Erdem Toner

I was born in Istanbul, Turkey, on 12/09/1979. My upbringing was in Turkey. I was a national swimmer there and I had sports life for around 15 years in both swimming and playing water polo.

Having studied my bachelor degree in Turkey in Civil Engineering, I travelled to Australia to learn English in 2003. Once I finished my English course, I studied master degree in Construction management at UNSW and master of engineering studies at UTS.

Having graduated from my double degree , I obtained my permanent residency and secured my first job with Chadwick Building Systems in construction industry. Since then, I worked with Watpac & Hooker Cockram for various management roles. At the beginning of this year, I established my own company as Toner Constructions Group and I am working on it at the moment.
I was also a member of Rotary Club of Randwick for around 2 years (2006 – 2008). In my second year, I was selected to be the international director of the board.
I obtained citizenship of Australia in March 2011 which allowed me to hold two citizenships; Turkey & Australia.

Why I joined Rotary: – To feel proud when I help people and/or get involved in any type of voluntary projects
– I joined my Rotary adventure in 2006 at the Rotary Club of Randwick and now continuing with the Rotary Club of Ryde, NSW
– Having a Rotary member in my family back in Turkey who was a president of one of the clubs in Istanbul, Turkey. We are involved in Rotary as a family as my sister is a Rotaract member in Istanbul where she did some exchange student programmes, where she gained a lot
– As being always a giver and never expecting a return
– To meet new people & exchange information
– To help to Increase my personal skills by getting involved in various volunteer projects
– To have fun