Jenny AW

Jenny Alexander-Walters

This is my Rotary Story

How did I make first contact with Rotary?

I was living in Kingston South East and was approached by a member of the Rotary Club of Naracoorte who wanted to start a Rotary Club in the town.  I was a Charter Member at a time when women were just being asked to join Rotary. I enjoyed the weekly meetings and discussions on what Rotary did. Unfortunately my health started to deteriorate and I had to resign. Sadly the Club has since folded due to lack of interest.

How did you first contact the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge?

Shortly after moving to Murray Bridge, my partner Rob, was approached by two Rotarians Jerry Wilson and  Gary Frazer. I indicated that I was very interested in rejoining Rotary.

Why do you stay a member? 

I love Rotary and firmly believe in what Rotary is all about.  It fits in with what I was taught as a child by my parents and the Catholic convent boarding school I attended from age 7.  And I get to meet some wonderful people and have fun.

What are you passionate about, both broadly and within the Club?

I want to make the world a better place, make a difference not to make myself look good but for what I can do to make people’s lives better.  I try to do this in my teaching, my private life and my Rotarian life.

How do you engage with the Club and Rotary Activities?

I try to help in the Club wherever I can and if my health allows me to. I have served on the International Committee, Club Service  and Board. I am now on the RALY Committee. I have held the positions of assistant photographer - not very good at that, Bulletin Editor, Secretary for 7 years, President Elect, President and now Immediate Past President. I have hosted two Long Term Youth Exchange students, been Counsellor to one LTYES and Mentor to two Short Term Exchange students (one Australian and one New Zealand). I am still in touch with all of these students and visit Pauline from Belgium and Ina from Austria when I travel to Europe. I am involved in the Rotary Club High School Music Bursary and in purchasing bags of emergency groceries for DVINA.  My big love is going with Jenny P and buying Christmas presents for the children attending our Christmas Party and reading the poem the Night Before Christmas to the children, also with Jenny P.

How do you relax?

I make greeting cards, love reading and playing word games.

What has been your most exhilarating Rotary experience?

I have experienced so many wonderful moments. I love presenting the Music Bursary. I was honoured to be appointed President and, can I say, happy to pass the Presidency on to Roxanne. I love being part of the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge and the wider Rotary Family

What does volunteering mean to you?

Giving to others and seeing the difference my giving has made to another or others. No matter my part might be small and sometimes one receives no thanks. Receiving thanks is a small part, it is the giving that is important.  My convent upbringing taught me that.