Posted on Sep 07, 2019
Ironically it was at a Rotary fundraising event following 9/11 in 2001, that I was approached by Rotarian Lachie Duncan about joining Rotary. So, I can honestly say it was a disaster that I joined Rotary!
At that time, all I knew about Rotary was that it was a service club that met behind closed doors in the Matamata Memorial Centre. And so, my journey into Rotary began on 7 May 2002. I have had the honour of holding numerous roles in Rotary, including Rotary Matamata’s first woman President 2009-2010 (with a PINK theme for the year!), Rotary District 9930 Group Study Exchange Team Leader to District 5050 (British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA) in 2013 and 2017-2018 District 9930 Governor.
 
I have always been very involved in my community and held various governance roles over the years including School Boards of Trustees 12 years, Trust Waikato 4 years, Waikato District Health Board 4 years, Matamata-Piako District Matamata Ward Councillor 12 years, The Heart Trust since 1995, and the Pohlen Hospital Trust Board since 2005. Each has been a significant journey, helping me develop leadership and governance skills. 
Joining Rotary further enhanced my personal development. It has given me amazing opportunities far beyond my expectations and introduced me to new friends throughout the world.
The Rotary International theme during my District Governor year was ‘Rotary Making a Difference’Rotary makes a difference to us as Rotarians and to mankind every day in so many ways throughout the world. One project in particular I am particularly proud of is our efforts to eradicate polio in the world. 
Rotary is a diverse organisation that has and continues to make a difference to me. If you want to make a difference, come along to one of our gatherings and enjoy the fellowship and fun.
I am very proud to be one of over 1.2 million Rotarian's worldwide, of whom nearly a quarter are woman.