Find A Specialist

As a Rotary Specialist (Membership) I bring extensive experience in and a decidedly collaborative approach to establishing, developing and sustaining entities from startups to established national organisations, from community groups and not-for-profits to government agencies. In Rotary I have particular expertise, having conceived and established, working with Rotarian colleagues with complementary technical skill, the Rotary Club of Mana Tangata, a ‘master’ club with several autonomous, dispersed Chapters formed by Clubs that merged with Mana Tangata, otherwise they would for various reasons have wound down. While Chapters manage their own affairs and finances, and continue actively to serve their communities, governance and compliance is provided by the Club along with annual reporting on behalf of the Club, and its Chapters. I am already providing advice and practical guidance to several clubs and clusters as this Club model is attracting growing interest in NZ, Australia and beyond in the UK.

Amanda held most roles in her Rotaract club including President, then DRR, chair of RA and Rotary advisor to RA. Amanda has done similar in Rotary and just completed her third term as club President for three different Rotary clubs. Amanda’s primary role through each of her presidential terms has been to create stability and consistency for the clubs as well as member wellbeing. Amanda has also been in a range of Rotary project and programs, for District, multi-district and zone - her longest commitment being District RYPEN (in various roles since 2005 and camp director since 2018), and at a zone level Amanda served in the Membership committee 2012-2015, Trainer for the Zone’s L&D District leads since 2021, and has been working in various committees with the Regionalisation Pilot including Communications Operations Manager, a member of the core team and the Deputy Chair of the Regionalisation Establishment Team.

I am a professional banker with more than 15 years of experience in banking and finance. Have served diverse clients from several backgrounds and understood their needs and with my client centric approach and understanding of cultures and diversity made me one of the popular identity amongst the clients from diversified background. Empathy, Resilience and Care is what I wish to bring in to serve the community.

Enthusiastic and passionate Operations Manager with extensive experience in delivering transformational projects, and providing strategic leadership to realise tangible efficiencies. Challenges energise me and am comfortable with ambiguity. Enjoy developing and executing organisational capability while managing transformational change agenda with passion and delivering successful project outcomes quickly. My progressive mindset defines my success in achieving results. I have a knack for identifying blind spots and finding elegant sustainable solutions, strong decision-making ability, forging stakeholder engagement and effective follow-through. My career spanning 35 years working with myriad multinational industries in Australia and overseas has enabled me to develop skills in harnessing and embracing the benefits of workplace diversity, inclusion, and equity and showcasing the benefits. More innovation and creativity Improve productivity and performance. Better decision-making Employee retention Promotes health and well-being. As today’s world becomes increasingly more globalised and interconnected, diversifying organisations are making good business sense.

I have an extensive understanding of RYLA, having been - A participant in 2014 - A Team Leader and Program Director for District 9675 for several years - A co-founder and President of RYLA Oceania, a Rotary International Association that connects and serves the community of RYLA Program Leaders and RYLA Alumni across Zone 8. My co-founder Rebecca Fry and I have been hosting annual Forums of all RYLA Program Leaders across Zone 8 since 2018. We have a deep understanding of the shared strengths and challenges across District RYLA Programs, and we have an amazing network of RYLA Leaders to best understand how to collaborate with the Regionalisation. To give the Regionalisation Pilot the best chance of success, it is vital that communication channels are open across RYLA Program Leaders, Districts Leaders and Rotarians, and I believe Bec and I are in a great position to facilitate shared understanding.

I have a reasonable amount of adult training experience in computing and ClubRunner. More specifically, I have 40 years experience in computing, systems administration and programming. That includes being District 9700/9705 Webmaster for 20 years and Wollundry Rotary club of Wagga Wagga Webmaster for 25 years. My experience with ClubRunner has been at the club and district level for 18 years, and under a year using the Zone version. I enjoy training using Video Conferencing (Zoom), although it can be challenging for the trainer to present video training in such a way that is clear and understandable, and keeps everyone interested. I'm still learning from my students and attempting to keep up with the latest tech features. I am very impressed with the Specialists program and l feel it would be valuable to have a Zoom meeting of the ClubRunner Specialists.

