• Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. Over 35,000 clubs worldwide across 200 countries act to make a difference under our guiding principles of service, friendship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

  • Simply tell us you are interested by clicking on INVITATION at the top of any page. We will arrange for you to join us at a get together without any obligation to become a member.

  • Membership is open to any adult who has an interest and desire to be an active participant in Rotary’s community service activities.

ROTARY AT WORK

  • Southern Mitchell Rotary raises around $60,000 each year directly from its operation of our Rotary Recycle Op Shop. All the money raised at our Op Shop is spent locally for humanitarian purposes. Unlike many charity organisations, there are no deductions for administration or club overheads.

    Club/General Account – member fees go into this account. Fees pay for volunteer and event insurance as well as contributing towards Rotary International major projects such as Polio Plus.

    Project Account/s – receive money from donations, grants & income from fundraising. All money in these accounts is returned to local, national & international projects and there are no deductions for administration or club overheads.

    All Rotary Clubs run two separate accounts: A Club Account which is money we spend on ourselves and a Grants Account which is money we spend on others.

    The Club Account receives money from annual fees, sponsors, social events and the like. It spends money on Rotary International and district affiliation fees, social functions, club website and minor things such as name badges.

    The Grants Account receives income from fund-raising activities and spends it purely on charitable projects. Rotary is perhaps unique in being able to claim that apart from direct expenses—and excluding Rotarian labour—there are no overheads at all.

  • Essentially, you are committing to being a useful member of the club to the extent of your abilities and the time you can spare.

    Perhaps the most important contribution you can make is to bring passion to a project. Many of our best projects come about because a member cares enough and is prepared to put in the drive and effort to get it off the ground.

    Every member is given a role within the club which may vary from being involved in one of the club’s committees—management of projects, project evaluation, club logistics, market management—or being responsible for some of the logistical tasks that keep the club going. The variety of roles is extensive and you have the chance to be involved in something that interests you.

    Committee meetings are usually scheduled before or after the weekly dinner meeting at the same venue. Some committees may meet as often as monthly while others may meet less frequently.

    All members are asked to help at with club activities from time to time.

    You are also expected to attend a reasonable number of the regular weekly get togethers. Whilst there used to be a fixed minimum number of meetings to be attended each year, this is no longer a fixed expectation and the system is more flexible in recognition of the busier lives most of us lead.

  • Yes, there are no contractual obligations.

ROTARY AT WORK

  • This is where the business of Rotary meets the social side of Rotary. We gather together each week on a Wednesday around 6.45pm for 7.00pm start at Trackside, Kilmore to have a couple of drinks, eat a good meal (if you choose to do so) whilst enjoying the company of other members and guests. Partners are always welcome so please feel free to bring yours along particularly if the guest speaker is of special interest.

    Everyone is welcomed by our President and this is followed by the introduction of the guest speaker (most, but not every week) who will address us for about 20 to 30 minutes.

    During dinner, various “business” announcements are made by our Directors to keep us all aware of what is happening.

    After all of this, our gathering ends typically around 8.15 to 8.30.

    The dress code is anything from smart casual to business suit.

  • We welcome all adults regardless of gender, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation or religious and political beliefs.

  • Yes, Rotary meetings at all clubs are open to anyone who has an interest and wants to explore opportunities.

ROTARY AT WORK

  • No joining fee applies, and the annual membership fee is currently $200 p/a plus $20 per month invoiced at the start of each month. New members only pay a pro-rata portion of the membership based on the date of joining during the July to June Rotary year.

    At our get togethers choose to purchase a meal from the Trackside Bistro (or not) which currently cost around $30. Drinks should be purchased prior to 7.00pm before we start and these are available at bar prices.

  • Yes, most certainly. We will ask you to present your project to our Board and if it fits in with our aims and objectives we will be pleased to see you join us and help you grow it under our banner.

  • Rotary was started in Chicago USA in 1905.

    Rotary commenced in Australia via the Rotary Club of Melbourne in 1921.

    Southern Mitchell Rotary was chartered in 1972.

ROTARY AT WORK