Frank’s 25+ Years of Service in Rotary — Fellowship, Action & Lasting Impact
Since joining Rotary Mount Eliza in 1999, Frank has been a steady presence and tireless contributor. From his term as President in 2008–09 to roles in Community Service, Membership, and four years as Bulletin Editor, Frank has helped shape the club we know today.
Frank was the Community Service Director during the design and build the Memorial Garden outside the Seniors Centre — now a much-loved space for Anzac and Remembrance Day services. He also led a major club effort to renovate bedrooms at Fusion, and initiated support for young carers through a scholarship fund and race day at Mornington Racecourse.
Internationally, played a leading role in the project to provide food vouchers to nursing mothers —in an area where hospitals provided neither meals nor basic supplies. And for eight years, he volunteered with Riding for the Disabled, supporting children with disabilities as they grew in confidence and independence.
His proudest Rotary legacy? “Helping others discover fellowship, find purpose and feel part of something bigger.”
When Frank joined the Rotary Club of Mount Eliza in May 1999, he and his wife Barb were warmly welcomed — and before the year was out, they were attending home hosting events and getting to know fellow members. Over the next two decades, Frank became a pillar of the club — a Past President, Bulletin Editor, Membership Director, Community Service lead, and, above all, a man who quietly got things done.
“I feel it’s a gift to be able to offer Rotary membership,” Frank says. “But it’s our duty to make sure each new member understands the responsibility and the rewards.”
His leadership in membership growth helped bring in new generations of Rotarians — including three who would later serve as Club President. Under his guidance in 2016–17, the club nearly met a target of eight new members, growing to the high 50s — one of the club’s strongest years.
Frank also helped lead many landmark club projects, such as:
The Memorial Garden, designed by Ric Berg and built with support from Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson. Frank managed logistics and Council negotiations, sourced stones from the Village Green, and ensured the Lone Pine, seating, lighting, and floodlight were in place — a project still used every year for Anzac and Remembrance Day services.
The Young Carers Scholarship Program, which provided over 70 scholarships averaging $500 to local teens looking after siblings or parents. Funded through the Young Carers Race Day at Mornington Racecourse, this project was one of Frank’s most meaningful contributions as Club President.
The renovation of Fusion Housing, where Frank and a team helped repaint rooms and replace beds and bedding for at-risk youth.
International outreach via the Rotary Club of Kimbe, where Frank coordinated food vouchers for nursing mothers — helping address a lack of meals and basic supplies at a local maternity hospital.
Frank’s contribution extended well beyond club meetings. Inspired by a guest speaker in 2012, he began volunteering with Riding for the Disabled (RDA), despite not coming from a horse background. Over eight years, he learned to groom, saddle, and handle horses — becoming a dependable weekly presence.
“To help a child go from being non-verbal and too afraid to sit on a horse to confidently riding one is incredibly rewarding,” he reflects.
Under Frank’s steady hand, the Rotary Bulletin became a link between active members, honorary members, and the wider community. “It’s not just for those who attend meetings,” Frank says. “It’s a way to keep everyone connected.”
Today, Frank remains a passionate advocate for youth mental health, particularly through the Mount Eliza Secondary College partnership and Rotary’s “Lift the Lid” initiative. “COVID affected our kids deeply. It’s not just about education — it’s about the social connections they lost.”
Frank's service is guided by humility, fellowship, and a quiet sense of purpose.
“Rotary isn’t about one person doing everything,” he says. “It’s about everyone doing something.”
