Neville Parsons reflects on transition into the new year and a call to embrace collaboration.
Dear Rotarians and Rotaractors,
As we come to the end of the calendar year, it is natural to reflect on what we achieved and look forward to what is next. It brings me great joy to see Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in Zone 8 continue to demonstrate their commitment to serving and supporting communities. We know that when Rotarians come together, incredible things can happen. The Regional Council in Zone 8 is excited to continue amplifying your stories and collective impact through the Regionalisation Pilot.
In January, several roles on the Regional Council transition with those stepping into the Chair and multiple Director roles. I extend my thanks to Andy Rajapakse (outgoing Membership Director) who drove initiatives to increase membership and create innovative membership experiences, and Euan Miller (outgoing Learning & Development Director) who created opportunities for members to learn, develop, and thrive. Thank you for your efforts to carry our Zone forward into the next phase of the Pilot.
Congratulations to incoming Chair, Jennie Herring; incoming Learning & Development Director Liz Courtney; and incoming Membership Director, David Barton, who I know will apply their skills and knowledge as leaders to ensure the best possible outcomes for the Pilot. I know they will carry on the momentum put in place by their predecessors. It is also my pleasure to congratulate Peter Rogers on his re-appointment as the Fundraising, Partnerships & Grants Lead, who will continue to identify and develop partnerships for impact.
As my term as Interim Chair of the Regional Council draws to a close, I pause to reflect on what I promised as a critical delivery as part of the reset. The Regional Council has developed a roadmap to success in the form of a Strategic Plan, Action Plan and an Operation Plan, with six key objectives to move the Pilot forward to ultimately increase membership, enhance the Rotary brand and create lasting impact in Zone 8.
We have an opportunity and responsibility ahead of us, to collaborate and create a Rotary that will be strong, resilient and impactful today and into the future. Why? Because Rotary is needed in this world, now more than ever.
Locally, the recent attack at Bondi has further emphasised the need for peace and community service to which Rotary is deeply committed. As a result, Rotary, in collaboration with the NSW Government and the Jewish Board of Deputies, has launched the Unite for Bondi - Bondi Terror Attack Appeal to provide benevolent relief to injured survivors and direct next of kin of those deceased. I encourage you to donate to this fundraising appeal or share it far and wide.
The Regional Council is grateful that the NSW Government recognised Rotary as a key community collaborator during these events and that we were able to support this initiative together with Rotary International (South Pacific & Philippines Office), Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), and Rotary Foundation Australia, to provide a lasting impact to local communities.
The key to this Pilot’s success is collaboration. Districts, Rotary Community Leaders, Rotary Community Groups, the Regional Council, its Portfolios, Steering Group and Rotary International leadership including the team at Norwest in Sydney need to continue working collaboratively toward the same goals to achieve optimal impact and outcomes and ultimately empowering Clubs to thrive.
I believe and hope we are positioned for success.
Finally, on behalf of the Regional Council, I wish you and those nearest and dearest to you, all the best for the festive season and for a happy, safe and collaborative 2026. I look forward to seeing what we can all achieve through connection, cooperation and collaboration to re-energise and to strengthen Rotary in our Zone to provide greater good in our communities and indeed communities throughout the Rotary world.
Yours in Rotary service,
Neville Parsons
Interim Chair
Rotary South Pacific
Rotary International Zone 8 Regional Council Ltd
Rotary South Pacific
Rotary International Zone 8 Regional Council Ltd