Roxanne R

Roxanne Rowland

This is my Rotary Story

How did you make first contact with our club?

I received an invitation in the mail to attend a Rotary function in the weeks to follow. Discussions with my husband left us thinking this was part of a membership drive. For the previous 12 months, I had been investigating what Service Club I would consider joining when I finally retired,  attending their meetings, asking what their projects included and what service was undertaken locally and overseas, but had yet to investigate/attend a Rotary meeting. The invitation indicated formal dress attire and we were pleasantly surprised to see so many familiar faces when we arrived on the night. The event was an annual Handover night. What happened at that meeting would change my life for the next 11 years (and continues to do so today) as I was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow for services to Public Education in the Murraylands (my employment for the previous 40+ years at Murray Bridge High School). I was able to humbly respond with a small speech and at the end of the evening, I hurried home to Google ‘Who is Paul Harris?’ and ‘What is his connection to Rotary?’ I hadn’t chosen Rotary, Rotary had chosen me. Within weeks I was invited to join and as they say, ‘the rest is history’

Why do you stay a member?

The Rotary Club of Murray Bridge is an active club which provides 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. 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 an educator and I am looking forward to continued involvement in Rotary when retirement finally occurs.

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

Giving back! There is so much need in 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 supplying Birthing Kits for safer births in rural and remote regions of the world, to providing hygiene products and 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.  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.

How do you engage with the club?

I enjoy 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 including the president of the club. I enjoy my involvement with any/all catering activities to raise much needed funds to be able to support the projects both locally and overseas. I have initiated projects including the Bremer Valley Art Trail Tea Rooms at Callington where members are able to show their talents in making and serving Devonshire Teas to all the visitors to the Pop-Up Art Gallery. I am an avid recycler and our club projects of recycling plastics 2, 4, 5 and medicinal blister packs give me comfort in the knowledge we are reducing landfill and making the planet better for the generations to come.

How do you relax?

I enjoy relaxing in the garden,  sharing a driving role of a 1962 EK Holden Sedan, and participating in a Food and Wine Club experiencing dining in a range of local establishments where chefs can demonstrate their extensive range of culinary skills. When at home, I enjoy crochet and sewing, making items for a range of Charities

What has been your most exhilarating Rotary experience?

I enjoy taking our regional Year 6 students to Calperum on our club Environmental Youth Program - you never know what impact you will have on the lives of these young people in such a short time away from home with them.

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. I think it's a healthy way to live: being outwardly focused. 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.