My Polio Story

My name is Suzanne MacKenzie.  I contracted polio at age 2 in 1948 followed by 2 years in a Crippled Children’s Home in Auckland, NZ. I had many operations to alleviate the effects of polio on my right leg and wore a calliper until age 13

Despite my career choices being limited I had interesting and varied career roles, initially as a teacher and then into sales rising to television station Manager and finally to setting up and operating 2 retail stores. 

Over past 5yrs I have taken an active role in Polio Australia, speaking to many Rotary Clubs (approx. 20) and holding functions including Walk With Me (2), raising much needed funds ($50,000) and raising awareness of the needs of Post Polio people

In 2014 I was appointed to the Board of Polio Australia.  In this role I helped initiate funding from Spinal Life Australia.

In 2017 I became a member of the Rotary Club of New Farm and am now a Board member.

In 2018 I organised successful fund raising for the Rotary Club of New Farm to support local charities including Polio Australia. 

In 2018 I have joined the District 9600 Rotary Foundation Polio Committee, helping to raise funds for Rotary International ‘End Polio Now’ program and to maintain and broaden Rotary International connection to Polio Australia.

Prior to joining Polio Australia I had:

• Established ‘Make A Wish’ foundation in Mount ISA enabling 2 wishes (approx. $20,000) to be granted.
• Rolled out the Pay TV operation for Austar in Mount Isa.
• Managed Queensland Satellite TV (Channel10).
• Established a very successful direct selling franchise in Queensland (top sales in Australia)
• Recruited, motivated and trained 150 sales representatives for an International Skin Care & Cosmetics company.