Norfolk Island is a unique sub-tropical island in the South Pacific located at latitude 29 02 south and longitude 167 57 east. It is situated 1600km north-east of Sydney, Australia and 1056km north of Auckland, New Zealand. Officially designated as an External Territory of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, the island is 8km long, 5km wide and possesses an equitable climate that remains comfortable all year round. The population consists mainly of Pitcairn descendants (from the infamous Mutiny of the Bounty) expatriate New Zealanders and Australians and a smattering of other nationalities.
In 1973, guided by the enthusiasm of its first President Ned Lenthall, Rotary on Norfolk was born and chartered. Ned’s efforts in establishing Rotary on Norfolk Island and his subsequent guidance of the club through its formative years were recognised by his nomination and subsequent election to District Governor in 1982-1983. The club has provided two further District Governors, Lindsay Ford (2012-13) and Ian Kiernan (2019-2020).
While small in numbers, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Island has consistently surprised many a mainland club with the level of its activities and achievements within its local community, the 9910 Rotary District and further afield in the wider international community. Some of the more notable projects undertaken by the club have been the building of the local pre- school childcare centre, a physiotherapy unit and baby clinic at the hospital. The club is famous for its catering expertise and is constantly being asked to cater for various community and fund-raising functions. Indeed, such is the extent of the catering activities undertaken, the club acquired in 2001 a purpose-built mobile catering trailer (pictured below) fully equipped with BBQ and deep fry cooking facilities.
The club currently meets fortnightly alternating between Thursday evenings 6.30pm and Wednesday mornings at 7.30am. Renowned for its warm and friendly meetings, visitors, including partners, are always welcome to attend and enjoy the fellowship and fun that is Rotary on Norfolk. If you’d like to visit our meeting please contact the Secretary for details on when and where to come.
