Milestone for Mt Eliza Rotary The Rotary Club of Mt Eliza has been helping and inspiring communities since 1971. Celebrating 40 years of service, the club continues to bring the distinguished reputation of the Rotary name to the community of Mt Eliza. Rotary was established in Chicago as the world’s first service club in 1905 by Paul Harris who had the aim of replicating the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. Meetings were held among members on a rotating basis and Rotary was born. The initial premise for the club was to serve the professional and social interests of members. This concept quickly evolved to the Rotary we know today - a group of individuals who pool their resources and talents to serve communities in need. Their motto, “Service Above Self”, demonstrates the commitment to change each member embraces when joining the group. In 1925, a mere 20 years after it was first established, Rotary boasted 200 clubs with more than 20,000 members. Over the years membership has boomed and Rotary now has more than 1.2 million members who belong to over 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mornington, the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza
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Issue 23 • September, October, November 2011
was formed with the support of 22 members. The club’s foundation was built upon the premise of strong fellowship and a ‘hands on’ approach to projects as opposed to traditional fundraising. This approach provided members with a balance of interesting projects and social events. The Rotary Club of Mt Eliza now has over 50 members who each represent a cross section of business and professional services in society. Vocational service provides members with the opportunity to promote high ethical standards within their professions and the local community. Soon after its establishment, members of the Mt Eliza chapter undertook their first projects. These involved reconstruction work at the George Vowell Centre for the Blind and raising funds for Pakistan’s refugees. Over the years projects have evolved in response to society’s changing needs to address issues across the environment, illiteracy, world hunger and ‘at risk’ children. This can be seen in action on a community level through the numerous scholarships granted by Mt Eliza Rotarians to assist young carers, Christmas hampers which have been created for the needy, the Heritage Garden built by local members and the Bowel Scan program which was implemented by the club. On an international level Mt Eliza www.mtelizavillage.com.au