Rotary International, the oldest and largest service organisation in the world, was founded by Paul Harris in 1905.
Rotary members, women and men, are from the community – they are leaders in business and trades, the arts, government, sports, military and not for profit and community organisations. They share a common purpose – to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Membership is open to men and women, of all ages, ethnic groups, political persuasions, languages and religious beliefs.
Rotary International has a strong global, national, and local profile that has been generated over more than 100 years of prodigious service. The level of this service, especially in the international arena, has been enhanced by the fact that Rotary International has its own Rotary Foundation [TRF]. In 2013/14 The Rotary Foundation spent US $100.4 million on international humanitarian projects.
The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
The Rotary experience is built on volunteering, service at a local community, national and international level, friendship, networking, personal development and not without fun. Rotarians make a difference in the world by supporting those in need.
Australian Rotary Clubs have over 30,000 members locally, and Rotary’s motto ‘Service Above Self ’ demonstrates the humanitarian spirit of its 1.2 million members.
