Home Page | Rotary District 9685

20388_Together-We-Save-Lives-Digital-horizontal-banner_ORIGINAL.jpg

20396_Together-We-Learn-Digital-horizontal-banner_ORIGINAL.jpg

20356_Together-We-Empower-Digital-horizontal-banner_ORIGINAL.jpg

20364_Together-We-Fight-Hunger-Digital-horizontal-banner_ORIGINAL.jpg

20372_Together-We-Mentor-Digital-horizontal-banner_ORIGINAL.jpg

20380_Together-We-Promote-Peace-Digital-horizontal-banner_ORIGINAL.jpg

Beach2Beach : A New Half Marathon

The iconic Beach2Beach Charity Fun Run organised Warringah Rotary is set to reach new heights in 2025 with the launch of its first-ever Beach2Beach Half Marathon. For the first time, runners will have the chance to tackle 21.09 km of stunning coastal views, making it one of the most picturesque half marathons in Australia.

Scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, the new Half Marathon will complement the existing 3km, 6km, and 14km courses, providing a thrilling new challenge for seasoned runners while maintaining the event’s fun and inclusive atmosphere.

"We’re thrilled to introduce the Half Marathon to Beach2Beach," said Phil Jackson from Warringah Rotary "This new distance caters to experienced runners looking to push their limits while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of Sydney’s Northern Beaches."

Phil Jackson also emphasized the community impact of the event: "With the rising popularity of running, we saw an opportunity to expand Beach2Beach, not just for the thrill of competition but also to increase the funds we raise to support local charities and community programs."

A Run with Purpose

Beach2Beach is more than just a run—it’s a movement for good. As the largest charity fun run, the event has raised millions of dollars for local charities, schools, and community groups. Proceeds from the 2025 event will continue to fund vital programs that make a real difference.

Event date: 24th August 2025
Dee Why to Newport Beach

Half Marathon, 14km, 6km and 3km options

www.beach2beach.com.au

HandUp Congo : Service Above Self Award

Rotary International's Service Above Self Award recognises fewer than 150 of the 1.2 million Rotarians around the world each year.

Lucy Hobgood-Brown, alias MAMA OTAENGA, was born in the United States and has lived in Australia for more than 25 years. But her heart will always be in a remote town, Lutombe, in the equatorial forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she spent much of her childhood. Her family’s connection to Lotumbe dates back to 1912, when her grandparents arrived there to work as missionaries.

Lucy as the Founding Director of Clay International Partners, has experience living and working in nine countries, working in international social development, communications, project implementation and public relations. Her career has included PR practitioner, journalist, university lecturer and community development consultant. She holds Masters Degrees in International Communication and International Social Development. Lucy joined Rotary in 2011 and is currently a member of E-Club of Greater Sydney.

Lucy is a global humanitarian and community builder. In 2005, returning along with her sister for a visit to their childhood home, realising the plight of women, founded HandUp Congo, its motto being ‘Offer a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out. Over 7000 children and their families have been positively impacted.

Starting with the purchase of two sewing machines HandUp Congo now supports projects involving food security, canoe motors, micro-credits, poultry power, reforestation, community gardens, nurseries, library, sports, schools, beekeeping, community store, solar panels, mpox vaccines. She was responsible for establishing the first Rotary Peace Pole in the Congo which was erected at the main street intersection of Lutombe.

Lucy has assisted Congolese refugees in Sydney and Cowra with housing, driver training and employment and supported Congolese students to attend The Science Experience.

In 2015 Lucy received Rotary International’s Global Woman of Action Award at the United Nations Assembly. She successfully nominated Rev. Dr. Kondemo for the Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship.

Lucy is an avid champion of Rotarians for Bees, a network that promotes the easy changes we can make to help bees and other pollinators thrive. She also leads the “1000 trees” Campaign in Equateur Province, repurposing plastic waste to nurture bee-friendly seedlings.

