District Governor Update – December 2025
Dear Rotary family,
As we enter December, many of us are wrapping up another busy year of service, celebrations, and connection. It’s also a time for reflection and gratitude. I want to thank each of you for the way you continue to show up for your clubs, your communities, and for each other.
In recent days, many of us have been deeply affected by the tragic Bondi terror attack, which claimed 16 lives and injured many others; events like this remind us how fragile life can be and how important it is to look after ourselves and one another, to check in, and to seek support when we need it.
December in Rotary is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month, a powerful reminder that our work touches lives in the most fundamental way: helping people stay healthy in body and mind. From global projects to local initiatives, Rotarians are quietly and consistently changing lives.
I also want to acknowledge the many clubs and Rotarians across our district who proudly wore their purple shirts during the 16 Days of Activism. Your visible support for ending gender-based violence sends a powerful message: Rotary stands for respect, dignity, and safety for all. Thank you for the leadership and compassion you continue to demonstrate in this important space.
Thank you as well for supporting David’s partner project this year. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment have made a meaningful difference, and both David and 
I are deeply grateful.
Thank you for being People of Action.
David and I wish you all and your families a wonderful and safe Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you in the new year, especially on the 1st of February 2026, for Picnic in the Park.
Yours in Rotary,
DG Michele and David Ellery
The Rotary theme for December is Disease Prevention and Treatment, and we are especially encouraged to give this area thought during this month. This is one of the 
Rotary Foundation’s Areas of Focus, and one in which many of us should be aware of the numerous projects around the world supported by Clubs and the Foundation. How Rotary makes help happen
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases. Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time.
Music and cultural engagement: In Pakistan, a drummer played familiar tunes in neighbourhoods to draw crowds and encourage families to get their children vaccinated against polio, creating a friendly and accessible atmosphere for the health teams.
If your club has a great story in this space, please send it through so we can share it across the District.
Spotlight on Mental Health 🧠
Health is not just physical.
Many of you know how passionate I am about mental health literacy and support.
This month is a good opportunity to:
Check in with your members – “How are you really going?”
Look at what your club is doing to create safe, welcoming, inclusive spaces.
Explore training or partnerships that help build resilient, connected communities.
If your club is interested in Mental Health First Aid or wellbeing-focused projects, please reach out – there are resources and people ready to help.
Youth Programs Update – Building Healthy Futures for Young People
Our youth programs are powerful vehicles for early intervention, leadership development, and well-being:
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) – Building confident, community-minded young leaders
RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) - is designed to assist students in their personal development.
MUNA, Youth Exchange, Interact, Rotaract – Giving young people opportunities to grow, connect, and serve
Thank you to all the Rotarians working behind the scenes on these programs – from planning and governance to interviews, logistics, and pastoral care.
District 9685 updates & Resources
MEMBERSHIP RESOURCES
Join the District Mentor program.
The District Mentor Program connects experienced Rotarians with club leaders to provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support. Mentors help clubs identify key areas for growth, strengthen engagement, and build leadership capacity. It’s about collaboration, not direction — empowering clubs to thrive. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please get in touch with District Governor Michele Ellery.
Public Image
Share your story – Clubs Bragging needed!
AWARDS
District 9685 ClubEnviro Awards open
The District EnviroClub Awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians who are taking action to protect our environment and build a more sustainable future.
REGIONALISATION NEWS
Regional Pilot update
The progress in implementing the new Governance model and in adopting change has been slower than desired. It is therefore likely that the pilot will be extended to ensure full implementation and proper evaluation. A request for an extension will be made to the RI Board in January 2026. A discussion paper has been circulated to members of the Steering Group, Regional Council, RISPPO and RI staff, District Governors (DGs), District Governor Elects (DGEs) and District Governor Nominees (DGNs) to disseminate to interested Rotarians for review, discussion and feedback, with the DG aggregating feedback and sending it through to the Steering Group.
A copy has been sent to every Past District Governor, President and Secretary to disseminate and discuss with Club members.
[
Click to download] Future Restructure Discussion document. Once read, please feel free to send me any comments.
RESOURCES
Rotary Community Leaders
Club News & Updates
Club Highlights – People of Action in District 9685 🌟
Here are just a few examples of the great work happening across our District:
✳️ Rotary Club of Turramurra – for Joey Joy Flight for Children with Disabilities and Underprivileged Children.
This annual event involves a Qantas jet taking children and their carers on a 90-minute joy flight over the Sydney-Newcastle-Wollongong area.
The children are physically or intellectually disadvantaged, suffering life-threatening illnesses, or come from homeless backgrounds or from
circumstances where holidays are not possible.
✳️ Hills Rotaract Club – The team met up and packed 83 wonderful bags for Share the Dignity Australia, dropped off at various 
Bunnings locations in the Hills! These bags are going towards women at Christmas time who are experiencing DV or homelessness.
Thank you again to Norwest Sunrise Rotary for allowing us to use the warehouse to pack the bags.
For more information on Hills Rotaract Inc. activities and meetings, please visit.
✳️ 16 Days of Activism – from 25 November to 10 December 2025, mark the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence. Many clubs and Rotarians attended awareness walks, vigils and Reclaim the Night events. Thank you for raising awareness and highlighting that the community says NO to Domestic and Family violence and YES to Respectful Relationships.
✳️ Rotary Club Christmas Trees sales ✳️ Carols & Trees of Joy
Well done to all the Rotary clubs. Thank you all for the joy you bring to so many.
If your club has a story, photo, or project you’d like featured in the next newsletter, please send it to communications9685@gmail.com with a short description and a couple of high-quality images.
