Port Stephens will host a major Rotary Conference in 2018, drawing up to 400 delegates and injecting more than $300,000 into the local economy.
The announcement was made recently in Dubbo where Rotary’s 2017 conference for District 9670 is being held. The 2018 conference for District 9670, which covers one third of NSW from Port Stephens and Newcastle to Bourke and Cobar, will be held in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, from March 16-18, with the three-day event centred on the Wests Nelson Bay Club.
The conference is the highlight of the year for Rotary members and offers participants the latest information on Rotary’s best practices, research and innovation and professional development opportunities as well as the ability to network with Rotary peers from across the district.
The incoming District Governor for Rotary District 9670, Helen Ryan, from the Nelson Bay Rotary Club, said the 2018 event would bring up to 400 Rotarians from across the State to Port Stephens next March, with the event highlighting the natural beauty of the region.
“The object of the conference is to bring all Rotarians together to be inspired and enthused and to engage in the Rotary family of fellowship and learning,” Ryan said.
“It’s a golden opportunity for networking, meeting, discussing and expanding the work of Rotary and for Rotary to showcase itself to the Port Stephens community. While in Port Stephens, delegates will take local dolphin cruises, play golf and bowls and enjoy all the many activities the region offers.”
Ryan said she had been working behind the scenes with Destination Port Stephens for 12 months to plan the conference.
“I’m so looking forward to welcoming so many of our members to my own turf here in Port Stephens and I’m sure the event will be a big success for us and the region as a whole.”
Destination Port Stephens Marketing Manager Danny Eather said the 2018 conference would generate more than $300,000 in revenue for the region.
“Our natural scenery, fresh sea air, abundance of seafood and produce and huge range of activities provide the perfect arena for events like the Rotary Conference and we are working hard to attract more events like this for Port Stephens,” Eather said.
Eather said most of the Rotary delegates will book their accommodation through Destination Port Stephens’ website – www.portstephens.org.au.
