Purpose of This Booklet ............................................................................ 3 Welcome to Rotary Next Gen.................................................................... 3 About Rotary............................................................................................ 4 Rotary Next Gen....................................................................................... 4 Projects and Events to Date...................................................................... 5 CORE VALUES ......................................................................................... 7 Key Focus Areas....................................................................................... 8 The Four Way Test .................................................................................... 9 Volunteer Roles and Opportunities ......................................................... 10 Expectations and Support ...................................................................... 11 How We Support You .......................................................................... 11 How We Work Together ....................................................................... 12 Safety, Child Safety and Working With Vulnerable People ..................... 13 If Something Feels Unsafe or Unclear .................................................. 13 Next Steps in Your Volunteering Journey.................................................. 14 Communication and Key Contacts ......................................................... 14 Recognition, Growth and Pathways ........................................................ 15 Thank You for Joining Us ......................................................................... 16
Purpose of This Booklet This onboarding booklet is designed to help new volunteers understand Rotary Next Gen, feel confident getting involved, and know what is expected before, during and after volunteering activities. Welcome to Rotary Next Gen Welcome to Rotary Next Gen. We’re pleased to have you considering volunteering with us and becoming part of a community that values service, connection and positive local impact. Whether you join us for a one-off event, a short-term project or ongoing volunteering, your contribution can make a meaningful difference. Rotary Next Gen brings together people who want to take action, support their community and build friendships through service. Volunteers help ideas become real projects, ensure events run smoothly, and strengthen community connection. We consider our volunteers Friends of Rotary: valued people who share our spirit of service and inclusion. As a volunteer, you can expect to be welcomed, briefed and supported by club members and project leads. You don’t need previous Rotary experience; what matters is a willingness to help, work respectfully with others and contribute in a way that suits your availability, skills and interests. This booklet outlines who we are, how volunteering works, the standards we follow and where to go for support. Please read it before completing your Volunteer Information Form and keep it for future reference.
About Rotary Rotary is a global service organisation that brings people together to create positive, lasting change in their communities and beyond. Through volunteering, fundraising, advocacy and local partnerships, Rotary clubs support practical action that responds to real community needs. They bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to strengthen local connections, develop leadership, and contribute to projects that improve wellbeing, build resilience and create opportunities for communities to thrive. . Rotary Next Gen Maryborough Rotary Next Gen is a group of community-oriented individuals who have come together with the support of the existing Maryborough Rotary Club to foster a brighter and more prosperous future in the local area. Its primary focus is the wellbeing and development of young people, while also supporting initiatives that help the broader community feel more connected, included and supported. The group brings fresh energy, new ideas and a strong commitment to practical action. Members work together to create opportunities for young people to learn, lead and participate, while also contributing to projects that strengthen community pride, resilience and social wellbeing.
Projects and Events to Date Founded in 2025, Rotary Next Gen is still in its early stages of growth — building momentum, forming connections, and shaping its project and event calendar. As the group continues to establish itself, volunteers play a vital role in driving new ideas, strengthening partnerships, and helping bring community-focused initiatives to life. Here is a snapshot of what Rotary Next Gen has achieved so far. • . Delivered the ANZAC Day Memorial Flags project at the Maryborough Cemetery, placing Australian flags on the graves of Defence Force men and women. This tribute brought the community together in shared remembrance Coordinated a range of fundraising activities, that generated essential funds to support youth programs and community initiatives. Provided financial support for the Illuminate Challenge at MEC, enabling Year 8 and 9 students to take part in a week-long innovation program focused on solving real community issues.
Hosted Free Movie Days at the Paramount Theatre, offering free entry, popcorn, and drinks. These events provided an inclusive, low-cost outing that brought families together in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Delivered a high-energy Skate Park Party, featuring activities, music, and prizes. The event created a safe, positive space for young people to connect, be active, and celebrate youth culture. Ran a community 3 x 3 Basketball Tournament, attracting local teams and supporters. The tournament promoted teamwork, physical activity, and friendly competition while building community spirit.
CORE VALUES VIBRANT CONNECTED INCLUSIVE ATTRACTIVE A lively community full of energy and activities Strengthening relationships and collaborations Ensuring equal opportunities for all Creating spaces and events people love to be a part of of
Key Focus Areas ART, MUSIC AND CULTURE. Advocate for more art and music events to foster a vibrant cultural scene. Support the creation of a youth hub as a resource-equipped space for creative and cultural activities. Encourage initiatives that make extracurricular programs more affordable for families to increase participation. Plan community fundraising opportunities, such as BBQs, to generate support and build connections. YOUTH ENGAGEMENT. Support programs that keep youth involved and connected. Encourage partnerships with organisations such to reintroduce youth-focused activities in the local area. Advocate for community gathering spaces to reduce isolation and promote social wellbeing. EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT. Encourage youth-led environmental action and sustainability initiatives. Advocate for stronger pathways in learning and employment, including safe housing for students and access to TAFE/apprenticeships. Plan and support mentorship initiatives aimed at bridging opportunities between privileged and underprivileged youth. SUPPORT NETWORKS. Advocate for collaboration with key organisations to strengthen access to mental health and support services. Support the creation of networks to help young people transition from school to work. Plan and promote mentoring and training opportunities that build confidence and career readiness.
