Rotary may be international in name, but it has certainly extended the benefits of its work to communities in the country, whether it be local or interstate.
Members were just starting to prioritise their own lives, following two highly successful tours to Northern Rivers in NSW to assist the flood-ravaged communities of Woodburn and Koraki, when a flood hit their own town.
Two club members were severely impacted by the flood.
The work of Rotary International for the past 30 years on a global front has certainly seen a huge decline in cases of the Polio virus throughout the world.
Current projects being undertaken by Rochester Rotary members include not only ongoing youth-based projects and camps, but supporting the National End Trachoma Now project.
What can be a debillitating eye issue can be eased considerably by the supply of family hygiene kits — individual hand towels, toothbrushes, soap and personal combs. Clean water, regardless of where people live in Australia, remains of the utmost importance.
On a somewhat lighter note, members are looking forward to attending the 2023 Rotary International Convention.
The convention started in Melbourne on Monday, May 29, and will continue until Thursday, June 1. Events include the walk for End Polio, social activities, keynote speakers and breakout sessions on a variety of topics and will culminate with a formal dinner.
A highlight during the formal opening ceremony on Sunday was the presentation on stage of flags representing all the countries in the world where Rotary International has a Rotary club working for the community,
Rochester Rotary Club member Bryan Griffiths was selected to be part of the flag-carrying contingent for this event.
This will be the third international convention Mr Griffiths has attended
He has carried out a number of executive duties at club level, taking on the role of club president for 2023-2024.
