Doing Rotary differently: The growth of the e-Club of Change Makers

The Rotary e-Club of Change Makers is redefining what modern Rotary looks like, combining purpose, flexibility and innovation to drive remarkable growth and impact.

The Rotary e-Club of Change Makers is living up to its name. In just over a year, the club has grown from 18 to 32 members and four associates, making it the top performer in the Fit for Purpose program, as well as one of the top growth clubs in the region. But behind the numbers lies a bigger story – one of purpose, innovation and genuine connection.

The turning point came in 2023 when club member PDG Philip Clancy encouraged the club to develop a presentation for the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Vic. The club interviewed nearly 30 e-clubs and purpose-based Rotary clubs around the world, the session – Doing Rotary Differently – was delivered to more than 1,100 Rotarians.

That experience was a confidence boost,” says Past President Kevin Carey. “We saw what was possible and started applying it at home.”

Since then, the club has overhauled its membership strategy. Two committees – membership and culture – were formed. A value proposition was developed. The club created an online expression of interest form focused on areas of interest, ran two virtual membership nights, and introduced new-member mentoring and onboarding processes.

Key to the club’s success has been shifting its mindset around who Rotary is for.

We stopped thinking that Rotary is only for people with time,” says Kevin. “Instead, we looked for busy people with purpose – those who already actively care about community and those connected with great projects that Rotary could help amplify.”

This approach, combined with the flexibility of the online model – no travel and greater accessibility – has appealed particularly to younger and more diverse members. The club now spans regional Victoria, metropolitan Melbourne, Japan, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and, most recently, Switzerland.

In 2024, the club adopted a new three-year strategic plan, with key priorities across the pillars of impact, reach, engagement and ability to adapt – in line with the Rotary International Action Plan.

Members are engaged with a growing portfolio of national and international projects. Those projects include signature work in Sri Lanka and Cambodia, and SHARE – a Victorian-based initiative repurposing medical and educational equipment for communities overseas.

The club’s efforts have earned it a District 9790 Gold Award and the 2024–25 Rotary International Club Excellence Award. But for members, it’s the club’s supportive culture that matters most.

This is Rotary for the real world – flexible, modern and genuinely connected,” says Kevin. “We’re not just growing in size. We’re growing in impact.