The first Rotary club in the world was organised in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on 23 February 1905, 
by Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer, who gathered together in a spirit of friendship and understanding a group of men, each of whom was engaged in a different form of service to the public. That basis for membership - one person from each business and profession in the community - still exists in Rotary. At first, the members of the new club met in rotation at their various places of business, and this suggested the name “Rotary”.
Since 1905, the ideas of Paul Harris and his friends have become ideals which have been accepted by people of practically all nationalities, and of many political and religious beliefs. Today there are Rotary clubs in Austria and American Samoa, in Brazil and Brunei, in India and Italy, Scotland and South Africa - in over 200 countries and geographical areas. The universal acceptance of Rotary principles has been so great that there are now more than 32,000 Rotary clubs, which have a membership of over 1,200,000.
The general objectives of Rotary clubs in every country are the same - the development of fellowship and understanding among the business and professional leaders in the community, the promotion of community betterment endeavours and of high standards in business and professional practices, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace. Rotary clubs everywhere have one basic ideal - the "Ideal of Service", which is thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others.
Rotary in Australia
Rotary is the leading community service organisation in Australia with over 33,000 Rotarians in 1200 Rotary Clubs spread across the nation. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, are business, professional, and community leaders.
Rotary is a grassroots organisation, and most of its humanitarian efforts are carried out at the club level. The district and international structure is designed to support the clubs and help them increase service efforts in their communities and abroad.
Chatswood Sunrise Rotary is a member club of District 9680