FAQ

Red Knot and Curlew Sandpipers - credit: Robert Clemens

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rotary?
Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary's main objective is service - in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.
Who are Rotarians?
Rotarians are people like you and me. Traditionally; they have been persons in positions of leadership in their respective businesses, however Rotary has expanded into a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community service organisation. All our Rotary Clubs are keen to ensure their club is made up of people representative of their diverse communities and someone who wants to make a difference whilst having a lot of fun. Do you want to make a difference?
Can my company be a member of a Rotary Club?
Only individuals can be a member of a Rotary Club, however a number of clubs now offer corporate membership where generally a business can nominate an individual as their Club Rotarian and then participate in the many local, national or internationals Rotary programs - please contact your local club to further explore this option.
Am I allowed to bring other people along to Rotary?
Absolutely yes! You are most welcome to bring along guests at any time. If the guest is a potential member, the club policy is that the club will generally fund one visit as a guest. Beyond the first visit, the visitor will then pay for themselves for their meeting. If you have a partner and/or children, they are also most welcome to attend Rotary at any time.
Am I required to attend a certain amount of meetings?
Rotarians generally attend club meetings and designated service activities, however clubs now embrace flexible arrangements for members as we all understand the difficulties that can arise in balancing family, work and community.
As a Rotarian, you can attend any other Rotary Club anywhere in the world. There are 48 other Rotary Clubs in our District 9820 alone and many more across Metropolitan and Regional Victoria.
The best way to locate a Rotary Club to visit, particularly if you are away on business or holidays, is to check the Rotary International Website - www.rotary.org and this will list all clubs in an area. Generally, Rotary Clubs meet for breakfast, lunch or dinner and while cost may vary, they will generally be around $20 to $25 for your meal. There are also now many on-line meetings held by Rotary Clubs across the world, which may be available to you.

 

Stories

SkyHydrant

May 2023

Our club has been focusing on the delivery of clean water filtrations systems, called "SkyHydrant" to the people of Timor Leste.

This innovative technology addresses the country's water scarcity and contamination issues by providing safe drinking water to communities in need.

The SkyHydrant is a cost-effective solution as each unit installed is around $5000. Funds have been raised by the many volunteers within the Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo.

The system requires minimal infrastructure and maintenance, making it a sustainable option for remote and underserved areas. It operates without both chemicals and electricity, relying on gravity to filter and distribute water, reducing operational costs.

This project is delivering better health and greater school attendance to the communities and is supported by Rotary Phillip Island and San Remo. For more information on SkyHydrant visit: https://www.disasteraidaustralia.org.au/our-aid/skyhydrant/