I have a range of areas that I can offer advice on including: • Running a Mental Health First Aid project • Leadership development and training • Executive coaching • Strategic plan review and guidance • Governance review and guidance • Facilitation design for strategic planning, L&D and other workshops I can also conduct investigations and fact-finding inquiries on behalf of leadership

I have Degrees in Economics and Law from Sydney University (1977/78) and was admitted as a Solicitor in December 1979, practicing from February 1980 to 1984. I then transferred to being a Barrister in February 1984 and have practiced continuously over the last 40 years primarily in the personal injury field, particularly workers compensation, including insurance issues. Relevant to legal, administrative, youth exchange and protection matters, I served as District 9685 Administration Advisor 2008-10; Governor 2012/13; Youth Exchange Chair 2014-18; and Council on Legislation Delegate in 2016. I have been a member of the National Insurance Committee from 2014 – 2018 and 2022 to date;. I have provided draft Club Constitutions and Bylaws to many Clubs since 2010; drafted new District Bylaws in 2012; and drafted amendments to the Probus South Pacific Constitution in 2013. I was pleased to play a part in the substantial changes made at the Council of Legislation in 2016 regarding membership and attendance. As a member of the National Insurance Committee over many years (currently Chair), I have been involved in many aspects of insurance and risk management. I see Youth Protection as an essential part of Rotary Service, enabling us to carry out our numerous Youth programs and enabling us to have appropriate insurance cover. With the combination of legal, insurance and youth exchange experience, I hope to assist Clubs in those areas.

I have 25 years experience in change management of individuals and teams in large corporations. Successfully guiding them through the transition process from where they are now, and into the new era. My skills are: 1. Extensive experience in leadership, management, coaching and change management of individuals and teams. 2. Training and mentoring plans for succession planning in workplaces, this could be applied to clubs for succession planning of future leaders. 3. Workplace Trainer and Assessor experience. 4. Expertise in investment proposals, financial strategy, analysis, forecasting and control, together with risk analysis, identification and mitigation skills. 5. DEI assessments and action plans to provide improved club functioning. 6. Use of social media to connect with club members and the community. 7. Encouragement of youth participation in RYLA programs through community engagement.

With a decade-long tenure in public education, primarily as a secondary English teacher, I've honed various skills crucial for community engagement. Holding roles like Year Advisor, Aboriginal Education officer, and senior curriculum co-ordinator, I've developed expertise in designing youth programs and promoting youth well-being. Transitioning into Rotary Club involvement, I've spearheaded recruitment strategies, resulting in a notable 5-member growth for our small club within a year. As a young female Anglican priest, I leverage my abilities to challenge stereotypes surrounding both the church and Rotary, effectively contributing to my current club's dynamics. Leading Dungog Anglican Church as its rector demands adeptness in enhancing its public image, emphasizing graphic design, website development, and marketing proficiency. This expertise extends to supporting the Rotary Zone 8 project, where I offer insights into leveraging social media for community groups' positive portrayal.

With a background in IT risk management, cybersecurity and technology adoption, I am dedicated to fortifying Rotary clubs in the digital era. My expertise in IT audits, vulnerability assessments, and robust internal controls ensures preemptive threat mitigation. Navigating data privacy regulations, I guide clubs to comprehensive compliance. Beyond defense, I proactively cultivate secure environments, conducting cyber maturity assessments and implementing threat hunting methods. Passionate about technology adoption, I offer skills in secure solutions, cloud migration, and personalised grant application components. Committed to collaboration, I aim to be a trusted partner, fostering cybersecurity awareness within the Rotary community. I can offer valuable training for club members on how to stay safe online. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to discuss my potential contribution.

Experienced journalist with a public relations background who can assist you getting the Rotary message out to your community. Creating impactful content is key to this task but does not need to be overwhelming. No matter how your club chooses to communicate, the content must be well packaged. Telling your story is necessary and defining audiences, methods and strategies will set you on the road to communication success. Branding, photography, social media and general media are all part of the mix. I can provide tips and hints on improving this and show you how to engage with current and potential members. The emphasis is on making it easier for you – Rotarians are busy and none of us have time to spare doing what should be simple tasks. I have worked closely with fabulous photographers and can assist with tips to improve your pictorial abilities.

