Club Member Testimonials

“Rotary has been a fantastic experience. I love how everyone is contributing to making the world a better place to live, learn & grow. I enjoy the peacefulness of road cleanups and the fun we have at social events like the changeover luncheon. The support I have received with my pet project 'Collect To Protect' has been fantastic. I'm looking forward to 'Creating hope in the world' together with everyone!”
Lisa Kyllo (Wallan)

“Rotary is a pretty amazing organisation. I joined Rotary in 2018 when I was looking to volunteer in my local community. Rotary stood out from all the groups I looked at because of its sheer size, resources and connections at all levels of society. That makes it a very influential organisation, starting at a local level right through to being able to make positive change at an international level. Rotary is full of people passionate about making the world a better place for everyone. Best of all, Rotary supports people in following their passions through the Rotary Areas of Focus and Avenues of Service. It’s also a fun group to be part of with lots of opportunities, not only to socialise but also have fun working collaboratively with other club members.”
Rose King (Kilmore)

“I joined Rotary when women were welcomed, not sure what to expect. Since that date nearly 25 years ago I have never ceased to be amazed by the fun, friendship, new skills and knowledge that this huge global organisation gives you. And all happening while trying to give support to others locally and abroad, who need help in so many ways.”
Elizabeth McCormick (Kilmore)

“I joined Rotary in January 2007, after attending a few meetings invited by Noel Baker, a long-term Rotary member and our friend and neighbour for many years in Kilmore East.

One of the new projects discussed at the Rotary Club in the first few months of my membership was how to revitalise the art show run by Rotary in Kilmore, but on a much larger scale. This idea was initiated by Kilmore Art Society, embraced by Rotary and the project really appealed to me. The rest is history – the first annual Kilmore Art Expo was held in 2008 and thanks to an enthusiastic team from both organisations and from the community, it is still thriving today.

Rotary has given me an opportunity to contribute in many other ways, as I downsized the business side of my life. I have been involved with organising other community events, like the Broadford Australia Day Festival, the Broadford Seniors Lunch, District Conference, Police Awards and mentoring International Youth Exchange Students.

I have always enjoyed the work I have done with Rotary and I expect this to continue and develop with the new international projects like Project Lemur and the new environmental projects like Lids 4 Kids.”
Andrea Willis (Kilmore)

“My introduction to Rotary Service began about two years after having attained the Apex 40 year membership date required for retirement, as it was a service club for young men with ideals similar to Rotary, this was good grounding for Rotary.

After joining Rotary I was impressed as a businessman with the standards and generosity of members and the magnificent fields of endeavour that Rotary Programmes presented. Having gone through the Ranks of Rotary as well as twice as President and earned Paul Harris recognition ,leadership, fellowship, and doing good works with fun has been my experience. I have made firm friends in my time. Having a major input into the Rotary side of the Children First Foundation has given me an even greater understanding the needs of humanity world wide. The Rotary Four Way Test has featured in my my business and other areas of my community and family life.

Our family has been a great support to Rotary we have hosted Exchange Students and Business Group Study Exchanges, all wonderful experiences. While my service to Rotary and Community is drawing to a close due to age and time constraints, my vision for our Club is in teaching people and organisations to use the money we raise wisely and put more effort and enthusiasm into life rather than accept handouts. In this computer driven and materialistic world it is easy to loose site of the original values and protocols set out by our Rotary Founders. Service above Self.

I am grateful of the friendships and challenges Rotary has extended to me and my family.”
Noel Baker (Kilmore)

“Service Above Self” is the primary reason I joined Rotary. Sure, “ego/self” is still with us all, but service sits above this for all Rotarians. Another reason I joined is that I saw I’d be joining a worldwide community whose principles aligned with my own. Now several years in, I have visited many clubs in Australia and overseas, experiencing firsthand, the great fellowship of the Rotary family.

“Practical Help” – When Rotary helps, the people actually in need get the help! This is why Rotary’s charitable work is ranked highest in the world. It’s great to know the highest percentage of my contributions are matched by others around the world.

Further, Rotary undertakes and supports humanitarian projects of type imaginable, so it’s a breeze to find one to align with.

“Rotary Is Local” – Every day, members are faithfully doing work in-and-around any community where a Club operates. These ongoing acts of kindness are done without seeking individual recognition or payment. This genuine, personal commitment to service reinforces my gratitude for my Rotary membership, and I must humbly add that I have been the beneficiary of this practical help more often than I can remember.

“Rotary Is A Global Force For Good” Since 1905, Rotary has been helping build a better world. It is made up of men and women from every continent, with every cultural heritage, across every socio-economic strata, and of every age. No thought is given to ethnicity, gender identity, political or religious alignments.

“We are all trying to find our way in the dark – kindness is the very brightest candle.”

That’s why I belong.”
Stephen Ansell (Kilmore)

“In September 2018 I became a widow.  I moved into my home in Wallan in June 2019 and after unpacking etc I realised I needed something else in my life. The garden, family and Grandma duties were all satisfying but I needed to meet new people and wanted to do some community work.

I saw an advertisement in our local paper regarding Rotary being 100 years old in Australia.

After going to a few meetings in early 2021 I had found the club for me!! The members were all very welcoming and I have formed some great friendships.

In July 2022 I took on the role of Community Director.  Bunnings BBQ'S , Senior Citizen Christmas Luncheons, Raffles, Australia Day Festival, Kilmore Art Festival, tree planting, are some of the projects we are involved in for our community.

