Celebrating 100 years of Rotary in Queensland

By DG Tim Keeler

This Rotary year, District 9620 celebrates 100 years of serving its local and international community. The centenary provides an opportunity for Rotarians to reflect upon their achievements since 1923, when the Rotary Club of Brisbane was chartered.

These achievements include:

• International House at the University of Queensland
• Queensland Society for Crippled Children, now known as Montrose Access
• Riding for the Disabled in Queensland
• Vision Queensland
• Queensland Surf Life Saving Association and its Foundation
• Kids Safe
• Pindari Homeless Women’s Hostel
• Bridging the Gap job help
• Beef Bank – Queensland
• RARE (formerly Donations in Kind)
• Raising more than $5 million for flood relief in 1974, 2010 and 2022
• Queensland Drought Appeal
• Pinaroo Retirement Village, Roma and Sundale Rotary Garden Village, Nambour

This list is far from comprehensive, but it gives an indication of the breadth and diversity of our clubs’ interests and their attainments over that time. Nor should we forget that our district was the home of Sir Clem Renouf, and so, is the birthplace of the eradication of polio.

It would be difficult to put an exact figure on the amount of funds raised for the community or to calculate the many thousands of hours donated by Rotarians to improve the lives of their fellow Queenslanders.

The centenary also gives us the opportunity to ‘Imagine’ the future, not only to continue with the many established programs but to plan and commence new impactful and dynamic programs servicing a
new generation in a transforming world.

“The centenary also gives us the opportunity to ‘Imagine’ the future, not only to continue with the many established programs but to plan and commence new impactful and dynamic programs servicing a new generation in a transforming world.”

Subsequently, the centenary has commenced a new round of strategic planning, both at a club and district level, dovetailing into Rotary’s Action Plan through to 2024: to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt.

Finally, the centenary of Rotary in Queensland provides an opportunity for the wider community to recognise the work of Rotarians and Rotary clubs in their communities. As a result, a number of centenary events are to be held at a local and state government level, together with Vice Regal recognition during the actual week of celebration. The district has received great support from local business and corporate partners to ensure all Rotarians have the opportunity to participate in these events.

Two highlights stand out this year: the centenary conference at Brisbane City Hall, the site of the first district conference held in Queensland in 1931; and the Next Century Gala Dinner being hosted by the Rotary Club of Brisbane, with guests attending from throughout the Rotary International community.

2022-23 presents a great opportunity to celebrate our service to our community.