Reviving Rotary in Yamba

PICTURED: The annual Rotary Club of Yamba Twilight Market draws crowds of more than 5,000 on New Years Day.

When the Rotary Club of Yamba made a conscious decision to put Rotary visibly and purposefully on display in their community, a struggling club rediscovered its energy, attracted new members and re-ignited a powerful sense of shared purpose.

Words: John McKenny. Rotary Club of Yamba. NSW.

Not long ago, the Rotary Club of Yamba was facing a critical moment. Membership had been declining for three years and the future felt uncertain. But a spark of inspiration, rooted in the wise words of former District Governor Dave Harmon, ignited a turnaround: “Run projects and activities that put Rotary on display in your community and people will see the value in being part of your town Rotary club.”

We took that advice to heart.

During a recent town promotion in the heart of Yamba’s CBD, we set up a marquee, donned our club shirts and shared Rotary’s story with passers-by. Alongside our Rotary materials, we offered ‘Friends of Rotary’ leaflets to invite broader community involvement. After just three hours, two newcomers to town stopped to chat. They stayed long enough for us to learn their names – and more importantly, to get their contact details.

At our next meeting, we celebrated a double induction! Both men joined our club, warmly welcomed by District Governor John Ooman and Rotary Community Leader Robert Blanchard. Even more heartening, they jumped straight into club activities, embodying the Rotary spirit from day one.

Momentum is building. At a recent fundraising event, a couple in their 40s bought raffle tickets and lingered long enough to talk about Rotary. They have since been in contact with the club and are likely to join in the near future.

But perhaps the most transformative moment came during our second Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Walk. With the support of local police, live music, banners and a free community lunch, the event brought together Rotarians, townspeople and our growing group of Friends of Rotary. It wasn’t just a Rotary event – it was a community movement.

This cause-based project did more than raise awareness. It gave our members a renewed sense of purpose. It showed the public that Rotary is not just about meetings and fundraising, it’s about standing up for what matters.

When people see us championing causes that touch lives, they see a club that reflects their values. They see a place where they can make a difference.

PICTURED: Yamba’s Main Beach came alive on 10 January for the Rotary Club of Yamba Funday, with a steady stream of locals and tourists lining up to secure a plot for the sandcastle building championships and beach games.

Cause-based projects are powerful magnets for engagement. They:

• Inspire deeper commitment from existing members who want to serve with meaning.
• Attract new members who are passionate about specific issues and want to take action.
• Build partnerships with local organisations, amplifying our impact and visibility.
• Demonstrate Rotary’s relevance in today’s world, especially to younger generations seeking purpose-driven community.

What’s changed? We’ve made Rotary visible again. We’ve shown our town who we are and what we stand for. And in doing so, we’ve rediscovered our own energy and purpose.

Yamba Rotary is on the rise because when we lead with purpose, people follow.