I am an Inner Wheel enthusiast.   Can you blame me - surrounded by all you ladies who devote yourselves to the betterment of others. You inspire me.   Whether it is our National Cord Blood Coordinator driving our Cord Blood Research project, or my own club’s Margarette Golding awardee   who virtually single handed raises thousands of dollars for the Aids orphanage in Ethiopia. These are just two of hundreds of dedicated Inner Wheel volunteers who Realise Your Visions and Make A Difference.  

I am very proud to be the 40th President of Inner Wheel Australia and I would like to acknowledge and thank the 39 Past Presidents and Past Executives of our organisation who worked with dedication and vigour to make sure that we reached this milestone.  Each one of the 39 Past Presidents were all different but brought their own qualities and personalities to the organisation.    

Inner Wheel inspires me. You ladies inspire me with all the work you do individually and collectively in your Clubs. Your integrity, passion and participation in so many charities locally, nationally and worldwide has inspired me during my twenty years as a member of Inner Wheel.

We are a network of women who have a passion to help others less fortunate. The added bonus is we enjoy it and have fun at the same time

At a local level we support many organisations in our community through personal service and other forms of assistance. On a National level we give hope to sick children through our “Coin for Cord” fundraising. We also work at the International level augmenting many RAWCS projects and our UNICEF Global Girls Education Programme.

This past year I have read District Newsletters from all 15 Districts and it is wonderful to read what Club members in their Districts are doing. These Club members are ordinary women quietly doing extraordinary things.  

I joined Inner Wheel after hearing an Inner Wheel Club President speak at my husband's Rotary Club so, yes, speaking at Rotary Clubs does bring results.  When I moved to Perth ten years ago a member of Melville Club knocked on my door and introduced herself so, yes, that personal friendly approach does really work.

Our membership in Australia is going down and there is a great need for us to revitalise and become passionate about our organisation so that we attract new members. Maybe it is time for us all to knock on someone’s door and extend the hand of Inner Wheel Friendship.

Congratulations to all incoming District and Club office bearers. Enjoy your year. For Clubs and Districts who are having difficulty filling positions I hope someone will be inspired to volunteer to take office, believe me you will never regret starting your Inner Wheel journey.

Joan Beech-Jones
Inner Wheel Australia President
2008-2009