Acting on the initiative of the Rotary Club of Ross River with the support of District Governor Charles Bopf, a project was launched to promote the construction of residences at James Cook University in Townsville to house international students. Stage one would house approximately 40 students with their own self catering facilities and cost about AUD$ 1.2 million.
DG Bopf set up a district committee to promote the project. Support was not unanimous as some northern groups wanted to see the residence in their region. Nevertheless, the work proceeded.
Ross River Rotarian Ted Dews facilitated the project and obtained University approval and support.
Townsville Architects were commissioned and construction was commenced after the foundation stone was unveiled by World Rotary President Royce Abbey (an Australian) on 11th December 1988.
The first students occupied the new residence, Rotary International House (RIH), in 1990.
Rotarians have continued to support RIH, having representation on the management committee for many years and have occasional onsite meetings there.
The university has since extended the House to cater for 118 students.
