Australia
June 27, 2026

Chair's Message: Volunteers needed for four key roles

What a special privilege it is to be involved in ROMAC. I am always very moved seeing the smiles on the faces of our ROMAC children, as they leave to go home after their life changing treatment in Australia or New Zealand.

Together with hugs and heartfelt thanks from the accompanying caring parents, this makes my voluntary commitment so worthwhile.

With this in mind, ROMAC is looking for new Rotarian volunteers in both Australia and New Zealand to join our committed group of volunteers. Please consider volunteering as a member of one of our regional committees, as a Regional Chair or as a director on the ROMAC Board.

We are currently seeking successors for the following roles:

  • Southern Regional Chair – based in or in proximity to Melbourne
  • NZ Regional Chair - based in or in proximity to Auckland
  • Corporate Services Director – can be from Australia or New Zealand
  • IT Support Coordinator – preference for Australian based

If you are interested in exploring any of these roles and would like to know more about them, please email our HR advisor, Anita Binns. Anita will share the role description with you and respond to any queries you may have.

Our ROMAC team continues to be busy with referral coming in steadily, with children being supported in country and preparations being made for the next children to come for treatment. Our two Operations managers, Pam in Australia and Sue in NZ are both kept busy working on the arrangements for bringing the next group of children in for their treatment.

For each child, they need to collect all the required documents, signed ROMAC agreements, ensuring the child and their caregiver have passports or arranging for them to get these, arranging medical visas, flights, and accommodation. And, when required, arranging for medical escorts. We are grateful to them both for their dedication and attention to detail which enables the successful arrival and return home for each child.

As we reach the end of another Rotary year, I finish by acknowledging the many wonderful and generous Rotarians and Rotary Clubs who continue to support ROMAC with their donations. Without your ongoing support ROMAC could not continue to provide life-changing treatment for the children of Oceania. Thank you.

Peter Garnett MBE

ROMAC Chair

Recent Posts

Australia
June 26, 2026
Call for award nominations

A call has gone out for nominations for the annual ROMAC awards to recognise volunteers, medical professionals and benefactors.

Read more
Australia
June 21, 2026
More Club support, better donor communication

More support for Clubs and better donor communication — these are the priorities for new Fundraising Director Mariam Fergusson as she gets to grips with the role.

Read more
Australia
June 20, 2026
Presentation inspires support at Campbelltown

Campbelltown Rotarians have backed ROMAC with a $2000 donation following a presentation by Central Region Chair Judi-Marie Brown.

Read more
Australia
June 14, 2026
Cameron’s pumpkins contribute to high tea fundraiser

Lei Day High Tea at Cobbitty Retirement Village had a brand new star this year — 10-year-old Cameron (pictured with Eastern Region Chair Anita Robinson).

Read more
Australia
June 10, 2026
Sandra Goldstraw awarded OAM

ACT Regional Chair Sandra Goldstraw has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her community service in several roles.

Read more
New Zealand
May 22, 2026
Chair's Message: Please consider joining this project

Another month has passed and it is time to welcome everyone to our May newsletter.

Read more
Australia
May 21, 2026
North Ryde Club holds Bunnings barbecue for Lei Day

The Rotary Club of North Ryde has held a Lei Day barbecue at Bunnings Warehouse Gladesville to raise funds for ROMAC.

Read more
Australia
May 21, 2026
Pharmacy donates drugs to ROMAC

Lane Cove, Sydney pharmacy Gavin Starr Pharmacist Advice has donated much-needed paracetamol to Eastern Region.

Read more
Australia
May 21, 2026
Belmont Rotary commits to ROMAC support

Belmont Rotary Club has committed to supporting ROMAC following a presentation by Eastern Region Committee member Louise Hay.

Read more
Australia
May 21, 2026
Assembly provides opportunity for ROMAC

Two ROMAC leaders took an opportunity to draw more support for the charity at the District 9675 Assembly recently.

Read more
New Zealand
May 12, 2026
Leading ROMAC supporters awarded lifetime recognition

Two leading New Zealand ROMAC supporters have received lifetime recognition awards.

Read more
New Zealand
May 12, 2026
Dr Eric Horne — Lifetime Recognition Award

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.

Read more
New Zealand
May 12, 2026
Geoff Pownall — Lifetime Recognition Award

Geoff Pownall once thought his Rotary journey was complete.

Read more
New Zealand
May 12, 2026
Sharon and Wayne Brewer recognised

Sharon and her husband Wayne have made an extraordinary contribution to ROMAC for more than a decade.

Read more
Vanuatu
May 5, 2026
Adelaide Rotarians plan support for Miliana

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.

Read more
Australia
April 23, 2026
Shared stories reflect hope, courage and changed lives

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.

Read more
Australia
April 23, 2026
ROMAC makes an impact

More than 350 Rotarians from three districts had an opportunity to learn more about ROMAC last month.

Read more
New Zealand
April 23, 2026
Chair’s Message: Busy volunteer roles have their rewards

The Acting Chair role, together with the Operations Director role, continues to keep me busy.

Read more
Australia
March 27, 2026
Chair's Message: Board and Regional Chair volunteers wanted

This is my first newsletter as the Acting ROMAC Chair and what a busy time the last month has been.

Read more
Australia
March 27, 2026
Our gift keeps on giving

An anonymous repeat donor has thanked ROMAC for the gift we sent in appreciation.

Read more
Australia
March 27, 2026
ROMAC showcased at D9675 Rotary Conference

ROMAC shared life saving stories at the District 9675 Conference, strengthening community support to continue transforming children's lives.

Read more
Australia
March 27, 2026
Sunshine Coast Trivia Challenge raises $9000 for ROMAC

Sunshine Coast Rotary clubs recently gathered for their annual Trivia Challenge, raising over $9,000 for ROMAC.

Read more
Australia
February 26, 2026
Meet Anita our new HR Coordinator

We are delighted to welcome Anita Binns, who has recently joined ROMAC as our volunteer HR Co-ordinator.

Read more
New Zealand
February 25, 2026
Outgoing Chair our top volunteer

Glenys Parton, ROMAC Chair, announces a leadership change.

Read more
Timor-Leste
February 25, 2026
Timor-Leste Mother expresses her sincere gratitude

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.

Read more
Australia
February 18, 2026
Thanks for donation supporting surgical treatment for children in need

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.

Read more
Timor-Leste
December 22, 2026
Fifteen-year-old Antonio from Timor-Leste is scheduled to arrive in Sydney

Antonio sustained a traumatic eye injury after being struck by a ball while playing football with friends.

Read more
Australia
December 18, 2025
ACT Region to welcome two patients in the New Year

The latest on the beneficial collaboration between ACT Health and ROMAC.

Read more
New Zealand
December 18, 2025
ROMAC Chair's Message December 2025

ROMAC Chair Glenys Parton's end of 2025 message.

Read more
Person with child
Australia
November 5, 2025
ROMAC 2024-25 Volunteer Awards announced

ROMAC confirmed the recipients of the 2024–25 volunteer recognition awards.

Read more
Glenys Parton presenting Maggie Alexander with her Paul Harris Fellow award
Australia
October 30, 2025
ROMAC awards Paul Harris Fellow

Maggie Alexander's contribution to ROMAC over the past 8 years was recognised at the ROMAC AGM.

Read more

You can help change a child's life

Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word, your contribution brings a child closer to life changing surgery.