The Four Way Test The Rotary Four-Way Test is a simple ethical guide that can help volunteers think about their actions, decisions and communication when representing Rotary Next Gen. Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Of the things we think, say or do:
Volunteer Roles and Opportunities There are many ways to get involved with Rotary Next Gen, and volunteer roles can vary depending on the project, event or community need. Some opportunities may be hands-on and event-based, while others may involve planning, communications, administration or partnership support. Volunteers are encouraged to contribute in ways that suit their interests, skills, confidence and availability, while also having the opportunity to learn new skills along the way. Planning and support Fundraising activities Event support and logistics Social media and communications Administration Photography Partnership and sponsor support Community service projects
Expectations and Support Rotary Next Gen aims to create a safe, welcoming and positive environment for everyone involved. As a volunteer, you will be supported, briefed and guided so you can contribute confidently and comfortably. The following expectations outline how we work together, how we communicate, and how we keep our community safe. How We Support You • Flexible involvement: Volunteer opportunities range from one-off events to short projects or ongoing support. You can choose activities that suit your availability, interests and confidence. • Clear communication: Details about upcoming events and tasks will be shared through our usual communication channels, including dates, times, locations, role descriptions and key contacts. • Briefings and guidance: Before or at the start of each activity, you will receive a briefing covering your role, safety information, expected conduct and who to go to for support. • Mentor support: For your first three months, you will be paired with a mentor who can answer questions, help you settle in and guide you through your early volunteering experiences. • Encouragement to ask questions: You are always welcome to seek clarification, request help, or let us know if you need a break or a different task.
How We Work Together • Communicate respectfully: Volunteers are expected to speak and act with kindness, courtesy and respect toward club members, other volunteers, partners and community members. • Be reliable and accountable: Please arrive on time where possible, follow through on commitments, and let the organiser know early if your availability changes. • Support teamwork and connection: We encourage listening, sharing ideas respectfully, helping others, and contributing to a positive, inclusive environment. • Represent Rotary positively: Your actions reflect our values. We ask volunteers to uphold Rotary’s reputation by acting with integrity, fairness and goodwill. • Respect privacy: Any personal or sensitive information you encounter must be treated confidentially and only shared with appropriate people when required for safety or legal reasons.
Safety, Child Safety and Working With Vulnerable People Rotary Next Gen is committed to providing safe, respectful and supportive environments for children, young people and vulnerable community members. Your responsibilities include: • Holding a valid Working With Children Check before participating in Rotary Next Gen activities. • Maintaining appropriate behaviour and boundaries when interacting with children, young people or vulnerable people. • Following safety briefings, site rules and emergency procedures, and reporting hazards or incidents promptly. • Seeking permission before taking photos or videos of children, young people or vulnerable people, and only using images for approved Rotary Next Gen purposes. • Respecting privacy and confidentiality, especially when handling sensitive information. • Reporting any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person or vulnerable person to the volunteer coordinator, event lead or another appropriate Rotary contact as soon as possible. If Something Feels Unsafe or Unclear Volunteers are encouraged to speak up if: • Something feels unsafe or inappropriate • You are unsure about your role • You notice a risk or concern • You feel uncomfortable or out of your depth You are not expected to be a counsellor or expert — your role is to raise concerns early so the right support can be provided.
Next Steps in Your Volunteering Journey Your volunteering journey with Rotary Next Gen usually begins with an enquiry or referral. After receiving your welcome email and completing the Volunteer Information Form, a member will contact you by phone to introduce themselves, answer questions and invite you to a casual coffee catch-up. This meeting helps you get to know the group and share your interests. A mentor is then assigned to support you during your first three months. They will check in with you, help you understand safety requirements and guide you as you attend your first meetings and events. Throughout this period, you’ll be encouraged to participate in projects and activities to get a feel for the club. At the end of three months, if you’re interested in ongoing involvement, your mentor may invite you to a membership conversation — and if not, you’re welcome to continue volunteering with support as needed. Communication and Key Contacts After your coffee catch-up, you will be added to the Rotary Next Gen Messenger group chat, which is one of the main places where information is shared about upcoming meetings, events, projects and volunteer opportunities. Once your mentor has been allocated, their contact details will also be shared with you. Your mentor will be your first point of contact during your first three months and can help answer questions, explain how things work and connect you with the right person if needed.
Recognition, Growth and Pathways • Volunteer recognition: Rotary Next Gen values the time, energy and skills volunteers contribute, offering appreciation through personal thanks, group acknowledgements and informal recognition. • Building skills and confidence: Volunteering provides opportunities to learn by doing, with chances to develop communication, teamwork, event support, planning, fundraising, community engagement and leadership skills. • Growing through experience: As volunteers become more familiar with the club, they may be invited to take on responsibilities that match their interests, confidence and availability. • Leadership and project pathways: Interested volunteers may support project planning, coordinate small tasks, assist with events, contribute ideas or help guide activities alongside members and mentors. • Pathway to deeper involvement: Volunteers can remain active in a way that suits them, with some choosing regular volunteering and others exploring membership when ready — with no pressure either way. • Certificates and references: Where appropriate, Rotary Next Gen may provide certificates of appreciation, confirmation of volunteering or reference-style acknowledgements for volunteers who contribute consistently.
Thank You for Joining Us We are excited to welcome you as part of the Rotary Next Gen community and hope you enjoy working alongside us. Your time, ideas and willingness to help are valued, and we look forward to supporting you as you connect with others, contribute to meaningful projects and make a positive difference in our local community.