Empowering the Youth of Today to be the Leaders of Tomorrow.
Full and part Sponsored Youth Leadership Programs by the Rotary Club of Fairfield City.
Set up a Meeting
I would love to speak with you.
Feel free to reach out using the below details.
Stewart Whicker
Youth Director
Rotary Club of Fairfield City
(formerly Rotary Club of Wetherill Park)
Mobile: 0412 571 963
Introduction
Hello, my name is Stewart Whicker, and as the Youth Director for the Rotary Club of Fairfield City (formerly known as the Rotary Club of Wetherill Park), my role is to engage with local high schools and introduce teachers and students to the impactful sponsored leadership programs on offer by Rotary.
If you’re a teacher or principal at a local high school, I’d like to discuss how we can support your students in becoming our leaders of tomorrow.
Contact me to explore this opportunity.
L/R David Butterfield (Rotary Club of Fairfield City President), Stewart Whicker (Youth Director), Riley Whicker (NYSF 2025 Alumni), Wendy Asante (NYSF 2025 Alumni), Warwick Richardson (District Governor).
NYSF
National Youth Science Forum — Year 11 going into Year 12
Interested in the 2027 NYSF Year 12 Program?
Applications for the 2027 NYSF Year 12 Program are now open for students currently in Year 11 who are preparing to enter Year 12.
The National Youth Science Forum gives students a broader understanding of study and career options in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students stay on campus at university colleges and take part in immersive STEM experiences, including facility tours, research presentations, industry engagement, university pathway sessions, social activities and networking with other like-minded students from across Australia.
In January 2027, the program will run two summer sessions:
- Australian National University, Canberra: 6–14 January 2027
- University of Queensland: 13–21 January 2027
Cost
The 2027 NYSF Year 12 Program fee is $3,180. A separate $70 application fee is payable at the time of application.
Successful applicants will be invoiced once they accept their place, with program fees due in October 2026. The program fee covers accommodation, meals and activities during the program. Travel to and from the program, and travel insurance, are not included.
Rotary sponsorship support
The Rotary Club of Fairfield City may provide partial sponsorship support for selected students. If a 50% sponsorship is approved, Rotary’s contribution would be $1,590, with the remaining $1,590, plus the $70 application fee, to be covered by the student, family, school, fundraising or other support.
Students experiencing financial hardship may also be able to apply for NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship support through NYSF.
NYSF STEM Hubs
NYSF also offers non-residential STEM Hub experiences. The standard 2026 STEM Hub ticket price is $80 per student. STEM Hubs are separate from the residential Year 12 Program and may have their own dates, locations and eligibility requirements.
Program cost: $3,180 + $70 application fee.
Rotary support: 50% part sponsorship may be available for selected applicants.
Book a meeting with Stewart to discuss more.
Photo Credits: Respective Authors
MUNA
Model United Nations Assembly — Years 10 and 11
What is Model United Nations Assembly?
Model United Nations Assembly, or MUNA, is a Rotary youth program that gives students the opportunity to experience the workings of the United Nations in a simulated assembly.
Students work in teams, represent an allocated country, research global issues, debate resolutions and develop their public speaking, teamwork, research and leadership skills.
The event provides an excellent forum for students to build confidence while learning about international relations, diplomacy, world peace, human rights, the environment and other topical global issues.
2026 District 9675 MUNA details
- Venue: NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney
- Date: 20 June 2026
- Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Applications close: 16 May 2026
- Cost: To be confirmed by Rotary District 9675
The team that places first in District MUNA may be invited to progress to National MUNA at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House, Canberra.
National MUNA 2026 costs, if a team progresses
National MUNA 2026 will be held from Friday 21 August to Sunday 23 August 2026. The national registration fee is:
- $1,570 for a two-student team
- $1,895 for a three-student team
Additional counsellor, accommodation, meal and travel costs may apply.
Program cost: District 9675 cost to be confirmed.
Rotary support: Fully sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fairfield City for selected teams, subject to final District pricing and approval.
Book a meeting with Stewart to discuss more.
Photo Credits: Respective Author
Click image to download PDF Registration Form
RYPEN
- Rotary Youth Program of Exchange
Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment — Ages 14 to 16
RYPEN, the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, is designed for young people aged 14 to 16 who have shown qualities and application in everyday life that deserve further development.
The program uses learning, co-operation, friendship and practical activities to build trust, self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills. RYPEN helps broaden each participant’s horizons culturally, socially and academically, while providing strong personal foundations for the future.
2026 RYPEN details
- Dates: Friday 1 May – Sunday 3 May 2026
- Location: Teen Ranch Cobbitty, 352 Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty NSW 2570
- Cost: $520 per student
- Applications close: 17 April 2026, unless places are filled earlier
- Places: Maximum 40 spaces
Applications are processed through Rotary District 9675. Once applications are received and processed, the sponsoring Rotary Club will be invoiced for the program fee.
Program cost: $520 per student.
Rotary support: Fully sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fairfield City for selected applicants.
Book a meeting with Stewart to discuss more.
Click image to download PDF Flyer
Click image to download PDF Application Form
Photo Credits: Respective Authors
RYPEN Promotional Video
Interact Clubs
- Rotary Sponsored Club 12-18yrs
Rotary Sponsored Clubs — Ages 12 to 18
Start your own Interact Club at your school
Interact clubs bring together young people aged 12 to 18 to develop leadership skills, serve their school and community, build friendships and discover the power of “Service Above Self”.
An Interact Club is sponsored and supported by a local Rotary Club. Students are mentored by Rotary members and school staff while they organise meaningful projects, develop leadership skills and take action in their school, local community and the wider world.
What’s involved?
Interact clubs are expected to organise at least two projects each year:
- One project that helps their school or local community
- One project that promotes international understanding
Students can take on leadership roles including President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and learn how to plan projects, run meetings, work as a team and serve others.
Cost
There is no student program fee and no Rotary International charter fee to start an Interact Club. Sponsoring Rotary Clubs usually assist with agreed set-up items such as a banner, meeting gavel, badges and club materials.
Program cost: No student program fee.
Rotary support: Supported by the Rotary Club of Fairfield City in partnership with the school.
Book a meeting with Stewart to discuss more.
