Lane Cove, Gosford, Springwood, Carolyn Cook (Lower Blue Mountains), Lower Blue Mountains, Kincumber, Kurrajong North Richmond.
Please note, any contributions not listed, have either requested names to not be published or the information has not come through at the time of publication.
CLUB ENVIRO 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.
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 contact District Governor Michele Ellery.
MEMBERSHIP TASK FORCE
The District Membership Taskforce brings together experienced Rotarians dedicated to helping clubs grow and strengthen their membership. The team provides practical support, resources, and ideas to attract, engage, and retain members. Their goal is to help every club build a vibrant and sustainable future.
The first workshop was held October 25th, 2025. More information will follow.
When completing a Rotary/Rotaract Youth Volunteer Information & Declaration Form, simply requesting references in the application is NOT sufficient. An Authorised Officer (i.e. Protection Officer) is required to contact each reference by phone or in person and ask a standard set of questions, such as:
How long have you known this individual?
In what capacity do you know this individual?
Do you think this individual is well qualified to work with youth?
Would you have any reservations about recommending this person to volunteer/serve in a Rotary or affiliated Youth Program?
Authorised Officers must record the contact date and responses from each referee interview and include it within the volunteer’s form.
The Authorised Officer should also do a Google search for the person's name and record any negative findings, or that there are no negative findings.
Michelle Westlund District Youth Protection Officer
Rotary Social Impact Network
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
November is Rotary Foundation Month, a time to celebrate the incredible impact that Rotarians make around the world through their giving, service, and commitment to “Doing Good in the World.”
As Rotarians, our Foundation is the heart of our service, transforming contributions into sustainable projects that change lives, strengthen communities, and promote peace.
ACKNOWLEDGING OUR DISTRICT'S GENEROSITY
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all our clubs and members!
Our District has been recognised as the highest per-capita giving District in Australia for 2024-25, contributing an impressive USD 285,528 to the Annual Fund. Although this is slightly below the previous year’s giving, your generosity continues to empower vital projects across the globe.
CHALLENGE FOR CLUB LEADERS
Currently, 26 clubs do not yet have a giving plan, and five clubs did not contribute last year. Over the past three years, club leadership giving has hovered around 50%. Let’s aim higher - can we achieve 100% club leader participation this year?
Your leadership sets the tone. When you give, your members are inspired to follow, making our Foundation the charity of choice for every Rotarian.
END POLIO NOW - A SHARED MISSION
A massive shout-out to all Rotarians who joined the Train Ride to End Polio and to every club that supported the PolioPlus Fund.
Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but detections in several countries remind us that vigilance is essential. Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have renewed their partnership, committing US$450 million to finish the job.
Join the upcoming webinar:
Rotary’s Fight Against Polio: Global Progress and Updates from Pakistan
13 November 2025 | 12 PM Chicago (UTC-6)
Live on Zoom Register your interest here
LEARN AND CELEBRATE
Have you read the latest Rotary Down Under magazine? This special Foundation edition beautifully showcases how your contributions are transforming lives worldwide, from clean water to disease prevention and peace building.
And don’t miss our Annual TRF Recognition Night at The Epping Club on 9 December 2025 (evening) with PRIP and Trustee Chair Holger Knaack as our special guest.
JOIN THE TEAM
We’re seeking passionate Rotarians to join the District Rotary Foundation Committee. If you’d like to help expand our impact, please reach out. Your involvement makes a difference!
Together, let’s continue to make Our Foundation - Our Charity a beacon of hope and a force for good in the world.
DGN Haran Ramachandran District Foundation Chair
Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Our newly revamped program is now in full swing, offering development opportunities for all Rotary members - from newcomers to seasoned leaders seeking to refresh their skills and amplify their impact.
Supporting clubs to help orientate new members to the Rotary World we are offering a 4-hour program which will help your new members to begin to understand our amazing organisation with some hands-on tips on how to navigate the vastness that is Rotary.
Note to Club Presidents: This is an essential program for your new club members!
Please reach out with any queries or suggestions via email.
Andrew McIver District RLI Convenor
Rotary Social Impact Network
END POLIO WITH ROTARY'S UN AMBASSADOR
Judith Diment MBE is Rotary International's senior diplomat, joining Ryde Rotary to share her experiences and knowledge from decades on the front line of the program to eradicate polio in Foundation month.
End Polio Now
PDG Judith Diment MBE (UK)
Rotary Representative to the Commonwealth
Dean, Rotary Representatives to the UN (2020-24)
Rotary Action Groups Advisory Council (2024-25)
Vice Chair International Polio Plus Committee
Congratulations DG Michele Ellery & David Ellery on reaching Major Donor status to The Rotary Foundation, recognised at the Rotary South Pacific Conference over the weekend at the Gold Coast.
