Outgoing Chair our top volunteer

This will be my final newsletter as Chair, as I step down at the end of February. Due to changing personal circumstances and increasing family commitments, I have made the difficult decision to relinquish leadership of this remarkable organisation. Since joining ROMAC as a District Chair in 2015, I have witnessed first-hand the extraordinary impact this organisation has on the lives of children and their families throughout Oceania. 

While many have been enjoying the Christmas and summer break, our dedicated ROMAC Regional Chairs and their teams have continued supporting children scheduled for treatment during this period:

• Hilario arrived in early December and was repatriated following completion of his treatment on 20 December. It was a busy time for Eastern Region members in the lead-up to Christmas. 
• Hot on the heels of Hilario’s departure was Antonio’s arrival, also into the Eastern Region. Following eye surgery, he returned home at the end of January.
• Maximus arrived in the Northern Region in early January. He underwent treatment mid-month and also returned home at the end of January.

These recent cases highlight the reality that ROMAC members consistently place the needs of the children we serve ahead of their own personal commitments. When this responsibility falls to only a few, the demands can be significant.

My plea continues this month: I encourage Rotarians to consider becoming part of a regional committee, particularly in Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. There are many ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we treat and the families we support. Assisting with the delivery of pastoral care, so valued by children and their carers during their time with us, is one way to contribute and to share in the deep sense of reward that comes from changing lives.

We are yet to establish a Regional Committee in Perth following the signing of an MOU to treat children at the Children’s Hospital in Perth. The call to form a Regional Committee in that city remains open.

In addition, I have regularly called for expressions of interest in Director roles over the past twelve months and continue to seek Director support for this Rotary charity from among Rotary members. Filling these Director roles is critical to meeting our legal and governance requirements. Please contact hr@romac.org.au for more information.

Our Operations Managers continue to coordinate documentation and logistics for children awaiting travel following approval for treatment. We look forward to welcoming a new group of patients soon.

It has been a privilege to serve as Chair and to work alongside such committed and compassionate Rotarians across our regions. I am confident that ROMAC will continue to grow in strength and purpose under future leadership. While I step away from this role, my commitment to ROMAC and the children we serve remains unwavering. I thank you all for your support, dedication and friendship over these past 10 years.

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