Pictured above, Interplast CEO Associate Professor Misha Coleman (left) with ROMAC Chair John Lawrence and New Zealand Region Chair Peter Garnett (right).
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) brings children to Australia and New Zealand for live-saving surgery which is not available in their home countries.
Interplast delivers specialist surgical programs in Asia-Pacific countries with local medical teams.
Both organisations depend on the support of Rotarians and Rotary Clubs, generous individuals and sponsors through Australia and New Zealand.
Through the MOU, the two organisations will strengthen cooperation in identifying, assessing and referring children who require specialist surgical treatment.
The partnership brings together the complementary expertise and networks of both teams.
The MOU establishes a framework for close collaboration, including patient referrals, specialist medical advice, clinical assessment and follow-up care. By making better use of their respective medical expertise, networks and resources, the best possible outcomes for children and their families can be achieved.
Working together, Interplast and ROMAC will improve pathways to appropriate treatment, strengthen regional cooperation and give more children the opportunity to access the surgery and care they need.
ROMAC Chair John Lawrence said the agreement represented an important step in improving outcomes for children across Oceania and strengthening the relationship between ROMAC and Interplast.
“We share a strong commitment to helping children needing specialist surgical care across Oceania,” he said.
“By combining Interplast's extensive experience in delivering surgical programs and training local medical teams, with ROMAC's ability to facilitate treatment in Australia and New Zealand, we can create stronger referral pathways and make better use of our collective expertise.
“At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that every child deserves access to appropriate medical care, regardless of where they are born or the circumstances in which they live.
“I am confident that the benefits of this partnership will translate into real opportunities for children and their families throughout Oceania and the Asia-Pacific region.
“On behalf of ROMAC, I thank Interplast for its commitment to this collaboration and look forward to the positive difference we can make together.”
Interplast CEO Associate Professor Misha Coleman said the MOU was ultimately about children, not organisations.
“I’m delighted that Interplast and ROMAC are strengthening a partnership that gives children and families across the Pacific more pathways to the specialist surgical care they need.”
“It’s a great example of what can happen when organisations share their expertise, their networks and their commitment to getting the best outcome for every child.
After more website Patient Stories and e-News lead items than any other child, Tom from Vanuatu has achieved the ultimate ROMAC fame — the cover of the Annual Report.
ROMAC featured prominently at the Rotary South Pacific Zone 8 Conference in Melbourne recently.
It is with both happiness and a hint of sadness that I sit down to write my last message as ROMAC Chair.
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Rotary Clubs have been asked to include ROMAC in their Christmas raffles and fundraising efforts.
Volunteers in Darwin recently raised $1500 from a ROMAC raffle at a Pacific Island cultural event hosted by The Friendly Island People Inc.
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You could help change — or even save — the life of a child by making a bequest to ROMAC in your will.
An ABC journalist has reported how siblings from Vanuatu can now walk after donated Canberra care. We republish the story with the kind permission of the ABC Digital News Team.
It has been a busy month for the Board as we prepare for the upcoming Annual General Meeting in Melbourne on 30 October during the Rotary South Pacific Conference.
ROMAC Central was recently represented at an Adelaide Government House reception by committee members Dr Jayanthi Selvam and Rosemary Padmanabhan.
ROMAC has had an opportunity to tell its story to District Governors-Elect at a Zone 8 meeting recently.
ROMAC is once again setting up a presence in Western Australia after more than 12 years without Oceania children being brought to the state for treatment.
Rotarians are keen fundraisers for ROMAC and have a flair for enjoying themselves while bringing in much needed monetary support.
Our ROMAC team continues to be busy with four new referrals coming to us since my July report – two from Timor Leste, one from Solomon Islands and one from Fiji.
Rockhampton South Rotary has hosted a fundraising event at Athelstane House, with 100% of proceeds from drinks sold going towards funding medical care for ROMAC children.
Fundraising Director Mariam Fergusson has appealed to new Club and District leaders to support ROMAC in the 2026-27 Rotary year.
I am delighted to be able to announce and extend a warm welcome to new and returning members to the ROMAC Board.
Video creator Mark Tanner has been presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his work creating videos for ROMAC.
A Rotary-organised concert has raised $2000 for ROMAC.
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.
A call has gone out for nominations for the annual ROMAC awards to recognise volunteers, medical professionals and benefactors.
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.
Campbelltown Rotarians have backed ROMAC with a $2000 donation following a presentation by Central Region Chair Judi-Marie Brown.
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).
ACT Regional Chair Sandra Goldstraw has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her community service in several roles.
Another month has passed and it is time to welcome everyone to our May newsletter.
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.
