DECEMBER DISTRICT NEWS
Visit www.rotarydistrict9685.org.au for regular updates
Submit your Club News & Events to share with District 9685 via email
Click Here to download the 2025-2026 District Directory
 
December District News includes...
 
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S UPDATES
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DISTRICT PARTNERSHIPS
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
SRI LANKA ROTARY DISASTER AID
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IN MEMORIAM
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UPCOMING EVENTS
14 DEC CAROLS ON THE COMMON
1 JAN UPDATE MEMBERS IN ROTARY DATABASES
11-17 JAN RYLA CAMP 2026
1 FEB  CUP-FULL OF CONNECTION PICNIC
13-15 FEB SUMMER RYPEN
9-10 MAY NORTHERN SYDNEY MUNA 2026
20-21 MAR  DISTRICTS 9685 & 9660 COMBINED CONFERENCE
13-17 JUN  ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, TAIPEI
13 JUN TAIPEI POET OF THE YEAR
 
 
Please email items for the District News to communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au by the 3rd of each month.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S UPDATE NOVEMBER 2025
November has been a powerful month of connection, service, and Rotary pride across District 9685 
 
DG PARTNER PROJECT UPDATE 
Thank you this month 
Lower Blue Mountains
Upper Northern Beaches
Gosford City
Richmond
Springwood
     
Total to date donated is: $13, 683.40
Please note, any contributions not listed, have either requested names to not be published or the information has not come through at the time of publication.
 
Zone 8 Rotary South Pacific Conference highlights
 
Rotary Says No to Domestic and Family Violence 
Official launch the 2025 National Campaign

The Global 16 Days of Activism Campaign runs every year from 25 Nov, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 Dec, Human Rights Day: click to read more

DISTRICT NEWS & UPDATES
 
2026/27 District Team Workshop
Rotary District 9685 held its Team Workshop for 2026/27 on 15 Nov 2025. Thank you to everyone that attended the workshop, and to Learning & Development Chair Michelle Westlund for leading the incoming team.
 
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 DG Michele Ellery.
[click for information] for Club Leaders to access a mentor.
 
Membership Resources
Click link Club Experience Concierge  interactive, online resource developed by Rotary International to help clubs enhance the member experience in five key areas.
 
Share your story – Clubs Bragging needed!
 
Rotary District 9685 Youth Exchange update
 
NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards 2025
 
District 9685 Council of Legislation delegate
Congratulations to PDG Kalma McLellan, appointed as District 9685 Council of Legislation delegate, will attend the next COL in 2028.
PDG Peter Ward has been appointed as the alternate.
Thank you and congratulations to you both.
 
Regionalisation update
The latest Zone 8 Regionalisation update was presented by the District Governor, Michele Ellery at the recently held President’s meeting on the 22nd of November 2025.
A copy of the presentation has been emailed to all Past District Governors and Rotarians.
View presentation here: Click to view
Questions asked at the Presidents meeting on 22nd November – Click for answers
 
AWARDS
 
District 9685 ClubEnviro Awards open  
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.
Awards Application link: Click to apply
 
CLUB HIGHLIGHTS
 
Happy birthday RC Turramurra

Chartered on 11/14/1968, 57 years of Service

Happy birthday RC Penrith                                                     Chartered in 1946, 80 years of Service

Happy birthday RC Wahroonga                                              Chartered Nov 22, 1975, 50 years of Service

Congratulations to Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise, Wahroonga & E-Club of Greater Sydney-  

Achieved Club Excellence, Foundation and End Polio giving success in 2024/25.

