friends & family of
Rodney Callanan
nominate this quiet achiever for one of
30 leaving their mark
The Ripple
Effect of Passion
How one man’s dream
created a tidal wave of impact.
Fifteen years ago, Rodney Callanan, an Australian engineer, returned from Uganda, deeply affected by the poverty he had witnessed. Overwhelmed but determined to make a difference, Rodney confided in three close friends about his desire to help African communities. Together, they embarked on a journey that would lead to the birth of Droplets In A Stream (DIAS), a charity aimed at providing hope and support to vulnerable children.
Their first trip to Africa was eye-opening as Rodney shared the stark realities of poverty. His sincerity and compassion touched the hearts of those around him, initiating a ripple effect of kindness.
A drop of an idea that began with a small group of friends has now grown into a powerful current of support, with hundreds of Australians joining hands to make a difference.
The diverse group of supporters, ranging from entrepreneurs and philanthropists to young adults and school children, reflects the universal desire to create positive change in the world.
In a heartwarming gesture of unity, Rodney brought some of his partners from East Africa to Brisbane in 2023, allowing them to share their gratitude and shed light on the challenges faced in their communities.
Through engaging talks, collaborative partnerships, awareness campaigns and documentaries, Rodney and his team continue to inspire and mobilize people to join their mission.
Their collective efforts are not just building a brighter future for vulnerable children and families in Africa, but also fostering a spirit of unity and kindness that knows no bounds.
By leveraging the skills, talents
and resources of those around him,
Rod has united a diverse group of people to maximise impact in Africa.
From parents and neurosurgeons
to hairdressers, international airlines, tradies, and politicians, each has played an important role in bringing hope and happiness to vulnerable children.
-
ashleigh susman
ERNST & young australia
Dr Christian Rowan
commends the humanitarian efforts of DIAS
Over the past 12 years, Rod Callanan has worked tirelessly to ensure that DIAS operations and that of its partner organisations continue to support many disadvantaged children across Central Africa. They provide many of the services that we here in Queensland and Australia take for granted. I look forward to continuing to assist the work of Droplets in a Stream into the future.
-
Dr Christian Rowan, 2019
state member for Moggill
Rodney was invited to speak at the Queensland government in 2019.
Husband. Brother. Uncle. Friend.
Engineer. Charity Co-Founder.
Champion for children.
Through his work as the Director and Co-Founder of Droplets In A Stream,
Rodney has supported children and their communities in East Africa with:
Education
DIAS covers school staffing, wages, desks and furniture, teaching aids, books, consumables and schools fees.
Healthcare
DIAS funds surgeries, hospital
and clinical treatments, nursing, rehabilitative care, counselling inoculations and vaccinations.
Child Protection
DIAS funds protective housing and critical aftercare for survivors of child sacrifice, trafficking, violence, abuse, and neglect.
Child Advocacy
DIAS partners with community leaders to champion legislation that safeguards children and delivers justice to survivors.
United for Good
We watched with pride and gratitude as industry leaders stood tall in support
of Rodney’s mission to facilitate life-saving surgeries for children in Australia.
A passion
for people
Rodney's incredible passion for people shines through in everything he does. He and his team have made it their mission to support charitable organizations in Kenya and Uganda who are working tirelessly to make a positive impact in their communities. By working hand in hand with these community leaders, Rodney has played a key role in turning their ambitious visions into tangible realities, ensuring that children and families receive the support and opportunities they truly deserve.
Transforming the lives of vulnerable children
Rodney's unwavering dedication has transformed communities and offered a lifeline for countless vulnerable children. Through his tireless efforts, Rodney has brought education, healthcare, and safety to those who need it most, shielding them from the harsh realities of violence, neglect, and exploitation. His work is a testament to the power of one individual's commitment to making the world a better place for all.
Not only does Rodney help
community leaders develop their dreams,
but he also rolls up his sleeves and joins them on the ground, building roads and schools
with his own two hands.
James Hemetsberger ,
DIAS Volunteer & friend
Rodney inspires
us to pay it forward.
Behind the scenes, Rodney works tirelessly, pouring his heart and soul into every project to ensure its success. He reminds us that even in the face of daunting challenges, every effort counts, and every life touched is a step towards a brighter future. His story is not just one of charity, but of profound resilience, and the belief that together, we can create a world, where every child has a chance to thrive. We are forever grateful for his friendship, leadership, compassion, and the incredible impact he has made on countless lives.