Thank you to RI Director Jennifer Scott and the committee for organising a great conference, including recognition of District 9685 as the biggest per-capita donor to The Rotary Foundation in Australia last year.
Photo (L to R):
PDG Wendy Prothero, TRF Trustee Dennis Shore, RIP Elect Olayinka Babalola, Major Donors David & DG Michele Ellery, RI Director Jennifer Scott, RI General Secretary John Hewko
SHELTERBOX DISASTER RELIEF CHAMPIONS
Rotary District 9685 is celebrating a major achievement as 12 local Rotary Clubs have been honoured with 2025 ShelterBox Champion Awards, recognising their extraordinary efforts to deliver life-saving shelter to people devastated by disaster and conflict worldwide.
The ShelterBox Champion Awards Ceremony was held last Thursday October 23rd and spotlighted Rotary Clubs that go above and beyond in fundraising, advocacy, and awareness for ShelterBox – Rotary International’s official project partner for disaster relief.
These clubs are helping transform lives in some of the world’s hardest-hit regions, ensuring people have emergency shelter, tools, and hope when they need it most.
This year, 1 Rotary Club in District 9685 earned a prestigious Gold Champion Award:
• Rotary Club of Chatswood Roseville
1 Rotary Club in District 9685 earned a Silver Champion Award:
• Rotary Club of Ku-Ring-Gai
And a further 10 Rotary Clubs in District 9685 earned a Bronze Champion Award:
• Rotary Club of Balgowlah
• Rotary Club of Blackheath
• Rotary Club of Gosford North
• Rotary Club of Hornsby District
• Rotary Club of Kariong Somersby
• Rotary Club of Lane Cove
• Rotary Club of North Ryde
• Rotary Club of Turramurra
• Rotary Club of Wahroonga
• Rotary Club of Windsor
ShelterBox Australia CEO Mike Greenslade congratulated the winners, saying: “These clubs are true champions of humanitarian service. Their commitment to ShelterBox means families facing unimaginable loss receive not just shelter, but dignity and hope for the future.”
ShelterBox has delivered aid to over 3 million people in over 100 countries, and Rotary Clubs remain at the heart of this mission. The 2025 ShelterBox Champion Awards celebrate that partnership and inspire others to join the cause.
YOUTH WRITING COMPETITION
A special project of the Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville is an annual writing competition for year 6 students in schools across the Hills area and surrounding districts. This year’s writing competition culminated in an awards night held on August 25th at The Lyceum in the Castle Hill RSL Club well attended by 189 people.
The evening was well attended by school pupils, their teachers and parents as well as special guests and Rotary Club members. Special guests included Mark Hodges MP (State Member for Castle Hill), Mark Taylor MP (State Member for Winston Hills), Dr Michelle Byrne (Mayor – Hills Shire Council), Frank De Masi (Deputy Mayor – Hills Shire Council), Mitchell Councillor – Hills Shire Council), Haran Ramacharan (District Governor Nominee 2026-27- Rotary District 9685), Bass Bhaskarn (Rotary District 9685 Youth Chairman), Rick Cumming and Mike Yeo (RSL Directors).
This year is a significant milestone. 50 years since the Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville was established and 20 years of the Rotary Writing Competition. Both have gone from strength to strength. The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville is proud to recognise the effort and achievements of the students from 14 local schools who participated in this popular annual competition that primary schools are eager to participate in.
Schools represented in this year’s competition included Public Schools (Bella Vista, Crestwood, Excelsior, Ironbark Ridge, Jasper Road, Kellyville, Matthew Pearce, Sherwood Ridge & Winston Hills) as well as Independent Schools (Our Lady of The Angels, Our Lady of The Rosary, Rouse Hill Anglican College, St Angela’s & St Michael’s).
“The purpose of the competition is to promote Literacy among Year 6 Students in the Hills district. The title of this year's narrative was ‘I saw my friend being bullied by some kids in the school playground’. There were so many incredible entries from students across 12 schools who participated that it was a challenge for the judges to select top entrants.
The Rotary Writing Competition continues to be one of the highlights of our Rotary Year because it promotes literacy as an important part of our Rotary Youth encouragement program” said John van den Burg, President of the Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville.
CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS FOR THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
Christmas cakes and puddings for The Rotary Foundation are back!
Darwin South Rotary has obtained the required Licence from RI Licensing Services, and has taken over the management of all orders, the role previously undertaken by RC Melton Valley.
However it is the same supplier, same delicious cakes and puddings.
This year marks a major milestone for CCA NSW—our 60th anniversary! To honour six decades of dedicated community service and raise much-needed funds for our ongoing programs, we’re hosting a special 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner Fundraiser—and we’d love for you to be part of it!
