FRIDAY ACTIVITIES - CONFERENCE

For those of you attending Conference (and partners too!), why not make the most of being in Hobart and jump into some fun Friday activities on Friday 13 March, before the official proceedings begin on Saturday?

If you’re up for a hit of golf, join us at Claremont Golf Course – a stunning course along the Derwent River, just a short distance from Hobart. A bus will collect you and return you to the Hotel Grand Chancellor, making it super easy. Clubs and golf carts are available for hire, and can be booked directly through the Claremont Golf Club. The event will be played as an Ambrose, so don’t worry if you’re not a regular golfer – it’s designed to be relaxed, social and lots of fun. Lunch is included before heading back to the hotel.

Prefer something a little more laid-back but still sporty? A friendly game of bowls at Sandy Bay Bowls Club (a short drive from Hobart) is another great option, with lunch included. It’s a brilliant way to mix with Rotarians from other clubs and enjoy a few laughs along the way.

Not feeling sporty at all? No problem! Treat yourself to a Morning Tea experience at The Henry Jones, starting with a fascinating storytelling session about the Hobart waterfront—its history, characters, and convict tales. After that, you’ll head into the magnificent MACq 01 building for a delicious morning tea filled with history and scrumptious food.

There are also some wonderful tasting experiences on offer. Join the luncheon at the Waterline Restaurant with an optional gin tasting, where McHenry Distillery will share a short talk on gin-making, followed by tastings (with purchases available). And for whiskey lovers, Lark Distillery is just up the street from the Hotel Grand Chancellor, offering an afternoon whiskey tasting experience.

Then, to round out the day, come along to the Pre-Dinner Drinks at the Henry Jones Atrium with the DGs—a fantastic chance to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and really get into the spirit of Conference before the weekend begins.

All of these venues for morning tea, lunch, whiskey tasting and pre-dinner drinks are a short walking distance from the Hotel Grand Chancellor, so no need to organise any transport.

All of these activities can be booked via the Conference website, and many are open even if you’re not attending the full Conference. I’d love to see plenty of our club there—have a chat with others who are heading over and maybe plan to attend an activity together. What a perfect way to start an unforgettable weekend in Hobart!

Conference session times 

• Saturday plenary sessions: 10:00am – 5:00pm
  Held in the Federation Concert Hall, Hotel Grand Chancellor

• Sunday sessions: recommence 8:30am                                                                                 Held in the Federation Concert Hall, Hotel Grand Chancellor

• Conference concludes at 1:40pm

GALA DINNER

The Gala Dinner on Saturday night is one of the real highlights of the Conference weekend — a relaxed, fun-filled night designed for laughter, social networking, dancing and plenty of good memories.

What to expect at the Gala Dinner

The Gala Night is all about fun and camaraderie. Traditionally, clubs and attendees dress up to the theme chosen by the District Governor. This year's theme is 'Nautical'.  It’s not formal in the “stuffy” sense — it’s light-hearted and informal, with the aim of adding a bit of humour and extra energy to the weekend.

There is no official parade of clubs. Some clubs like to enter the ballroom together to make a splash (and it can be a lot of fun!), but once you’re in, you’re welcome to mingle, catch up with friends, and find your seats at your own pace. 

As you arrive, the District Governors will welcome you at the door and will keep a close eye out for the “Best Dressed Club”, which will receive recognition during the night.

Run sheet for the evening

• 6:30pm – Doors open

• 7:00pm – Please be seated

• 7:30pm – Entrée served (with musical entertainment by saxophonist Mark Smith)

• 8:35pm – Main course served

• 8:50pm (approx.) – Band Wingin’ It begins

• 9:30pm – Dessert served

• 11:45pm – Night concludes

The vibe

If you’ve never been to a Rotary Gala Night before, think of it as a big, friendly celebration — music, dancing, laughs, and meeting new people from across the districts. It’s the kind of night you’ll talk about afterwards, and it’s a perfect way to top off a big day of Conference sessions.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll absolutely walk away feeling like a proud Rotarian — with new friends, fond memories, and plenty of inspiration.

Monique Smith

District 9815 Conference Chair