Rotary Melbourne welcomed and inducted Irena Bauer on 13 December 2023 with the classification Health Care Services. Originally Irena joined Kardinia Rotary club in 2020 and in 2022 moved to Melbourne and joined Canterbury Rotary club.
Irena was born in Lithuania. USSR took over Lithuania in 1940 and many of her family fled the country.
Irena was brought up in a village in Lithuania but moved to the city to undertake a Bachelor of Nursing and Audiology. Lithuania became independent in 1991 and she then travelled to Moscow to study as a Beautician, later opening her own successful business in Lithuania.
In 1995 , she travelled to Chicago, USA to work, however, was disappointed to learn that her qualifications would not be accepted and consequently Irena had to re-commence her studies. She worked in the Obstetric Hospital as a technician whilst studying for a Sonographer qualification at Edward Hospital Cardiovascular Institute.
In 2010, Irena moved to Australia with her daughter. Once again she learned that her qualifications would not be accepted, so she enrolled in a Nursing Assistants course at La Trobe University and also completed a Business Degree.
Irena is currently, working at a Cancer Centre at The Epworth Hospital as an Administrator. Irena, is fluent in 3 languages (Lithuanian, Russian and English). Irena has a daughter, Martha, who is a post graduate secondary teaching at Victoria University and working at St Josephs flexible learning in North Melbourne. She has a number of talents, has held a number of volunteer roles including: Secretary for the American Womens’ Association which supports the Royal Childrens’ Hospital, singing in Australian Girls Choir, including performing at Hamer Hall.
Irena was an active volunteer at the recent 2023 International Rotary Convention in Melbourne.
