There’s nothing else like RYLA!
To all aspiring young leaders (18yrs to 26yrs) in our community, this is a week that will change your life. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.
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Last week we had the absolute pleasure of hearing from Holly Anderson, who has recently returned from her three-month reciprocal Rotary exchange to Germany 🇩🇪
Holly was matched through the exchange system in July 2026 and soon found herself immersed in a region famous for its pastries, giant pretzels, beer and beautiful local wines. Not a bad introduction to European culture!

Her first three weeks were spent travelling Germany on a family holiday with her host family — an incredible way to settle in and truly understand the rhythm of daily life. By week four she had started school, embraced the structure and discipline of the German education system, and was already confidently travelling to Belgium and the Netherlands to meet friends.

Holly experienced the magic of European Christmas markets, joined a winter tour with other Rotary exchange students, learnt to ski in Austria, and celebrated a traditional German Christmas — baking biscuits in the morning, attending church, exchanging presents and, as she told us with a smile, enjoying “a lot of eating.”

Perhaps the most powerful reflection from Holly was this: exchange is as much about discovering yourself as it is about discovering another country. The opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a different culture builds resilience, independence and lifelong global friendships. Holly formed close bonds with students from across the world — connections that will endure well beyond the three months.

We are now looking forward to welcoming Holly’s host sister, Tessa, to Australia for her reciprocal visit. The friendships and understanding created through these exchanges are exactly what Rotary is about — building goodwill and strong relationships between countries, one young person at a time.

Well done, Holly. We are incredibly proud of you. 🌏✨ ... See MoreSee Less