Kevin Andrews (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak about Rotary International, which this year, 2021, marks 100 years of service in Australia and New Zealand. In 1921, four Rotary clubs were created in Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington and Sydney. From there, Rotary and Rotaract clubs were created everywhere across Australia and New Zealand, and they continue to flourish. Internationally, Rotary is one of the world's larger service organisations. There are more than 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide, in over 180 countries and more than 35,000 clubs. A new Rotary club is established somewhere in the world about every 12 hours.

Rotary advances world understanding, goodwill and peace; promotes integrity; and connects service-driven and passionate people to exchange ideas, forge lifelong friendships and help change the world through their local communities. Rotarians see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our local communities and in ourselves. I'm delighted and honoured to have been made an honorary member of Rotary by my clubs in Menzies. In the electorate, I'm privileged to have a number of Rotary clubs, including Manningham; Doncaster; Eltham; Warrandyte and Donvale; and Templestowe. Just recently, on Australia Day, the Templestowe Rotary club held a lunch to celebrate the 100th anniversary. I look forward to attending many more of these events with local Rotarians.

See this speech in context