This is the tenth and final of a multi-part series.

Source: Rotary Down Under, regional magazine of Australia, March 2020 

Meaning – Be part of something bigger

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

• William James

Action Ideas

• Feel part of something bigger. Spend time with children, visit an inspiring location, gaze at the stars, or join a club.
• Be more charitable. Give others your time, offer to help neighbours or friends, consider giving blood or volunteering. 

People who have meaning and purpose in their lives are happier, feel more in control, and get more out of what they do. They also experience less stress, anxiety, and depression. But where do we find meaning and purpose? It might come from doing a job that makes a difference, or religious or spiritual beliefs, or our family. The answers vary for each of us, but they all involve being connected to something bigger. 

Five Clubs’ Zeal Creates Business Awards

By Tony Thomas

Rotary Club of Central Melbourne, Victoria

SOMETIMES it takes a push to get Rotary clubs cooperating. Three years ago, Jeff Taylor, of the Rotary Club of Brighton North, Vic, approached Bayside City Council about an excellence-in-business awards program. The council agreed to the proposal in early 2019, providing they teamed up with the other four bayside Rotary clubs and provided them with a good plan.

The Rotary Clubs of Brighton North and Brighton are in District 9800, while the Rotary Clubs of Hampton, Beaumaris and Sandringham are in District 9810. They range from 25 to 100-plus members; about 250 in total.

They all had plenty of their own projects on the go, but cooperate they did! The council gave the green light and provided a handsome grant. The clubs developed the awards website, shared their know-how with the council and found further sponsors.

On October 3, 2019, winners collected awards at a 250-seat, sold-out formal dinner at Sandringham Yacht Club. Talks are now under way about an annual award.

“Council jumped at the chance to recognise local firms,” said Bayside Mayor Michael Heffernan. “The participation level of 80-plus was incredible.”

Project chair Christine Lindsey, of the Rotary Club of Hampton, is a professional events strategist. “No-one was territorial,” she said. “Brighton North ran the nominations, Brighton ran sponsorships and judging, and Hampton took on overall management, website and legals. Bayside council ran the gala dinner and a Telstra Business Awards judge helped coordinate judging.

“We worked together really well. I hope our project will be an inspiration to other Rotary clubs.”

Bayside’s champion business award went to Prestige Inhome Care, owned and operated by brother and sister team Nick McDonald and Thea McCroary. With an astounding staff of 550, their services help people live independently at home.

“The Rotary awards forced us to think strategically about managing our fast growth,” Nick said.

“Government support for in-home care constantly evolves and Rotary is a good way to get information out to the community,” Thea added.

about managing our fast growth,” Nick said.