$1.08 million was raised in donations
by Droplets In A Stream in 2023
Here are just a few ways in which these funds changed young lives.
878
children received
free, life-changing education
3299
children and adults received free
medical care
157
children rescued
from trafficking
and exploitation
164
children received
trauma-informed care post abuse
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Noteworthy Contributions
Here are a just few of Rodney's philanthropic milestones that have inspired
Australians and people around the globe to aid East Africa's most vulnerable children.
How to Catch A Witchdoctor.
Rodney was featured in the SBS
Dateline documentary, “How To Catch
A Witchdoctor.” The filmmakers joined Rodney and his team as they tracked down a witchdoctor who viciously attacked a six-year-old boy. The mission resulted in an arrest and successful prosecution.
The case that set a
precedent for child sacrifice
prosecutions in Uganda.
Little Hope endured ritualistic torture
for more than two years. Her captor was sentenced to 44 years in prison but appealed for a reduced sentence. However, the high court increased the sentence to life in prison.
Life-saving surgeries in Australia for survivors
of child sacrifice.
Rodney has facilitated surgeries at participating hospitals around Australia
when they couldn’t be done in Uganda. With support of friends and family, these survivors received world-class care.
In Rod’s own words
I’m often asked about why I support children in Africa and the simple,
if somewhat cheeky answer is, because I can.
And then I go on to say, and those children really do need help. It’s that simple.
One of joys and benefits of living in Australia, is that we have so much. We have more than we need,
and I have found that most people are very generous and want to help, but they simply don’t know how.
That’s where I come along. I provide a network. I connect them to the need. My charity work in its simplest
form is telling a story of need and then delivering the resource to that need and through
Droplets In A Stream we have found a way to do that.
Yes, there is a lot of detail and responsibility that goes into that, but over the past 15 years we have built
a very strong and gifted team and together we are now making serious impact to the communities we support.
Some days it is overwhelming – the needs can be huge and the funds may be lacking, but we have learnt that as long as we support the one child that is in front of us on that day, it is a “win”. Over the years we have now seen hundreds of kids graduate from school and get jobs. Others have received life changing surgeries in Australia and gone home well to lead normal and hopeful lives. It is so encouraging. How could I not keep doing this!
I’ve always been moved by Rodney’s
humble nature. He is a kind-hearted soul, dedicated to assisting those in greatest need. Whether in Africa or Australia, Rodney
brings light and love into people's lives.
DR. Geoffrey Mitchell, Limestone Medical Center
Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine
University of Queensland
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Rodney and DIAS in the news
Tortured by a witch doctor, saved by Australian surgeons
Brisbane charity offers
hope to boy mutilated by
African witch doctor.
Why child sacrifice is
on the rise in Uganda
Saving Robert from
human sacrifice
Witchcraft has a dark side
in Uganda, and children
are falling victim
Witchcraft
victims aided
Words from those who love Rod
My uncle is an amazing person in every way. His selflessness, kindness, and generosity know no bounds. I am constantly inspired by his gentle and humble nature, and his deep respect for communities and children. I feel incredibly blessed and proud to have such an extraordinary uncle as a part of my family.
-
Lauren, Niece
Working under Rodney's leadership at Gateway Projects for two decades has been an absolute privilege. Despite the challenges that come with running a business, Rodney has consistently maintained his professionalism and unwavering support for his team. Beyond his business acumen, Rodney's dedication to improving the lives of the less fortunate through his Foundation is truly inspiring.
-
Nathan, Construction Supervisor
I feel blessed to be able to call Rod
a friend. Over the years I have known him he has been both a mentor and an inspiration to live a life of generosity and to always remember the poor and vulnerable in our broken world. He has an incredible ability to come alongside people and invite them to share in his big vision and life mission.
-
Joel, Friend
Rodney’s Legacy
creating lasting change for africa’s children
Details
civil engineer
Rodney is also owner and CEO of Gateway Projects,
a civil engineering company based in Brisbane.
charity director
Rodney is the director and co-founder of Droplets In A Stream, a charitable organization that supports children in East Africa.
15
Years
of faithful
partnership
