Steering Group Chair Neville Parsons and District Governor Elect Lisa Hunt gave updates about the Pilot as part of the March all member updates.

My question to you this World Rotaract Week is: what wealth do we as Rotarians overlook or forget when we focus ourselves so narrowly when it is time to deliver a project?

It was wonderful to have a face-to-face Regional Council board meeting on 12 March.

Clubs in Zone 8 have recently been allocated to Rotary Community Groups (RCGs), a new way for clubs to collaborate so they can achieve more than they could on their own.
Now each RCG needs a Leader to guide them on their path to success!

At the RI Board meeting in January the Steering Group presented to the Board sharing the key milestones coming up including the establishment of Rotary Community Groups.

Thank you to those who came to our first all member webinar of the year on Sunday 25 February - it was great to kick off the new year talking about the exciting opportunities which are ahead for clubs and members.

One of the key takeaways for me was that we have the magic in ourselves to create the change we desire within our Zone. Our clubs and districts are built on amazing connections! We have so many opportunities to use our knowledge and passion to expand our reach.

Thank you to everyone who came along to our webinar to find out everything you need to know about two new roles being introduced to Zone 8 as part of the Regionalisation Pilot

Having officially started on 1 January 2024, the Regional Council is moving full steam ahead to ensure we’re not only ready for the full implementation of the Pilot’s operating model in July, but that we’re also ready to serve you – the clubs and members of Rotary and Rotaract.

Incoming members of the Zone 8 Regional Council participated in an intensive learning and development program, tailored especially to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to lead and represent Zone 8.

The webinar focused on next steps for Rotary Community Group formation, the introduction of the Regional Council and the future state document which is now available and we are seeking feedback on.

In September, a group of eighteen Rotarians, Rotaractors and Rotary International staff members gathered - some in person and some virtually - for a workshop to imagine what the Zone could look like after the Regionalisation Pilot ends in June 2026.

Clubs throughout Zone 8 have had their say, and the results of the first Zone 8 Regional Council election are now in. View the make up of the first Regional Council now.

For more regular updates and to be a part of our reference group, subscribe here. You can have your say by visiting creatingtomorrowrotary.org or emailing us directly at rotaryregionalpilot@gmail.com.

Club Presidents have received their unique link to vote on behalf of their club in our inaugural Regional Council election. They can now cast one preferential vote for each of the Regional Council positions they are eligible to vote for.

On 3 October the Regionalisation Pilot announced the candidates for the first Regional Council in Zone 8 - that is Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Presidents on behalf of their clubs will vote for candidates via a preferential voting system from 17 October.

It was wonderful to see so many members tune in across the three webinars to understand some of the great work currently taking place.

Topics covered this month include information on Rotary Community Groups, exciting news from the Membership Regionalisation Establishment Team and an update on the Regional Council Election process.

Clubs and members are at the core of the Regionalisation Pilot and we are starting to implement some of the exciting opportunities the Pilot is testing.

We strongly encourage you to actively discuss what opportunities your club would like to explore. It is not about taking club activities or projects away, but the Pilot is a chance to expand your reach and increase your impact.

Members of the Steering Group and Pilot Establishment Team leads recently hosted a series of webinars to share information about the Regional Council elections and Rotary Community groups.

We see new club development as a vital part of growing Rotary, along with attracting and retaining members in our existing clubs. New style clubs in particular are essential for reaching new demographics that our traditional clubs may be unable to attract and retain.