In a powerful new video produced by long-time Rotarian Norm Potter, who is also the District Polio Chair, we are reminded why Rotary’s commitment to ending polio remains as vital as ever. Norm’s story is deeply personal—he contracted polio at just
three years of age. His life has been shaped by the challenges and resilience required to live with the aftereffects of a disease we now have the tools to eliminate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoFOjhgfaNU PLEASE WATCH!
His message comes at a time when polio is making an unsettling return. A new case of polio has recently emerged in Papua New Guinea—alarmingly close to Australia’s northern shores. This stark reminder that polio remains a threat underscores the need for unwavering vigilance and continued global action. Rotary’s PolioPlus program has been instrumental in reducing polio cases by over 99.9% since the global eradication effort began. Through vaccinations, surveillance, and community engagement, millions of lives have been saved. But as long as the
virus exists anywhere, children everywhere remain at risk.
Now is not the time to retreat. Now is the time to finish the job. We urge Rotary clubs across our region and around the world to consider donating to PolioPlus. Every contribution helps fund vaccinations, support frontline workers, and build stronger health systems in vulnerable areas. Norm’s story is not just a personal reflection—it is a call to action for all of us.
Let us honour his journey and Rotary’s decades-long commitment by pushing through to the end. Let us ensure that no child, anywhere, ever again suffers from polio.
Donate today. Support PolioPlus. End polio now.