Emma Pritchard

They are part of a proud global network of friends, families, and organisations, who share a common goal and passion to create lasting change while working together to promote peace and integrity to help make the world a better place.

And they are inviting you to join them.

For more than a century, Rotary clubs have been actively involved in local communities throughout the world.

Run by dedicated volunteers, they provide invaluable services and resources, along with establishing pathways and connections by applying leadership and expertise to social issues to identify viable solutions to enable the best outcomes to be achieved.

But without the ongoing support and contributions of volunteers, and with volunteering participation on the decline as reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Rotary clubs and other local organisations are facing an uncertain future.

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, President of the Yamba Rotary Club John McKenny shared his dire prediction, revealing the club, which currently boasts nine members, will probably not continue to operate beyond the next three years if they cannot encourage more people to join.   

“That’s the reality we’re looking at,” he explained.

“Our club, our community, we rely on volunteers.

“If we can’t encourage more people, especially younger generations to get involved, we’re at risk of losing the Yamba Rotary Club.”

Mr McKenny has been associated with Rotary and other community service organisations including Apex and the Lions Club for close to 40 years and joined the Yamba Rotary Club in 2018.

Describing the work, which involves assisting residents in need during emergency situations, organising sponsorship programs, and participating in local projects as extremely rewarding, he said being a Rotarian is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, make new friends, and give something back to your community.

“It’s a great organisation to be involved with, and it’s wonderful to do things which help people,” he said.

When asked if he could identify the reasons why Yamba Rotary Club, and other community groups, are experiencing difficulties in recruiting new members, Mr McKenny said availability of time, family commitments, other interests, and putting off the idea or intention to volunteer due to other life events as the main contributing factors.

And while the Yamba Rotary Club have previously held recruitment drives and information sessions to encourage more people to join them, Mr McKenny said its time to become more assertive and explore new and different ways to encourage memberships to grow.

“We would absolutely love to see about 12 or 15 new faces, and we need an influx of people aged in their 30s and 40s,” he said.

“Right now, the average age of our members is in the high 60s, and we need to welcome some younger members to ensure the survival of the club.

“Our current members are getting older, that’s the reality of the situation.

“The young ones don’t realise how much we do, or the full extent of our work within the local community, and I’d love for them to jump on board, learn about the club and what it means to be a Rotarian.”

For further information please visit www.rotary.org/en