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COVER STORY COVER STORY
#ROTARY100DOWNUNDER Rotary “Down Under” will mark an epic
LET’S GET THE
milestone in April 2021, when districts,
clubs and Rotarians from across our
regions celebrate 100 years of doing
good in the community, both at home
and abroad. But don’t wait until then to
join in the festivities! Many centenary
projects are already underway, and the
PARTY STARTED
R100 team is calling on all Australian,
New Zealand and Pacific Island
Rotarians to add their own local flavour
to these joint celebrations. How will
you commemorate our past 100 years of
achievement and kick-off a bright new
era for Rotary into the future?
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COVER STORY COVER STORY
“IT IS MY Join the party
HOPE THAT Join the campaign by following our
Facebook page Rotary100downunder.
EVERY ROTARY, Toolkits can be downloaded from
www.Rotary100downunder.com. Don’t
ROTARACT AND
forget to register your project on the
Centenary Honour Board.
INTERACT CLUB facebook-square
IN OUR REGION
WILL IN SOME
WAY MARK OUR
CENTENARY BY
COLLABORATING
IN AN EXISTING
EFFORT OR
By Hugh Bucknall,
Rotary Club of Melbourne, Vic CREATING A
Something special is happening in
2021, when we mark the centenary
NEW ONE ALL
of Rotary in Australia, New Zealand
and the South West Pacific. Together, THEIR OWN. THIS
IS A CHANCE
we have spent 100 years making a
difference to the lives and destinies
of generations; an extraordinary
milestone deserving of reflection,
celebration and immense pride. TO HELP GET
ROTARY READY
Nation-building projects,
international transformations and
Rotary100DownUnder
overcoming local disadvantage is
our legacy. The story for the 38,000
Rotarians spread across our combined FOR A NEW Website
CENTURY.”
nations continues; perpetually making
the world close to home and abroad a The Rotary100DownUnder website has loads of
better place. material to explore.
But it is a time for more than just Need ideas? There are lots of thought starters
a grand celebration. Our job is not for new projects and a Centenary Project Honour
yet done. At this special time, special Board, with a list of projects in development
effort is warranted to create new eager for support. Plus, there are downloadable
projects that will propel us into the resources to share on social media and beyond, a
next century of community service. live calendar, summary catalogues and more.
Major centenary projects are www.Rotary100downunder.com
underway right now, already making
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“ROTARIANS WILL PLANT ONE MILLION
COVER STORY COVER STORY
TREES, HARNESSING THE SPIRIT AND
ENERGY OF CLUBS NATIONWIDE TO
BENEFIT FUTURE GENERATIONS.”
Beginnings
In February 1921, two special commissioners were appointed
to introduce Rotary to Australia and New Zealand. They were
Canadians James Davidson of Calgary and Layton Ralston of
Halifax. At the time, Rotary had about 80,000 members in
Canada, Britain and the United States.
In Melbourne, Vic, they met Sir John Monash, administrator of
the Victorian State Electricity Development Authority. One of
Australia’s most famous war heroes, Sir John agreed to accept
charter membership of the proposed Rotary club, became its
second president and remained involved at club and district level.
Further meetings were held in Sydney, Wellington and Auckland
soon after. Many other city and regional clubs were established
within a short period. The rest is history.
a difference and creating a legacy for
the next century.
• The Rotary: Give Every Child a
Future project, a collaboration led Poles. Younger generations make
by Australia and New Zealand’s up 20 per cent of our population,
four founding Rotary clubs – but they are 100 per cent of our
Melbourne, Vic, Sydney, NSW, future – let’s work towards creating
Auckland, NZ, and Wellington, a peaceful one.
NZ – will work with UNICEF to • Gala events are also planned to
The Ca
n
are Co adians
vaccinate 100,000 children against foster classic Rotary fellowship.
three common and deadly diseases. Let’s be proud and celebrate 100
• Across New Zealand, Rotarians will years of achievement. It was
a pair
ming trophy
Canad
named
in hon
plant one million trees, harnessing These are just some of the centenary o f Ca ian Co our of
from H nadian mmiss the
the spirit and energy of clubs projects in the works. It is my hope that got th
alifax
and Ca Rotarians
Davids
on and io ners, J two
e ball lgary Our Ca Layton ames
nationwide to benefit future every Rotary, Rotaract and Interact club Austr ro who nadian Ralsto
alia an lling for Rot furthe coll n.
