People • Planet • Peace brought to life

To see all the fun and festivities of the 2026 Rotary South Pacific Conference in action, check out the full photo gallery here

For many months, ‘People • Planet • Peace’ had just been a theme on a page, an idea discussed in meetings and a promise of what this conference might become.

From 30 October – 1 November, it was brought to life by passionate people at the 2026 Rotary South Pacific Conference in Melbourne, Vic.

Approximately 400 enthusiastic attendees filled the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre, where they were inspired by a host of leaders from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

But a conference is not created by a program alone. It comes alive through people who ask questions, exchange ideas, renew friendships and make new connections. Some travelled considerable distances, so thank you to everyone who registered and made the decision to come to Melbourne.

Sincere thanks then go to our international guests: Rotary International President-elect Larry Lunsford and his wife Jill; Past Rotary International President and Trustee of The Rotary Foundation Gordon McInally and his wife Heather; Rotary International Deputy General Secretary Michele Berg and her husband John; and Rotary International Director-elect Edna Sutter and her husband Martin.

Thank you to all the speakers, presenters, panellists, facilitators and MCs. From Dr Jill Gallagher AO exploring community-led partnerships, Tim Wiebusch examining climate resilience and disaster response, and futurist Simon Kriss challenging us to consider artificial intelligence, to Rotary members sharing successful projects, the program offered ideas to take home and put into action.

The conference extends well beyond the main stage. The Rotary Foundation Masterclass, End Polio Walk, Rotaract activities, Fellowship Dinner, Presidents’ Breakfast and House of Friendship all create opportunities to learn, connect and strengthen our commitment to service.

And it would be remiss not to mention Rotary Down Under’s own packed breakout session on public image, which offered a hands-on workshop on how to tell, and show, Rotary’s stories better. By all accounts it was very well received, and we even managed to get Rotary International President-elect Larry Lunsford on the front cover of RDU at our greenscreen photobooth!

Thanks also go to the conference sponsors and supporters, including Wendy Wu Tours, Rotary Down Under, Kieser Australia, Australian Rotary Health, RAWCS and ROMAC, whose contributions helped make this gathering possible.

And an enormous thank you goes to our volunteers. Regional conferences do not simply happen. Behind every registration, speaker arrangement, program update, email, social media post, technical requirement, meal and welcoming smile is someone who has generously given their time and expertise.

Special thanks go to Conference Convenor RI Director Jennifer Scott AM, whose leadership and vision guided the event, and Conference Chair Tony Monley OAM, whose dedication and extraordinary organisational contribution were central to its delivery. We also acknowledge the committed conference committee, local volunteers and the many Rotarians and Rotaractors who worked behind the scenes for months.

‘People • Planet • Peace’ encompassed some of the greatest opportunities and challenges facing our communities. None can be addressed by one person, one club, one district or one country acting alone.

What Rotary offers is connection: people willing to meet, listen, learn and then act.

To everyone who contributed to the 2026 Rotary South Pacific Conference – on stage, behind the scenes, in the House of Friendship or among the delegates – thank you for being part of it.

Together, you are what makes the conference matter.