Welcome to the Rotary year of 2025-26

2025-26 Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo - A look at the year ahead.

We begin this year with a clear message: Unite for Good. It is a simple phrase, but a powerful one. Because behind every successful Rotary effort, every act of service, every new member welcomed, every global challenge met – there are two things that matter most: friendship and trust.
 
This is how we build strong clubs. It’s how we create meaningful partnerships and transform global problems into local solutions. It’s also how we lead—not through titles or applause, but with humility, humanity, and heart. But let me be honest with you—this kind of leadership is not always easy. We’re human and yes, we make mistakes. We sometimes disagree, but in Rotary, we are called to something greater. Let us reflect on the full vision of Rotary:
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. That last part is essential, because transformation doesn’t start with strategy. It starts with character and the way we treat one another. It starts with how we listen, how we support, and how we serve.
This year, I ask you to lead with that spirit. To grow Rotary through relationships. To make your clubs more welcoming, more flexible, more open to new ideas. To think big—but also to think beyond one year. Our term is short, but our impact can be lasting if we plan and act with continuity and vision.
Let us remember our key priorities: membership, polio, and peace. We are closer than ever to ending polio. We cannot stop now. We must keep the promise we made to the children of the world. And as for peace—Rotary has been building it for over a century. Every clean water system, every youth exchange, every maternal health project is a step toward peace.
 
 
 
 

In the past Rotary year we fundraised/donated to the following Club Projects:

  • Rice to Cambodia -  (donation to children/families identified by members in outlying Siem Reap communities) $150.00
  • Australian Rotary Health – Lift the Lid - $120.00
  • Sunrise Cambodia - (support for a school for disadvantaged children in Siem Reap) $1100.00
  • March Against Malaria - $350.00
  • Free to Shine - (keeping young girls from the sex trade by supporting families to keep them at school) $302.92
  • RYLA – RYLA Leader Sponsorship - $1350.00
  • Nepean Centre Inc – Sensory Room Equipment Donation $450.00
  • Good Friday Appeal – (Donations on the Day - our members assisted by counting/collating donations and collectors in the Bairnsdale community) - $8549.15
 
This year we will continue to look for new projects. These will be presented to the Board and then taken to members. Of course, we shall also continue to support programs within District 9815 as they arise. These have included bushfire, flood events and local support programs.

We hold 2 meetings a month which will be on the 3rd & 4th Monday of the month. Board meetings are held on the 2nd Monday and all members are welcome to attend.

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Latitude 38

What is an eClub? An eClub is like any other Rotary club; it carries out service projects, supports The Rotary Foundation and members connect with each other as well as with members of other Rotary clubs. The difference is that we connect regularly online, not necessarily at the same time but at a time that’s convenient to each member. 

How does an eClub operate?

The Club's website is the meeting place where the weekly meeting is posted (see below), as well as club project details, videos and other material are displayed and updated, all to enhance your Rotary knowledge in the area of community service. Some eClub members also meet in person at service projects, social activities, district conferences or the Rotary International Convention.

What do I commit to as a member of the Rotary club of Latitude 38?

You will be encouraged to:

  • Work through the weekly meeting below and if appropriate make comments on the club's Facebook page (this should take about 30 minutes each week);
  • Participate in club projects (see projects page), engage with a project of a local Rotary Club or local community organisation and tell the other members about it on the Facebook page;
  • Spend at least 12 hours a quarter on Rotary related activities;
  • Support the Rotary Foundation; and
  • Plan to attend an annual Rotary Conference or Rotary International convention.

Who can join an eClub?

Each eClub is based in a specific Rotary district but its members can be from anywhere in the world. Some eClubs focus their membership in a particular region or community.

An eClub could be right for you if you:

  • Have a busy schedule and need a flexible meeting time
  • Live in different places throughout the year
  • Travel frequently
  • Have limited mobility

We welcome your enquiry.

President

Pearl Findlay-James

 
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