WHO WE ARE

The President of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga provides leadership, direction and inspiration for the Club, working with members to uphold Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and to strengthen the Club’s contribution to the Wagga Wagga community and beyond.

As the Club’s principal leader, the President chairs meetings, supports the Board, encourages member engagement, represents the Club publicly, and helps guide the planning and delivery of projects, events and partnerships. The role is both strategic and relational, requiring strong communication, collaboration and a commitment to Rotary’s values.

The President works closely with the Club Board, committee directors and members to ensure that the Club continues to serve effectively through local initiatives, youth programs, fundraising activities, community partnerships and international service projects.

The Past President of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga provides continuity, guidance and support to the Club President, Board and members. Drawing on their experience as a former President, the Past President plays an important advisory role, helping to preserve the Club’s knowledge, strengthen leadership succession, and support the ongoing work of the Club.

The role recognises the value of experience, service and institutional memory. The Past President assists the current President by offering advice, encouragement and practical support, while helping ensure that the Club’s traditions, priorities and long-term goals remain clear and connected.

The Past President works collaboratively with the Club Board and members to support strong governance, effective planning, leadership development and a positive Club culture grounded in Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.

The President Elect works closely with the current President, Board Directors, and incoming leadership team to support continuity, planning, and effective club leadership. The role involves helping to set goals and priorities that align with the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga’s strategic plan, values, and service objectives.

The President Elect also prepares for their upcoming term as President by becoming familiar with club operations, governance processes, committee structures, member engagement priorities, and key community projects. This includes contributing to Board discussions, supporting strategic decision-making, and assisting with the planning of future club activities and initiatives.

Where required, the President Elect may act as a backup for the current President, including chairing meetings, representing the Club at events, supporting communication with members, or undertaking other presidential duties in the President’s absence. The role provides important leadership continuity and helps ensure a smooth transition between Rotary years.

 The Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga is responsible for managing the Club’s financial records, processes and reporting, ensuring that the Club’s funds are administered with accuracy, transparency and integrity.

As a key member of the Club Board, the Treasurer supports sound financial governance and helps ensure that the Club is able to deliver its service projects, fundraising activities, community events and fellowship programs effectively. The role requires careful record-keeping, regular reporting, clear communication and a strong commitment to responsible stewardship of Club resources.

The Treasurer works closely with the President, Board members, committee directors and project leaders to monitor income and expenditure, prepare financial reports, support budgeting, and ensure that financial decisions align with the Club’s priorities and Rotary’s values of service, integrity and accountability.

The Secretary of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga plays a central role in supporting the effective administration, communication and governance of the Club. The Secretary helps ensure that Club records are accurate, meetings are well organised, correspondence is managed efficiently, and members are kept informed.

As a key member of the Club Board, the Secretary works closely with the President, Treasurer, Board members, committee directors and Club members to support smooth Club operations. The role requires strong organisation, clear communication, attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate records in line with Rotary expectations and good governance practice.

The Secretary helps preserve the Club’s institutional knowledge and ensures that decisions, actions and communications are documented clearly. Through this work, the Secretary supports the Club’s capacity to serve the Wagga Wagga community effectively and uphold Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.

The Administration Director of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga plays an important role in supporting the smooth, efficient and well-organised operation of the Club. The Administration Director helps ensure that Club systems, processes, meetings and internal arrangements are managed effectively so members can focus on fellowship, service and community impact.

As a member of the Club Board, the Administration Director works closely with the President, Secretary, Treasurer, committee directors and members to support good communication, practical coordination and effective Club administration. The role requires organisation, reliability, attention to detail and a willingness to help the Club function well behind the scenes.

The Administration Director contributes to the overall health of the Club by supporting meeting arrangements, member communication, planning processes, records, Club procedures and the practical needs of Club operations. Through this work, the Administration Director helps uphold Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.

The Director of Youth Services, with the support of the Youth Services Committee, is

primarily responsible for promoting and supporting youth programs such as RYLA (Rotary

Youth Leadership Award), RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment), NYSF (National

Youth Science Forum), RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness), Clontarf Mount Austin School weekly brekkie visit and Sturt School Public Speaking Award.

Youth Director responsibilities’ include chairing the Youth Programs Committee Meetings

(and allocating help with the various programs as and when required), keeping track of

youth program dates and deadlines, plus interviewing and selecting candidates to

participate in the various programs.

Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney

formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with

diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong

friendships. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian

service.

The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members advance world understanding,

goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the

environment, and alleviating poverty. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization

supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotary members and friends of the

Foundation who share its vision of a better world. This support is essential to making

Foundation grants possible, which bring sustainable improvement to communities in

need.

Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives,

and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. While

these causes are central to all Rotary service projects, activities funded by global

grants and Programs of Scale grants work toward specific goals in one or more of

the Foundation’s areas of focus:

 Peacebuilding and conflict prevention

 Disease prevention and treatment

 Water, sanitation, and hygiene

 Maternal and child health

 Basic education and literacy

 Community economic development

 Environment

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives.

Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation that set up an

endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world” has spent more than $4

billion on life-changing, sustainable projects such as eradicating polio and promoting

peace. Together, we can make an impact in your community and around the world.

The Public Image Director of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga is responsible for promoting the Club’s work, strengthening its public presence, and helping the community understand the impact of Rotary service. The Public Image Director plays a key role in sharing the Club’s story, celebrating member contributions, and showcasing the many ways Rotary supports the Wagga Wagga community and beyond.

As a member of the Club Board, the Public Image Director works closely with the President, Board members, project leaders and Club members to communicate the Club’s activities, values and achievements. The role involves developing clear, positive and engaging communications across the Club’s website, social media platforms, media releases, newsletters, event promotions and other public-facing materials.

The Public Image Director helps ensure that the Club is seen as active, welcoming, professional and community-focused. Through effective communication and storytelling, the role supports membership growth, community partnerships, event participation, fundraising and public awareness of Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.

The Membership Director of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga is responsible for supporting the growth, engagement and wellbeing of the Club’s membership. This role helps ensure that the Club remains welcoming, active and sustainable by encouraging new members to join, supporting existing members to stay connected, and strengthening the fellowship that sits at the heart of Rotary life.

As a member of the Club Board, the Membership Director works closely with the President, Board members and Club members to promote Rotary as a meaningful opportunity for service, leadership, friendship and community contribution. The role involves both attracting prospective members and helping current members feel valued, included and actively involved in the life of the Club.

Through strong relationships, thoughtful communication and a welcoming approach, the Membership Director helps uphold Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and ensures the Club continues to grow as a vibrant and effective service organisation.

The Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga has always been proactive with International Service.

For many years exchange students both inbound and outbound were a feature with positive outcomes and lasting friendships.

Recently, through our own members as ambassadors, having personal contacts internationally and travelling to have hands on participation, extensive projects in India and Timor Leste (specialist eye treatments, eye surgery equipment, prescription glasses sourced from Australia), plus in Timor Leste a new preschool and two water and sanitation projects at schools, have been project managed and completed. Both countries are extremely grateful and more can be done.