About Regionalisation

Regionalisation is an innovative pilot program which demonstrates a new governance structure for Rotary in Zone 8.

The pilot is specific to our zone; responsive to what our members see as important and viable to revitalise Rotary in
Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands for the future. 

What Regionalisation Aims to Achieve

Create a lasting impact

Making a profound difference in communities locally, regionally, and globally.

Grow membership

Cultivating vibrant clubs, introducing innovative models, and launching new clubs to thrive.

Enhance Rotary’s brand

Establishing Rotary in Zone 8 as a globally recognized and trusted service organisation and partner of choice.

Why has Regionalisation been introduced?


We want to increase the number of members and membership retention across Rotary in Zone 8 so we can have more impact. The pilot provides us with an opportunity to align the product we offer (a valuable club and membership experience) with structure and a regionally-focused strategy that will result in better outcomes.

The Structure

The new governance structure is focusing support on clubs and members, putting them at the centre of our pilot governance structure.

Governance across the zone is overseen by a Regional Council led by a Chair and various Portfolio Directors who are accountable for outcomes and are supported by committees.

 
Regional Council’s Portfolios include:
Additionally, a Corporate and Administration Lead has been appointed to support the operations of the Regional Council, including finance, risk management, IT and communications. 
 
Rotary Specialists support clubs with professional insights and expertise.
 
The Steering Group ensures the Regional Council through its operations aligns to the 6 objectives of the original business case and also to review and determine any changes to the Pilot structure to better align to the business case objectives.
 
The following Committees report to the Steering Group:
  • Change Management team
  • Communications Team
  • Project Management
  • Monitoring & Evaluation
Read more about Regional Council

What does the Regional Council do?

The Council develops and oversees systems that improve the consistency and predictability of Rotary and Rotaract programs and services. It is  accountable for outcomes at a regional level. 
 
For the duration of the pilot, Districts will remain and governors will continue to provide support to clubs, but certain functions will gradually be transferred from Districts to the regional structure.  

Regionalisation Pilot Timeline

The Regionalisation pilot program operates from July 2024 – June 2026.
 
  • 2022: Council on Legislation greenlights the pilot program
  • 2023: Rotary International Board approves the Pilot Business Case
  • 2024 January – July: Regional Council, Rotary Community Leaders and Specialists begin supporting clubs.
  • 2025 April: Update to Rotary International Board on project performance. Request funding for 2025-2026.
  • 2026 June: End of Pilot Evaluation begins
  • 2026-2027: Clubs vote to decide if they will adopt the Pilot operating model

Supporting documents

Corporate Documents 

Visit the Corporate Administration page for more documentation relating to the Regional Council including:

  • Annual Reports (Financial Statements)
  • Regional Council Constitution

 

In the lead up to the Pilot, documents, webinars and resources had been developed to inform Rotarians and Rotaractors.
 
The Pilot has evolved over time to meet the needs of the zone, so although these files in this section are not up to date, they provide key insights into the history of the project.
 
For the most recent news and resources, visit the Members Hub.