This year, Mt Eliza Primary School launched its first EarlyAct Club—a partnership with Rotary that’s inspiring the next generation of community leaders.
Lynsey Breen, who coordinates the program at the school, says the students have gained so much:
✨ Awareness of their local community and how they can make a difference
✨ Leadership skills through assemblies, presentations, and running meetings
✨ Organisation and event management experience
Families have loved seeing their children become more community-minded, and projects like the “Wheelathon” created real buzz across the school.
We’re proud to support EarlyAct and can’t wait to see these young leaders continue their Rotary journey into secondary school and beyond. 💛💙
Mt Eliza Primary School EarlyAct Club – Growing Young Leaders
This year, Mt Eliza Primary School established its very first EarlyAct Club, in partnership with Rotary Mt Eliza. The idea came about when former principal Mrs Wheeler and teacher Lynsey Breen attended a Rotary meeting to discuss the school’s reading program. In conversation with Carolyn and Cathryn from Rotary, it became clear there was a natural fit for the school to start an EarlyAct Club to give senior students more opportunities for community engagement.
Now in its first year, the club has already made a remarkable impact. Students have discovered that—even at a young age—they can make a real difference in their community. They’ve developed leadership skills by presenting at assemblies, creating PowerPoints, and running meetings with agendas and action plans. They’ve also learnt about event organisation and teamwork through planning fundraisers and community activities.
The benefits extend beyond the classroom. Some students have even requested certificates to use in high school applications, as they want to continue their involvement in community service. Families have also expressed how proud they are to see their children grow more community-minded.
A highlight was the recent Wheelathon, which not only raised funds for Wheelchairs for Kids but also generated a strong sense of excitement and purpose across the school.
For Lynsey Breen, the experience has been personally rewarding:
“It’s helped me build even stronger relationships with students, and it’s also opened my eyes to more ways we can connect with our local community.”
The EarlyAct Club has grown organically from the right idea at the right time, and the enthusiasm is set to continue. Current Year 6 students are already preparing a presentation to the Year 5s, encouraging them to take up the baton next year.
Rotary Mt Eliza is proud to support this initiative and looks forward to helping these young leaders stay connected with Rotary as they move into secondary school and beyond.
