About Rotary

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite to take action and create lasting change—across the world, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Founded in 1905, Rotary brings together people from all backgrounds to exchange ideas, build relationships, and take action on important issues such as health, education, peace, and the environment.Through local clubs, members volunteer their time and skills to make a positive difference, guided by the Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.”

Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.

Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world. "Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves", Paul Harris  Rotary founder.

Watch the following video to find out a little more about the history of Rotary

Rotary’s guiding principles reflect its core values of service, integrity, fellowship, and peace. They provide a framework for how Rotarians act and serve in their communities and around the world.

Rotary encourages members to live by the Object of Rotary, which promotes service, ethical standards, and goodwill among all people. The Four-Way Test—asking whether actions are truthful, fair, friendly, and beneficial—guides personal and professional behaviour.

Rotary’s work is organised through five Avenues of Service: Club, Vocational, Community, International, and Youth Service. Together, these avenues inspire members to make a positive difference locally and globally.

Rotary is a global network made up of clubs, districts, and an international body working together to create lasting change.  

  • Rotary Clubs are the foundation of the organisation. Each club is autonomous, meeting regularly to plan service projects, develop leadership, and foster fellowship among members.
  • Districts group together Rotary clubs within a geographic area. Each district is led by a District Governor who supports clubs, coordinates training, and promotes shared initiatives.
  • Zones combine several districts to enhance collaboration and provide regional leadership.
  • Rotary International (RI) is the global governing body, based in Evanston, Illinois, USA. It provides guidance, resources, and oversight to clubs and districts worldwide.
  • The Rotary Foundation is Rotary’s charitable arm, funding humanitarian projects, scholarships, and programs that promote peace and disease prevention across the globe.
     

Together, these levels form a unified organisation where local action contributes to global impact.
 

Rotary District 9675 brings together over 50 clubs across southern Sydney, the Illawarra, and the Southern Highlands to create lasting change locally and globally. 

Our members are community leaders and volunteers working to improve lives through projects in health, education, the environment, youth development, and international aid. From tree planting and domestic violence awareness to youth leadership programs and global health initiatives, District 9675 empowers people to turn good ideas into real impact — living Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’ every day.

The club is the cornerstone of Rotary, where the most meaningful work is carried out. All effective Rotary clubs are responsible for four key elements: sustaining or increasing their membership base, participating in service projects that benefit their own community and those in other countries, supporting The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International financially and through program participation, and developing leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level.

Rotary Clubs have a Board which is elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is usually held in November or December. Each year the president is replaced, often the other positions are retained over a period of time. The reason Rotary International replaces leaders annually is to encourage leadership opportunities and enrichment with new ideas and directions.