We are delighted to share the story of a group of passionate, empowered and active supporters of the community, who make up one of Australia’s many Inner Wheel Districts – in this instance District A55.

About Inner Wheel

With Rotary formed in 1905 in Chicago, the wives of members found themselves assisting their menfolk during World War I with various projects, they became known as The Services Club. Fast forward several years and the name was changed, rules established and the Inner Wheel was born.

Branching out internationally, including to Australia in 1931, the group have a long serving history of helping the community. Their groups are made up of hard working, dedicated women who together, want to make a difference to their own communities and those of their fellow Australians.

About District A55

District A55, led by Chairman Marie Keys, covers 11 clubs including Alstonville, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Forster Tuncurry, Grafton, Inverall, Lismore, Narrabi, Port Macquarie West, Tamworth and Wee Waa.

The district chose to support Shake It Up Australia to be the beneficiary of their 2015/16 fundraising efforts, with our CEO Ben Young speaking to members of the district at an event recently.

Shake It Up was chosen and to be the beneficiary as Marie’s niece is living with Parkinson’s at only 47 years of age.

Traditionally, the Chairman will visit all of the clubs within the district with each club offering a gift. Marie asked that instead of a gift, clubs instead make a donation to Shake It Up.

“As I travelled around the District there were very few clubs that didn’t have someone affected by Parkinson’s. It may have been a husband a friend or even themselves. It really is a lot more widespread than thought and really a very insidious disease, creeping up undetected” said Marie.

Learn how you can support Shake It Up by hosting your own event or fundraising initiative by visiting our ‘Getting Involved’ page.