Lucy is a tireless and energetic fund-raiser, gives freely of her time and resources and uses her expertise and language skills to help mentor others with designing and implementing projects, as well as raising public awareness on issues including mpox, floods, micro-credit for mamas, transport for doctors and obstetric emergency training. Her infectious smile and warm personality attract a willing band of helpers.

Lucy Hobgood-Brown truly embodies Service Above Self at the highest level.

District Governor 2027-2028

Each year Rotary Clubs have the privilege and honour of suggesting candidates for District Governor from their membership. District 9685 and its predecessors have a great history of Rotarians, supported by their Clubs, who have stepped up to the role.

District 9685 is now calling for applications for nomination as Rotary International District Governor for the 2027-2028 Rotary year.

An applicant must be a current member of good standing of a Club in the District and have served as President of a Rotary Club for a full term. It is a challenging and rewarding appointment with a structured and exciting two-year training and preparation period, prior to assuming the position. It’s your opportunity to lead and inspire Rotarians in Clubs across the District.

As an initial expression of interest please contact PDG Mina Howard, Chair of the Nominating Committee. She will assist you by providing information about the role and the selection procedure.

You can help even if you are not intending to apply.

All Rotarians know someone who would be an excellent Governor and maybe need someone to tell them just that, so please encourage them to apply. If the response is “not just yet” they could contact the Nominating Committee Chair to get information for the future.

Key dates are:
1 March 2025      Formal Application Details and Package available
7 April 2025      Closing date for formal applications
27 April 2025      District Governor 2027-2028 Selection Interviews
Interviews will be in person at RISPPO Office, Norwest.

For further information about Qualifications and Responsibilities click here.

2025 Winter RYPEN Dates Announced

The next Winter RYPEN will be held

13-15th June 2025

at Katoomba Christian Convention Center

Applications will be open from February until mid-May.

Check out the RYPEN page for details and contact Amanda Barnes for more information.

APPLICATIONS OPEN IN MARCH 2025!

The Magic of Rotary

Rotary International President-elect Stephanie Urchick announced that the 2024-25 presidential theme is The Magic of Rotary and called on members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives.

“Don’t misunderstand me – we are not going to end polio or bring peace to the world by waving a wand and saying some funny words,” Urchick told incoming district governors at the Rotary International Assembly on 8 January. “It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member."

To learn more about Rotary International's goals for the year, click here

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DISTRICT CAMPAIGN

STOP the violence, END the silence
Join us to "Say NO to domestic and family violence and YES to respectful relationships."

Rotarians across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands have joined together to spread awareness, provide assistance, and offer resources to combat family and domestic violence. By working together, we can make a significant difference in reducing this pervasive issue, across our District, from Sydney Harbour to the top end of the Central Coast and west to the Blue Mountains. We share the common goal of supporting individuals who have experienced abuse and violence within their homes.

What you and your club can do!

By participating in this campaign you can help raise awareness and demonstrate your commitment to this cause and our shared values.

Each Rotary Club can determine its own project or fundraising activity.

To assist your preparation for this District wide campaign, below are several links to acquaint you with various tools to support your initiatives.

Community Walks: Walks will be held in each cluster, linking Rotarians with others in the community standing together against domestic and family violence and for respectful relationships.

The campaign is centred on the United Nations 16 Days of Activism – from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25^th November to 10^th December 2023, Human Rights Day but events may be held at any time.

Link to calendar of walks.

Projects: Clubs are creating their own projects and events to support the campaign. A link to the progressive list of projects with clubs and contacts is attached - here

Education: Rotarians may like to educate themselves on domestic violence. A Link to a 4 minute animated - video

Raising Awareness:

TBA

Communications: All Rotarians need to share the same message. Consistency of wording and graphics are vital.

Use this community letter and media release to engage with your local community to gain support for this important social issue.

The links to the Community letter, Media Release, and T-shirt order form can be found below.

Community letter, Media release, and

T-Shirt order form (click on the Rotary logo)

For further information contact

Liz McDougall, districtsecretary@rotarydistrict9685.org.au