A new chapter for Rotary on the shores of Lake Macquarie

PICTURED: The club officially chartered in May 2026 with 18 members.

Rotary continues to evolve, adapt and grow, and nowhere is that more evident than in the formation of the Rotary Club of North Lake Mac.

Words Glenda Kociszewski. President. Rotary Club of North Lake Mac, NSW.

Officially chartered in May 2026, the Rotary Club of North Lake Mac represents the culmination of four years of dedication, vision and community spirit.

From a simple statement – “We can’t continue to meet like this, but we don’t want to leave the club. How can we do this differently?” – North Lake Mac began as a satellite club of the Rotary Club of Warners Bay and has steadily grown into a vibrant and independent Rotary club with its own identity, projects and culture.

Located along the northern shores of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, the club has attracted a diverse group of community minded people who share a desire to make a difference while embracing a flexible and family friendly approach to Rotary.

In its earliest days as a satellite club, members focused on meaningful hands-on projects that would have a tangible impact both locally and internationally. One of the club’s flagship initiatives has been its support of Butterfly Buddies, a Rotary community service project that brings dignity, comfort and confidence to breast cancer survivors in developing nations.

Volunteers collect, clean and distribute gently pre-loved and new mastectomy bras and pre-loved mastectomy prosthesis (breast forms) donated by women who no longer require them. Working alongside Rotary partners in Fiji, including the Rotary Clubs of Labasa and Suva Peninsula Sunset as well as the Fiji Cancer Society, volunteers organise fitting clinics and distribute the items free of charge to women who have undergone breast cancer surgery.

For many recipients, access to specialised post-surgery garments is limited or simply unaffordable due to a lack of funding or government support. The Rotary Club of North Lake Mac has become a passionate supporter of the initiative, helping to collect, prepare and distribute these much-needed items throughout the Pacific region.

The club has also played an active role in humanitarian efforts through Book It Forward, a Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) project. Members have assisted in collecting and preparing essential school supplies, educational resources and community equipment that are packed into shipping containers bound for Fiji on an Australian Defence Vessel.

These contributions help strengthen schools and communities while fostering international goodwill and understanding.

The journey from satellite club to fully chartered Rotary club was guided by strong leadership and a clear vision. Under the leadership of Charter President Glenda Kociszewski and Chair Craig Henningham, the club built a welcoming culture that encouraged participation without placing unrealistic demands on members’ time.

That philosophy is captured in the club’s simple but powerful motto: ‘Do what you can, when you can.’ Rather than expecting members to attend numerous meetings and activities, the new club has embraced a modern and flexible approach. Members gather for one relaxed Sunday afternoon meeting each month or after working on a club project, complemented by an online meeting, allowing people with family, work and community commitments to remain actively involved.

The club officially chartered with 18 members, a significant achievement in an era when many volunteer organisations are seeking new ways to engage people. The charter membership includes then District 9660 Governor Evan Burrell, who worked closely with the club throughout its development and ultimately chose to become a member himself.

“The club represents the future of Rotary in many ways,” Evan said. “It demonstrates that when you create an environment that is not only welcoming but flexible and focused on hands on service, rather than dinging bells, people want to be involved.”

The chartering of the Rotary Club of North Lake Mac is more than the creation of a new club. It is a reminder that Rotary continues to innovate while remaining true to its core purpose of creating positive change in communities.