FAQs

What is Rotary?


Rotary is a global network of 1.2 millionneighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.  

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For 113 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

 
What do Rotarians do?
 
Rotarians are individuals who are willing to voluntarily contribute some of their precious time and valuable expertise to make a difference - to help those who need it and to encourage our youth to reach their potential.
Rotary’s international aims are to bring men and women, business and professional leaders together in order to provide humanitarian services.  It encourages the highest ethical standards in all vocations and aims to advance goodwill and peace around the world.
 
Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Link  6 areas of focus
Our 35,000+ clubs from more than 200 countries work together to help people in need at a local, national and international level.
 
 
Go to activities
 
Rotarians know that as an individual they can't achieve much in their spare time to help others - but by working as a member of a team with other business men and women or retired persons, the effect of their contribution is increased and significant change can be effected. For example, Rotary is eradicating the scourge of polio from this earth by immunising children worldwide. Imagine what can be achieved when people work together, enjoying a wider circle of friends and using their skills to make this world a better place in which to live.

 
What will I be asked to do?
 
In the beginning, you will be asked to attend as many weekly lunch meetings as you can, so you can learn about the Rotary basics and Rotary Hawthorn in particular.
 
You will be rostered on to the front desk in the first 3-4 weeks, so you can learn about meeting protocol, and get to know individual members.
 
We will encourage you to participate in local projects and other activities happening in the club.  You may enjoy our fund raising which takes different forms, such as Paris to Provence or AAMI tennis car parking, Bunnings BBQs, sale of hams and Christmas items, a car rally, a special breakfast or dinner, an exhibition.
 
We will also welcome your participation in helping market and promote our club events as well as input into the organisational side of things.
 
You may wish to use your journalistic or IT skills to contribute to our website, or your professional expertise to mentor a school leaver or new job seeker. You may want to join a specific committee or team so you can learn something new, or get involved in a project that allows you to better apply your vocational skills. You may have a burning passion for a project that you would love to see the club implement.
 
Whatever your interest there’s a wealth of opportunity available at Rotary Hawthorn.
 
Link  activities page
 
Who can be a member?
 
Rotary membership is open to any business, trade or professional person, male or female, who feels a special desire to help other people within their community.  
The standard constitution covering all Rotary clubs sets down the qualifications for membership as adult persons who demonstrate good character, integrity, and leadership; possess good reputation within their business, profession and/or community; and are willing to serve in their community and/or around the world.
As with all other Rotary clubs, Hawthorn welcomes all adults, regardless of gender, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, and religious or political beliefs.
 
Membership is by invitation. You may only apply for membership after having been invited by a current member of this club. You may, however, contact the club to discuss your interest in joining.
An existing Rotarian may transfer from another club providing they have terminated their membership in the former club and are invited to membership of their new club.
 
Rotary Hawthorn welcomes men and women of any age from a broad range of backgrounds, including those in the workforce, and retired.  One of Rotary’s great strengths is that it represents a cross-section of the community’s vocational life. … Link classifications
For example, in our club there are people from: 
 
 
  • Financial Services
  • Accountancy 
  • Banking
  • Legal Services
  • Teaching
  • IT Services
  • Medicine and Religion 
  • Retail
  • Travel
  • Insurance Services
  • Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Human Resources
  • Not-for-Profit Organisations
  • And many more…
 
Currently, our club comprises around 55 enthusiastic and warm-hearted members, aged from 27 to 90+.  50% of our members are retired. Women make up 23% of our membership.
 
Our members join for a number of reasons - they include making friends with positive like-minded people from different cultures and walks of life, networking, feeling part of a family, professional development, mentoring and, of course, giving back to the community.
 
We welcome new members who bring fresh ideas and skills to enhance our club activities.
 
Why join Rotary ?  Link to District 9800
 
How much time will it take?
The standard answer to that question is “We’ll take whatever time you have to give!”
 
Essentially, by joining Rotary you are committing to being a useful member of our club to the extent of your abilities and the time you can spare.
Members make their time available to Rotary according to their lifestyle and the changing demands of family and work commitments. We recognise the need for members to place family and employment ahead of volunteer activities, and expect that each Rotarian will prioritise their time appropriately.
 
Our Meetings
Teamwork is essential to achieve the club's goals and therefore members need to spend time together regularly to get to know each other well. The club meets weekly throughout the year to provide a forum for team-building and information exchange. Our meetings are relaxed, fun and informative. Guest speakers are a feature of Rotary meetings as they provide members with access to a wide variety of people addressing interesting and relevant topics.
 
Rotary Hawthorn meets at 12.30pm each Tuesday at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club for fellowship and socialising. The meeting starts at 1pm and finishes promptly at 2pm.  A lunch is served.
 
We also offer the option of an evening meeting held at Auburn Bowling Club on the third Thursday of each month. Light refreshments are served for a cost per head of $10.
 
Members are encouraged to attend meetings as often as possible and may be actively engaged in a variety of ways such as working on one of the club's project committees or taking a Board position, which usually involves directing a project and attending Board meetings once a month.

Sometimes, for either personal or business reasons, a Rotarian is unable to attend meetings. For those who can't make the time of our own club meeting there is the opportunity to visit another club and enjoy the company of other Rotarians.
 
Participation in club activities is considered as important as attending a meeting.
 
 
What is the cost of membership?
 
Each Rotary Club requires its members to pay an annual membership fee and, for new members, a joining fee??. These fees are used to cover administration costs.
 
Attendance at club meetings incurs a fixed fee and there are usually opportunities to contribute to minor fundraising activities.  

Each year, the District Governor hosts a District Conference where clubs gather to see what has been achieved in their area. While attendance is optional, it is an opportunity to see Rotary in a broader context and to enjoy some fun and frivolity with club members and the wider circle of the Rotary District. Costs vary from year to year depending on location.

Financial details: (including GST) as at 1/7/2018
  • Annual membership fee $360.00
  • New member joining fee (once only) $50.00 ??
  • Club meeting cost (lunch) $36.00. Drinks available at bar prices
  • Minor fundraising approximately $2 per week 
The annual membership is payable as at 1st July each year but new members would pay a pro-rata fee based on number of months expired. The above fee includes a levy to our District administration as well as affiliation with Rotary International. It also includes a member's subscription to the monthly magazine - "Rotary Down Under" 

Fellowship events are designed to involve your family and to meet
other fellow Rotarians in a relaxed and social environment, and are all optional. The club BBQ, winery tour, movie night, theatre or restaurant night etc usually involves only the entrance cost. Other functions may include home hosting, outdoor bowls and inter-club visits.
 
Note: The joining fee does not apply when the new member is a former Rotarian or is transferring from an existing club in which the member was financial immediately prior to transfer. 
 
Working With Children
New members are required to have a current Working with Children Card when applying for membership.  WWC cards for volunteers are free and can be obtained through the government website; www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au  link
 
 
Can I terminate my membership at any time?
 
Yes, of course.  If you find Rotary is not for you, then all you have to do is tell us, and tender your resignation.

 
So, how do I join?
 
The first step is to fill out our Invitation to Attend a Club Meeting form … link.  A member will then ring you and extend a personal invitation for you to attend a Tuesday lunch at Kooyong to learn about the club and meet our members.
 
The second step is to apply for membership.
 
To get a quick answer to any questions you may have please ring either:
 
  • Katrina Flinn            0417 475 415
  • Ngaire Cannon        0419 313 981
 
Expression of Interest form / Membership Application form. … link download forms