generations. in our region will in some way mark
better d New Z
ealand
a ry in r comm eagues hav
way o suppo it ted fina e
• Australia is the world’s last our centenary by collaborating in an centen f celeb . W rt t
ary th rating
hat Child a o the Rotar ncial
developed country where existing effort or creating a new one en tha our Fu y Give
To ma
rk the n a retu
rn visit their e ture projec Every
trachoma, an infectious eye all their own. This is a chance to help 100th ssentia t as a
of the annive ? l suppo n od to
disease, persists. Rotary’s End get Rotary ready for a new century. first R rsary Down rt of R
Down otary Under o tary
Under meetin a cent
Trachoma 2020 project is making We can energise existing members of Me – g Histor ury ag
lbourn the Rotary y lives
on!
o.
inroads to closing the gap. Aimed and provide a magnet for new ones 21, 19 e, V ic, hel C lu b
21 – a d
at Indigenous communities where with ground-breaking new projects, planne re-ena on April
d for A ctmen
held a p t
t the M ril 21, 2021 is
there is overcrowding, poor hygiene and find new partners by asking
and sanitation, Rotary is providing if we can work together to create Burea elbour , to be
u. This ne Con
mobile washing machines and something special in our centenary a spec will be ventio
ial gol combin n
sanitation programs to help break year. We can also raise Rotary’s profile f tour ed wit
namen h
t, with
the cycle of disadvantage. by telling media outlets what we have a
• One hundred schools will be been doing for the past 100 years, and
invited by 100 Rotary clubs to visit the new stories we have to tell.
the Canberra Peace Bell in the ACT, This is a once in a lifetime chance to
where they will plant 100 Peace make your mark on history!
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COVER STORY COVER STORY
Wellington, NZ – it cannot succeed
without support from clubs across
the entire region. RGECAF gives
every Rotary club the opportunity to
really make a difference in our own
backyard; to save the lives of children
and mothers in the South West Pacific.
Applications for global grants made by
the project mean that money raised
will be matched to further increase the
Rotary
effectiveness of fundraising.
• Rotavirus, a leading cause of death Work is underway to provide
from diarrhoea in under-five-year- Rotarians the opportunity to participate
Give
olds; in the community engagement
• Pneumococcal disease, a major phase of the project. Interested
cause of meningitis, pneumonia Rotarians, and those wanting to
Every
and blood poisoning in young lear n more, are invited to visit
children; and www.everychildafuture.com
• Human papillomavirus, the cause With governments committing
Child A
of cervical cancer, which kills to fund the vaccine programs on
disproportionate numbers of completion of the project, Rotary Give
women in the Pacific compared to Every Child A Future will continue
Future
Australia and New Zealand. saving lives across the Pacific for
To do this, Rotary has partnered generations.
with UNICEF across the three regions. In addition, the project will provide
“ROTARY GIVE
UNICEF and Rotary have a long history every club the opportunity to
of partnership, most notably through demonstrate to their communities the
The Rotary Give Every Child A the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. power of Rotary in 2021: how, when
Future (RGECAF) project is the only
# R o t a r y 1 0 0 D o w n U n d e r p ro j e c t
Rotary’s primary role in RGECAF is
to raise funds and awareness for the
like-minded and determined people
come together, they can achieve EVERY CHILD A
covering all of Australia, New Zealand
and the Pacific Islands.
project, while UNICEF is responsible for
delivering the vaccines.
amazing things. Please encourage
your Rotary, Rotaract or Interact club FUTURE GIVES EVERY
ROTARY CLUB THE
Over the next three years, the project While the project planning is led by to share in the RGECAF journey.
aims to vaccinate 100,000 children in UNICEF and the four founding clubs A toolkit of resources is available to
OPPORTUNITY TO
nine Pacific Island countries against of Rotary Australasia – Melbourne, Rotarians for their fundraising events
three diseases: Vic, Sydney, NSW, Auckland, NZ, and at www.everychildafuture.com.
REALLY MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN OUR
OWN BACKYARD;
TO SAVE THE LIVES
OF CHILDREN AND
MOTHERS IN THE
SOUTH WEST
PACIFIC.”
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COVER STORY COVER STORY
New Trees, Trees, Trees
Zealand’s
The Rotary centenary trees project aims to create
a fully sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand, to fight
climate change by planting native ecosystems, in
Governor-
perpetuity, in every community in the country.
By harnessing the power of communities and
volunteers, millions of native plants will be planted
General
over the next few years. The program builds on
a century of success from many organisations,
including the Rotary Auckland Trees for Survival
launches
program, which plants 200,000 trees a year, and
Forest at the Heart of Wellington, which aims to
plant 100,000 trees on Mount Victoria by 2021.
Rotary
The Labour Coalition Government, through Te Uru
The Charter meeting of the Rotary Club of Rākau (Forestry New Zealand), has provided the
Every Child a Future, initiated by the was formed, and the then Governor Wellington, NZ, on June 7, 1921. The Maori catalyst for the community movement with its One
100
first four Rotary clubs in Australia and Viscount Lord Jellicoe was made an warrior at back – standing between Charter Billion Trees Program. The Government is funding
New Zealand, who are joining forces honorary member in 1921, Dame president Alexander Roberts (to his left) and half of the Forest at the Heart of Wellington
with Rotary clubs from Australia and Patsy said. Special Commissioner Colonel Layton Ralston (to program and providing support as the project is
New Zealand and partnering with A young harakeke (flax plant) his right) – holds a pounamu/greenstone mere, launched at national level.
UNICEF to inoculate 100,000 children representing the wisdom of the which was presented to Canadian Rotarian Layton Rotary has already received commitments from
By John Bishop in nine Pacific countries against a ancestors was symbolically passed Ralston, one of the two special commissioners many likeminded organisations, including:
Rotary Club of Port Nicholson, NZ range of diseases (see page XX). One from Tanemahutu Gray – the Lord appointed to introduce Rotary to Australia and • 280 Rotary clubs;
(Photos: Brady Dyer Photography) in six deaths of children in the Pacific of the Forest in Maori mythology – New Zealand. • 181 Returned and Services clubs;
is due to pneumonia arising from to 11-year-old New Zealand-born
• 650 volunteer rural fire stations;
Rotary’s past, present and future weak defences in undernourished and Samoan Eva Lagolago, who has been
• The New Zealand Defence Force, through
w e re e q u a l l y c e l e b r a t e d a t a unprotected bodies. designated the Face of the Future.
mobilising its 99 Cadet Forces units;
#Rotary100DownUnder event hosted by UNICEF’s representative from Fiji, Guests each received a baby manuka
• Scouting New Zealand, through its 400
New Zealand’s Head of State in late June. Vathinee Jitjaturunt, said that through plant to mark the occasion.
community-based units, comprising over 20,000
Governor-General Her Excellency this vaccination program, “Rotary and
members;
Dame Patsy Reedy hosted the reception UNICEF will change the lives of people
• Corrections have also agreed in principle to
at Government House in Wellington across the Pacific”.
support the program.
for the 260 guests, which included T h e “ f u t u re ” p ro j e c t , c a l l e d
• Conservation Volunteers New Zealand will
Rotary leaders from New Zealand Trees Trees Trees, is about history,
partner in coordinating planting, training,
and the Pacific, representatives of the environment and conservation into
education, health and safety.
Diplomatic Corps, Armed Services and the future. One million trees are to
To support the project, a multi-organisation
the community. be planted across New Zealand using
trust fund is currently being established.
Three projects were officially staff and volunteers from the New
If you can help mobilise a community to plant
launched at the event – one focussed Zealand Defence Force and its cadets,
native areas, in perpetuity, register your support
on the past, one on the present and the Returned and Services Association,
at treestreestrees.nz.
one on the future. Fire and Emergency, Scouts, the
The “past” project is a book Conservation Corps and Rotary clubs
entitled Mana Tangata – People across the country.
of Action, the official history of “Not many New Zealanders’ lives
Rotary in New Zealand, detailing the have not been touched in some way
growth and contribution of Rotary by what Rotary has done,” Dame Patsy
from its inception in 1921. Written said in her address, noting that the
by professional historian Dr Stephen idea of service at the heart of Rotary
Clarke and featuring contributions is “part of the cultural ethos of New
from many of New Zealand’s 261 Zealand”.
Rotary clubs, it is to be ready for the Governors and Governors-General
centennial celebrations in 2021. of New Zealand had all been honorary
The “present” project is Rotary: Give members of Rotary since the first club
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COVER STORY COVER STORY
EndTrachoma
Drink Wine:
End Trachoma
Could there be a tastier way to do good?
Purchase your next drink, gift, raffle prize
“ENDTRACHOMA BY 2020 IS
or event beverages at The Wateryard and
help EndTrachoma by 2020.
A #ROTARY100DOWNUNDER
The Wateryard is a new social enterprise,
established in 2017 as a result of the
2020
vision of founder Dominic Monckton.
INITIATIVE WORKING WITH AFFECTED
c l e a n l i n e s s a n d e n v i ro n m e n t a l The idea was simple; utilise our
improvements. world-leading wine industry as an
AND AT-RISK COMMUNITIES TO
Rotary has so far funded a variety instrument to fund impactful social
of important education programs and projects in remote Australia.
facilities in remote communities. Pilot For more information and to help “solve
SUPPORT FACIAL CLEANLINESS AND
programs for hygiene in schools, water- thirst world problems… one drop at a
saving taps, and portable washing time” order your next drop from
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.”
machines have been introduced, as www.thewateryard.com.
well as support for innovation and
development of important water
infrastructure suitable for remote
The World Health Organisation has communities. Over 1300 mirrors have sustainable sanitation infrastructure in
a global goal to eliminate trachoma also been provided to remote homes, communities is also underway.
by 2020. Australia is the world’s last an important tool for self-pride and For more information, visit
developed country where this infectious
eye disease persists, affecting remote
self-care.
Mobile face washing stations
www.endtrachoma2020.org.au or
email info@endtrachoma2020.org.au.
Get involved!
Aboriginal communities experiencing designed for use by Indigenous children #Rotary100DownUnder is a great opportunity
overcrowding, poor hygiene and in remote communities is another for all Rotary clubs in Australia, New Zealand and
sanitation. part of Rotary’s initiative to eliminate the Pacific to celebrate 100 years of Rotary and
It is a disease with potentially trachoma. A pilot water station was become a part of our history.
serious consequences, able to cause developed by engineering students at Consider planning a project you would like to do
permanent blindness. Monash University and funded by the as a club, or in collaboration with another club, to
While the work of the Australian Rotary Club of Melbourne, Vic, and mark this very special anniversary. What big ideas
Government, Fred Hollows Foundation corporate sponsors. This face-washing do you have to celebrate our centenary and what
and Indigenous Eye Health to treat and interactive water games station projects will launch us into the next century of
trachoma infections has seen rates is mounted on a trailer and deployed community service?
reduced substantially, we now need in Central Australian Indigenous This is a unique chance to engage with your
to ensure that hygiene practices and communities for use at sporting events community and in so doing bring others along on
community environments are improved and other community occasions. this great journey.
to eliminate the disease completely. EndTrachoma by 2020 is currently Join in, lead the way and let’s make the next
E n d Tr a c h o m a b y 2 0 2 0 i s a developing mobile water tanks for century just as special.
#Rotary100DownUnder initiative Nganampa Health, designed to hold
working with affected and at-risk potable water for drinking, face
communities to support facial and hand washing. Work to provide
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Rotary Safe
COVER STORY COVER STORY
R100 Baton Families An idea that changed
the world
Relay Craig Horrocks
The Rotary Club of Melbourne, Vic, has commenced rolling
out another of its #Rotary100DownUnder celebration
projects; Rotary Safe Families.
The initiative was created in response to the alarming
When unassuming accountant Clem
Renouf joined the Rotary club of
Nambour, Qld, over six decades
ago, he had little idea to changing
The R100 Baton Relay aims to connect all Rotary clubs Five generations of Rotarians at the statistics that, on average, one woman a week is murdered the world.
across Australia and New Zealand with their communities. Rotary Club of Auckland… to come by her partner or ex-partner in Australia, while police are He was elected as president of
The relay will run throughout the two countries, state by called to a domestic violence incident every two minutes – Rotary International in 1978, the
state, district by district, club by club. that’s 657 times a day! second Australian to hold the role. Clem
With a vision to have every club participate and involve The preventative workshop program, created by Rotary thought it was time for Rotary clubs to band together
their communities, clubs are encouraged to create a specific Club of Melbourne members Dorothy Gilmour and to tackle a big picture problem that would leave
celebration of 100 years of Rotary Down Under by planning Mary Barry (former CEO of Our Watch), aims to provide an enduring mark on society. He realised Rotary’s
an event – a dinner, a fundraiser, a walk through town or participating Rotarians with the tools to identify, safely network, which spanned the globe, could be put to
maybe a Fun Run. Get your community involved in the “call out”, and/or refer a victim of family violence or elder work to reach people in almost every country on
planning, engage community groups and local businesses abuse to one of the many appropriate support agencies in earth.
and reach out to media to get the message out. Australia. He spoke to Rotarian Dr John Dever, who was head
Bringing local colour and culture to centenary celebrations, “It is our responsibility as Rotarians and Australian citizens of diseases at the National Institute of Health in
the event is a fun way to build your networks, increase to be informed and to be part of the solution to end family Washington DC, asking if there was another disease
fellowship and diversify engagement. violence in our communities,” Dorothy said. “We must not that could be eliminated? John pinpointed polio, at the
Imagine Rotarians, local personalities, Councillors, avoid this topic because we feel helpless or believe that it time crippling 1000 people a day, although it could be
community leaders, community groups, and doesn’t happen in our street or to people we know. prevented entirely through an oral vaccine costing
everyday people around Australia and New Zealand “The Rotary Safe Families program will assist Rotarians only about 10 cents a dose.
carrying the baton of service, and passing it to be part of the solution and to spread the ‘NO’ to Family Clem had experience with polio eradication, having
forward. Violence message across their community, their club and supported a 1979 project to immunise six million
Be Proud. Be Bold. Be Involved. Be People of Action. throughout Australia. We must work together to provide children in the Philippines, ultimately eradicating polio
For more about the R100 Centenary Initiative, contact a better model for our children so they may enjoy healthy, in that country. Clem helped create the Global Polio
Linda Humphries via R100@District9820.org respectful relationships in their lifetime and stop the terrible Eradication Initiative in 1988, combing the strengths
cycle of family violence and elder abuse.” of Rotary, UNICEF, the World Health Organisation
Rotarians and clubs can become “champions” of the (WHO), the US Centres for Disease Control and
1935: Paul Harris
Rotary Safe Families program in their area. A special later the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with the
information pack has been developed along with facilitator ambitious mission to wipe out polio in every corner of
Down Under notes, a comprehensive manual, wallet cards, overheads
and videos.
the globe.
“At that point, polio was endemic in 125 countries
In 1935, Rotary founder Paul Harris To find out more and have Rotary Safe Families as your and more than 350,000 people — primarily children
and wife Jean toured Australia and club’s centenary project, contact Dorothy via gilmour. under the age of five — were affected by polio
New Zealand. Brisbane, Qld, was their dorothy@gmail.com. Many Rotary clubs are already putting each year. Today, polio is 99.9 per cent eradicated
first stop, where they were greeted up their hands to “champion” Rotary Safe Families in their and only three countries remain polio-endemic:
by local Rotarians, the public and local district. You can too! Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan,” past Rotary
dignitaries. International president Ian Riseley said. “This means
Paul Harris wrote in his journal: “The 15 million people are walking today who would have
civic reception ceremony was repeated otherwise been paralysed for life. These achievements
in practically every city we visited in are unprecedented, marking the single biggest
Australia and New Zealand. Though internationally coordinated public health project the
I was at times somewhat weary, I world has ever known.”
appreciated them more that I can “A lot of people say I spearheaded the eradication
express in words.” of polio campaign, but that’s not right. I just happened
Paul and Jean further attended the to know the right person to talk to,” the ever-modest
Australian Rotary Conference held Clem said. “I had no idea where that simple question
in Melbourne, host to nearly 1000 would lead us – others would build on it, none more so
Rotarians from across the nation. than John Severs, whose commitment to the goal of
eradication has not wavered for more than 30 years.
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COVER STORY COVER STORY
The Age, Saturday,
CENTENARY April 23, 1921:
OF ROTARY IN
The “Rotary” movement has invaded Melbourne.
On Thursday, the first luncheon of the newly
formed Rotary Club was held and was attended
AUSTRALIA:
by a large gathering of members. The function
was marked by the fun and good humour which
supporters of the movement cultivate – for Rotary
1921 – 2021
has a special creed of its own.
Mr HB Lee who holds the office of “sergeant
at arms” was presented with a boomerang by
Sir John Monash as a mark of office.
A representative committee of the Club of the Rotary Club of Melville, expertise, and Janet Lawrence, of the
Rotary International Zone 8 Australia WA – researching Districts 9455, Rotary Club of Brisbane Planetarium,
Institute is currently researching and 9465, 9500 and 9520, along with Qld, has been co-opted for her book
preparing a hard copy volume titled Shelter Box and Disaster Aid. editorial expertise. Janet is researching
Centenary of Rotary in Australia: 1921 • PDG Ted Richey, of the Rotary Club Districts 9600, 9570 and 9630, along
– 2021. of Devonport, Tas, researching with senior leaders and Probus. Jennifer
Under the chairmanship of former
long-serving Rotary Down Under
Districts 9830 9820, 9810, 9800
and 9790, along with Rotary
is researching The Rotary Foundation.
The Institute business session in
Rotary International
editor PDG Bob Aitken AM, the History Oceania Medical Aid for Children. Hobart, Tas, approved a budget of presidents from
Australia and
and Archives Committee also includes: • PDG Susan Wakefield OAM, of $75,000 for the production and
• PDG Harry Durey, of the Rotary the Rotary Club of Lower Blue distribution of the book. Negotiations
Club of Armidale North, NSW –
researching Districts 9670, 9650,
Mountains, NSW – researching
Districts 9780, 9710, 9700 and
led by past Rotary International
director Noel Trevaskis saw $25,000
New Zealand
9640 and 9750, along with Rotary 9685, along with Interplast and of that allocation passed on to New • Angus Mitchell (1948-49), Melbourne, Vic
A u s t r a l i a Wo r l d C o m m u n i t y the Youth Exchange Program. Zealand districts to fund production of • Harold Thomas (1959-60), Auckland, NZ
Service and Rotarians Against PDG Jennifer Scott, of the Rotary their own volume. • Clem Renouf (1978-79), Buderim, Qld
Malaria projects. Club of Central Blue Mountains, Committee members are now • Royce Abbey (1988-89), Melbourne, Vic
• PDG Marilyn Barton, of the Rotary NSW, has been co-opted for her legal collecting material from all Australian- • Glen Kinross (1997-98), Brisbane, Qld
• Bill Boyd – 2006-07 – Pakuranga, NZ
• Ian Riseley (2017- 18) Sandringham, Vic
Mana Tangata – People
of Action, the official
history of Rotary in
based districts to ensure no significant New Zealand, written
project or achievement is overlooked. by Dr Stephen Clarke
Rotarians with information to share are will be published by
encouraged to contact the committee Penguin… more info on
representatives serving their district – publishing to come from
as outlined above. Euan.
“However, because of the enormity
of the project, space will only be
available for those very special, unique
historical achievements and projects,”
Bob said.
Historical photographs are also
sought and must be carefully packed to
avoid damage. Electronic photographs
may be emailed and should be sent as
high-resolution JPG files. Such images
must NOT be embedded in email text.
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COVER STORY COVER STORY
The Father of Rotary
in New Zealand
— Sir George Fowlds
Although of humble origins, as a self-made
businessman and social-minded reformer,
former cabinet minister and community leader
George Fowlds had the right stuff to ensure
the establishment of Rotary in New Zealand.
After a visit to North America in 1920, George
took quickly to the Rotary movement, which he
believed “had a great opportunity to promote and
develop friendship and fellowship, and it could do that if
members realised their responsibilities one toward others”. He
wholeheartedly devoted himself to its establishment in New
Zealand, with significant success. George founded and presided
over the Rotary Club of Auckland from June 1921 and was
appointed Special Commissioner for New Zealand 1922–25,
responsible for the establishment of more than a dozen
Rotary clubs, for which he received the personal gratitude of
international founder Paul Harris and the attribution as “the
father of Rotary in New Zealand”.
100
Sir George Fowlds, knighted in 1928, died at Auckland
acting as a reminder to think and act Rotary club then donates a Peace Pole children on peace issues. in 1934.
in the spirit of peace to all. to the school on their return from At the time of print, 18
Peace
Schools from around Australia can Canberra.” schools had booked to take
become involved through invitation by Schools will receive a Peace Pole part in the Peace Poles project,
a Rotary club. to install on their return to their leaving 82 places available. To
Poles
“To qualify for one of the 100 Peace hometown. Once the pole is in place, find out how your club can get
Poles, schools need to first take a tour to they can participate in United Nations involved, contact Michael on
the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell during World Peace Day ceremonies on the 0411 367 700 or visit www.
for 100
their Canberra School excursions,” third Tuesday in September each canberrapeacebell.org and hit
Michael Rabey, coordinator of the year in its presence, like thousands the “Book a Tour” button to
Canberra Rotary Peace Bell for the of others around the world. This will send an email.
years
Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin, also be an opportunity for Rotary
said. “While there, each child will be clubs to develop ongoing contact
given the opportunity to ring the Peace with the school, as Rotarians may also
Bell during a short ceremony. The local participate annually to speak to the
New Zealand’s
To mark #Rotary100DownUnder, the
Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin,
Karitane Hospitals
ACT, will plant 100 Peace Poles for 100 ?At a cost of $1.2 million, the Karitane Hospitals
years of Rotary, through collaboration were the major project of Rotary in New Zealand in
with schools and Rotary clubs around the 1920s. Six hospitals were built in total to cater
Australia. for newborn babies that failed to thrive at home.
The peace pole program had its With no government funding, the hospitals were
beginnings in 1955, developed by built by Rotary in conjunction with the Plunket
World Peace Prayer Society Founder Society, a philanthropic organisation set up to
Masahisa Goi. Now, more than cater for young mothers and their babies.
200,000 Peace Poles stand in close The son of JR McKenzie, Sir Roy McKenzie was a
to 200 countries around the globe, member of the Rotary Club of Wellington, NZ, from
symbolising the common wish for 1950 to 2007. Sir Roy donated nearly $100 million
a world at peace. Peace Poles are to a wide range of causes during his lifetime.
marked with the message “May Peace Sir Roy in 2006 with trees he planted in 1968, the
Prevail on Earth” in four languages, first year of annual plantings.
standing in silent vigil for peace and
| 30 | ISSUE 619 AUGUST 2019 ROTARYDOWNUNDER.ORG | 31 |
COVER STORY
Inaugural Rotary facebook-square
Australian Walking Festival
Facebook
In celebration of #Rotary100DownUnder, the inaugural Rotary Australian Walking Festival Follow @
will be held in Canberra, ACT, March 26-28, 2021. Rotary100downunder for
There has been an international walking festival held in Canberra since 1991, but in 2021 all the latest on centenary
this annual event will become the Rotary Australian Walking Festival. projects and more!
The festival is a non-competitive weekend of fellowship activities, with great food,
entertainment and walks for people of all ages and abilities.
There will be short walks for the young and elderly around the parks and gardens of
the city, and longer, more challenging walks through the hillier areas of the Bush Capital,
where participants will be treated to spectacular views over the city and surrounding areas.
As part of the #Rotary100DownUnder celebrations, a special participation medal will be
struck to commemorate 30 years of the Canberra walk and 100 years of Rotary in Australia.
The event will be jointly run by Canberra Rotary clubs and all profits will go to Rotary
projects.
To register your interest, fill in your details at http://bit.ly/walk2021 and more
information will be emailed closer to the event. To get involved, contact Chris Edwards via
chris@rotary.fitness.
The benefactor inspired by
Rotary — JR McKenzie
Leaving school at 13 to deliver newspapers, John McKenzie became one of New
Zealand’s wealthiest men and one of its greatest benefactors — the latter he
directly attributed to the influence of Rotary.
Born in Melbourne, Vic, John established a “fancy goods” store with his sister in
Melbourne in 1905, but transfer his business to NZ, with the first McKenzie’s store
opened in Dunedin in 1910, then Christchurch and Wellington in 1912. McKenzie’s
eventually had over 70 stores throughout New Zealand before LD Nathan acquired
the company in 1980.
John was invited to join the fledging Rotary Club of Wellington in 1923 and when
the family moved to Christchurch in 1927 “JR”, as he was known in Rotary circles,
joined the Rotary Club of Christchurch. He was later to credit Rotary with having
a profound influence on his life, and he made Rotary clubs the main agents for his
substantial philanthropy.
In 1938 he established the JR McKenzie Youth Education Fund with a gift of
£10,000. Two years later, at the conference of Rotary clubs in Palmerston North
in 1940, the JR McKenzie Trust was established with an initial capital base of
£300,000, making it one of the largest philanthropic trusts in the Southern
Hemisphere.
Today, the JR McKenzie Trust is the largest philanthropic trust in New Zealand,
providing over $6 million in grants to over 50 organisations each year.
Sir John McKenzie, knighted in 1950 for his contribution to public welfare, died at
London in 1955.
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