I am a fundraising, sponsorship and marketing specialist. I am honoured to have worked with organisations that make a difference in our community such as Auckland City Council, Hamilton Gardens, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Paralympics New Zealand, Well Foundation and Toi Ngāpuhi. I am a Board Member of YES Disability Resource Centre Services Trust, a Member of North Shore Rotary - Fundraising Director, part of the Golf (Fundraising) Committee, Fundraising Action Group, a member of Major Fundraising and Grants Portfolio Committee for Zone 8 and a Trustee for Rotary East Coast Bays Trust. I am a current member of Institute of Directors, Women on Boards and Moceanic. My greatest passion is people. I can offer my skills and knowledge including workshops and advice on fundraising and marketing to assist our Rotary clubs with their projects and fundraising efforts. I look forward to working with the Rotary clubs and together achieving results that will make a difference in our community.

As a Sommelier I am a trained, knowledgeable and educated Wine Professional who specialises in all aspects of Wine Education, Service and Wine and Food Pairing. The Role and qualifications of a Sommelier today is much more specialised and informed than that of a wine waiter. In the period of lockdown, during COVID, the opportunity to undertake ZOOM Wine Appreciation sessions evolved and, subsequently, became very popular. Some would say it was no surprise that a Wine Appreciation via ZOOM was more fun and entertaining and even informative than a more structured presentation on Professional Ethics, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management and the Four Way Test, the other areas in which I specialise. My own journey in becoming a Wine Educator/ Wine Judge/ Sommelier came about during period of Sabbatical Leave whilst a Law Academic at Western Sydney University during which I wrote the first “Australian Wine Law” book.

My experience in Rotary, Not for Profit and work roles has provided me with the skills and experience to be able to provide expert advice in the following areas: Leadership Development - my passion for leadership development, my own personal development together with practical experience gained in leadership roles. During my work roles, in Rotary regional, district and club roles and as the District RYLA facilitator and as a Rotary Leadership Institute facilitator. Club Strategic Planning - business experience together regional, district and club experience and as District Club Visioning Chair and facilitator Conflict and dispute resolution - experience in resolving disputes in business roles, during year as District Governor and when called for help and advice since.

Extensive experience in youth programs for almost 20 years as a participant, facilitator and Director of RYLA. Founding Chair of RYLA Oceania, a Zone-level initiative designed to enhance collaboration of RYLA District Leaders across the Zone and improve opportunities for RYLA Alumni to continue their RYLA journey. RYLA Oceania has held 5 Forums for RYLA District Leaders across Australia and New Zealand and two advanced year-long leadership programs for RYLA Alumni. Rebecca has an ability to find synergies in existing initiatives and amplify their impact. Rebecca can help clubs, Rotaractors and Rotarians with all things RYLA, from alumni engagement, communications and marketing, Rotary engagement, corporate sponsorship, speakers and how to find RYLA applicants. As a Leadership and Strategy Coach, Rebecca can assist Rotaractors and Rotarians with improving their individual and team performance, enhancing their awareness and effectiveness as a leader and providing keynote presentations or workshops in this space.

I have a thorough knowledge, understanding and expertise in: • Youth Protection procedures and the importance of same. • Organisation procedures for host families, Counsellors and Clubs to host youth exchange students. • All required paperwork for such exchanges • Liaison procedures with overseas Youth exchange chairs in setting up exchanges. • The organisation required to run Rotary youth programs such as MUNA, YEP, RYLA, RYPEN. I have been: • Coordinator of RYLA IN D9670 for 6 years. • RYLA chair in D9710 for 2 years • Youth Exchange Chair 5 years (D9710 / D9705) • Involved in other programs e.g NYSF • Organised and participated in Safaris for youth Exchange students • Requested by other Districts and Chairs., to share my knowledge and expertise My working knowledge of youth programs run by Rotary and the benefit to young people

As District Visioning Chair, I have assisted numerous clubs in creating a 5-year strategic plan. Initially, I led a team of Rotarians who conducted in-person Visioning sessions lasting 4 hours. During COVID, with so many clubs meeting via Zoom or similar, I came up with an online version of Visioning, usually over 2 shorter sessions and using technology (Google Forms) to obtain the necessary ideas from club members. They then voted online for their preferred club goals to go to a Club Assembly for a vote. I provided the necessary resources (PowerPoint for club assembly, timeline templates, etc.) and support to make it easier for clubs to arrive at their long-term goals broken down into short-term chunks for their club to achieve each year plus on-going future support to help them measure their success.

