Rotary SA hosts expo in Adelaide to drive volunteer numbers

It's calling on community-minded individuals with a social conscience to consider new ways of supporting organisations that serve the community. This follows a drop in membership by 10 per cent since the onset of COVID-19.

Rotary District Governor Paul Thomas AM said the biggest challenge is reversing the downward trend and making Rotary relevant, particularly with young people.

"Many young professionals are time-poor but they often have that philanthropic gene and it's important we engage with them so they can help others through positive social impact."

"As we celebrate 100 years of our community impact, we are focussed on creating a legacy for future generations. We are extremely proud of Rotary's past and confident of the future however, recognise the need to adapt for the next generation of Rotarians."

The organisation currently has around 2000 Rotarians in District 9510, which represents SA, Broken Hill, Alice Springs and the Mildura Sunraysia area. Within the Rotary network in South Australia, there are around 80 clubs from Port Lincoln to Bordertown.

Rotary is hosting a Community Impact Expo this month to showcase volunteering opportunities with its partner organisations.

Rotary International Director, Dr Jessie Harman, said the organisation is creating new types of volunteering opportunities and channels into volunteering with a greater focus on diversity and inclusiveness.

"Incorporating technology and providing opportunities for people to connect with Rotary in a more informal basis through specific cause projects will be important now and into the future."

For 100 years, volunteers from Rotary have supported the South Australian community with a variety of projects, including hot meals at Hutt St Centre and research funding.

Rotary's Community Impact Expo will be held on Saturday, June 3, at Bonython Hall, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, from 8.30am-4pm with up to 35 exhibitors and partnership organisation showcasing volunteering opportunities.

Attendance is free and open to the public.

Click here for more information.