Rotary Frankston Sunrise Blog

Changing the Face of Rotary

For the first 32 years of Rotary Frankston Sunrise’s history, the club was an all-male affair. That changed in 2022 when Kim Michod became the first woman to join the club, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our 36-year story.

Today, Rotary Frankston Sunrise is proud to have three remarkable women among its membership – Kim Michod, Jackie Galloway and Karin Hann – each bringing their own unique skills, experience and perspective to the club. Karen Ward from St John of God is a corporate member. 

For Jackie Galloway, CEO of Peninsula Community Legal Centre and a member of the club’s Board, Rotary provides an opportunity to create a meaningful and lasting impact in the local community.

“I volunteer with Rotary Sunrise because it provides a meaningful way to contribute to my local community and support initiatives that create practical, lasting impact,” Jackie says. “What I value most is the opportunity to connect with like-minded people while contributing to positive change.”

Karin Hann spent more than 40 years working in finance, followed by a decade as Executive Officer of the Frankston Chamber of Commerce. Now retired, she continues to volunteer with Community Support Frankston and serves on a committee at St John of God.

“I joined Rotary because I wanted to give back to the community,” Karin explains. “I love the sense of belonging to a club that helps others, along with the friendships, fun and laughter. Everyone is friendly and makes you feel valued.”

Karin is also heavily involved in mentoring students through the Frankston High School Interact Club, helping inspire the next generation of community-minded leaders.

As the club’s first female member, Kim Michod considers her Rotary journey a privilege.

“Being the first woman to join the club is quite a badge of honour for me,” she says. “The members were incredibly welcoming and genuinely happy to have a woman in the ranks. I get a huge sense of pride from seeing the impact our club has on the wider community and the willingness of members to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. The camaraderie is fantastic – I really feel like I’m one of the boys now!”

Kim contributes her professional expertise by managing the club’s website, social media, communications and branding, while also serving as a Board member and Foundation Trustee.

While Rotary has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated organisation, today’s Rotary is a diverse, inclusive and welcoming place for anyone who wants to make a difference.

The women of Rotary Frankston Sunrise are helping shape the future of our club, bringing fresh perspectives, valuable skills and a shared passion for community service. They are living proof that Rotary is for everyone.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, perhaps now is the perfect time to take that first step.

Pictured: Kim Michod

Pictured: Karin Hann

Pictured: Jackie Galloway

Pictured: Jackie & Karin

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