Australian Rotary Health

In the early 1980s, club member Ian Scott proposed the need for medical research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The club got behind this initiative and approached other clubs in the district, who added to the funding support. Progressively, districts and clubs from around Australia came on board — and over $55 million has been raised.

Once successful research had been completed into SIDS, other areas of need for medical research were funded. Since the early 2000s the research emphasis has been towards mental health research, and in the last few years, mental health for children.

ARH also funds scholarships for study. The Rotary Club of Mornington supports an Indigenous Scholarship for Talia Cooke, who is completing her year of general practice in Gippsland. Read more about Talia on the Australian Rotary Health site.

Full details on Australian Rotary Health are available at australianrotaryhealth.org.au.

Recognition of Australian Rotary Health

In 2020, the Chair of Australian Rotary Health, Greg Ross, visited the club to present recognition to Don Gordon, a past President of the Club in the early 1980s, for his role in leading the formation of Australian Rotary Health.

ARH initially concentrated on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and its research has helped pave the way for a better understanding of that tragic medical issue. ARH has subsequently gone on to raise $55 million for medical research, with its emphasis since the early 2000s being mental health.

Six members of the club from the time of the formation were present: Darryl Chambers, Milton Green, Don Gordon, Ted Moore, Ken Bilham and Ian Prudden.