Horsham’s Mark Gallagher has hopes to attract enough interest from the Horsham and district communities to help re-establish a club.

He needed at least 15 members between the age of 18 and 30-years-old to charter a club. 

Rotaract is a global organisation that aimed to empower young people to create positive changes in their communities while providing opportunities for its members to become leaders in the towns. 

Mr Gallagher said a Rotaract Club – that was co-sponsored by both rotary clubs in Horsham – folded about 30 years ago, but he saw an opportunity for the group to reform. 

“I know we have an Apex Club and we did have a Rotaract Club about 30 years ago, but I just believe there was an untapped potential in Horsham,” he said. 

Mr Gallagher said there was a big social emphasis in a Rotaract Club, which helps members form connections within their communities and across the global. 

“There is always a social event for members, as well as, normal meetings and a community event once a month, but that depends on its members,” he said.

“Also with Rotaract being a global organisation, it gives members a connection with many people and offers a lot of opportunities through events such as conferences.”  

He said the Rotaract was also a chance to learn multiple new skills, particularly in leadership. 

“There are multiple skills people can learn. It is really good for building new skills whether that be in leadership because our projects include coming up with an idea, planning the event, fundraising and organising the project,” he said. 

Mr Gallagher said he was hoping both the Horsham Rotary Club and Horsham East Rotary Club would co-sponsor the group again. But first, he needs to attract more interest. 

He said young people do lead busy lives, but it was important to get involved with the community. 

“I am planning to get rotary to dig through their arsenal of people - from youth exchange and other programs - to get more people interested.”