What is Rotary?

Rotary is a global network of community volunteers. Rotary members are generally business, professional and community leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards and actively help build goodwill and peace in the world.

Is it American? 

Rotary started in the USA in 1905, but quickly spread around the world. The first Australian Rotary Club was chartered in Melbourne in 1921. Each club has a high degree of independence, and to a large extent chooses its own programs.

There are now more than 1,200,000  Rotarians spread around 165 countries.

Is it only for men?

Not at all – both men and women are members of Rotary. The Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap has many female members, and several have served as president in recent years, including our current president. Family members and partners of Rotarians are welcome to join in many of the Club’s activities.

Who can join Rotary?

Membership is open to business, professional and community-minded people of all ages. Each member has a vocational classification, which ensures that the club represents a good cross section of the community.

What does Rotary do in the local community?

Some examples that the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap undertake each year:

What does Rotary do around the world?

Some examples:

Do I have to attend regular meetings?

The Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap has a dinner meeting on the second and forth Wednesday evening of the month.

What else do I have to do, and will it take up a lot of my time?

We hope you can contribute your particular talents and your particular vocational expertise.

There are lots of different service activities and programs to get involved in. The amount of time you spend is entirely up to you.

What does it cost to be in Rotary?

Like any organisation, there are costs involved in administration, insurance, communications etc. Current subscriptions are $400 per annum.  All raised community funds go to community projects.

Personal contributions and donations to Rotary programs and charitable causes are entirely at each member’s discretion.

I would like to be altruistic, but what what’s in it for me?

  • Meet other  like minded people
  • Networking  opportunities
  • Personal development
  • Social interaction for you and your family
  • Broaden your horizons
  • International network – be assured of a welcome and new experiences at Rotary clubs around the world

How do I find out more?

Send us a message and we’ll contact you

“Most Rotarians join Rotary because they would like to contribute to the community, and they stay because they have fun doing it!”