Sydney Rotary Peregrinations

It is important for the Club that its history should constantly be re-examined and up-dated. Members need to be kept aware of the tradition to which they belong if they are fully to grasp the meaning of what they do. Yet in addition to possessing significance for those who belong to it, the Club's history is important in other way too. Essentially the Club became a vehicle through which the ideals of an enlightened movement that originated in the United States of America and then spread throughout most of the world, were transmitted to Sydney. Moreover, for some 84 years the Club has formed part of the fabric of life in Australia's oldest and largest city and its influence, extensive within this region, has also reached out into countries of the Pacific and elsewhere. All this needs to be appreciated not only by the Club's membership, but also by those who are interested in the history of 20th century Sydney.

What gave the Club special significance was the fact that membership was drawn from men and later women, whose activities were located mainly in the Central Business District of Sydney. All could be described as belonging to a business and professional elite. Far from giving rise to any sense of superiority, however, this imbued them with a desire to use their skills, influence and concern for the wellbeing of others, to assist the community. There are few studies of elites in Australia which is not perhaps surprising given the importance attached to Australia's claim to be an egalitarian nation. Nevertheless the role of those who stand out as leaders is important and deserves exploring. Sydney Rotary provides an opportunity for pushing the frontiers of a neglected field of enquiry a little further and this gives added importance to its history.

 

 

2001-2002 President Bill Chillingworth had taken up the cause of Lifestart which had been established in 1996 by eight families. They devised a community-based intervention programme aimed at providing a 'lifestart' for children below the age of six who had an intellectual disability or were slow to develop. It quickly expanded and established itself as the leading agency of its kind. What it needed was a 'purpose built' centre to enable it to function more effective1y and house Head Office staff centrally.

 

The Club determined to assist and succeeded in raising $150,000. This, together with a capital grant from the State government and funds raised by Lifestart, made possible the purchase of a property at Ryde. A donation of $15,000 from an anonymous club member was used to purchase laptop computers. The intention had been that the club should also provide hands-on assistance and this was used to facilitate a Lifestart Children's Christmas Party.

 

The Community Service Committee, amongst other responsibilities, looked after the Joan Salter Fund. By 2002-03 this had raised over $500,000 and the aim, working in association with Servcorp, was to double this sum. The fund had first been used to assist with the Multiple Sclerosis Society's Study Centre at Lidcombe. In 2001-2002, $10,000 was contributed towards a recreation lounge there and in the following year the project was completed thanks to a further donation of $19,500.33