What is RYLA Oceania?

RYLA Oceania is a group of RYLA Alumni across Australia and New Zealand who are interested in collaborating on joint RYLA Alumni initiatives. 

What is RYLA Oceania’s Elevate Program?

Formally called the RYLA Oceania Program, the Elevate program is an advanced RYLA program for RYLA Alumni across Australia and New Zealand. Given the success in the inaugural program in 2020, the RYLA Oceania team has been able to expand their offerings which required a rebranding of the program. 

What does Elevate involve?

In 2023, the Elevate program will commence in January with online sessions, with a one-week in-person leadership retreat to be held on 4-12 March in the Blue Mountains, NSW. This retreat week builds the foundations for a 12 month program for community minded leaders. The program comprises three main streams:

  • Leadership Curriculum
  • Accountability and Goals
  • Community Projects

A ‘graduation’ gala dinner for all participants will be held at the end of the program and will include awards and recognition for those involved.

What is the benefit of RYLA Oceania for local Rotary Districts?

RYLArians return from their local RYLA programs energised to make a difference in their own lives and their community. RYLA Oceania provides a forum to channel that energy as well as keep RYLArians connected to the broader Rotary network. 

Who can attend RYLA Oceania?

The target market for RYLA Oceania is Alumni of District RYLA programs across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands who are aged 25-35 and committed to develop themselves and their fellow leaders for 12 months. However, if you do not fall into this age group, please still apply, we will be glad to hear from you. 

When and where will RYLA Oceania Elevate commence in 2023?

The Elevate program will kick off virtually in January with the retreat week in the Blue Mountains from 4-12 March 2023. 

How much will participants of RYLA Oceania be charged?

The 12 month RYLA Oceania program will cost $1700 AUD per participant, excluding travel. The working group has strived to keep costs as low as possible. We are seeking sponsors for this amazing opportunity, so please let us know if you would like to be involved or if you know of organisations or people that would be interested. 

Are Rotary Districts expected to fully fund participants for RYLA Oceania?

No, Rotary Districts are empowered to fund participants at their discretion. Successful applicants will be encouraged to source funding from multiple channels including a personal contribution, local Rotary sources, fundraising and external sources (eg. local MPs, businesses, sports clubs etc.). It would be a great opportunity for a local Rotary Club to assist a successful applicant in achieving the required fee.     

How will participants be selected?

All Alumni interested in participating in the RYLA Oceania program are required to apply via online application. Local Rotary Districts will have the opportunity to endorse local Alumni applicants. An endorsement is not a compulsory part of the application, but it is highly valued.

What are the next steps for RYLA Oceania?

A Facebook Group for RYLA Alumni in the Oceania Region  was launched in 2020 and we now have over 1,200 members!  We will be reaching out to source partners for our community projects (which includes any rotary projects, non-for profit organisations and concept projects that may benefit from our participants involvement). 

How can local Rotary Districts assist with RYLA Oceania?

There are multiple avenues for Rotary Districts keen to support RYLA and Rotary Youth Program Alumni with the program:

  1. Promote the RYLA Oceania Alumni Facebook Group to past RYLA Alumni 
  2. Sign up for RYLA Oceania Updates
  3. Circulate the Application Form to past RYLA Alumni (particularly those leaders you believe will have an interest in the program)
  4. Recommend speakers for the RYLA Oceania program
  5. Provide financial or in-kind support for participants and the program more broadly.

What are we doing about COVID-19?

Covid-19 has proved to be a dynamic, challenging and evolving situation. We were unable to run an elevate program last year due to the risks COVID presented. We are continually checking New South Wales and Federal policies in order to run our program safely. We are currently forming a safety plan for the Omicron outbreak and will share with participants on the program our plans and requirements shortly.

To stay posted with RYLA Oceania developments, please sign up to our mailing list. 

For specific questions or to provide support, please contact RYLA Oceania Elevate Director Gemma Curcio on info@rylaoceania.com.