By Rowan McClean
As a young doctor starting out, Murray declined two approaches to join another voluntary group, saying that he was too busy.
A third approach came from a hospital colleague who said: “Murray, you’ve been nominated for Rotary and we have to interview you!”
Murray recalls that he had no idea what his colleague was talking about, but it felt like this invitation was a real privilege. He joined Rotary Williamstown a week later in 1981, after a briefing in his clinic and attending a club meeting.
“I think today we are too casual about approaching people. The process should be something of value,” advises Murray, who believes that joining Rotary was the best decision he has made in his life, quickly adding: “Apart from marrying Irene, of course!”
For Murray, lunchtime meetings were a welcome diversion during a working week. In the year he joined, Rotary Williamstown had its biggest project – a respite centre for intellectually impaired children. Today, the Club supports the Western Emergency Relief Network, the Highlands Foundation in Papua New Guinea and is building a local bird hide.
Holding the position of Club President twice (1986/87 and 2008/09), Murray has also been District Conference Chair, Assistant Governor, District Membership Director and District Governor (2014/15). His Rotary highlights include leading a Group Study Exchange team to India, hosting exchange students and leading a Peace Tour to Turkey in 2015. Two years ago, Murray was the Rotary International President’s Representative at the District Conference in New Zealand and chaired the Zone 8 RI Director Selection Committee.
Murray’s Rotary involvement has not slowed down. He is Chair of the District 9800 Foundation Committee, a Director of Rotary’s End Trachoma project, a member of the national Rotary Interplast Committee and Convenor of the R100 Peace Symposium.
Having run his own general practice for 37 years, Murray also served on the Council of Trinity Grammar for 27 years, nine as President. Married to Irene, also a retired GP, they have two children and two grandchildren.
Murray is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient and a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation.
With regard to Rotary membership today, Murray suggests that clubs seek out those aged 50-plus with more time available, and that younger people form their own clubs. “We must listen to the needs of new members and keep them engaged,” he advises.
To understand the full power of Rotary, Murray feels it is important to encourage all Rotarians to experience District Conferences and Rotary Conventions.
There is no doubt that it has been third time lucky for Rotary in recruiting Dr Murray Verso!