The idea for a new club was instigated in 1997 by then 9650 District Governor Nev. Clarke and sponsored by his home club, the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West.

The sponsoring club decided that the new club should be a mixed club and comprise new Rotarians only. That is, the new club was not to be formed at the membership-expense of existing clubs. It was also decided that it should be a breakfast club (two evening clubs and a lunch-time club were already in existence in Port Macquarie) and nominated Fridays as the meeting day. These features could be changed by the new club once it gained its autonomy, but as it happens, those early decisions have remained unchanged.

Potential new members were identified and invited to attend an Interest Meeting. The first Interest Meeting was held in November 1997 and weekly thereafter. These were held on Friday mornings over a fine breakfast at Tommy’s Restaurant. Several members of the sponsoring club joined the inquisitive outsiders and explained what Rotary was all about, described some of the projects clubs were involved in, and conducted the meetings along the lines of a normal weekly Rotary meeting.

It was decided not to apply for charter until at least 25 people had indicated their firm commitment to be charter members. This was achieved by early February 1998 and the application was duly made. Further interested folks joined up while the application was being processed.

The Charter of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise was granted by Rotary International on 11 March 1998. The Club had 31 Charter Members:

The Club celebrated its Charter at a gala function on 9 May 1998 at which Past Rotary International President Sir Clem Renouf was an honoured guest and speaker. Many Rotary Clubs from District 9650 were represented at the function and assisted the fledgling Club with some of the Rotary essentials, such as a Lecturn, Fine Box and Gong.

During the Club’s first year (from March 1998 to May 1999) 13 new members were inducted and 4 resignations, finishing the year with a membership of 40. Fund raising from two major events (Steptoe Sale and Rock Art Auction), plus funds raised in Club meetings saw the Project Fund rise from zero to a healthy balance that allowed the Club to support several local projects as well as a substantial donation to The Rotary Foundation. The Club’s first Paul Harris Fellow was awarded to Tommy Jeffs, financed entirely from fines and raffles at Club meetings.

In its first year, The Club was involved in Camp Quality, Trees for 2000, Young Achievers, Rotary Lodge, Group Study Exchange, Youth Exchange, Bowel Scan Program, International House, Solomon Islands Literacy Program, PNG Nursing Development and Nepal Literacy Program.

(With thanks to Charter President Ron Craggs)

2015 - The club was very proud to be nominated as Community Group Of The Year in the Port Macquarie - Hastings Coucil - Australia Day Awards 2015