Richard Speedy: A Life of Service, Community, and Passion as President of Mooroopna Rotary

Recently our Executive Officer met with Richard Speedy a dedicated community man.  We hope you enjoy learning about his passions and learning about his impressive community accomplishments. 

Richard Speedy: A Life of Service, Community, and Passion as President of Mooroopna Rotary

For over 30 years, Richard Speedy dedicated his life to shaping young minds as a Humanities teacher at Wanganui Park Secondary College. Now, as the President of the Mooroopna Rotary Club, Richard continues to channel his energy into making a positive impact in his community. His story is one of a life committed to service, from the classroom to Rotary leadership, grounded in the belief that the simple act of helping others can change lives.

The Journey of a Teacher and Community Leader

Richard Speedy is many things: a devoted husband to Karen, a father to four adult daughters, and a former teacher who directed the annual school musical production with great enthusiasm. For three decades, Richard was a beloved figure at Wanganui Park Secondary College, where he inspired students not only through academics but also through the arts. His favourite part of teaching was directing the annual musical, where he witnessed students grow and gain confidence, many of them stepping outside their comfort zones to perform on stage.

"Directing those productions was one of the most rewarding parts of my career," he recalls. "Seeing the students’ creativity come alive and their sense of accomplishment after the final curtain was incredible."

Music is a consistent thread in Richard’s life. Outside of teaching, he finds joy in playing the saxophone, a hobby that, much like his involvement in the arts, allows him to express his creativity and love for rhythm.

Retirement, however, did not slow Richard down. Instead, it opened the door for new avenues of service. He has always been active in his community, deeply rooted in his faith as a member of the Uniting Church and driven by a desire to contribute positively to the world around him. But it was through his involvement in Rotary that Richard truly found a way to extend his impact beyond his local community.

What Community Means to Richard Speedy

When asked what community means to him, Richard's answer is simple yet profound. "As humans, we are not very good on our own," he explains. "Family forms our core community, but it's important to belong to wider groups as well. I am certain that making a difference for other people is important and highly rewarding."

For Richard, community is not just about physical proximity; it's about connection, empathy, and action. He believes that everyday actions, like being polite and cheerful, can make a difference. But he also acknowledges that larger efforts, such as working with organizations like Rotary, can have a more profound and lasting impact. "Community is us all together, helping one another, getting to know each other, listening, and taking action."

These values are at the core of everything Richard does. Whether it’s participating in the annual New Year’s Eve Festival, organizing community projects, or simply lending a hand to someone in need, Richard approaches each opportunity with the same sense of duty and joy.

Rotary: A Vehicle for Making a Larger Difference

Richard's journey with Rotary began after he retired from teaching. While he had always been active in his local community, volunteering in various roles, he wanted to find a way to make a difference on a larger scale. Through his daughters’ experiences with Rotary Youth Exchange and conversations with Rotarian friends, Richard realized that Rotary was the ideal platform to achieve this.

"Rotary is a very big and powerful organization," he says. "I imagined that together we could do some interesting projects—and so it has been."

One of the most significant projects under Richard's leadership is the implementation of a Global Grant. This $130,000 AUD project, led by the Mooroopna Rotary Club and supported by a consortium of 16 Rotary clubs worldwide, is helping build full septic toilets in a village near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The project exemplifies Rotary's ethos of collaboration and global impact. "The largest portion of the money comes from Rotary International," Richard explains. "But it only works because Rotary works with other groups. The initial $15,000 was raised by the bYoga group in Shepparton with the Rotary Club of Mooroopna."

The consortium is now looking at the next Global Grant to build toilets in another village, continuing their commitment to improving sanitation and health in developing regions. For Richard, these projects are a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

Hope for the Future

Richard is an optimist at heart, and he carries this sense of hopefulness into his role as Rotary President. He is particularly proud of Rotary's longstanding mission to eradicate polio, a battle that has spanned over 40 years and is now on the brink of victory. "We are very close," he says, his optimism clear. "I am hopeful that we will see a time where polio has been eliminated."

Closer to home, Richard is also hopeful for the future of the Mooroopna community. One project that fills him with pride is the Mooroopna Community Tree, a public art installation that has brought joy and a sense of belonging to the town. "When I listen to the comments people make when they visit the tree, they are invariably delighted," he says. "It's a small thing, but it makes a big difference to people's sense of community."

In addition to ongoing projects like the Community Tree, Richard is excited about upcoming initiatives, such as the installation of an outdoor exercise facility in Ferrari Park. These projects, along with the diverse and growing participation in the New Year's Eve Festival, give him hope that the Mooroopna community will continue to thrive.

The Beauty of the Goulburn Valley

Richard’s love for his community extends beyond people to the natural beauty of the Goulburn Valley itself. His favourite place to visit is the Goulburn River, where he finds peace and connection with nature. "It doesn’t happen often enough," he admits, "but to canoe from Pikes Road back to Mooroopna is a relaxing and engaging 90 minutes."

The river is a place of grounding for Richard, where he can observe the region’s diverse wildlife—kingfishers, ducks, cockatoos—as well as the iconic wattle trees and red gums that line its banks. It is in these moments of quiet reflection that Richard reconnects with the environment that has shaped much of his life and work.

A Life of Balance and Purpose

In everything he does, Richard Speedy exemplifies a life of balance and purpose. Whether it’s through his work with the Uniting Church, his passion for music and the arts, or his dedication to community service through Rotary, Richard approaches each role with a sense of joy and commitment.

"I’ve always believed that we’re at our best when we’re helping others," he says. "It doesn’t matter how big or small the action is—what matters is that we’re making a difference."

Richard’s life is a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of service. From the classroom to Rotary’s global projects, from the Goulburn River to the villages of Cambodia, his work has touched lives far and wide. His story is one of hope, dedication, and the belief that even the simplest acts of kindness can leave a lasting legacy.

As Richard looks to the future, both for himself and for the Mooroopna Rotary Club, he remains hopeful that the seeds he has helped plant will continue to grow, creating a stronger, more connected community both locally and globally. "Together," he says with a smile, "we can achieve great things."