Walter Drummond
walter drummond
Walter Drummond, a Hamilton born Architect, is widely credited with bringing Rotary to Australia.
Whilst in America in 1913, Walter visited the R.I. headquarters in Chicago and meet Secretary Chesley Perry to inquire about the possibility of establish Rotary in Australia. He subsequently met Paul Harris who was excited an Australian was interested in establishing Rotary in Australia.
World War 1 intervened and in 1921 Walter renewed contacts and R.I. appointed two Canadian Commissioners to Charter clubs in Australia and New Zealand.
Melbourne was the first club established in Australia in 1921 and Walter, who the Melbourne club felt was not of sufficient seniority, was appointed "Rotary Secretary" and in September he gained full membership of the Club.
Walter married Clarice Davey and they had one child. He died aged 40 in 1930.
His grandson Peter Schroder is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton.
District 9780 can be proud of Walter's role in establishing Rotary in Australia.