THE MORELANDER
FLYING HIGH WITH ROTARY
Emma Davis will reach new heights as our Rotary District Governor in 202526. Read all about Emma, her life experience and aspirations in this edition
Pages 3-4
Award of Excellence for Club Bulletin 2018-2019
Moreland Rotary acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands we conduct our business. Moreland Rotary respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. Moreland Rotary also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
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Introducing Emma Davis, a Rotary leader
As a youth and Foundation alumnus, Emma has been involved with Rotary for 24 years. In what started as a Rotary high school debating event, Emma had two influential mentors who shared with her two more amazing programs; Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and Group Study Exchange (GSE).
Emma is a RYLA fanatic, and long-time supporter! After taking five years to get to actually attend in 2009, she returned as a supporter and continues to do so many years later. The week long residential program for 18 – 30 year old young community leaders is the most exhausting and energising week of the year.
Following a return from GSE in Germany (D1950), Emma connected with Rotary and officially joined as a member in 2013. Within weeks she was already in a board position and rushing away from work each week to make the meetings where it was at the time dinner and a wine with friends, or good people doing good things.
As career and life has required a change in clubs, both location and style, from St Kilda and then Strathmore, Emma is now a member of Moreland Rotary. They meet early on a Wednesday morning for coffee and a cooked breakfast. The Brunswick venue treats members like family and the dozen “people of action” are respectful, inclusive and get so many amazing things done in their community, the District and on International projects. There is a a focus on community, mental health, youth and environment.
“I tell people I have a huge community circle, and when I stop to think about my time commitment, it’s often the equivalent to a job (but as an unpaid volunteer). I do the community work as a pay it forward activity. I’ve been given plenty of opportunities from Rotary and every time I do something more and new, I love the feeling”.
A twice Past President, and the millennial demanding that our District represent more women and young working professionals on its board, Past DG's Bruce, Brian and Anne gave Emma that opportunity as Assistant Governor and now she has been chosen to be our 2025-26 District Governor. “Apparently when you tell the board that you need more women and more millennials in leadership to reflect our community they start calling. I will be the fourth female in this role and the youngest ever in my District”.
Each year Rotarians head to a different location around the world for an International Convention. This year we meet in Melbourne and over the last two years Emma has been the Director House of Friendship Rotary International 2023 Convention on the Convention Host Organising Committee. As the Melbourne based Event’s lead arranging the exhibition offering (taking out all of MCEC), as well as the entertainment stage and the tours and experiences for the 14,000 strong audience that will Imagine What’s Next in the last week in May 2023.
Above and left : Emma on her GSE Vocational experience in 2011; Page 4: Emma with Rotary International President Jennifer Jones
Text and images supplied by Emma Davis
Part of the role has included two trips to the US within the last 12 months (Texas and Florida). A highlight includes spending a dedicated visit in Melbourne with the Rotary International President Jennifer Jones in April 2022 (first ever female International President). People rarely get to meet the RI President, and Emma spent 16 hours with her, a complete fan girl moment!
Watching Emma at a club activation is interesting. As a vocational classification of Event and Project Manager she is a logistics operational front to many events. She also loves to chat on the front line of any good Bunnings BBQ to our community whilst making sure all of the stock is ready for the day and the team.
Rotary was established in 1905 in Chicago by an attorney so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. “I’m lucky that my closest friends are Rotarians and community connection is very important to me”.
Founder Paul Harris established our remarkable organisation in his 30’s and Emma intends to normalise Rotary Leadership with the adjustment to part time work and professional work / Rotary balance.
Whilst confused by the term ‘G-Train’; District Governor David, District Governor Elect Neta and District Governor Nominee Stephen are very welcoming, and she is excited for this challenge as our future District Governor in 2025 / 26.
"It’s an exciting (and busy time) of my Rotary service to be representing our People of Action!"
Members of Rotary are part of a diverse group of community and professional leaders working to address community and international service needs and to promote peace and understanding throughout the world.
Rotary clubs receive a charter from the worldwide organisationRotary International
A Rotarian belongs to a particular Rotary Club often near his/her home or work or sometimes because of the club meeting time.
