Rotary’s long legacy is peppered with important milestones and seasons. One to be celebrated is our Rotary Port Philip and former Melbourne South member and treasure, Joan Daniels. Joan’s husband joined Rotary in 1977 and died shortly thereafter. However, her connection to Rotary remained.
In Joan’s own words:Along the way, on July 1st 1989, ladies were officially welcomed into membership of Rotary International and together with my colleague Ann Price, we were inducted into the Rotary Club of Melbourne South that very day! We understand we were the first ladies, particularly in Australia, to become Rotarians. Ann, sadly, died all too soon.
For me, my journey in Rotary, now 34 years on, has been most gratifying. Being in the right place at the right time has given me great opportunities of leadership and friendship. Serving on numerous District Committees in addition to that of my club, of which I was President 1994- 1995, I have been honoured with four sapphires Paul Harris awards, three from my club and one by District 9800. Hosting international young people and attending three World International Conferences, together with mentoring a young Aboriginal lady, on scholarship through Australian Rotary Health, have been memorable highlights among the wonderful youth programs, etc Rotary provides. AG Rep & an AG twice was also a privilege to be remembered.
During my first year in Rotary, I was invited to assist with Fund Raising for the establishment of the Rotary Bone Marrow Research Centre adjoining the RMH. The successful outcomes of this project are of great benefit to all today. The Bone Marrow Donor Institute (BMDI Rotary House), now Fight Cancer, remains one of my on-going community interests along with other charities.
I was honoured to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM.) in 2013.
Joan served in Rotary for 35 years and 3 months. She died while still a serving member on Saturday 5th October 2024.
In 2018, at 88 years of age, she chauffeured me competently to a Christmas event. We arrived at a 3-storey building close to the Royal Melbourne Hospital sporting a Rotary wheel at its top. Joan parked the car as though she was at home. She was greeted as a warm friend, and the tour illuminated me to the rich Rotary history of BMDI Rotary House. In 10 years of Rotary, Joan had not boasted of it, urged me to support the project or promoted it to the Club. She quietly but very effectively supported it for many years, and then when it was my time, made the introduction.