The annual national meeting of RAWCS representatives from each state and territory was held at the Ciloms Airport Lodge in Melbourne on 9and 10 April and was attended by Paul Asprey.

The annual national meeting of RAWCS representatives from each state and territory was held at the Ciloms Airport Lodge in Melbourne on 9and 10 April with the board also meeting the day before. All levels of the RAWCS structure were present at the two-day meeting ranging from the national board to regional coordinators and district chairs. 

This presented an excellent blend of experience, innovative ideas and fellowship of people dedicated to RAWCS. 

Our district was well represented with PDG John McLaren (RAWCS National Chairman), PP Barry Tennent (Northern Region Coordinator-elect) and PP Paul Asprey (D9560 RAWCS Chair) attending.

The purpose of the workshop was to:

• Present the new Strategic Plan for 2022 – 2025

• Schedule RAWCS speakers to visit to all clubs

• Develop mentoring to clubs proposing or undertaking projects

• Ensure district chairs know how access funding and get a project registered

• Refine role descriptions for regional office bearers.

• Develop and ensure access to Off-the shelf projects by district chairs

The 2022-2025 Strategic plan consists of four key components:

1. Enhance Engage and Communicate with Club and Key Stakeholders

o Encourage, Financially Support and Empower Clubs

o Support Clubs to identify local and international humanitarian aid projects that assist disadvantaged individuals and communities.

o Build Brand awareness and recognition of RAWCS causes

2. Strengthen program Development and Delivery

o Formalise Recognition by Government (NRRA, DFAT. etc.) *

o Support bright ideas with funding for medium term local and international projects

o Provide funds for disaster relief to targeted Clubs and communities

3. Broaden Impact to Recipients

o Grow funding partnerships with corporates, governments, and philanthropists

o Develop the public recognition of the Rotary Australia Relief Fund as a fundraiser of choice

o Partner with organizations for the delivery of services complementary to the Rotary network

o Establish processes and systems with Key Agencies and Organizations to deliver local and international support

4. Ensure continuous organisational improvement

o Enhance Capability, Capacity and Systems

o Improve Funding and Financial Sustainability

o Ensure Fund and Program Compliance and Audit Outcomes / Deliverables

Presentations were engaging and used a range of resources including PowerPoints, media and guest speakers. Participants were challenged by a series of scenarios in which we had to determine what constituted a RAWCS or RABS project. There were some quite diverse opinions about one particular project.

The weekend was an opportunity to thank Hank de Smit for his long and meritorious service to RAWCS at the national level and also farewell PDG John McLaren who concludes his term of office as Chairman of RAWCS on 30 June this year. The new charman is PP David Pearson.

* NRRA: National Recovery and Resilience Agency and DFAT: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade