It was wonderful to welcome District Governor Emma Clarke back to the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza as she continues her journey around District 9815.
Emma has set herself an ambitious goal this year: to visit all 78 Rotary clubs across the district. Having already attended more than 20 changeovers, she is well into her mission of meeting Rotarians, hearing their stories and seeing the difference clubs are making in their communities.
And she brings plenty of Rotary experience of her own.
Emma has been involved in Rotary for 34 years, beginning with 10 years in Rotaract from the age of 19 before joining Rotary, where she has served as president, secretary and in numerous committee and leadership roles. She describes herself as a lifelong believer in service, communication and making an impact.
Outside Rotary, Emma is Principal of Emerald Primary School, a role she has held for around eight years, following a career as a secondary teacher of science, psychology and chemistry. She is also mum to Patrick and wife to James.
And then there are the sequins.
Emma is one of the members of "The Spangles", a four-member performance group from her Rotary club. Their combination of matching costumes, singing, dancing, wine, cheese and plenty of fun has even taken them to the stage at a Rotary conference.
A year of change for Rotary
Emma spoke openly about the significant changes occurring across Rotary and the need for clubs to remain relevant, connected and inclusive.
Regionalisation, collaboration between clubs, leadership development and the proposed redistricting across the Rotary South Pacific region are all part of a rapidly changing Rotary landscape.
District 9815 will eventually combine with Tasmania as part of the wider redistricting process, with the number of districts across the region reducing significantly.
While Emma acknowledged that change can be challenging, particularly when clubs value their local identity and connections, her message was about working with the organisation we have while continuing to strengthen what happens at club level.
For Emma, the challenge is to embrace new ideas without losing the traditions, relationships and legacy that have made Rotary what it is.
Growing Rotary in a different way
Emma also challenged the traditional idea that Rotary growth is simply about asking someone to attend a meeting and become a member.
Instead, she encouraged clubs to invite people into Rotary through community involvement, volunteering, projects and social activities.
Let people see the fun, friendships and impact that Rotary creates. Give new people opportunities to become involved without overwhelming them, and develop the next generation of Rotary leaders through succession planning and mentoring.
This is an approach that strongly resonates with Mt Eliza, where collaboration, community projects, membership growth and communication have become an important part of the club's focus.
Emma recognised Mt Eliza as a club that is demonstrating what can be achieved through strong membership, active community engagement and collaboration.
Emma's focus areas
Two particular areas are central to Emma's year as District Governor: family violence prevention and mental health.
She spoke about the important role Rotary can play as a trusted community partner by raising awareness, supporting education and respectful relationships programs, and working alongside organisations already providing assistance to people experiencing family violence.
Her second focus is Australian Rotary Health and supporting mental health research, particularly early intervention and initiatives that support children and families.
Emma encouraged clubs to consider how their existing activities and fundraising can contribute to these broader community priorities.
Looking ahead
Emma also highlighted the importance of leadership development, Rotary Leadership Institute, strengthening Rotaract, collaboration between clubs and developing a four-year strategic and growth plan for District 9815.
And, of course, there is the 2027 District Conference.
Challenge to Change will be held in the Hunter Valley from 12–14 March 2027, bringing Rotarians together for a weekend of speakers, fellowship, activities and the opportunity to connect with clubs from across the district.
Emma's message to Mt Eliza was simple:
Keep evolving. Keep including people. Keep growing. And be ready for what comes next.
Thank you, Emma, for taking the time to visit Mt Eliza, share your story and give us plenty to think about as Rotary continues to evolve.
Rotary Club of Mt Eliza is proud to be part of District 9815 and to continue making a difference through service in our local community and beyond.