New Member Spotlight: Meet Mark! 🌟
At our recent meeting, new member MarkRodman shared his incredible life journey — from England to Zambia, South Africa, the US, Latin America, Singapore, Europe, China and finally… Mt Eliza! 🌍✈️
Mark spent 45 years in the tech industry, travelled the world, owned a vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula 🍷, and first discovered Rotary through Rotaract in South Africa.
Member Spotlight: Mark Rodman
Last week, our club had the pleasure of hearing from one of our newest members, Mark, who shared his fascinating life journey with us.
Mark was born in England, and his childhood took him across continents — from Zambia to South Africa, where he completed his schooling and graduated from the University of Natal with a degree in computer science (long before it was a mainstream career!).
His career in technology took him all over the world:
South Africa – early work in computerising the paper industry and joining Rotaract, where he met his wife and discovered Rotary’s global impact.
United States (New Orleans) – living in a vibrant city with food, music, and culture to match.
Korea – an opportunity he politely declined after a rather sobering “welcome tour”!
Australia – his first introduction to Rotary and Rotaract in Melbourne.
Latin America (Miami-based) – four years of extensive travel, language learning, and cultural discovery.
Singapore – a busy chapter in which his eldest son was diagnosed with profound hearing loss but went on to become a remarkable trailblazer, earning his pilot’s license with the support of pioneering cochlear implant technology.
Europe & the UK – working through corporate mergers, before eventually returning to Australia.
Alongside his career, Mark followed a passion for wine, owning and operating a vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula for several years, learning the art of grape-growing and winemaking.
Now retired after 45 years in the technology sector, Mark has chosen Rotary Mt Eliza as the place to connect, contribute, and give back to the community. He has a strong interest in youth and international projects, inspired by his early Rotaract experiences in South Africa and his global perspective.
Mark shared that what struck him most on joining our club is the warmth and friendliness of our members:
“I couldn’t wish for more welcoming people. I’ve belonged to other clubs, but none as friendly as Rotary Mt Eliza.”
We look forward to the many contributions Mark will make to Rotary and our community.
