Kingsway: always busy!
John King had a busy life as a wheat farmer and stud sheep breeder. Born in Warracknabeal in 1929, he joined Warracknabeal Rotary in 1966, was Club President in 1971/72, then moved to Melbourne and joined Brighton Rotary in 1974.
As District Governor in 1986/87, his major initiatives were to improve the image of Rotary, increase membership, and promote Polio eradication, setting a goal to raise $120,000, which was almost doubled!John encouraged new clubs and new projects. Six new clubs were chartered with two others at various stages of development. In the year of his Governorship, 196 new members (net) joined the District.
“Membership can only be improved by promoting Rotary’s image with good communication and impressive projects here and overseas,” said John.
John spent 10 years as Chairman of the Association for the Blind and three years as Appeals Chairman for an Aged Care Facility, and he continued these roles whilst District Governor.
Representing the Rotary International President at three Conferences, John also went to Santiago to assist the Polio Plus Campaign.In addition, he chaired the Rotary International Extension Committee for the South West Pacific Region for three years.
John is a great admirer of past Rotary International President Royce Abbey, an outstanding leader who promoted female membership in Rotary.
John is very proud of Rotary Brighton’s strongly growing level of activities in Rotary Foundation overseas projects, noting that the club has some outstanding member contributors. He considers himself fortunate to be part of District 9800, which he believes is regarded as one of the premier districts in the Rotary World.
These days John keeps busy overseeing various business interests and runs a significant family charitable trust focused on mental health and wellness for young people.
John and his wife Elaine will have been married for 69 years next month.
When he finds time in his busy life, John fits in a game of bowls and the occasional cruise, although the latter may be a while away given the pandemic.