 If you are looking for a club to join that will be fun, form new friendships, serve your community as well as working on international projects then I strongly suggest you look at Rotary, no matter where in the world you live.”
Roseanne Whitten (Wallan)

“I became a member of the Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell in 2021. Prior to becoming a member, I joined some of the group’s online meetings during Covid 19 lockdown. I quickly realized that the organization was designed to support and assist the local and overseas communities facing various challenges – caused by natural disasters, disease, wars/conflict, poverty and economic change. During my travels in various developing countries I saw communities living in poor conditions that we should no longer tolerate. Rotary is always looking for people to join and contribute as members and leaders. The aim of Rotary is to get people regardless of gender, colour and beliefs to work together in making our planet a safer and cleaner place to live.  Thanks to Rotary I can now help make a difference to people I have never met.”
 Paul Lloyd (Wandong)

“I joined Rotaract in Oct 1970 and met and married in April 1972. We were both in Rotaract. After leaving Rotaract in 1974 due to the age restriction I maintained an association with Rotary via fund raising. We moved to Broadford in 1989 and I joined Rotary in 1991. Rotary has formed part of my life since 1970. I have lived a fortunate life and I like to return to the community to those who for whatever reason are less fortunate.

The social aspect of Rotary is a major factor in my continuing membership. Many friendships have been formed and remain to this day. Each Rotarian contributes in their own way and collectively make the world a better place.”
Ian Lee (Broadford)

“Joining the RC Southern Mitchell 9 years ago has helped to keep me informed and active in my community. It has also given me the opportunity to participate in international projects, such as eradication of polio and the Fishing Boat Project in Sua in the Philippines. We are committed to supporting the Environment; our projects include planting trees, neighborhood cleanups, and plans to plant native flora to beautify the local train station.

I have had the privilege to be President and now Secretary of this vibrant and diverse Club.”
Kit Holland (Kilmore)

" I've often wondered when people ask me why I joined Rotary and what it is that I do there I feel the need to tell all or just part of it, and then I think how much time do I have to share these special feelings about all the things I get from being a Rotarian, so I prioritise...

• I've met so many people along my journey and many have become really great friends.

• I've learnt so many things about my community and the fantastic job Rotary plays alongside other organisations.

• I've been able to give back to my community what I can to help those in need, as well as playing a role in special events organised by the Rotary Club.

• I've been able to participate in more things that I would normally take for granted happens around our special community and Much,Much more

• And of course that Sausage Sizzle, cant get me away from a good BBQ sausage sizzle.
  My Club, My Friends, My Community, come look us up, we wont disappoint you."
  Tony Cozzolino (Hidden Valley)

“As a full time working professional with a young children I was looking for an organisation I could become involved in that;

Would be flexible around my family and work needs

• Was local to my community

• Had successful projects in the past that directly impacted those most in need

• Could influence our youth (including inspire my own children to pay if forward

• Expose myself and my family to international projects

• Connect me with like minded people who show kindness and acceptance

Now that’s not an easy list to tick off but…after attending an Art Expo and Busking weekend in Kilmore with my family in 2021 I noticed the event was run by Rotary so I made a few enquiries, headed along to a meeting or two to check out the members and quickly found the diverse mix of working professionals, business owners, retiree and general community members were a fabulous mix who welcomed me in from the moment I walked in the room.

For anyone who thinks Rotary is a boring bunch of old folk sitting around drinking wine and eating food you’re half right! We do enjoy meals together and so much more. My advice is if you are looking to make a difference in your world, like really make a difference consider attending a meeting to learn just what goes on in our meetings. But be prepared to have a few laughs, learn some interesting stuff about what is happening in your town and build incredible friendships with people who care.”
Proud Rotarian Angelina Cirelli Salomone (Hidden Valley)

"I was introduced to Rotary in Kilmore a long time ago and since then, I have never stopped learning about this organization. Activities are so diverse and all of them are for improving the world including local community, building goodwill and fellowship, helping unfortunate and encouraging young to choose the right path and contribute to society and take responsibility which is essential to preserve democracy. Service Above Self is Rotary. Long live Rotary."
Suresh Jain (Kilmore)

”I have been a member of RC Southern Mitchell for about 21 years. I joined at a time when I wanted to become an active community member. I have taken part in many worthwhile projects both local and international. Along that journey I have enjoyed great fellowship and made many remarkable friends, Thanks Rotary!”
Marie Gerrard (Kilmore)

“Rotary is a remarkable organisation that has unbelievable contacts across the World. I joined to give back to my local community after many years as a very keen observer of the organisation. I love the fellowship and combined skills and knowledge of my fellow Rotarians. I specially enjoy our work to protect the environment, community events and sausage sizzles.”
Ian Dempsey (Broadford)

 “I have enjoyed my time in Rotary through three different clubs due to geographic relocations over a period of 30+ years. This has resulted in me gaining numerous life long friends in each of those communities I lived in. My horizons have been broadened and my knowledge expanded due to my interaction with so many good people, people who care about each other, our communities, our country and our world. My son was sponsored by my first club to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy) and afterwards he addressed our club (part of the deal) and the extraordinary positive change I saw in him as he presented to some 30 Rotarians brought me to tears. In just a few days my son transformed from a gangly teenager to a leader of people and an excellent communicator (he now manages some 600 people). This is just one example of what Rotary does for youth - multiply that by 1,000’s every year - youngsters sponsored to RYLA - amazing upcoming leaders in our society.”
Roger Morgan (Kilmore)