Interview with Rotary Mt Eliza Member – Sue Voss
Why Rotary Matters, How It’s Changing, and the Gift of Giving Back
Recently, we sat down with long-serving Rotary Mt Eliza member and past President Sue Voss to talk about her Rotary journey, what motivates her, and why she believes Rotary is as relevant today as ever—especially for younger members.
Interview with Rotary Mt Eliza Member – Sue Voss
Why Rotary Matters, How It’s Changing, and the Gift of Giving Back
Recently, we sat down with long-serving Rotary Mt Eliza member and past President Sue Voss to talk about her Rotary journey, what motivates her, and why she believes Rotary is as relevant today as ever—especially for younger members.
Discovering Rotary
Sue first came to Rotary around ten years ago, after years of being heavily involved in school, sport and community committees while raising her children.
“When the kids grew up, I realised I wasn’t connected to anything anymore,” she explained. “I’d always known a little about Rotary, particularly the polio campaign—my grandmother had polio, so that always resonated. And I’d also heard that the money we raise goes straight into our projects rather than administration. That mattered to me.”
Leading Through a Pandemic
Sue served as Club President during the height of COVID-19—one of the most challenging periods in Rotary’s recent history.
“It was tough,” she admits. “We couldn’t do much physically, but we did keep the club connected. We were one of the few clubs where the entire membership attended weekly via Zoom. Getting some of our older members onto technology was a challenge, but everyone came on board. And that sense of connection meant a lot during a very isolating time.”
Her year also saw the birth of the Satellite Club, designed specifically to attract younger members who want to be hands-on with service projects but may not be able to attend weekly dinners.
“Younger people don’t want to be at a dinner every Tuesday night,” Sue said. “They want to do things. Environmental projects, packing days, supporting families in need. The satellite club lets them contribute meaningfully and on their terms.”
Today, that Satellite Club continues to grow and thrive.
Service with Purpose
Sue is particularly passionate about projects that meet real community needs.
“One of the things our satellite club does is support End Trachoma,” she said. “We sew bags for communities who specifically request them—these aren’t random donations. They’re part of proper education around hygiene. It’s purposeful, and that matters.”
Other recent projects include environmental work, tree planting, and packing goods for Mothers Supporting Families in Need, often alongside partners such as Peninsula Grammar students.
The Power of Community
One of Sue’s greatest joys has been connecting with the older members of the club.
“They’re extraordinary people,” she reflected. “They’ve given so much over decades, and their stories are amazing. I get so much out of listening to them. They’re truly inspiring.”
She shared a favourite quote:
“Smart people know the answers, but geniuses ask the questions.”
Sue applies that curiosity every day—whether chatting to people during her lunch break or meeting new faces who are drawn to Rotary’s purpose.
Rotary Today
Sue recognises that Rotary’s expectations have evolved.
“When I joined, you had to ‘make up’ a missed meeting. Those days are gone. Now, we value fellowship when people can attend, and we understand the realities of modern life. What hasn’t changed is the impact we can make.”
When asked what she’d say to someone considering joining Rotary, Sue didn’t hesitate:
“The secret to living is giving.”
– Tony Robbins
“That sums it up for me,” she added. “Being part of Rotary gives you a chance to contribute, connect, and be part of something that genuinely makes a difference.”
