With the Rotary International Convention coming to Melbourne in May 2023, District Governor Bob Calvert wanted to encourage as many Rotarians as possible to participate in that.

Article by PP Roslyn Teirney, Assistant Regional Public Image Coordinator

Inspired by RI President Jennifer Jones’s theme of “Imagine”, Bob took action to radically modify his offering to the Rotarians of District 9830. Taking into consideration the feedback that cost is a barrier to Rotary participation, Bob’s conference committee, headed by Past Assistant Governor Biddy Fisk, planned a free event to allow Rotarians to celebrate the year together, but to which the general public was also welcome.

Bob called for all clubs to come to Hobart and show what Rotary was all about. The location chosen, Princes Wharf Shed Number 1, is adjacent to the famous Salamanca Market and not far from where the cruise ships dock. Biddy Fisk knows the venue well, as she has managed the annual Wellness Expo there for some years.

Of the 46 Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Tasmania, 28 supported the event. Also, every Rotary Action Group and district initiative had its own stall, with alumni of youth programs joining in to help tell their Rotary stories face to face. It was an event for all ages, from Rotaract to Probus, and as well as the 60 stalls in the building, on the forecourt was a display of vehicles, including a van fitted out last year to provide medical treatment to homeless and vulnerable Tasmanians and the always engaging Tommy Choo Choo children’s train.

There was huge value in the day arising out of the freedom of Rotarians to wander from stall to stall when they were not working their shifts. Biddy described the wonderful buzz as the rich range of Rotary offerings was made apparent.

The thought that had been put into the club presentations was extremely rewarding to organisers. There were some very colourful static displays and many excellent banners explaining the activities of clubs. Clubs brought their bicycles and billy carts, books, ferrets, bandicoots, cards, plants and beanies, hoping that visitors would become customers or perhaps even members.

The Rotary Club of Sorell installed a bus shelter. Sorell volunteers were very persuasive in insisting that all who passed had a go at their sheep toss. The Rotary Club of Longford created an impressive pop up version of its Community Shop, with clothing, homewares and bric a brac for sale. The Rotary Club of Smithton brought down a large delegation including their mayor (Past District Governor Gerard Blizzard) and Taz, the Tasmanian Devil mascot of their signature event, Devil Country Music Muster. They planned a wonderful treasure trail to engage visitors and had the support of Circular Head businesses to generously provide prizes. The Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise brought together the themes of literacy and the environment in a delightful interactive display. The Rotary Club of Brighton asked directly “What do you want us to do for you?”

Visitors to the expo joked that the only thing missing was the traditional sausage sizzle!

Visit https://rotary9830.org.au/ to view a four minute video about the expo: