RYLA Awardees Noah Rose and Amy Dospisil with Rotary Club of Mount Barker Director of Youth Service Justin Hill.
This year, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker proudly sponsored two outstanding young people, Noah Rose and Amy Dospisil, to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), one of Rotary’s flagship youth programs.
Held from 20-26 September 2025 at the Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair, RYLA offers a life-changing experience for participants aged 19-26 who are passionate about leadership and making a difference in their communities.
In 2025, the Rotary Clubs of Mount Barker and Salisbury co-sponsored the program, demonstrating a shared commitment to empowering youth - not just locally, but across South Australia.
Reflections from RYLA
Hearing directly from our participants has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our involvement. Their growth throughout the week was remarkable, and we’re fortunate to share some reflections from Noah Rose:
“I came into RYLA expecting to gain new leadership skills. Within two days, I realised it wasn’t about acquiring something new—it was about recognising the strengths and values I already possessed. RYLA was a toolbox that helped me strengthen those qualities and live a more fulfilling life.”
“The sessions, the people, the perspectives—it was eye-opening. In just six days, I formed deep connections with likeminded, positive influences I’ll never forget. From problem-solving tasks to table tennis tournaments, the balance of learning and enjoyment was perfect. I’m excited to return as a mentor and continue applying what I’ve learned.”
The Power Behind RYLA
RYLA is made possible by a dedicated team of mentors and committee members who generously give their time to guide participants through the week. Their leadership and support are vital to the program’s success.
The Rotary Club of Mount Barker should be incredibly proud of Noah and Amy. By sponsoring students to attend RYLA, we affirm Rotary’s belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow - they are the leaders of today.
Want to know more about RYLA. Contact us, or go to their website https://ryla9510.org/