Community
26 February, 2026
Application open for a life-changing experience
APPLICATIONS are now open for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), which gives young people an opportunity to attend a camp held in Kangaroobie, near Princetown, for a six-day leadership development program.
The trip is designed to help emerging leaders in the community, aged between 18-25, to develop their skills and confidence to ensure they reach their potential in the community.
Terang Rotary Club youth coordinator Barry Wickham said the club was on the lookout for anyone interested in attending RYLA – which this year will be held between April 12-17.
“We’re not looking for anyone superior in any way, but they’ll certainly be superior when they come back from this week away,” he said.
“They will be taught a lot of life skills and it’s not all lessons – they have fun too.
“RYLA participants go kayaking down on the river and have a great time.
“Everything is all provided, including meals, which costs Rotary about $700.
“We’ll also make arrangements to get them down there and back if they haven’t got any transport.”
Mr Wickham said attendees would get the opportunity to meet others who are likeminded while learning new skills in an environment which helped to create lasting friendships.
“You meet about 50 young people there who are all around the same age and all have the same objectives,” he said.
“Every year we see them all make contact and many go on to be lifelong friends.
“It’s just a wonderful experience.”
Mr Wickham said the testimonials from young people who have previously attended were overwhelmingly positive – many of whom were sceptical of the benefits before attending before going on to feel their time had been life-changing.
“Once past participants have been there, they’ve come back and said it was the most wonderful week of their life,” he said.
“They say it changes their life.
“They’ll make friends for the rest of their life.”
Applications close in March 2026.
Local Rotary Clubs cover the costs involved for attendees.
Rotarians are also able to advocate for attendees to be given time away from work, TAFE or university if needed to ensure there are no barriers to attending.
Those interested were invited to contact Mr Wickham on 0427 100 102.