By Jessie Harman, Rotary International Director
Laura Telford, Chair, Rotaract Australia
The recent 2022 Rotary Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Conference definitely lived up to its ‘Better Together’ theme.
The first in-person conference since 2019, the Canberra, ACT, event attracted 550 Rotarians and Rotaractors from across Zone 8. After three years of virtual meetings and events, delegates were clearly pleased to be together again, renewing acquaintances and making new friends.
The conference program also showcased the Better Together theme. Plenary speakers highlighted Rotary’s successful partnerships in the areas of polio eradication, vaccination of children and women across the Pacific and disaster response in Ukraine. Rotary senior leaders updated delegates on recent developments within Rotary International and Rotary’s Foundation, while special guest speakers from Rotary partners Canva and Humanitix highlighted the value of innovation and collaboration.
Ten additional breakout sessions provided delegates with an opportunity to discuss important topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion, membership, public image and The Rotary Foundation.
A key feature of this year’s conference, and central to the conference theme, was the partnership between Rotary and Rotaract. Organised jointly by a team of Rotarians and Rotaractors, the conference featured speakers and topics relevant to both membership types, and Rotarians and Rotaractors mingled happily and enthusiastically throughout the weekend.
Conference organisers are hopeful that the collaboration between Rotary and Rotaract evident at this year’s conference will provide a springboard for future collaboration at club and district level – not just around events, but also programs and initiatives that deliver positive change in communities.
By working collaboratively, we can bring together our diverse perspectives, leverage our collective skills and capabilities and increase our impact. We are definitely better together.