All Rotarians and Rotaractors are invited to come together to Connect, Share and Grow at the 2025 Rotary South Pacific Zone Conference.
You will be inspired and motivated as we connect and share ideas to grow Rotary and activate the strategic priorities of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.
The 2025 event will be held at Twin Towns Conference and Function Centre, Tweed Heads, just a few minutes stroll to Coolangatta and the Gold Coast’s spectacular beaches.
Special accommodation rates at The Sebel Twin Towns and Mantra Twin Towns have been negotiated. To secure a room click here and complete the form.
From golden beaches to lush hinterland, this iconic part of Australia offers a plethora of experiences to enjoy before or after the conference. It is fast becoming a foodie hotspot, whether you’re after fresh fish and chips on the beach or chef-hatted haute cuisine.
Register early to enjoy the region’s warm hospitality.
Twin Towns Conference and Function Centre, Tweed Heads, on the Queensland New South Wales border.
Rebecca Fry
Rebecca Fry is a leadership adviser, corporate strategist and long-time Rotary leader with a deep passion for empowering people to lead with purpose and impact. Based in Sydney, NSW, Rebecca brings more than 15 years of experience designing and delivering leadership and development programs across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors.
A proud Rotarian since 2006, Rebecca has served in a number of senior roles including chair of Rotaract Australia, a member of the Rotary International Strategic Planning Committee, and currently serves as chair of the Rotary Fellowship for Leadership Education and Development (LEAD). She is also the co-founder of RYLA Oceania, a regional leadership initiative dedicated to enhancing the leadership capacity of RYLA Alumni.
Rebecca is the founder of two leadership and performance businesses – Your Leading Edge and Millennial Leaders Club – supporting high-achieving professionals to increase their performance and impact without burning out. A certified Global Gallup Clifton Strengths Coach and sought-after facilitator, she specialises in helping leaders gain clarity, confidence and momentum in both their work and personal lives.
Beyond work and Rotary, you’ll find Bec out on a trail run or spending time with her young family.
District Governor Michael Lapiña
Michael Lapiña began his Rotary career in 2005, joining the Rotary Club of Central Melbourne Sunrise, Vic, a breakfast club that suited his nine to five job as an executive coach and project director at the National Australia Bank, which was situated across the road from where the club met.
Since then, Michael has held several district leadership roles, including team leader of the Group Vocational Exchange to the Philippines (D3820) in 2017, artistic director of the District Conferences in 2017, 2019 and 2022, and artistic consultant for the New Generation Service Exchange, sending aspiring young opera professionals to Bayreuth, Germany, each year.
He transferred his membership to the Rotary Club of Wyndham, Vic, in 2018, and since then has gone on to be club president in 2020, assistant governor for the Westside Cluster, and is now the Rotary Governor for District of 9800.
Today, Michael juggles his time between his family (consisting of wife, Nina, and three children, Mikey, Alex and Brianna – all Rotarians) and his busy Rotary life, his professional opera career, video production and teaching young singing students.
In the lead-up to the 2025 Zone 8 Conference on the beautiful Gold Coast, Past District 9640 Governor Andy Rajapakse shares his top 10 tips for exploring the city beyond the Conference walls.
1. Embrace the beaches: Relax on world-famous beaches like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta. Swim, surf or just soak up the sun.
2. A paradise for thrill seekers: Experience the adrenaline rush of theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Dreamworld.
3. Hinterland adventures:
Explore the lush hinterland with hikes through Springbrook National Park, Lamington National Park and Mount Tamborine. Or join a wine tour and sip your way through a plethora of wineries, distilleries and micro-breweries.
4. Wildlife encounters: Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to get up close and personal with native Australian animals and birds.
5. Shopping sprees: Indulge in retail therapy at premier shopping centres like Pacific Fair in Broadbeach and Robina Town Centre. Stroll through the streets of Surfers Paradise and Burleigh’s James Street, with their boutique stores and exciting dining scenes.
6. Dine with a view: Enjoy delicious meals at beachfront restaurants with stunning ocean views. Rick Shores on the beach in Burleigh Heads is a must do Gold Coast dining experience, while the city’s iconic Surf Lifesaving Clubs offer endless options for brews with views.
7. Explore the arts: HOTA (Home of the Arts) is an iconic Gold Coast destination where art, entertainment, culture and lifestyle meet. A place that locals love and visitors must see. Palette, situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, is a Three Hat fine dining restaurant focused on fresh local ingredients prepared by a dedicated team led by Executive Chef Dayan
Hartill-Law.
8. Relax and rejuvenate: Indulge in a spa treatment at one of the many luxurious day spas on the Gold Coast.
9. Discover local culture: Visit Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre – a must do if you’re interested in learning about Indigenous culture along the Gold Coast.
10. Sail away: Set sail on a Broadwater Sunset Cruise along the stunning Gold Coast Broadwater.
Imagine stepping onto the lush greens of the Coolangatta Tweed Golf Club, the Queensland sun warming your face.
This is your exclusive invitation to begin the Rotary South Pacific Zone Conference early, connect with fellow Rotarians and support our precious koalas.
District 9640 proudly presents the ‘Welcome to the Gold Coast’ golf day on Friday, October 31, 2025, a pre-conference highlight designed for fellowship and service. Join us for a thrilling Four-Ball Mixed Ambrose tournament with a 7 am shotgun start (Queensland time). Whether you have a team or want to join one, all are welcome.
Enjoy the stunning scenery in this non-walking event. Golf cart and club hire are conveniently available at the club. Beyond the game, look forward to prizes, competitions and a delicious barbecue lunch included with your registration – perfect for networking.
Every swing supports a vital cause: all profits go to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of our native wildlife, including our koalas. A big thank you to organisers Bev Prosser and John Giuricin.
This is more than golf; it’s an opportunity to connect with Rotarians from across the South Pacific, united by service and fellowship. Play alongside diverse backgrounds, create memories and build lasting relationships. Non-golfers are warmly invited to try it out in a supportive environment.
The Rotary South Pacific Zone Conference promises connection and inspiration, and the golf day is your chance to get a head start. Tee up for transformation, enjoy the Gold Coast, connect and make a tangible difference for our local koalas.
Secure your spot for the ‘Welcome to the Gold Coast’ golf game today for an unforgettable conference experience. Visit www.stickytickets.com.au/orpgl/rotary_south_pacific_golf.aspx to book your team or individual place before the end of August. We can’t wait to see you on the Coolangatta Tweed fairways!