Rotaractors recently spent a weekend at the Australian Rotaract Conference (ARC) in Melbourne, Australia. The conference provided an opportunity to meet Rotaractors from across Australia, discuss key issues around the world, and undertake workshops to improve our own organisation. Below is from the journal of Laura D’Alessandri, International Director for Sydney City Rotaract.
Friday, 23 September 2011
Having completed a hectic week trying to get organised to go on leave, I managed to leave work, have a couple of Friday night drinks with my colleagues and then meet Jake Weragoda District Rotaract Representative of 9750 at the airport, all before 8pm. On the way to Melbourne for the Australia Rotaract Conference 2011 I felt somewhat apprehensive. Last year was my first ever Rotaract Conference and I attended the APRRC and ARC in Sydney – and had a blast. I’m was concerned that given the expectations, it will be difficult for this years’ event to impress. I had nothing to worry about!
Saturday, 24 September 2011
We started bright and early with an engaging presentation by Mr Hugh Evans, CEO of the Global Poverty Project and Australian of the Year in 2004. Hugh spoke about the 1.4 billion people living in extreme poverty and what we can do to affect their lives. Hugh impressed upon us that it is possible for extreme poverty to be over within our lifetime.
Saturday afternoon we broke into smaller groups and discussed key issues relevant to Rotaract Clubs including Membership, Youth Programs, Mental Health and RAWCS.
Saturday night we had dinner on the notorious Lygon Street. We created someone what of a scene as we walked to Lygon street, en mass, dressed as gangsters and other underworld figures! This function was a great time to meet our fellow Rotaracters from all over the country and much fun (perhaps too much fun!) was had by all!
- Rotaractors on the Discover Melbourne Experience during the ARC
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Before closing the program were greeted with presentations by Ms Amanda Woods, President of Rotaract Australia and Mr Jeremy Charles. These presentation were followed by an awards ceremony, at which time I was ecstatic to witness Mr Drew Sturgiss be crowned ‘Rotaractor of the Year’. It is an honour to have a member of the Sydney City Rotaract Club recognised in this way.
The Conference was a marvellous success and this can be attributed to the amazing organising committee. I feel empowered and inspired to apply what I have learned to my own Club and am looking forward to sharing the results at next year’s Conference!