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CJR IN THE NEWS 23.06.11

posted Jun 23, 2011 2:03 AM by Como Jannali Rotaract   [ updated Jun 23, 2011 3:39 PM by Melissa Newman ]
St George & Sutherland Shire Leader - Thursday 23 June 2011

Fresh image for Rotary
BY DEBORAH FIELD
23 Jun, 2011 04:02 PM
STEPHEN Lovison, 31, of Como, wants people to know that Rotary is not just for seniors.

The commercial real estate agent will become the youngest Rotary club president in Sutherland Shire when he takes the reigns of Como Jannali Rotary Club next month.

Rotary is a worldwide organisation of business and professionals leaders who provide service in the community, workplace and abroad.

Rotary supports career development, programs for youth and educational opportunities.

The organisation is working hard to "future proof" its clubs by supporting programs that benefit the wider community, promoting younger and female members and increasing its media profile.

"Younger members bring fresh ideas to a worldwide organisation that has the capacity to make projects happen," Mr Lovison said.

"If we are to grow membership we need to appeal to a younger audience, which goes back to shaking the image that Rotarians are people our parents' age."

Mr Lovison and club secretary, Tracey Kinny, joined Rotary's youth branch, Rotaract, as teenagers and he said it helped him connect with the community while at boarding school.

"We are using social media, new techniques and networking to make ourselves accessible to potential new members," Mr Lovison said.

"If your goal is to travel overseas on volunteer humanitarian projects, Rotary can provide that."

Como Jannali Rotary and Rotaract clubs are raising money for Rotary International's, End Polio Now, with a quiz night at Engadine Bowling Club tomorrow from 7pm. Tickets are $10. Bookings: 8250 1605.

Serve above self: Stephen Lovison, Tracey Kinny and Como Jannali Rotaract club president Melissa Newman are among Rotary's younger members. Picture: Lisa McMahon