The P.A.C.E. program is now into its 23rd year of operation for Rotary District 9690. The program is a two way exchange, with inbound students coming from Pacific Island Countries such as Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Cook Islands, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, to Australia and outbound students from Australia travelling to those Pacific Island Countries. The exchange is for the short duration of 4 weeks during the January school holidays.

PACE, an international goodwill program for young people was conceived in District 9690 in 1983. It was devised to offer the advantages of an exchange program to young people who would have difficulty in nominating for the longer term Youth Exchange Program. It has successfully conducted exchanges for students aged 14 to 17 between Australia and nations of the Pacific area.

The exchange, as its name implies, is a cultural program aimed at developing understanding between nations and promoting goodwill for all concerned.

After a rigorous selection process, successful applicants are required to attend briefing sessions to outline the objectives of the program and to become conversant with facets of the inter-cultural experience.
Students depart Australia late in December to return one month later in time to continue normal school studies. While they are overseas many families welcome students from the exchange countries into their homes to share lifestyles and enjoy cultural differences.

Exchangees are expected to provide the necessary airfare, insurance cover, pocket money as well as other miscellaneous items.

The District PACE Committee provides selection procedures, briefings, overseas contacts allocates destinations and administers the program.

For Pacific Island students, the exchange consists of a city stay followed by an inland tour and ends with a mountain billeting. The District Committee conducts briefing and debriefing programs for this group as well.

PACE is an exciting program utilising social living skills, teaching diplomacy and encouraging racial harmony whilst offering an opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility.