Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers, ranked in the top 1% of global charities.
Almost all Rotarians are volunteers, working hard to make a positive impact on local, national and international communities, through fundraising and projects. This includes eliminating polio, vital Malaria control, and disaster relief, both overseas and right here at home.
Five Rotary clubs in the Clarence Valley; Grafton, Iluka-Woombah, Maclean and Yamba, combine form part of Rotary District 9640, with 1,400 members spanning from Grafton in the south, west to Goondiwindi and north to Jimboomba Qld. As well as contributing to global projects, locally, Clarence Rotary Clubs provide defibrillators, build pathways and local infrastructure, campaign against Domestic Violence, sponsor youth development programs, host local markets, sizzle sausages, support flood and fire victims and much, much, more.
Joining Rotary
Rotarians are all ages and come from all walks of life. Some are busy professionals; others are students and retirees. Some have lots of time to give. Others have very little. Some Clubs meet physically, and others online. But everyone shares a passion for community and for making a real difference, in ways big and small.
The health and wellbeing benefits of volunteering to organisations like Rotary are well reported including:
- A sense of achievement and purpose
- Feeling of connection to community
- Improves self-esteem and confidence
- Ability to share talents and learn new skills
- Combats stress, loneliness, social isolation and depression
- Meet new people, develop social skills
- Build a support network
“Rotary introduced me to business leaders, environmental activists, politicians & social entrepreneurs.”
Emma Raymond, 28, Rotarian
“Rotary has provided me with an outlet to pursue local community projects, plus lifelong friends who have similar values to help others.”
Ian Dipple, 59, Business Director
“I joined Rotary to build a network in my new town and re-build a sense of purpose whilst in between jobs. After 8 brilliant years in Rotary, it always seems like no matter how much I give, I get more back. Its under my skin now.
Jo Winwood, 59, Business Leader
Doing great work takes a team and Rotary always welcomes new members. Look up your local Club at https://rotary9640.org/clubsmap/ and make contact. You’ll be invited to a meeting to meet members and get to know the Club projects and important information on how to join.
About the Conference
Our Annual Conference is a thank you to Rotarians for their passionate service and an opportunity for fellowship, inspiration and education. Each year, it showcases a great town in our District and boost local business, with 2023 District Governor Karen Thomas choosing Yamba to host this years’ conference. She says “I have wonderful personal memories of childhood holidays in Yamba and I really wanted my conference to be held in one of our southernmost locations. Yamba has more Rotary branding than most towns in Australia, so it’s very fitting”.
The theme for this Conference, held at Yamba’s Golf and Bowling Clubs is “Be Your Best Self” with a focus on Chronic Disease Prevention and Management. A packed program for 300+ attendees, kicks off with a golf day on Friday 10th (open to community) official opening by Mayor Ian Tilley, followed by a range of inspiriting and informative speakers, entertainment, awards. It culminates with a Mighty Clarence Cruise on Sunday 12th.