Yours in Rotary, Michele
District 9685 Governor

Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

A Season of Impact Through Global Grants 

As we approach the festive season, our district can take great pride in the meaningful impact we’ve created together.
Rotary Foundation news: read here!
DGN Haran Ramachandran
District Foundation Chair
Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney
IN MEMORIAM
Vale PDG Maurie Stack OAM 2 Dec 2025
Rotary Club of Taree on Manning D9660
 
DISTRICT PARTNERSHIPS - PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

One Introduction from You could Spark a New Partnership

Rotary District 9685 is beginning a focused outreach campaign to build partnerships with professional associations across our region — and your personal network can make all the difference.
We’ve included a short Elevator Pitch and supporting documents that explain how Rotary engages with professional associations and how these partnerships can advance our shared goals. Click here read more
PDG Niranjan Deodhar
Partnerships Chair
Rotary Cub of Beecroft 
  Sri Lanka Flood Disaster Crisis - Call for Rotary Support

Clubs and Individuals can assist, the RAWCS project link is:

Project: Sustainable Lanka (Project 39-2025-26)
Information: https://directory.rawcs.com.au/39-2025-26
Donate: https://donations.rawcs.com.au/39-2025-26

PDG Mina Howard
Rotary District 9685
Rotary Disaster Relief Chair
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WELCOME: 2026/27 PRESIDENTS, BOARDS and COMMITTEES!
  • Update Club Executive Teams in Clubrunner
  • Review membership records before 31 December 2025
Contact lindsaymay6000@gmail.com for assistance with this vital step in maintaining Rotary records, billing and to produce the 2026/27 District Directory.
 

NEW APPOINTMENT - District Membership Lead
Rotarian Steven Gabris
(Castle Hill RC)
Rotary District Membership Lead plays a vital strategic and support role in strengthening membership across the district.
They help clubs grow, retain and engage members.
They act as a bridge between Rotary International, the District Leadership Team and individual clubs. 
Congratulations Steve!

CAROLS on the COMMON 14 December - One week to go!
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2026
 
Welcome to life changing 
Rotary Youth Leadership Award's are a transformational 7-day program facilitated by Rotary, the world's leading volunteer service organisation.
Open to young people with leadership potential based in North/North-West Sydney through to the Central Coast. RYLA 2026 will be held at Knox Grammar School from 11-17 January 2026
Prepare to be challenged
RYLA is an awe inspiring program aimed at empowering Australia's next generation of superstars. Meet life changing people, be enthralled by inspiring stories and develop skills through challenges and activities designed to put your leadership into practice, in a supportive and encouraging environment.
 
Contact Raylene Jarvis: raylene.jarvis@gmail.com
 
Please remember to book a Rotarian to attend the RYLA dinner: Click here 
 
 
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2026 Summer Rypen
Teenagers today benefit greatly from opportunities to develop "life skills" and motivation to help them cope with the challenges of a very competitive future.
 
2026 Applications close soon: Click here 
 
2026 Summer Rypen Camp  
4.30pm Friday 13th Feb. to 3.30pm Sunday 15th Feb. 
Sydney Academy of Sport (SAS), Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen.
 
Melanie Lewis
Chair – Summer RYPEN
Rotary Social Impact Network
 
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SAVE THE DATE: Sat 9 - Sun 10 May 2026 
 NORTHERN SYDNEY MUNA
Model United Nations Assembly 2026 program is targeted at students in years 10, 11 and 12 from public and private schools.
 
Northern Sydney MUNA 2026 Timeframes

Registration: 2 Feb-2 March
Countries allocated
and resolutions released: 1 April
MUNA Weekend: 9-10 May

ONE (1) team per school, with a maximum of 20 teams able to participate in MUNA 2026.for more information contact: Ross Symons: symonsross@gmail.com
Northern Sydney MUNA Chair.
CLICK ME!
CUP-FULL OF CONNECTION PICNIC
SUNDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2026
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.

No agendas. No pressure. Just time well spent.
DISTRICTS 9685 & 9660 COMBINED CONFERENCE
FRIDAY 20TH - SATURDAY 21ST MARCH 2026
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, TAIPEI
SATURDAY 13TH - WEDNESDAY 17TH JUNE 2026
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!
 
Start planning your journey to Taipei today! Click here to register and book your hotel.
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE 2026
POET OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, TAIPEI
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