My Rotary Story

What Inspired Our Members to Join Rotary — And How Has It Changed Their Lives?
Behind every Rotarian is a unique story of purpose, passion, and personal growth. For some, it was the desire to make a tangible difference in their local community. For others, it was the chance to connect with like-minded people and be part of something larger than themselves.
Rotary offers more than just service opportunities — it creates a space where individuals discover their strengths, form lifelong friendships, and find deeper meaning through contribution.
Explore the personal journeys of our members below and discover how Rotary has shaped their lives, their values, and their view of what’s possible when people come together to do good.

Member Spotlight: Wendy Zhang 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are you passionate about, both broadly and within the club?
Being a human resources practitioner, I have devoted over two decades on my focus of unleashing human potential in an organisational setting—helping individuals, teams, and organisations go through a developmental journey from good to great. Having retired from the corporate world, I now have the opportunity to spend more time in community work. I am passionate about contributing to the well-being of our community, especially in the areas of health and the well-being of humanity.
How do you engage with the club?
I am proud of the service projects that our club has developed over its 35-year history. It is my honour to be empowered to Chair the committee for the International Women’s Day breakfast event, engaging up to 300 leaders and change agents in the community each year. This event celebrates women in our local community and supports charities that empower local women. I believe gender equality is the foundation for a more inclusive world for all beings. You're welcome to explore our IWD website if you’re interested to learn more.
Our club is embarking on a journey of transformation. Becoming the President for 2025/26 carries a big responsibility. Fortunately, our club has a great team of like-minded members who bring profound knowledge and experience and are well-connected with the community. I am confident we will enjoy working together in this exciting and critical journey from good to great.
Why do you stay a member?
Our club has a proud history of inclusion and care. Six women were among the founding members, and many have served as club presidents over our 35-year history. As a new migrant from Hong Kong, I immediately felt at home with my club. I am very grateful for the wisdom and care that many of my club members have shared with me. In addition, I feel deeply connected to the projects our club has developed, such as community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.
How do you refresh/relax?
I practise yoga and meditation routinely. I enjoy oil painting, gardening, cooking, and travelling. I also love spending time with my family and friends.
What does volunteering mean to you?
Volunteering enriches my worldview and life experience, especially through Rotary, which enables meaningful local and global connections. It gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact on humanity. Even if it's in a small way, together we generate a significant difference. Volunteering also allows me to keep learning and growing into a better human being.

Member Spotlight: Julian Badenach
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What are you passionate about, both broadly and within the club?
The environment, helping people less fortunate than myself, overseas travel, organic gardening and home cooking. 
How do you engage with the club?  
I’m fond of the regular weekly meetings and particularly enjoy the various guest speakers.
I am involved with Club management and have served on the Club Board in several capacities. I help out with the Whitehorse Farmers Market as a regular volunteer and am a member of the Club’s Environmental Sustainability Group. 
Why do you stay a member?  
I enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people. The personal growth that comes from volunteering in leadership roles within the Club has been valuable in my professional career as a business owner.
 
How do you refresh and relax?  
Swimming, walking, gardening, cooking, music.
What does volunteering mean to you?  
Being part of an organisation that is well organised and has projects and activities that focus on helping people in both the local community and overseas. Using my own skills to be part of a team that gives back to the community.
Member Spotlight: Robyn Stokes 
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How did you first connect with our club?  As my husband was already a club member, I had a good idea of the club's social, service and meeting activities, so when family responsibilities diminished, I quickly signed up. 
Why do you stay a member?
It's a good routine, I have made friends, and I find purpose in my day.          
What are you passionate about?  
Making a difference personally, within the community, and for those whom I may never meet but are in need.  
What does volunteering mean to you?  
I think it's a healthy way to live: being outwardly focused. 

