The Rotary Zone 8 South Pacific Conference, held on the Gold Coast, was an inspiring and energising celebration of Rotary’s impact across our region.
Our District Governor, Michele Ellery, explained that she had the privilege of attending District Governor Elect training alongside my DG and DGE cohorts, where we gained valuable insight and clarity on Regionalisation and Rotary’s future direction during sessions with Rotary International Secretary General John Hewko.
We were fortunate to have our Zone 8 Rotary South Pacific and District member, Liz McDougall, present on storytelling and how clubs can tell their story through fantastic photos and branding.
The conference featured exceptional speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and strong representation from our District, including Rotary International Director Jennifer Scott AM and PDG Ian Scott (Greater Blue Mountains RC), DGE Haran Ramachandran and his wife, PDG John Dodd OAM and Janelle (Days for Girls), PDG Kalma McLellan, PDG Lindsay May OAM and Tania Mace, PDG Marilyn Mercer, PDG David Clark, President Deb Cooper (Richmond RC), Rotary Community Leader and Past President Ruth Vumbaca, Ryde President-Elect Kathyrn Dodd, Rotary Community Leader Phill Isaacs, Rotarian and Major Gifts Officer Mark Anderson, Social Impact member Amanda Barnes, who spoke passionately about service projects and programs under the Regionalisation framework, Trudy Grice from the RI South Pacific and Philippines (RISppo) Office and Carlingford Rotary Club, whose knowledge and support of Rotary’s regional initiatives are always invaluable, and President Sallianne McClelland from the Rotary Club of Wahroonga, whose enthusiasm and leadership continue to make a remarkable difference in our District.
We were also proud to see our own Michael McQueen (Crows Nest Rotary Club) deliver an impressive and insightful presentation that left a lasting impact on attendees. A special highlight was the recognition of Tony and Sandra Castley (E-Club of Greater Sydney) as Arch Klumph Society members, honouring their extraordinary contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Rebecca Fry did an amazing job as emcee, bringing warmth, professionalism, and energy that tied the whole conference together beautifully.
I was deeply honoured to meet Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka “Yinka” Babalola and his wife Prissy from Nigeria — and to carry the Nigeria flag during the opening ceremony. One of the proudest moments came when I accepted The Rotary Foundation Shield on behalf of our 1,500 Rotarians and 63 clubs, recognised for achieving the highest per capita giving in Australia and New Zealand.
We rounded off the weekend with the End Polio Now Walk, turning the Gold Coast red in support — and when the weather had other plans, we happily adapted for some indoor walking, fittingly renamed “Pints for Polio”!
It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with Rotarians from across Zone 8, share ideas, celebrate success, and look ahead with optimism. I highly encourage everyone to attend the next Zone 8 Conference in Melbourne in 2026.
