Susan Wakefield takes reins of Rotary International District 9685

A member of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club since 2007, Mrs Wakefield has a strong record in community service and is now responsible for almost 2000 Rotarians in 71 Rotary Clubs.

She saw service as a NSW Police Officer in the 1970’s and was employed as regional finance officer with foster care organisation, Life Without Barriers, for the past decade.

Mrs Wakefield has also enjoyed many years of service in the Girl Guides organisation – serving as NSW International Adviser from 1990 to 1995; and Guides Australian International Commissioner from 1995 to 2000. She was the driving force behind Guiding in the Blue Mountains for many years.

She was president of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary five years ago and has held several senior positions in Rotary District administration.

Inducted into Rotary’s senior leadership role during a glittering ceremony before 400 senior Rotarians at Hornsby RSL last week, Mrs Wakefield emphasised that she will encourage clubs and members to focus on the quality of essential community and international service at all times.

“We must be mindful of the need to build membership and this is best achieved by pride in service, friendship and fun,” she said.

“Rotary is on the brink of eliminating Poliomyelitis from the World and we need maximum resources to ensure this vital task is efficiently completed.”

Mrs Wakefield is married to John Wakefield OAM, who is a Past Governor of the same Rotary District, and emphasised she will maintain her local Rotary involvement during her year of office.

“Lower Blue Mountains is an outstanding Rotary club with more than 60 male and female members – and welcomes enquiries from prospective members at any time. People interested in obtaining more information should call our new club president Michelle Fisher on 0419 494 430 at any time,” she said.

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