SERVICE ABOVE SELF

Ian was the District Governor of Rotary District 9640 in 94/95. The theme for that year was “Be A Friend” and the Rotary International President Bill Huntley & his partner Audrey.

Ian followed up his year as DG by accepting the position of President of the Rotary Club of Ashmore in 95/96. This was a difficult time for the club, and Ian believes that the most important thing that he did during the year was to restore the members faith in the club.

During the year there were many memorable things that happened, but Ian states one of his most memorable achievements as being the induction of several new members, including Jim Fairweather and Col Rheinhardt.
When the Yarkers went to the US to be trained as DG, they met many folk from many different countries as well as cementing close understandings with other DG’s from Australia.. Some of these special friendships were made with the trainers especially Habib Khan from Dhaka Bangladesh and they have since been to stay with him.
Ian and Heather also spent considerable time with Bill Huntley and his family and gained some inspirational quotes and stories which they still regularly use. They really came to know PRIP Clem Renouf. Also visited One Rotary Centre at Evanston USA and visited the offices and the Paul Harris memorials.

During their years in Rotary, Ian and Heather have attended the following International Conferences - Melbourne, Taipei, Calgary, Glasgow, Singapore, Buenos Airies, San Antonio. The unexpected friendships made in unexpected places such as in lifts, busses, trains, whilst queuing for food and access to events make these conferences a success for the Yarkers. The grandeur of the official openings and closings and the inspirational renowned speakers are also highlights that they remember.

We asked Ian some questions regarding his years in Rotary and these are his answers:
What do you see as the single most important thing that Rotary needs to concentrate on in the next decade? The successful completion of the polio eradication program. Where others sought containment Rotary has focused on elimination. We are close and with the donation of US$350 M and the cooperation of some waring nations the world has been brought by Rotary to the brinck of a most important humanitarian achievement. This then will form the basis of future similar and equally important programs ranging through medical and health awareness, literacy, education, financing, Rotary will act as a catalyst for future international humanitarian programs.

What is the one thing that gave you the most personal satisfaction during your year? As Governor I sought to support the Club President in particular, the Board and Membership to gain more from their life than just living. I wanted Rotarians to appreciate that through Rotary you can give your life a special purpose.

Is there any one person in Rotary who has had the most influence on you and why? (Apart from Heather ) PRIP Clem Renouf….. He has displayed a commitment combined with wisdom that has enabled him to conceive a program and them believe in it so strongly that he has seen it to fruition despite the power of those who at the time could not see the benefit. Clem seems to me to have a quiet, confident, considered approach to an issue which he seems to be able to view in the context of the big picture. The greatest example is the Health, Hunger and Humanity Program (3-H), which he introduced and which has profoundly influenced the structure of The Rotary Foundation and made possible the PolioPlus Program that will eliminate Polio from the planet. Clem is a quiet, friendly approachable person with wisdom yet to be fully appreciated. The world needs Clem.

What do you want to achieve in Rotary yet - what one thing do you feel it is your destiny to achieve in your life in Rotary? Helping new Rotarians gain an appreciation of the opportunity that membership has but which is not always obvious at Club level.

Any other comments you care to make. Attending the Council –On-Legislation in Delhi, India in 1997 and then going on to Nepal gave another insight into the functioning of the Rotary Structure. Being a Rotary Foundation Volunteer in 1995 to PNG on malaria resulting in a National Bednet scheme. Travelling to many countries to Rotary functions. Representing the RI President Luis Giay at a District Conference. Being the inauguaral National Chairman of Rotarians Against Malaria. Acting as Registrar to the Brisbane Zone Institute and have been involved with Governor Training for 3 years. Being a Board member of the Brisbane International Convention 2003 Host Committee.