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

' Supporting Our Local Heroes '

Nov 2025

At a recent presentation, we were honoured to support two of our most important frontline organisations:

Phillip Island Fire Brigade - funded the purchase of two portable toilets and chemicals to assist volunteers when working on the fireground or training in remote locations.

Phillip Island SES - received a $2,000 contribution to purchase essential equipment, including rescue helmets, quality rope, harness torches, cordless lights and ration packs. These items help ensure our SES volunteers can continue providing life-saving assistance across the community.

Club President Gea Lovell highlighted the power of community collaboration: *"Rotary can help lead the way, but true impact happens when individuals, families, businesses, and community groups unite behind our essential service organisations. Every action makes a difference."*

Phillip Island Fire Brigade representative Garry Thompson and SES Unit Controller Phil Friedlos extended their heartfelt thanks, noting that community-driven support greatly strengthens the readiness and resilience of their volunteer teams.

Thank you to all our frontline volunteers for the incredible work you do to keep our community safe.

Rotary is proud to stand with you.