One of Rotary’s challenges in increasing its membership is the remark: “I’m too busy to join Rotary!”
Ted Baillieu would disagree. He joined Rotary Glenferrie on the same day he was appointed Opposition Leader in Victoria in mid-2006. Perhaps he set the trend (now formalised) whereby clubs offer flexibility for busy people, being flexible around members visiting less frequently, but valuing their contributions on projects about which they are passionate.
While Ted’s interest in Rotary started in the 1980s when he met a US exchange student who was giving tennis less
ons on the side, it would be a few years before he eventually joined. And when he did, his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament (including becoming Premier of Victoria 2010-2013) did not hinder his Rotary 
involvement. He has been a guest speaker at many Victorian clubs in his capacity as Chair of the Victorian Government’s ANZAC Centenary, as well as its Cladding Task Force, instigated following the 2014 Docklands fire. A regular contributor at Rotary Glenferrie’s Farmers Market, Ted was also involved in drought relief for farmers. Ted laments the shortage of labourers for fruit and vegetable harvesting at the moment, and thinks Victoria could lose the stone fruit industry, which has been so important for the economy.
ons on the side, it would be a few years before he eventually joined. And when he did, his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament (including becoming Premier of Victoria 2010-2013) did not hinder his Rotary involvement. He has been a guest speaker at many Victorian clubs in his capacity as Chair of the Victorian Government’s ANZAC Centenary, as well as its Cladding Task Force, instigated following the 2014 Docklands fire. A regular contributor at Rotary Glenferrie’s Farmers Market, Ted was also involved in drought relief for farmers. Ted laments the shortage of labourers for fruit and vegetable harvesting at the moment, and thinks Victoria could lose the stone fruit industry, which has been so important for the economy.Does he have any membership tips?
“Rotary is powerful, but we need to be less shy,” Ted says, thinking that Rotarians are often too self-deprecating. “Even though age is against us, it doesn’t lessen the contribution Rotary makes.”
“Prospective Rotary members are generally less interested in formalities such as stiff introductions, fine systems and things that were in good humour 30 years ago,” he suggested. ”We need to be more accepting of informality, as people have different working hours and different family arrangements.”
Ted also feels that doing things collaboratively is more interesting. Events, such as the seven- club cooperation at Victoria Park in Kew on Australia Day are attractive. And, the Boroondara Cares Foundation is a wonderful example of club collaboration.“We need to be creative and not do the same things all the time” he said. “We have an opportunity to be more pro-active in our communities, as well as work with local Government and State and Federal politicians.”
Ted says: “Rotary is an amazing organisation that has achieved great things. Don’t take it for granted – be involved!”