Member Spotlight: Greg Cooper 
How did you first connect with our club?  
Following an invite to our daughter to attend a RYLA camp, I attended an information night. Jenny Coburn, who was assisting in the carpark, invited me to visit some clubs to consider joining. As I worked in Burwood, I attended a couple of local clubs and settled on our club as the only one offering morning meetings.
Why do you stay a member?  
I was uncertain about remaining a member for most of the first year as I didn't really have a clear Why. A poster made the difference. It read "People like you and me making a difference". This engaged me and I decided I could make a difference to help my community just by contributing my small part.
What are you passionate about?  
Investing, golf, reading and faithful living. These and the sheer pleasure of family and friends brings a smile. Maybe accompanied by a glass of wine…
What does volunteering mean to you?
Being in a position to give back to my community through using my skill, experience and knowledge is very satisfying. Whether through offering advice, support or practical effort and contribution, we can see direct improvement in the lives of others through our combined work as a club. By joining with others, our work is leveraged and multiplied.
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Member Spotlight: Kath Ronan

How did you first connect with our club?

I was initially approached via a letter sent to me at my place of work.  I ignored it for a few weeks, but found it on my desk during a clean up and decided to make contact with the club.

Why do you stay a member?  

Being a member of Rotary offers extra interest to my life.  I enjoy the club meetings and have found many of the guest speakers give a picture of what is going on in my surrounding suburbs and state.

I have formed friendships with members and their partners.

Rotary gives me a much bigger picture of the good things happening around the world.

What are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about our local projects, but also our club international projects.  Being part of Operation Cleft Australia Board has allowed me to explore the wider world.

What does volunteering mean to you? 

My mother volunteered for most of her adult life.  She ran the school tuckshop, was involved in church groups and volunteered to deliver Meals of Wheels for more than 30 years.  She showed me that being a volunteer gives us an opportunity to look beyond my immediate family and friends and work to help others in the world.  By volunteering through Rotary, I have that same opportunity. It is very rewarding.

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Member Spotlight: Brian Martin 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did you first connect with our club?  

I first connected with the club when I attended an information meeting about volunteering organised by the City of Whitehorse in 2001. 

Representatives from local Lions clubs, Rotary clubs, and other voluntary organisations presented and I was very impressed with the range of projects and activities of the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central, and as a result, I joined the club in July 2001.

Why do you stay a member?  

I stay as a member as it provides the opportunity to socialise with a great group of like-minded friends, to be involved in a broad range of projects and programs, and because of the impressive business-like management of all aspects of the club. 

What are you passionate about?  

I’m passionate about developing viable projects by “joining the dots” through a process involving a community needs analysis and subsequent project development in consultation with the beneficiaries, the sourcing of funding, project implementation and management in partnership with the beneficiaries or their representatives and finally a project review on completion. The key success factor in this process is involving the beneficiaries in all stages to ensure the project is sustainable.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Volunteering offers an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others who are less fortunate both here and abroad.

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Member Spotlight: Tony Stokes 
 
     
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did you first connect with our club?  
Shortly after I took early retirement from my job at Ford Motor Company, Robyn and I moved into a home in Blackburn, and I was approached shortly  thereafter by Ken Clark, who was a neighbour, to join his Rotary Club, Box Hill Central, which I did. It was an easy decision because Rotary runs in my family -  my father was a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of North Hobart, and my brother, Michael, is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Sandy Bay.
 
Why do you stay a member?  
            There are several reasons why I stay a member. Box Hill Central is an active club which has provided many different opportunities to serve. Its projects have made, and are making, a significant impact locally and internationally over the years I have been a member, and it has been, and continues to be, a privilege and pleasure to be able to contribute. The people I have met and the connections I have made are also a primary reason. 
 
What are you passionate about?  
Giving back! We have a very blessed life in our part of the world, and there is so much need in other places, both near and far. The more I learn about, and am exposed to, these needs, the more passionate I become about doing what I can to help, be it ending modern slavery and human trafficking or providing toilets and hygiene facilities to enable girls in disadvantaged communities to stay at school and complete their education, or simply making a small but positive difference in the lives of people in our local community.
 
What does volunteering mean to you?  
Essentially as above. I have the time and the ability to be actively involved, so I will continue to do so while I am still able. It is a way to live a life of significance in my retirement.