Mobile: +61 438 294 563
Damian Leach is a dedicated Rotarian who believes in helping clubs stay strong, adapt to change, and serve their communities in lasting ways. A member of the Rotary Club of Morialta, Damian was previously President of the Rotary Club of Campbelltown during its 50th year, when the club received a Platinum Presidential Citation recognising the efforts of its members and their local impact.
Born in Adelaide, his Rotary journey began as an exchange student to the United States in 1999, an experience that showed him the value of Rotary’s global network and the friendships it makes possible. Since joining Rotary in 2009, Damian has championed youth programs such as RYPEN, RYLA, NYSF, and Interact, supported Global Grants that help strengthen communities, and helped charter the Rotary Club of Lightsview to grow Rotary’s reach. He has served as District Membership Chair, District Youth Service Chair for seven years, District Chair of Learning and Development for three years, and was Assistant Rotary Coordinator for Zone 8 from 2020 to 2023. Damian is a Paul Harris Fellow with three sapphires and a Centurion-level donor to The Rotary Foundation.
Professionally, Damian has worked in government for around 20 years, starting with the Western Australian Government before moving to South Australia, where he focuses on strategy, governance, stakeholder engagement, and regional and industry development. His experience includes working in Ministerial offices on regional and economic development, coordinating alternative quarantine facilities during COVID, and helping teams navigate complex policy and organisational change. Teams he led were recognised with a Premier’s Excellence Award and as a finalist for their work supporting South Australia’s COVID response. He also serves with the Australian Army, bringing a practical, team-focused approach to every role. Damian believes good leadership comes from listening and collaboration, and he enjoys helping people turn good ideas into action.
Based in Adelaide, Damian enjoys spending time with his family, running, and camping on the banks of the Murray River. He is also Secretary of the Athelstone Cricket Club, has served on local school governing councils, and supports grassroots sport and community connection — and believes the friendships and connections Rotary creates are its greatest strength.
As one of the first millennials to serve as District Governor, Damian is committed to helping clubs build on what they do best, welcome new people and ideas, and keep Rotary strong and relevant for generations to come.
