Rotarians around Australia have played a significant role in reaching this goal. For the past ten years, Rotary’s EndTrachoma project led by Robert McGuirk (RC Melbourne), Kerry Kornhauser OAM (Brighton North), Murray Verso (Williamstown) and project manager Sandi Fulcher (RC of Changemakers) have worked with district champions around the country on Rotary’s EndTrachoma project.
We have built partnerships with more than 40 Indigenous, government and non‑government organisations, recognising the cultural and logistical complexity of supporting remote communities.
We have focused on prevention through improved hygiene practices and community environments, complementing medical treatment delivered by government and NGOs. endtrachoma2020.org.au
We have spent a staggering one million dollars installing laundries, providing mobile water tanks and thousands of hygiene kits for children in affected communities.
Through the trachoma project, several Rotary clubs have developed ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities.
This combination of health outcomes, infrastructure, and relationship‑building makes the project a strong exemplar of Rotary’s impact across the country. Of the 258 Rotary Clubs who have been involved, 35 clubs in District 9800 have supported and partnered with EndTrachoma in some way.
Source: District 9800 The Networker April 26
PP Robert Fisher reflected on the EndTracoma project.
I can remember the day Rob McGuik drew the issue to Rotary Melbourne's attention, citing that we were the only country in the developed world where Trachoma remained endemic. He set about tirelessly working through our Corporate members (e.g. Telstra and Monash Uni) to raise funds for educational water trailers that would help educate First Nations communities that were particularly affected by the disease. The project grew from there to involve a whole range of external parties in the fight to combat the disease.
It is a huge achievement on the part of Rob McGuirk, Peter Rogers, Jim Orchard and Quin Scalzo in our Club, and of course Murray Verso, Kerry Kornhauser, Sandy Fulcher and others outside.
