Father daughter Rotary duo unite communities

FATHER and daughter team, Georgia and Daniel Roussounis, have been accomplishing big things in the Emerald community.
Georgia, a high school student, is President of Rotary Interact at Emerald Christian College, and her father, Daniel, is President of D9560 Passport Rotary.
Rotary Interact is a combination of the words International and Action, which the duo said embodies the heart and soul of the group.
Georgia, 16, said the school’s Rotary Interact started in 2020 with only six members.
“We did fundraisers such as a car wash, we sold lolly bags at different markets and sent hygiene packs to kids in the Northern Territory’s Indigenous communities,” she said.
“Last year there were a lot of restrictions with what Interact could do, but this year we plan on doing a haunted house, a carwash this term, and we’re kicking the year off with a charter night that is a combined Emerald Christian College and Emerald State High School Interact event.
“We also go to Avalon Aged Care to give the residents Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts, like origami and jars with tealight candles, as well as putting up Christmas decorations, which we’re hoping to do again this year.
“They love seeing us all as they don’t get a lot of visitors.”
’-type: imageimage:- ’/assets/rotary-club-3.jpgGeorgia said the club would divide the money raised throughout the year to a member, which goes to that member’s chosen charity.
“Last year we raised roughly $1000,” she said.
“Interact is a great way to give back because even though it’s time-consuming, it’s so much fun and all worth the effort.”
Mr Roussounis said D9560 Passport Rotary works differently from traditional Rotary clubs, as they have members from all around Central Queensland and they meet up once a month for an online event.
“The main membership criteria requires thirty hours of community service a year, but we usually do that much every month,” he said.
“I recently joined Passport Rotary as I found traditional Rotary to be challenging to manage whilst also having a young family.
“Passport Rotary has given me the opportunity to have a more balanced approach to life.
“You get a sense of accomplishment as, even though you’re tired, you’re excited to accomplish great things as a team.”
Georgia said she loves showing high school kids that you can do community service and still have fun.
’-type: imageimage:- ’/assets/rotary-club-2.jpgRotary is a family affair, as Georgia’s two younger sisters also help out with events, such as collecting and counting cans for the recycling program.
Mr Roussounis said it was good to lead by example.
“We’ve lived in Emerald for six years and I joined Passport Rotary shortly after moving here,” he said.
“It was a way to get out into the community and meet people.
“It’s great [that] I get to show my kids the importance of serving the community.”