I continue to be very grateful for the wonderful support provided by our hardworking ROMAC volunteers. Also, for the ongoing support from our many loyal Rotary Clubs and Rotarians. Thank you all. ROMAC could not continue to provide the care and treatment for each child we bring to Australia or New Zealand without your generous support.
It was a privilege to join current and past members of the NZ Regional Team for our annual reunion lunch. An enjoyable occasion to renew friendships and to share an update on ROMAC’s activities in the past year.
Past Chair Glenys Parton presented two of our outstanding alumni — Eric Horne, past NZ Regional Chair and ROMAC Medical Director; and Geoff Pownall, NZ Region Administrator and Treasurer for the past 15 years — with ROMAC Lifetime Recognition Awards. I presented long-standing members of the committee, Sharon and Wayne Brewer, with Certificates of Appreciation.
Members of the Operations team have been busy supporting the following children during the past month:
As reported last month, the number of children being referred to ROMAC is increasing. Three referrals were received during April (two from PNG and one from Vanuatu), with five received in the first three weeks of May (three from Vanuatu and one each from the Solomon Islands and Fiji).
The Board has agreed to send a burns surgical team from Queensland Children’s Hospital to Honiara to treat a severely burnt nine-year-old girl there, rather than attempt to bring her to Australia for treatment
The NZ Regional Team is busy progressing preparations for bringing two children from Vanuatu to Starship Hospital, Auckland, for cardiac surgery. They will be the first children to come to New Zealand since July last year.
Our thanks go to Rotary Down Under for publishing a lovely article about ROMAC in their May/June magazine, together with an advertisement on the inside back cover seeking volunteers to join the Board and for Regional Chair roles.
I finish by once again asking Rotarians from Australia and New Zealand to please consider joining this very active and rewarding multi-district project. If you are interested, please send an expression of interest to our HR Coordinator.
Peter Garnett
ActingROMAC Chair
The Rotary Club of North Ryde has held a Lei Day barbecue at Bunnings Warehouse Gladesville to raise funds for ROMAC.
Lane Cove, Sydney pharmacy Gavin Starr Pharmacist Advice has donated much-needed paracetamol to Eastern Region.
Belmont Rotary Club has committed to supporting ROMAC following a presentation by Eastern Region Committee member Louise Hay.
Two ROMAC leaders took an opportunity to draw more support for the charity at the District 9675 Assembly recently.
Two leading New Zealand ROMAC supporters have received lifetime recognition awards.
Dr Eric Horne has been a Rotarian since December 1971, an active member for almost 50 years and an Honorary member in more recent years.
Geoff Pownall once thought his Rotary journey was complete.
Sharon and her husband Wayne have made an extraordinary contribution to ROMAC for more than a decade.
ROMAC’s Central Region Committee is planning support arrangements for 12-year-old Miliana from Vanuatu, who will be treated at Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
ROMAC was honoured to be part of the combined Rotary District 9660 and 9685 Conference — sharing stories that reflect the hope, courage, and life-changing impact at the heart of our work.
More than 350 Rotarians from three districts had an opportunity to learn more about ROMAC last month.
The Acting Chair role, together with the Operations Director role, continues to keep me busy.
This is my first newsletter as the Acting ROMAC Chair and what a busy time the last month has been.
An anonymous repeat donor has thanked ROMAC for the gift we sent in appreciation.
ROMAC shared life saving stories at the District 9675 Conference, strengthening community support to continue transforming children's lives.
Sunshine Coast Rotary clubs recently gathered for their annual Trivia Challenge, raising over $9,000 for ROMAC.
We are delighted to welcome Anita Binns, who has recently joined ROMAC as our volunteer HR Co-ordinator.
Glenys Parton, ROMAC Chair, announces a leadership change.
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Sight is vital to a child’s well-being and future. This Timor-Leste mother pays tribute to those who helped her son regain his and expresses her heartfelt gratitude.
ROMAC relies on the dedication of many volunteers, together with the ongoing support of Rotary clubs. Rockhampton South Rotary Club was recently recognised for their support of ROMAC.
Antonio sustained a traumatic eye injury after being struck by a ball while playing football with friends.
The latest on the beneficial collaboration between ACT Health and ROMAC.
ROMAC Chair Glenys Parton's end of 2025 message.
ROMAC confirmed the recipients of the 2024–25 volunteer recognition awards.
Maggie Alexander's contribution to ROMAC over the past 8 years was recognised at the ROMAC AGM.
Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word, your contribution brings a child closer to life changing surgery.
