Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children was started in 1987 by Kangaroo Flat Rotarian Barrie Cooper, and his wife Clarabelle, a nurse.
They visited Fiji and became aware of the need to assist the children there who had major medical issues which could not be handled in Fiji at that time.
The first case was Jessie Ryder, a little girl of 7 who had been severely burned in a kerosene fire. Her neck had been vulcanised to her chest and her arms to her side, but she always wore a big smile.
Barrie and Clarabelle set up medical assistance with the support of plastic surgeon Dr Murray Stapleton, and brought Jessie back with them to live as a member of their family during her numerous surgeries.
ROMAC went from strength to strength when it was featured at the 1995 District Conference of D9800 at Darling Harbour in Sydney. The late Max Walker was the Keynote Speaker presenting the philosophy of ROMAC.
Some of you might recall that after his inspirational address, from the back of the auditorium in the darkness, a little voice said; “What about me, Mr Walker, what about me?” The spotlight swung around to Jessie as she ran down the aisle into the arms of Max. There was not a dry eye in the house.
This in effect became the launch of ROMAC to the Clubs of D9800, and from Bendigo it spread to other Districts in Victoria, NSW and Queensland and New Zealand. It is today a Multinational Project.
Photo (right): David Rosback displaying a newspaper with Max Walker's favourite picture: himself with Jessie Ryder.
Barrie Cooper reminds us that as ROMAC’s National Patron, Max Walker spoke on behalf of ROMAC in excess of 110 occasions predominantly at District Conferences at not cost. To place a monetary value on that for his services would exceed one million dollars. The impact of his involvement in terms of donations received is immeasurable. He even flew to New Zealand at his own expense to speak at conferences, and took a helicopter flight so he could attend two separate venues.
Possibly the highlight, through Barrie Cooper’s involvement, was bringing the conjoined Bosin twins from Papua New Guinea, to be separated at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
It is accepted that Barrie Coopers’ dream became a National success through the vast support and network of Rotary International. Thanks also to Max Walker, who gave freely of his time and devotion, throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Photo (left): Barrrie Cooper with Eaustina and Eaustocia Bosin, when they visited Hawthorn Rotary in 2011.
ROMAC provides surgical treatment for children in Australia and New Zealand from developing countries from our Pacific region in the form of life giving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.
Their objectives are to:
- Provide hope and restore dignity to transform a child’s life
- Provide the best possible surgical and medical expertise
- Engage Rotary and the community at all levels to fund and support the ROMAC cause
- To maintain and improve the quality of the management process and ensure high quality governance of the ROMAC project
You can read more about ROMAC at https://www.romac.org.au
Over many years Max Walker freely gave his time to help raise awareness and funds for many life saving surgeries conducted by Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children, which assists children in need from developing countries. Max was more than an ambassador, he was a dream maker. One of those people who gave others hope and dignity through being part of Rotary's huge powerful network. Rotarians in District 9800 acknowledge Max for all that he has done to help others.
David Rosback AM was Hawthorn Rotary Club President in 1989-90, and District Governor Rotary District 9800 in 1994-95. He was awarded an AM in 2001 for service to the community, particularly through the programmes of Rotary International and Australians Against Child Abuse.