Historians who continue this project

Getting into print not hard . . . just help the reporter

When Judy Magub completed her year as District 9600 governor she was most impressed by the work undertaken by Rotary clubs in their communities. “What amazed me,’’ she said, “was that hardly any of this service was recognised by local newspapers.’’

So PDG Judy, of the Rotary Club of Brisbane Planetarium, Qld., visited the editor of a chain of local newspapers serving Brisbane communities. She asked why there was so little reporting on what Rotary was doing.

PDG Judy said: “She told me a number of reasons. Firstly, the newspaper staff never knew how to contact a Rotary club for information. They were not listed in the telephone book and club officers changed each year.

“Secondly, local clubs competed for limited space so how could she make the reporting fair?’’ PDG Judy offered to be the co-ordinator for two newspapers in the western suburbs of Brisbane and guaranteed an article on time each week.

“I asked for the Rotary wheel to be used and the heading Rotary in Action which they accepted,’’ she said. “

There are 14 clubs (five in District 9630 and nine in District 9600) serving the catchment area of two Quest newspapers, the Westside News and the South West News.

As a result of this program 100,000 households get a Rotary message in their local newspaper each week.’’ PDG Judy met with club officers who were enthusiastic.

They discussed the length and types of articles to be submitted.

A roster of clubs was made so all are covered and if a club does not have news a general Rotary article is submitted. The articles are emailed to the newspaper.

The coverage has been in place for two years now. Articles have covered literacy, Group Study Exchange visits, a paddleboat project, a Santa Sleigh, an ambassadorial scholar in Brisbane, a fun run, fund raising for a hospital, youth programs, International House, eradicating polio and action to help people with disabilities.

From: "Rotary Down Under" April 2003

• History of Australia
  • Immigration
  • District Histories
    • 9600