2006 Rotaract District Assembly

14th-15th July

The 2006 Rotaract District Assembly was held at Republic Polytechnic, Singapore. The event was jointly organized by Rotaract Clubs of Republic Polytechnic and Singapore West. Our club sent 5 delegates to attend the assembly: Andrea (Immediate Past President), Michael Villarin(Vice President), Charllene (Director of International Service), Judieth (Vice Secretary) and Aaron (Director of Community Service).

After registering and settling down on the first day, a PETS (President elect training Seminar) was held and conducted by DRR Zack and IPDRR Audrey. Both of them gave an interesting talk on the roles and responsibilities of a President, and also valuable insight on leading a Rotaract club. It was truly a beneficial session for all the participants.

The opening ceremony was held the next day, with the Guest of Honour being our District Governor, Dr. Wu Dar Ching.The new District team was installed, and our club is proud of the 2 members who were elected into this year's District team(Andrea as ZR for Zone 4, and Michael Villarin as Bulletin Director). The winners of the Rotaract District Awards were also announced during the opening ceremony, and our club managed to win the award for Outstanding Community Service Project with our "Books Collecting for Rural Schools" project.

2006-2007 District Team with DG Dr. Wu

The workshops were conducted in the afternoon, with each workshop catering to a specific post in Rotaract. Workshops for Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers as well as Directors for the 4 Avenues of Service were conducted by experienced and dedicated Rotarians and Rotaractors. It was indeed a very knowledgeable and beneficial session for all our members.

The Malaysian contingent

Our members would like to congratulate the Rotaract Clubs of Republic Polytechnic and Singapore West for a job well done in organizing the event. We would also like to thank the Rotaractors who hosted our members graciously during the Assembly and also the knowledgeable Rotarians for their valuable advice. Hope to see you guys soon!

Swinburne contingent with our award

InteRota Zone Assembly 2006

30th June-2nd July

The InteRota Zone Assembly 2006 was hosted by RAC Curtin Miri and our club was represented by IPP Andrea and President Michael Kuan. Upon arrival at Miri, we were greeted warmly by the Rotaractors of Miri and also from RAC Sibu. Later in the afternoon, we met the Interactors from Miri, as we settled into our accomodation, the newly completed Curtin Villa, terrace houses meant for Curtin students. There were about 40 Interactors and 10 Rotaractors in total and we were brought on a campus tour of Curtin. Then, we headed off to Tanjung Selera, a public park with a beach. The Interactors were divided into groups and played some ice breaking games while the Rotaractors were able to walk around. This was followed by a simple dinner at one of the stalls.

The 2nd day started off with the Opening Ceremony, where the Dean of Curtin and Dato Lau Siu Wai, Honorary Rotarian for RC Miri, officiated. Dato Lau, who also sponsored the accomodation, gave a very interesting talk on 'Key to Success'. Next, IPP Andrea as the Zonal Representative of Zone 4, presented a session on Rotaract at the different levels. After lunch, the participants were divided into various groups, as per their posts. Each group was led by an experienced Rotarian and they were taught on their responsibilities in the upcoming year. The Rotaract Presidents attended the Zonal Meeting while the Interactors played some games and rehearsed for their performances for the Closing Ceremony.

Getting ready to start the Assembly

Dinner was a sort-of barbecue at Curtin Villa. The Interactors were busy preparing for their performances while the Rotaractors got to know one another better. Fellowship also included a last minute rush trip to watch the England VS Portugal match in town. Some of the Interactors tagged along for a simple but exciting night.

Interactors enjoying themselves

Despite the late night, everyone woke up early and headed to the Miri Home for the Aged. The different groups took on different tasks in the garden and inside the main hall. The garden was weeded and neatened while the main hall received a new coat of paint. A group photo was taken with the grateful residents of the home. Everyone went back to Curtin for a quick lunch and attended the rest of the sessions, which included idea-generating and an informative forum.

It's not easy battling stubborn weeds

Upon reaching Curtin Villa, everyone rushed to get ready for RAC Curtin's Installation and Closing Ceremony at Dynasty Hotel. The event was filled with laughter as the different groups presented their performances, which were all very interesting and pretty good, considering the time given. AG Bong from RC Bintulu stole the show with his great song and dance impromptu act. Overall, it was a rather good learning experience. We learned a lot and made several new friends, and had some great fellowship together. We hope to be able to repay the favour soon.

All the Rotaractors, except from Sibu (who went back earlier)