Last December, I met Dr Keiko Osaki Tomita, the first-ever female member of the Rotary Club of Mito Japan in its 73 years of history. Dr Keiko is the president of Tokiwa University, Japan. Before this job, she had worked at United Nations in New York for over 30 years and served as Assistant Director of the UN Statistics Division from 2009 to 2018. During my brief visit to RC Mito, I shared my highlights in Rotary with this accomplished lady. Our discussions went from the decentralisation of Rotary activities to the degree of autonomy of Rotary clubs.
Rotary, by nature, is designed as a decentralised service organisation intended to enable Rotarians and each Rotary club to serve in the ways that suit them best. Rotary service on a daily and weekly basis can vary enormously by region, country, and club, a
nd that makes each club unique with it's own history, priorities, and identity. It follows the Rotarians' identity and the purpose that they see in their service in their club. Rotary Glenferrie is not exceptional. It is a club of many members. When Glenferrie Rotarians contribute their service and enjoy the continuous growth and blooming of the club over the years, what is the identity of RC Glenferrie we agree on? As one of 63 members at Glenferrie, I imagine a harmonious, creative and well-collaborated club with a diversity, inclusion and equity culture.
RC Mito Japan is a big club with 127 members. It has a history of 73 years and has been continuously growing. Although, In Rotary, each club enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of the standard constitution and bylaws of Rotary International, running an autonomous big club like RC Mito is a huge challenge. It would require more contributions, shared responsibility, and cooperation from their members. On top of that, the club must have a strong culture and identity for all their members. In May, a few RC Mito Rotarians will visit Melbourne for the RI Convention. I look forward to meeting them soon.
RI Convention Hosting Night on Mon 29 May – Join the Guest Speaker, Hon Josh Frydenberg, Former Treasurer of Australia and MC Hon Ted Baillieu AO, Former Premier of Victoria.The Rotary clubs of Glenferrie, Hawthorn and Camberwell will welcome Rotarians worldwide in Melbourne to attend the Rotary International Convention 2023. This extra special combined club meeting will celebrate Melbourne's rich cultural and sporting heritage against the background of the Kooyong story, sharing with our guests our Rotary experience and learning a little of theirs. Please join us for this special event.
Rotary Gala Dinner of RI Convention 2023 - 6.30 pm Thursday 1 June, Plaza Ballroom MelbourneAt a prestigious gala dinner with Rotary International President Jennifer Jones and Lord Mayor Sally Capp at the iconic Plaza Ballroom, let's celebrate a successful Rotary International Convention and year. Enjoy a unique acoustic set by the legendary Jack Jones and finish the night off on the dance floor with The Baker Boys live band. This event is open to Rotarians from around the world, so make sure to purchase your tickets or book your club tables. Tickets are selling fast, so book now and decide who is on your table later!
Book now at rotarygala.com.au
President Teresa