

But there’s a positive psychological element, too. With the current turmoil across the globe, each story serves as a ray of light: a reminder that human nature is generous and kind, and that through teamwork and good leadership we are capable of incredible things. As Gay puts it, “it has been truly rewarding to be part of the RDU team who help share these stories — stories of generosity, resilience and Service above Self.”

So, ka pai rā tēnei mahi! – good work, as we say in New Zealand.

To keep up to date with Rotary’s good news stories in our region, visit rotarydownunder.org and follow us on our socials:

• Instagram: @rotarydownunder
• Facebook: Rotary Down Under