Guest Speakers from Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
Meg Gibson – RYLA
An intensive eight-day Rotary program designed for 18-28 year olds with leadership potential and a commitment to community service. The program is a unique opportunity aimed to bring participants out of their comfort zone and challenge them to think outside the square while actively using and building on their existing skills and knowledge.
Meg is involved in an organisation called Girls in Engineering Tomorrow, running workshops in the school holidays that describe and show exactly what engineering entails. She also helps girls with maths and science homework.
When not at Uni, she loves being at the beach, playing netball and travelling.
Meg thanked RCMP for sponsoring her through RYLA, which she completed in January 2025 following a friend’s recommendation for the program.
The workshops and leadership activities would last anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours. One example was being blindfolded and with limited communications whilst untangling a rope. These would be wrapped up at the end by the Facilitators to sum up what you had learned. Some were quite emotionally and physically challenging.
Meg identified some key “takeaways” from RYLA:
- Leadership is a verb, not a noun. It is not a title of something you get (team captain), it is a mindset that you have to be actively doing.
- How to lead? There are different styles of leadership. Quiet or upfront?
- Vulnerability. Because we were taken out of our comfort zone without a phone to hide behind, there was a real connection all the time. She learned vulnerability is so important in all our relationships in life.
- RYLA was a secure “bubble” supported by RYLA staff. They encouraged participants to give new things a go, make mistakes. Coming out of that was a bit scary, but she hopes to bring that into play in real life.
- Opportunities for Growth. The people you meet at RYLA inspire you and create opportunities for long after the camp ends.
In thanking RCMP, Meg said it is not just sending someone to a camp, it is actually an investment in a future leader.
Hanna-Grace Tedjasaputra – NYSF
A two-week program for students moving into Year 12 who are thinking about a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It is held each January at Universities in either WA, Canberra or Brisbane.
The participants live on campus and are involved in site tours, laboratory activities, workshops, lectures and social events.
She enrolled in NYSF in order to interact with leading scientists, engage in hands-on experiments and connect with like-minded peers. Hanna-Grace hopes to enrol in a Bachelor of Science degree at Melbourne University when she finishes school.
When not studying, her interests include running, reading, snorkelling, doing jigsaw puzzles and going to the beach.
Hanna-Grace thanked RCMP for assisting with her sponsorship to attend NYSF and specifically to Diana Goh for telling her about the program. She had the best time ever!
She loves her science, doing three science
subjects – Chemistry, Biology and Human Biology.
The highlights of her NYSF time:
- Flew to Brisbane, where it was hot and humid…but gorgeous with tropical trees.
- The “staffies” who were student leaders and wore red shirts and funny hats, some very cool people.
- Lots of STEM visits, such as the Herbarium.
- Queensland Centre for Advanced Technology (CSIRO).
- Microscopes, got to see lots of different types.
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), lots of smart technologies.
- Queensland Public Health Laboratory
- Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
There were lots of networking opportunities and career insights as well.
Beyond the science, there was also lots of fun and friendship. Hanna-Grace said the impact of NYSF for her were:
- A life-changing experience.
- Meeting new people.
-
Broadening her horizons and realising there
are so many opportunities.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Ian Kremmer
- 32 people will be attending this afternoon’s Sundowner at the Como Croquet Club, 5pm. This includes some members from Como Rotary Club.
Astrid Mitchell
- Asked for a show of hands from those members interested in hosting an exchange student for 2026. Outbound students leave in January 2026 and inbound students arrive in July 2026. Depending on how many hosts are available, students would live in from 1 to 3 months with their host family. Students to attend school (organized by Rotary Exchange) but the host family is responsible for the student when staying with them. There was no show of hands. The lack of interest will be referred back to the Board.
Ross Smith
- There are still a few vacancies for Ronald McDonald House, Home for Dinner. This will take place on Sunday 23rd March.
Michelle Lovkis
- John Hardwick is now in a Nursing Home in Como.
- Phil Doyle is getting stronger every day after his recent operation. Angela can now leave Phil on his own for an hour or so.
Brian Johnson
- There will be no breakfast meeting next Friday as it is the Club Birthday party being held in the afternoon between 5.30pm and 7.30pm near Marguerite’s bench, South Perth foreshore.
Rick Sneeuwjagt
- Requested more PICYS meals be provided.
Gorby
- The Pines (Bentley) has recently reopened. There were only 2 nights available. The function will be Tuesday 3rd June 2025, and the venue has been booked for 40 people. David Rowell has offered to host if Geoff Longshaw is not available.
Attendance
36 attendees in all, including guest speakers Meg and Hannah-Grace, Eunice Sari (Hannah's mum), and drop-in visitor Loveness Metamera.
