Supporting Local Youth

About Interact

Interact is a school-based service club for youth aged 12-18 years who want to connect with other young people and have fun while serving their community and learning about the world.

Interact at Frankston High is a jointly sponsored initiative of the Rotary Club of Frankston Sunrise and Peninsula Rotaract.

The club run is by students and is mentored by members of our sponsoring clubs and some wonderful and committed teachers.  With some 50 passionate and committed student members in 2021, Interact is delivering some great initiatives while fostering leadership and personal development for its members.

An Interact Club typically runs 2 initiaitves per year:

1.  in support of their local community
2.  building international awareness and understanding

But Interact at Frankston High pushes way beyond that!

Frankston High School Interact has gone from strength to strength again over the last 12 months.

Under 2025 President Eliza and her team, the group achieved some great fundraising and programs.
In August, their Bunnings BBQ raised over $2,000 to support the work of the Australian Indigenous Alpine Sports Foundation. They ran a “Wear It Purple” Trivia Night, and then used Term 4 to set up the agenda for 2026 under new President Tilly and Co.

The November 7 Planning Day held again at the Frankston Yacht Club was organised and run by the Interactors. With input from all members, they prioritise and select the major events and priorities for 2026, which lets them hit the ground running when the new school year starts.

In February, they again supported the Peninsula 2.0 Duck Derby as part of the Frankston Waterfront Festival. A Donation Drive gathered personal care supplies from students across the school that went to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, they showed up in stronger than ever numbers on ANZAC Day to support the Dawn Service, and have done volunteer work at the RSPCA Burwood.

With the continuing support of Jon Christie and Michael Simmons, the students really do reflect the best of what Interact is about. They make a difference and the planning and activities they run builds leadership skills and opportunities for students to shine.

On other fronts, we sent Harry Congues, an employee of Dave Gibson (O’Brien Electrics) to the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA), the week-long live-in program. Harry’s report to the club after the event showed a confident young man who clearly had a great positive learning experience.

Once again, the club partially funded the attendance at the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in Brisbane for Sienna McPherson, a Year 12 Woodleigh student who was a very impressive awardee.

MUNA did not run in the last 12 months.

Key Highlights include:

MUNA – Model United Nations Assembly

Allowing senior secondary school students to develop an awareness of the United Nations and the specific country they represent at a simulated UN Assembly.  It gives students an opportunity to develop and practice their public speaking skills whilst debating on topical world issues.

NYSF – National Youth Science Forum

A residential program encouraging young people in their passion for science

RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Award

An intensive 6 day live-in leadership experience helping young people develop their leadership and team-building skills whilst having fun and making connections

RYPEN – Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment

A weekend residential experience for youth aged 14-16 years designed to develop skills that will assist them in the transition to adulthood.  Participants are involved in a variety of workshops and activities, which provide an opportunity for them to personally develop, gain self confidence, communication skills, challenge themselves, build friendships, and develop life skills