🎉CCA NSW 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner Fundraiser
📅 Friday, 7 November 2025, 6.30pm onwards
📍 Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club
🎟️ Tickets: $100 per person https://events.humanitix.com/ccanswgala
Join us for a fantastic night out—enjoying live entertainment from Australia’s favourite ABBA tribute band ABBASBACK, a delicious two-course meal, raffle, silent auction, and more—all while knowing that every dollar raised goes directly to supporting our vital community services.
👉 Don’t miss out, head to our event website to secure your tickets now!
Come and experience this amazing event and support Rotary & the NSW Police Force – celebrate excellence in Policing.
We have at the night the Mounted Police Horses out the front of the Hotel, specialised Police cars and Police motor bikes, plus the NSW Police Rock Band is our entertainment after the awards ceremony for some dancing / fun / celebrations.
All profits from this event is shared between Rotary Foundation and NSW Police Legacy.
On the night we have silent auction items and raffle tickets for sale, we are also selling our Police soft toy dogs and horses.
We have some live auction items as well – NSW Polair experience, Police Marine Experience, NSW Police Force – Dog Unit School Visit and African Safari package, plus more …….
If anyone wishes to donate a prize for the silent auction or raffle prize, please contact Trina Phillips on 0432 22 44 89 or email address: info@allegianceloans.com.au (Joint Chair of Rotary NSW POOTYA)
We are delighted to share that Penrith Rotary Club is celebrating its 80th Anniversary on Saturday, 8th November, at the Penrith RSL, in their beautifully renovated event spaces.
This is a special milestone for our club, and we would be honoured to have you join us as we celebrate eight decades of service, fellowship, and community.
Ryde Rotary is hosting a number of special events in our "80th Year of Impact" in 2025-26. Rotarians, Clubs and visitors are welcome to join these online sessions with internationally significant guest speakers.
End Polio Now
PDG Judith Diment MBE (UK)
Rotary Representative to the Commonwealth
Dean, Rotary Representatives to the UN (2020-24)
Rotary Action Groups Advisory Council (2024-25)
Vice Chair International Polio Plus Committee
Judith Diment MBE is Rotary International's senior diplomat, joining Ryde Rotary to share her experiences and knowledge from decades on the front line of the program to eradicate polio in Foundation month.
The North Rocks Rural Fire Service has supported Rotary for many years, with support for the Carols by Twilight and more recently with the Australia Day BBQ.
To members & friends of the Rotary Club of Carlingford.
We are pleased to invite you to join us for an excellent night of theatre for all to enjoy: Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear
Pavilion Theatre,
Castle Hill Showground,
10 Doran Drive,
Castle Hill
Wednesday 12th November 2025
The doors will be open from 7:30pm, with the play starting at 8:00pm.
The Rotary Club of Carlingford looks forward to seeing you for a night of excellent theatre at the cost of $30 per person. Cash payments will be collected on the night.
END POLIO WEBINAR
THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER
Join us for Rotary's Fight Against Polio:
Global Progress and Updates from Pakistan
13 November 2025 | 12:00 Chicago | 5am Sydney
Live on Zoom
Polio remains endemic in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, recent outbreaks in previously polio-free areas and detections of poliovirus in sewage across several European countries demonstrate that polio remains a threat to children everywhere. Fragile health systems and competing priorities continue to challenge eradication efforts, but Rotary and the Gates Foundation have renewed our long-standing partnership to fight polio with a joint commitment of US$450 million. Rotary leaders also recently visited Pakistan and met with government officials, who reaffirmed their commitment to eradication. Join us to hear the latest updates and learn how your support is helping make progress toward a polio-free world.
Join us for a relaxed and joyful Rotary District 9685 picnic designed to celebrate YOU – the people who give so much to others. This is a chance to fill your cup with laughter, connection, and gratitude, surrounded by fellow Rotarians, families, and friends.
Sunday 1st February 2026
11.30 am - 3.30 pm
Fagan Park, Carrs Road 1 & 2 Picnic Areas, Carrs Road, Galston NSW
Event Highlights
Fun lawn games and light-hearted competitions
Great food and drinks – BYO picnic or use the BBQ facilities available
Family-friendly activities and picnic vibes
Connection, conversation, and community
Family and friends welcome
Why "Cup-Full of Connection"?
Because even the most generous hearts need time to pause, breathe, and be with those who understand the joy of service, let this day be a gentle reminder that you matter, your well-being matters, and fellowship is one of Rotary’s greatest gifts.
Bring your picnic rug, your Rotary spirit, and your favourite people – and let’s fill our cups together.
Join us in Taipei, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention 13–17 June 2026!
This dynamic city is the perfect place to celebrate Rotary with friends old and new. From inspiring sessions to unforgettable cultural experiences, you won’t want to miss it!
