NEWS - Moss Vale Rotary

Southern Highlands MUNA Inspires Future Global Leaders 

The Southern Highlands Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) was held on Saturday, 30th May at the Wingecarribee Council Chambers, Moss Vale, bringing together enthusiastic secondary students from across the region for a day of debate, diplomacy and international engagement. 

Students from Bowral High School, Oxley College, Chevalier College, Southern Highlands Christian School, Moss Vale High School and St Paul’s International College participated in this year’s event. Each team represented a member nation of the United Nations and debated resolutions that have recently been considered by the UN General Assembly, presenting arguments from the perspective of their allocated country. 

An important aspect of MUNA is the opportunity for students to participate in bloc meetings, where countries lobby, negotiate and build alliances to gain support for their position before voting on resolutions. These negotiations challenge students to think strategically and appreciate the complexities involved in international diplomacy. 

The Southern Highlands MUNA program provides young people with valuable opportunities to develop public speaking, negotiation, conflict resolution and mediation skills while also strengthening confidence and self-esteem. More importantly, it opens students’ eyes to the realities of seeking consensus on the world stage, where cultural differences, economic priorities, religious perspectives, geography, and developing-world issues all influence debate and decision-making. 

Competition throughout the day was spirited and of a very high standard. 

The overall winner of the 2026 Southern Highlands MUNA was Southern Highlands Christian School,, representing China. The Peace Prize was awarded to Oxley College representing Lebanon. 

Both winning teams will now be sponsored to compete at the National MUNA competition to be held at Old Parliament House in Canberra in August. 

MUNA also encourages students to embrace the culture of the countries they represent through costume and national dress. This year, the costume prize was awarded to St Paul’s International College, representing France, with Bowral High School, representing Canada, receiving second place and a highly commended award. 

Southern Highlands MUNA is proudly organised and supported by three Rotary clubs – the Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong, the Rotary Club of Moss Vale and the Rotary E-Club of Brindabella. Through their commitment to youth development and global understanding, these clubs continue to provide local students with an outstanding opportunity to engage with international issues and develop leadership and communication skills.

The three Rotary clubs congratulate all participating students and schools for their preparation, enthusiasm and commitment to respectful debate and global understanding. The future of leadership and international cooperation is certainly in capable hands. 

At our annual general meeting on Tue 3rd Dec, we presented a cheque for $16,000 to  Wingecarribee Adult Day Care to assist in the purchase of a transport bus. Funds were raised from this year's charity golf day which is held every year at Moss Vale Golf Course and proceeds go to a chosen charity each year. 

President Ross Craig presenting our recipients the cheque.

The hampers in the attached photos were delivered to Moss Vale Public School this morning to the Principal, Katherine Hurst, who thanked everyone in the Rotary Club for helping the six families who will get the hampers donated and packed by the members of our club

Margie, Moya and Lorraine did a great job of buying, packing and decorating the hampers yesterday, and our members did a great job in donating so that this could happen.

Beautiful hampers ready to go to six families that need a bit of Christmas cheer. 

At Moss Vale Rotary, our mission is to promote environmental sustainability and advocate for policies that protect our planet. We believe that small actions can make a big impact, and we work tirelessly to create a more sustainable future for all.