Kate Osborne, founder of Koko Matrix, was introduced as a strategic thinker and leader known for turning ideas into practical, human-centred action. In her address, Kate reflected on her journey from a successful business in 2006 through financial hardship and mediation, sharing lessons learned from failure and resilience. She spoke of a formative mentoring relationship in the UK with former barrister, Fred Zollinger, who taught her how to think strategically and value mentorship. Kate also drew inspiration from Buckminster Fuller’s life, highlighting perseverance, purpose and creating a “symphony” for one’s life. Emphasising strategic planning, clarity and continuous learning, she encouraged setting benchmarks, adapting to change and overcoming obstacles with community support. Kate urged attendees to give themselves permission to evolve and plan intentionally for the future, inviting them to a strategic planning workshop to help shape their next chapter. Kate will donate 20% of any Rotary attendees fee back to the club.
THIS WEEK'S GUEST SPEAKER
Dee Steinfort has been the Executive Director of SWELL Sculpture Festival since late 2018. She has presented seven editions of Queensland largest outdoor sculpture exhibition and many additional art projects alongside SWELL‘s Artistic Director, Natasha Edwards. Working together as a dynamic duo, they produce ground-breaking, creative, meaningful experiences for community and visitors alike to immerse themselves in. Dee advocates for the arts sector, and building communities through multifaceted arts. She also assists artists to build sustainable careers and encourages collaborations.
Jo shared updates on Sanaya Khan’s positive experience at a the RYTS camp, including praise from organisers and her upcoming presentation. She also flagged an invitation for a high school mental health presentation and raised a funding inquiry for a child with autism, which the board will discuss at the upcoming meeting. There continues to be emails to members from the Be Well initiative and if you receive any, please forward them on to Jo. We will also be getting quotes for new Rotary shirts and caps and will advise cost soon.
Ken passed on an update from Meredith Graham regarding her daughter Alexis’s successful participation in the National Youth Science Forum and her return as a staff member.
Mike thanked volunteers for collecting and loading donated goods, noting the truck was filled through multiple school collections.
Kath advised members about an orientation camp for returning exchange students and requested volunteers to assist with a barbecue at the event on February 7th. If you can help, please contact Kath.
Michael outlined planning progress for the Duck Race, highlighting the need for new committee members, stronger feedback, and broader support. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact one of the current members – Michael, Mike, Jo, Graham, Kevin, Vicki or Richard – if you would like more information.
Members, as mentioned at the meeting today (22/01/26), I am humbled to have been referenced in a large body of work undertaken by a team led by Patricia Shafer. Patricia is a Senior Fellow for Peace Education at the Alliance for Peacebuilding, a Rotary Peace Fellow, a Rotary Positive Peace Activator and a Global Peace Ambassador for Rotary strategic partner, Institute for Economics & Peace. In fact, Patricia’s CV is even more impressive, but for the present purposes, that provides context.
I was approached in relation to the project that was commissioned at the request of then RI President-Elect Gordon McInally, to review various Rotary Exchange programs and identify opportunities to more closely link exchange activities to peace building opportunities and practices.
While Vicki and I (and Emily) were recently travelling with our Rotary Exchange students, Didac and Theo, I received an email from Patricia. The email shared with me, links to the reporting (Executive Summary) that was provided to RI. It is an interesting read. I have been given permission to share that Executive Summary.
As mentioned this morning, the report makes a number of recommendations, one of which is to encourage Rotary leaders to engage with ‘Champions’ of these exchange programs and identified a Rotarian for the Rotary Friendship Exchange and one for the Rotary Youth Exchange - the latter being yours truly. Embedded within the recommendation, is a photo of Emily and me proudly wearing our Rotary Blazers, along with a link to a podcast that I was invited to participate in for ROTEX in District 3142 (India).
What’s more, as a result of that work and a lot of ongoing work since then, a new pilot version of NewGen Peacebuilders (just for Rotary Youth Exchange) is about to launch in a multi-District in the US (and another multi-District). I’m informed that in the ‘Welcome’ materials for that program, reference will once again be made of Emily and myself and our ‘lifelong family journey’ with RYE.
If any of you are interested to read of the insights around RYE and Peacebuilding, the link is below. I also have access to some interest PowerPoint presentations on the topic, should you be interested in them (perhaps a little lighter than reading the ‘fuller’ Executive Summary.
Thank you all for your ongoing support of Rotary Youth Exchange. I think those of us gathered this morning would agree, that out most recent inbound student, Luci, already presents as an excellent example of the young people involved in Rotary’s oldest program!
John
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Club runner information
If you do not have your Club Runner login information, you can go to the Club Runner website, scroll down a little and click on “Send me a Magic Link”. Enter the email address you gave to the club, and you will receive an email. Click on the login button and then select the club website. Go to ‘My Clubrunner’ and then ‘My Profile’. The ‘Edit’ button is at the top right and you can add/change any information on your profile. Click ‘Save’ and you’re done!
If you’re really feeling techy, you can download the Club Runner app.
If you would like any help resetting your password, or downloading the app to your phone, please let us know. There are a few members who can assist you.
We are looking to use Club Runner more for information and rosters, so it would be great if everyone is able to log in.
As a professional educator, I have always felt at home in classrooms. I’ve spent years designing lessons, nurturing curiosity, and witnessing that spark in a child’s eye when a concept finally clicks.
But in 2022, I felt a deeper calling — to take my experience beyond textbooks, beyond schools, and into the community. I initiated something I called “Hour of Code with Rotary,” carrying laptops, lesson plans, and a heart full of enthusiasm into multiple government and private schools. We reached 10–12 schools, introducing students to computing in the most joyful way — by letting them create. Read more here.
Rotary Down Under
Friendship, fellowship and global impact
By Jennifer Scott AM. RI Director 2025-27.
From inspiring speakers to the joy of global friendships and cultural discovery, longtime convention-goer Jennifer Scott shares why the Rotary International Convention is a must-do experience, and why Taipei should be on your calendar in 2026.
Ian and I have attended 15 Rotary International conventions over the past 20 years, including the two virtual conventions held during COVID. Each convention is a unique experience.
Olayinka H. Babalola urges members of Rotary to Create Lasting Impact
By Etelka Lehoczky
Rotary International president-elect emphasizes effective action and ‘embracing the world with open arms’
Rotary International President-elect Olayinka H. Babalola called on members to Create Lasting Impact by making their clubs more welcoming, carrying out impactful projects, and allowing their Rotary experiences to transform them personally.
Read more and watch his Presidential message here.
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Please check the roster for the next few weeks and advise Vicki and David Ungar if you will be away that week. Meeting jobs will be allocated via email before the meeting.
Kate Osborne, founder of Koko Matrix, was introduced as a strategic thinker and leader known for turning ideas into practical, human-centred action. In her address, Kate reflected on her journey from a successful business in 2006 through financial hardship and mediation, sharing lessons learned from failure and resilience. She spoke of a formative mentoring relationship in the UK with former barrister, Fred Zollinger, who taught her how to think strategically and value mentorship. Kate also drew inspiration from Buckminster Fuller’s life, highlighting perseverance, purpose and creating a “symphony” for one’s life. Emphasising strategic planning, clarity and continuous learning, she encouraged setting benchmarks, adapting to change and overcoming obstacles with community support. Kate urged attendees to give themselves permission to evolve and plan intentionally for the future, inviting them to a strategic planning workshop to help shape their next chapter. Kate will donate 20% of any Rotary attendees fee back to the club.
