Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026

Friday, 30 October 2026 - Sunday, 1 November 2026

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
(1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, VIC 3006)

Rotary South Pacific 2026 is where regional leadership gathers, ideas ignite and momentum builds. Under the bold theme People. Planet. Peace., this Conference brings together Rotary leaders, changemakers and members from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific to shape the future of our organisation.

Convened by Rotary International Director Jennifer Scott AM and chaired by PDG Tony Monley OAM, Melbourne 2026 will connect global vision with regional action. From international keynote addresses and leadership streams to fellowship, collaboration and community impact, this is more than a conference — it is a movement for regional impact.

 
The annual Governor Elect and Nominee Leadership Seminar and the District Governor Forum will be held at the same venue in the days preceding the Conference. 
Further information on these events will be issued separately to those concerned.

Welcome message from our Conference Leaders

A Message from Rotary International Director Jennifer Scott AM

“People, Planet, Peace” is a future-focused theme that captures Rotary’s enduring commitment to positive change.

It speaks to our role as global citizens—dedicated to protecting the environment, fostering peace, and strengthening communities. In an uncertain world, Rotary offers stability, vision, and action.

This theme aligns with our seven areas of focus, especially the environment, peacebuilding, and community development. It challenges us to think holistically and act with purpose. As Rotarians, we are not just responding to today’s needs—we are shaping tomorrow’s possibilities.

Jennifer Scott AM,

Rotary International Director 2025-27
Conference Convenor

Message from the Conference Chair

A Message from PDG Tony Monley OAM

The Rotary South Pacific Regional Conference is the premier gathering of Rotary leaders, changemakers, and members across our region.

It’s where vision meets action, where we explore the future of Rotary through the lens of People, Planet, and Peace, and connect with causes that reflect our shared values and areas of focus.

This is more than a conference, it’s a regional movement. A chance to build momentum, strengthen partnerships, and shape Rotary’s impact in the years ahead.
 

We encourage you to leverage the energy and presence of Rotary leaders in Melbourne by convening in-person events around the Conference dates, such as:

  • District Meetings – Strategic planning, networking, and celebration.

  • Rotary Fellowship Gatherings – Strengthen bonds across shared interests.

  • Rotarian Action Group Sessions – Advance projects aligned with Rotary’s causes.

These gatherings create a powerful ripple effect—deepening relationships, sparking innovation, and amplifying Rotary’s presence in the region.

PDG Tony Monley OAM,

2026 Zone Conference Chair

Meet Our Speakers

Rotary International President Elect 
Larry Lunsford
 
Larry Lunsford brings global insight to the South Pacific, sharing Rotary’s international direction and leadership priorities to empower clubs and districts.
Past Rotary International President & Rotary Foundation Trustee
Gordon McInally
 
Gordon McInally highlights how strategic philanthropy and The Rotary Foundation fuel enduring humanitarian impact around the world.
Planet Keynote
Bridget Teirney
 
Bridget Teirney offers a humanitarian perspective on environmental stewardship, showing how protecting natural resources strengthens community resilience.
Peace Keynote
Associate Professor
Sebastian Kaempf
 
Sebastian Kaempf explores peacebuilding in a digital age and how Rotary can strengthen cohesion, dialogue and positive peace in local communities.
 
Masters of Ceremony
PDG Stephen O’Connell OAM
 
Dynamic and engaging, Stephen holds the room and lifts the narrative throughout the Conference.
Masters of Ceremony
PDG Jenn Wong
 
Warm, contemporary and connective, Jenn ensures an inclusive and energising experience.

More Than a Conference

House of Friendship

A vibrant hub of connection showcasing Rotary projects, partners and regional collaboration. 
 

End Polio Now Walk

Led by PDG Amanda Wendt, the Walk brings us together in action and visibility for one of Rotary’s longest-running and most impactful initiatives.

Fellowship Dinners

PDG Lindsay May is organising class dinners for Governor cohorts, Nic Egan is organising a Rotaractor event, and Roslyn Teirney is organising a Fellowship Dinner for general delegates. Booking information will be provided soon.
 

Governor Learning & Development

Led by PDG Ingrid Waugh, incoming Governors will gain confidence, skills and connection in a dedicated pre-conference leadership program.

Convene Around the Conference

Rotary South Pacific 2026 presents a unique opportunity to extend your conference presence with in-person meetings:
  • District strategic planning meetings
  • Rotary Fellowship gatherings
  • Rotarian Action Group sessions
  • Leadership forums
Many delegates are already planning travel — early coordination helps with scheduling and visibility. Leaders wishing to convene events alongside the Conference are encouraged to contact the organising team as soon as possible.

See you in Melbourne!

Accommodation Options

Below are accommodation options for your consideration. 
 

Novotel Melbourne South Wharf 

(7 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, VIC 3006)

Hotel offers a 10% preferential rate for registrants.

Client Code: SCP4537877    Access Code: RO443AU516
Visit https://all.accor.com, Select “Special Rates” and Enter Client and Access Codes
 
Other nearby accommodation options:

Navigating Melbourne

Melbourne is a beautiful city in Australia, known for its creative atmosphere and buzzing city centre. 

Below are a few useful resources to help you navigate Melbourne's key sights. 

Frequently Asked Questions

 
 
Can I get discounted accommodation?
Yes — see above for preferential rate details.
 
Can I get tickets to the Melbourne Cup?
Yes. While there is no formal Rotary event at the Melbourne Cup, public tickets may be booked via the official Melbourne Cup website.
 
Can I arrange a wine-tasting tour of the Yarra Valley?
Yes. Delegates can book public tours through Yarra Valley wine tour operators — early booking recommended.
 
Will there be opportunities to dine with other Rotarians on the first evening?
Yes — class dinners for Governor cohorts, a Rotaractor event and a Fellowship Dinner are being organised. Booking info will be shared soon.
 
What time does the conference finish on Sunday? Will lunch be provided?
The Conference will conclude no later than 1.30pm on Sunday 1 November 2026. Delegates will receive a takeaway lunch on Sunday.
 

Want to be a part of our Conference?

We invite you to get involved as an exhibitor, presenter or host of an ancillary event.
 
Click the buttons below to fill in the relevant form for your request.
Return completed form to Conference Chair Tony Monley at acmonley@gmail.com by 30 June 2026.
 
Download the expression of interest forms
Register Now to Get Your Tickets!
People. Planet. Peace.
Melbourne 30 Oct – 1 Nov 2026
 
Follow our Facebook Page 'Rotary South Pacific Conference' for more updates.