An inaugural meeting of the Western Region ROMAC Committee was held recently at the Rotary office in the John McGrath Pavilion, South Perth.
Pictured above at the meeting (left to right) Soovanch Sungur, committee member Wilma McBain, District Governor Veronica Lawrence, Western Region Chair Julia Spark, and Professor Mark Khangure AM.
ROMAC Director Glenys Parton was also visiting from New Zealand to support the Western Region team as it rebuilds its capacity.
The meeting was characterised by a warm and friendly atmosphere, with a strong sense of enthusiasm and commitment to re-establishing ROMAC’s presence and activities in Western Australia.
Discussion focused on the committee’s structure and membership, planning for the months ahead, and identifying the key roles needed to support its work. There was general agreement that the immediate priority is to establish a strong committee, with clearly-defined roles and responsibilities, before considering the referral of any children for treatment in Western Australia.
This careful and considered approach was reinforced at a subsequent meeting with representatives of Perth Children’s Hospital. It was agreed that further engagement between ROMAC’s Medical and Operations teams and the hospital’s clinical team leaders will take place over the coming months and into next year. This will ensure the necessary relationships, processes and clinical arrangements are firmly established before children are considered for treatment.
The inaugural meeting was an important and encouraging first step. With the commitment of the Western Region team and the support of Rotary and Perth Children’s Hospital, a sound foundation is being laid for ROMAC to once again help provide life-changing medical treatment for children in Western Australia.
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.
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.
