District Governor 2005 - 2006

ROTARY DISTRICT 9630 

AILSA HAY 

Ailsa was born and grew up in Brisbane.  She attended primary schools in Buranda and Mitchelton and then State Commercial High School.

After school she worked in the Brisbane City Council, but, after marriage to Don, left to raise their family of one son and two daughters, all of whom are now married; between them they have given Ailsa and Don, three grand-daughters and three grand-sons.

As the children grew, she commenced employment with the Living Room Theatre Restaurant before starting with the Mitchelton Community Kindergarten and Child Care Centre, firstly as Receptionist, then Secretary.  During her employment the Centre increased from one centre to three centres.  Ailsa was appointed the first Administrator of the Mitchelton Community Preschool Association.  Responsibilities included research into possible services, applications and returns for Federal and State Government, Capital and Operational Grants, as well as all financial and administrative records of the Association and its various centres.

At the same time, Ailsa held membership of a number of voluntary organisations in the area of early childhood care and education.

In 1981, she resigned to work in the financial management area of their family company, which imported and marketed a range of timber products from Malaysia and Indonesia.  She continued in this role until the business was closed in March 2003.  The last task before vacating the premises was to dispatch a container of goods for the Braille Library and St Marcellans Children’s Village, both in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Involvement in Rotary began in 1978, when husband Don joined the Rotary Club of Mitchelton in District 9600 and continued when a move to Balmoral meant that Don joined the Rotary Club of Balmoral, where he continues to be a member.

With the Charter of the Rotary Club of Port of Brisbane, in 1996, Ailsa joined as Charter Secretary and  Bulletin Editor, then served as President in 1998-99 and later as Treasurer. 

She served as Secretary to the District Conference Committee and a member of the District ARHRF in 1999-2000.   

When Don received the nomination to serve as Governor, 2001-2002, of District 9630, Ailsa took on roles in District Training and Administration as well as supporting him in his duties, including District Secretary and Secretary to the District Finance Committee and District Conference.  For four months, she took over as District Webmaster.

In 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, Ailsa enjoyed the role of Assistant Governor, giving assistance to a number of Clubs and some District Committees.  She has lent her assistance in the regular working bees, held to re-furbish a heritage listed building in Wacol; Bostock House, the District Headquarters – Phil Boron Memorial Centre.

She is the recipient of two Paul Harris Fellow recognitions, the first from the Rotary Club of Balmoral, in recognition of her involvement with Ambassadorial Scholar, Sr. Catherine Jackson and the establishment of a Braille Library and Transcription Service in Zimbabwe; the second from the Rotary Club of Port of Brisbane for her contribution towards the establishment and early years of her club.  Don has been awarded Paul Harris Recognition by the Rotary Clubs of Mitchelton and Balmoral.

Both Ailsa and Don are Members of The Rotary Foundation Bequest Society.

Ailsa and Don reside in Balmoral, an inner suburb of Brisbane.

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