When was the last time you dressed up, ate a three-course meal, and danced the night away to a 10-piece jazz band? Better yet, when was the last time you celebrated 60 years of community service, fellowship, and meaningful impact?
 
On Friday, 7 March 2025, the Castle Hill Rotary Club is hosting its 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Rydges Norwest, and it’s going to be the kind of evening that reminds you why local organisations like Rotary matter so much.
 
Let’s set the scene. The ballroom at Rydges Norwest will be dressed to impress, with the air buzzing with conversation and connection. The music? Courtesy of ‘The Swing West Jazz Orchestra,’ a dynamic 10-piece band that’s guaranteed to have you tapping your feet—or hitting the dance floor.
 
And while the dinner (a fabulous three-course meal) and entertainment will certainly make it an evening to remember, this event is about more than just the glitz. It’s a celebration of six decades of Castle Hill Rotary Club making a difference in the lives of countless people—both here in the Hills District and around the world.
 
Honouring the Past, Looking to the Future
“This isn’t just about looking back,” says Dr. Juanita Ruiz, President of the Castle Hill Rotary Club. “It’s about celebrating the lives we’ve impacted and getting excited about the projects still to come. It’s about connection, community and impact—past, present, and future.”
 
That connection will be at the heart of the evening, with Community Service Awards presented to honour local heroes and an inspiring showcase of the club’s ongoing work.
 
If you’re a past member of a Rotary Club (or a family member of one), this is your chance to reconnect with old friends and celebrate the legacy you helped create. And if you’re simply someone who’s passionate about community service, this is the perfect opportunity to see what Rotary is all about.
 
A Table for Everyone
Want to make an even bigger impact? Organisations, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to purchase a table for the event. Not only will you receive a special mention during the evening, but you’ll also have the chance to showcase your support for the Hills District community.
 
A Partner with Heart
The Gala is proudly supported by Arada, a property development company with a heart for revitalising communities. Arada believes that when people and spaces connect, incredible things happen—and their vision aligns beautifully with Rotary’s mission.
“We’re thrilled to have Arada as a partner,” says Dr. Ruiz. “Their work highlights how meaningful connections can create ripple effects that strengthen entire communities. That’s what this evening is all about.”
 
Reserve Your Seat
Tickets are $99 per person, and seats are limited. The price includes a three-course meal, live music, and an evening packed with inspiration and celebration.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a curious newcomer, or someone who simply loves an excuse to dress up and dance, this Gala is your chance to be part of something special.
 
Visit https://castlehillrotary60th.rsvpify.com/ to book your spot today.
 
Let’s make it a night to remember—for ourselves, for our community, and for the legacy of service that continues to bring us all together.
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.
 
Join us for a unique blend of fun, fellowship, learning, and inspiration. District 9685 Conference 2025 will take place on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March 2025, at The Pullman, Penrith.
  • Meet old friends and make new ones over a fun-filled day and a half. We will have magic shows, music, and dance to liven up the event. Remember to pack your dancing shoes for the Friday night dinner and dress up for the theme – The Magic of Rotary!
  • Clubs big and small will showcase the great work to all conference attendees including non- Rotarians and community members, through short videos and presentations.
  • Learn from leaders in sustainability and humanitarianism who will present to us their thoughts on protecting the environment and doing good in the world.
  • Be inspired by the innovative energy of our young people. Our Schools Innovation Challenge on Protecting the Environment has had an enthusiastic response from teachers and students! Students who make to the Final stage will present to us at the showcase as they compete for prize money and an opportunity to bring their project ideas to fruition through the work 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

 
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 25th November to 10th 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.
 
T-Shirt order form (click on the Rotary logo)
 
For further information contact
District 9685 Governor
2024 - 2025
Niranjan Deodhar
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