Rotary

Service has been the through-line.

Rotary first opened the world to me as a young exchange student. It has since become a place to contribute, learn, form friendships and help others find their opportunity to lead.

Damian Leach receiving the Rotary Club of Morialta President name plaque
Receiving the President name plaque for the Rotary Club of Morialta, 2026-27.

Rotary Club of Morialta

Belonging is where service begins.

I serve as President, Rotary Club of Morialta in 2026-27 and as District Governor 2027-28, Rotary District 9510. The titles carry responsibility, but the work remains human: strengthen clubs, support leaders and help communities turn care into action.

As District Governor 2027-28, I approach the role with curiosity about what clubs need, respect for their local identity and confidence that Rotary can keep evolving without losing its heart.

Selected turning points

From exchange student to District Governor 2027-28.

A progression of experiences, people and opportunities to contribute.

  1. 01

    1999

    A wider world

    Rotary first enters my life through Youth Exchange to the United States, opening a lifelong connection with service, friendship and global perspective.

  2. 02

    2009

    Joining Rotary

    I join Rotary and begin a journey shaped by local service, youth opportunity and the belief that good clubs keep evolving.

  3. 03

    2011-22

    Leading youth development programs

    I lead the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in 2011, 2012, 2017 and 2022, and the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2021 - creating supported spaces for young people to build confidence, connection and leadership capability.

  4. 04

    2015

    Rotary Australia Youth Summit

    I serve as co-convenor of the Rotary Australia Youth Summit, bringing young people and Rotary leaders together around the future of youth engagement.

  5. 05

    Club leadership

    President at Campbelltown

    I lead the Rotary Club of Campbelltown during its 50th year, when the club receives a Platinum Presidential Citation.

  6. 06

    District service

    Youth, Foundation, learning and membership

    I serve for seven years as District Youth Service Chair, spend 10 years on the District Learning and Development Committee including three as Chair, and serve as District Rotary Foundation Chair, alongside district membership leadership.

  7. 07

    2020-23

    A regional perspective

    As an Assistant Rotary Coordinator for Zone 8, I work with leaders across Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island countries.

  8. 08

    2022-23

    Deputy Governor

    I serve as Deputy Governor in 2022-23, supporting the District Governor and district leadership team while helping clubs and district leaders navigate priorities, relationships and delivery.

  9. 09

    2026-27

    Rotary Club of Morialta

    I serve as President of the Rotary Club of Morialta, continuing a practical focus on belonging, participation and community connection.

  10. 10

    2027-28

    District Governor

    As District Governor 2027-28, I will support Rotary District 9510 clubs across a diverse region to create lasting community impact.

Where I have contributed

Opportunity, belonging and practical impact.

Different programs. One belief: people grow when they are trusted to contribute.

01

Youth opportunity

Championing RYPEN, RYLA, NYSF, Interact and the kind of early responsibility that helps young people recognise their own capacity.

02

Membership and club development

Helping clubs become more welcoming, flexible and purposeful, including support for chartering the Rotary Club of Lightsview.

03

Local service, global reach

Serving as District Rotary Foundation Chair and supporting Global Grants that connect local commitment with Rotary's international network.

Part of the story, never the point

Recognised through Rotary. Invested in its future.

Paul Harris FellowWith four sapphires

Rotary FoundationCenturion donor

Outstanding Youth Service AwardReceived on behalf of committees in 2015 and 2018

Club leadershipPlatinum Presidential Citation during Campbelltown's 50th year

Go to the source

Rotary profiles and organisations.

Keep the conversation going

Rotary is built one relationship at a time.

Club development, youth opportunity, district service or a partnership idea - I would be pleased to hear from you.