West Tamar Rotary Club president-elect David Annear said the worldwide program offered an opportunity for young persons to hone their leadership skills. 

He said the Tasmanian program involved a one-week camp for young persons aged 18-30, at Camp Clayton in Ulverstone. 

“We bring in some of the best motivators in Australia, and talk to these young people and motivate them,” he said.

“They learn leadership, self-confidence, team work skills, they learn taking responsibility, giving directions, everything that is going to grow them.” 

Mr Annear said rotary played an important role in supporting young persons, including motivational programs in partnership with the Beacon Foundation. 

“We have a responsibility to help people, assist them.”

He said the West Tamar Rotary Club recently raised $1500 for mental health at its Hat Day fundraiser in Riverside. 

RYLA 2016 participant Amy McGinniss said the program has changed her life dramatically.

“It really was a week full of positive support and encouragement, it’s just so different to being in the real world where you're (often) told you're not good enough,” she said.  

She said she will be giving a talk on the Wednesday evening about the value of the program.

Ms McGinniss said RYLA had inspired her to undergo further leadership training in Melbourne with the Landmark Forum.

“That’s something I doubt I would have taken on without the RYLA week,” she said.

She said she is currently employed with Woolworths, but she would now be pursuing a career as an actress.

“I want to be able to get paid to do what I love, and be able to support myself and my family and contribute to the community along with other people out there making a difference.” 

For more information on RYLA, head to: http://www.rotaryulverstonewest.org.au/what-is-ryla/