BACKGROUND TO GRAFFITI REMOVAL EXPERIENCE - Joined Turramurra Rotary in second half of 2007 - Commenced Graffiti Removal Project in Jan 2008 - Purpose of project: o Clean up suburbs of Turramurra, Warrawee (and later Pymble) o Promote club in local community - Using a purpose built trailer our team of 3/4 members clean graffiti every Tuesday morning unless raining or no graffiti. Financed by Council. - Spoken to over 80 Rotary clubs to promote taking up of project - Deputy Chairman of Graffiti Removal Day, a NSW State Government initiative that ran for about 8 years, to create awareness about graffiti. - Always delighted to provide advice and to assist clubs develop the project and expertise.

1987 joined Inner Wheel Club Port Moresby [PNG] Secretary 2 years-Treasurer 2 years. 1994- 1995 President of Inner Wheel Club. 7 Dec 1997 – Migrated to Auckland New Zealand. 1998 Joined Rotary Club Auckland Harborside. 2000 to 2006: transferred to Sydney joined Rotary Club Sydney CBD[AUST] Served as Club Service Director- Community Service Director & International Director. In 2006 returned Auckland. 2012-13 President of R C Auckland Harborside - In 2013, PDG Ron Seeto awarded “Pushing Boundaries Award”. Lead role in Peace & Conflict Resolution Forum: RI President Sakuji Tanaka’s theme “Peace through Service” organized the Peace & Conflict Resolution Forum at University of Auckland. Oct 2015 Charter New Club for D: 9920 “R C Papatoetoe Central”. July 2016 to June 2018 I was Assistant Governor and was in charge of five Rotary Clubs in Auckland. 2014 to date: Serving on District level as Chairperson Global Grant Scholarship- Peace Fellowships-INTERPLAST.

I'm a veteran of the digital industry. I've been involved with digital transformation for nearly 25 years. In that time I've offered strategic advice to many of Australia's biggest brands. I was responsible for 15 years for digital strategy for the Toyota company. We were the leading automotive site in the world and our strategy was at least 20 years ahead of any of the competition. I managed the biggest digital advertising account in Australia. More recently I've been involved in the delivery of digital advertising and marketing for the tourism industry. Both in Australia and overseas.

I joined Rotary in 2007 after hosting a young boy who came to Australia for heart surgery. In Rotary I immediately became involved in RAWCS as I had already been travelling overseas doing International development work and humanitarian service projects. In 2010 I established a charitable foundation, Pink Umbrella Foundation to provide governance and funding to the international development work. Currently I am the RAWCS Eastern Region Project Coordinator. I ensure RAWCS project managers met governance requirements for the tax deductible status RAWCS has. I am aware of criteria of working in developing countries having established a charitable foundation. I travel regularly overseas to various countries, working on sustainable development projects. Part of my role in RAWCS is supporting Rotarians working in developing countries and keeping them across regulations from our government.

Thaya Ponniah has been a Rotarian since 1998. He was the President of the Rotary Club of Colombo South (District 3220, Sri Lanka) in 2002/2003. He was presented the “Best President” and the “Best Club” awards. Thaya also became a major donor during his presidency in Sri Lanka and was instrumental in making his club a 100% Paul Harris Fellow club in the district. Thaya was the District Chair for Vocational Service in Sri Lanka in 2003–2004. He again became president of the Rotary Club of Strathfield (District 9675, NSW, Australia) and was presented with the “Club of the Year” award for District 9675 in 2021/2022. Thaya is currently a Paul Harris Society member and a major donor at level 2. Thaya has been the District Fund Raising Chair of the Foundation for the last 2 years, and he is currently the District Chair for International Services.