General News
20 March, 2026
Ararat Rotary calls for applications for this years RYLA Program
ARARAT Rotary is encouraging young people in the district to put their hands up for this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, aimed at building confidence, leadership and life skills. The week-long program will be held from April 12 to 17 at Kangaroobie, with participants aged 18 to 25 taking part in workshops and activities designed to strengthen leadership, communication, problem-solving and conflict management skills, while also building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Rotary Club of Ararat secretary Peter Oddie said the club was again keen to support local young people to take part, looking for two young adults to take part in the 2026 program.
“They are building their confidence to present themselves,” he said. “What Ararat Rotary are prepared to do, is sponsor the cost.”
Mr Oddie said Rotary was willing to help remove financial barriers for applicants. “Rotary is prepared to pay half or more if needed. If it’s difficult for people, we hope employers will look on this as a training opportunity.”
He said encouraging young people to grow their personal and professional skills had become an important focus for the club.
“We’ve got a fair focus within Ararat Rotary to encourage young people in town to develop their personal skills,” he said.
Mr Oddie likened the program to a more advanced version of school-based leadership opportunities.
“It’s a little bit like the Defying the Drift program for students at Year 10 level,” he said.
He said the program had already proven valuable for previous Ararat participants.
“In the last couple of years we’ve had six people take up the challenge and every one of them has really enjoyed it,” he said.
“It’s helped them in developing their life skills.
Although applications officially closed last week, Mr Oddie said there may still be time for interested locals to apply.
“If we get a response I reckon we can still get them in. There’s no time to dilly-dally around.”
For more information or to apply, visit the RYLA website https://ryla9780.org or contact Ararat Rotary secretary Peter Oddie on 0408 544 265.
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