About
Royce Abbey

His legacy of service and peace

Who was Royce Abbey?

Royce Abbey AO, DCM (1926-2014) was a soldier, businessman, and Rotarian whose life exemplified service and leadership.

  • Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for Bravery in World War II

  • Served as President of Rotary International (1988-89)

  • Chose the theme Put life into Rotary – your life.

  • A member of the Rotary Club of Essendon for 60 years.

Royce believed in action, optimism, and the power of Rotary to create peace.
His legacy continues through the Award, Vocational Scholarship, and the global community they support.

Older man with white hair, glasses, and a big smile, wearing a blue suit and a striped tie, standing outdoors in front of trees.
An elderly man and woman standing outdoors in a city setting, surrounded by colorful flowers and large decorative planters, with buildings and people in the background.
Three elderly people engaged in a heated conversation at an event, under a large tent with many people in the background.
Two men shaking hands indoors, one is an older man with white hair and glasses, the other has a paper-mache mask of a smiling face with glasses, both are wearing suits.

  • Royce Abbey was born 8 June 1922 in Footscray, Melbourne, the fifth of seven children. He attended local state schools before entering the workforce at 14 years old.

  • Royce enlisted in the Australian Army in 1941, serving in New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
    At age 22, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for outstanding leadership and gallantry in action, later commissioned as a Lieutenant.

  • After returning from the war, Royce and his brothers founded a small backyard business manufacturing venetian blinds and awnings.
    It grew to become the largest manufacturer of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, eventually merging with a multinational corporation.
    He retired from business in 1974 at age 52 and went on to establish a successful consultancy.

  • Royce joined the Rotary Club of Essendon, District 9800, Victoria, marking the beginning of 60 years of dedicated Rotary service.

    • 1963/64: Club President – Rotary Club of Essendon

    • 1969/70: District Governor – District 9800

    • 1976/77: Board Member – Rotary International

    • 1977/78: Vice-President – Rotary International

  • Royce was elected President of Rotary International, becoming the third Australian to hold the position (after Sir Angus Mitchell and Sir Clem Renouf).
    His presidential theme was:

    “Put Life Into Rotary – Your Life.”

    During his presidency, he championed:

    • The introduction of the PolioPlus campaign in China

    • The reintroduction of Rotary in former Soviet bloc countries

    • Global peace forums and humanitarian outreach

    • Visits to 31 countries, meeting and inspiring world leaders

  • After his presidency, Royce served for six years as a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, including one year as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

  • Royce Abbey passed away on 22 February 2014, aged 92, after 60 years of Rotary service.
    His wife, Jean Abbey, who supported him throughout his life, passed away in 2023, aged 100.
    Royce and Jean are survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

  • Legacy and continuing impact

    The Royce Abbey Award and the Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship were established to celebrate service, foster leadership, and promote peace through education and opportunity. Together, they reflect Royce Abbey’s belief that Rotary’s greatest strength lies in its people — those who lead by example and those who are given the chance to grow.

  • Award and Scholarship background

    The Award and Scholarship are supported by Rotary Clubs across Australia and beyond. Funds raised through the Royce Abbey Award contribute directly to the Royce & Jean Abbey Endowed Fund within The Rotary Foundation, ensuring the Scholarship’s long-term sustainability.

Royce Abbey’s 1988 Presidential Message

As Rotary International President in 1988–89, Royce Abbey inspired members with his theme, Put life into Rotary – your life. He encouraged Rotarians to serve with energy, passion, and purpose — reminding us that true impact comes when we lead with heart.

His message continues to guide the Royce and Jean Abbey Foundation today, driving meaningful action and service across the world.

Three elderly people sitting at a table with a framed picture of a man and a Rotary Club plaque. The woman on the left wears glasses and a black and white outfit, the man in the middle wears a blue shirt, and the man on the right wears glasses and a dark suit Jacket.
Royce Abbey Award
Three smiling elderly individuals, two men and one woman, posing together in a restaurant, with a coffee cup and saucer on the table in front of them.
Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship