Magic of the Rotary Foundation and special event - M Savile

Monica describes her life as wonderful and exceeded all expectations. She was born and raised in Junee NSW in 1940, 3 months after WW2 was declared. She was an only child who contracted Polio at the age of 11. Polio affected her speech and her ability to swallow. Thankfully, she recovered fully from the decease, which debilitated many kids at the time.

Despite her parents’ disapproval about education for women, she always knew she wanted to teach young children and attended teachers’ college to receive her qualifications. Her first teaching job was at Eurongilly, a 2-teacher school (herself and the principal), which had no proper toilet facilities for women. Many years later, Monica travelled to India to oversee the construction of toilet blocks in 10 schools.

She met Geoff at a local dance in Eurongilly. They fell in love and were married in 1962. A few years later, with two young daughters in tow, she accompanied Geoff to the USA where he studied for a PHD. Monica also continued her education by earning a Science degree in Child Development and Education.

Back in Oz, Monica resumed her teaching career then spend time in Head Office where she produced learning materials. Back to teaching, she worked at many local schools. She became Deputy Principal at Epping West, then Principal at Lindfield Public School in 1995.

Monica’s Rotary journey began when she joined Epping Rotary Club in 1993. Rotary has been a second career to Monica. She became the first woman president of her local club in 1997/98 and District Governor in 2007/08. Together with her husband Geoff, who is a member of the Carlingford Rotary Club, they ran a nationwide Rotary Radio program for 4 years. She held many responsible roles within Rotary, including Regional Coordinator for the Australian Rotary Foundation, as well as Trustee and Treasurer of the Foundation’s Trust.

From vaccinating children in India by torchlight to adjudicating the Model United Nations in Russia, Monica Saville has done it all. Her work and dedication earned her an OAM in 2016.

Monica takes inspiration from her two daughters and from Geoff, her support in everything she set out to do