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May District News includes...
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S UPDATE
UPDATE TO DISTRICT YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY
COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION 2025 OUTCOMES
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2025-26 SPECIAL ZOOM EVENTS : RYDE ROTARY
E-CLUB OF GREATER SYDNEY'S CLIMATE PITCH WORKSHOP
OPPORTUNITY : EUROBODALLA REGIONAL HOSPITAL
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SHELTERBOX UPDATE
ROMAC UPDATE
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IN MEMORIAM
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UPCOMING EVENTS
7 MAY CASTLE HILL EXCELLENCE IN YOUTH AWARDS
12 MAY AN EVENING WITH REV. BILL CREWS
15 MAY DISTRICT YOUTH PROTECTION UPDATE WEBINAR
16 MAY NORWEST SUNRISE VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
20 MAY WARRINGAH PRIDE OF WORKMANSHIP AWARDS
28 MAY RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS MAJOR EVENT WEBINAR
12 JUN GORDON WATERHOUSE MEMORIAL MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
20-21 MAR DISTRICTS 9685 & 9660 COMBINED CONFERENCE
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S UPDATE
A big thanks is in order….
Our amazing L&D team did it again and put on an amazing District Assembly – thanks to DGN Michele Ellery, Michelle Westlund, Jade Catherall, and Kathryn Dodd as the team that made it happen, and to all the presenters who conducted their respective sessions. We missed DGE John due to a personal emergency he was facing, but the show went on. I hope all those who could attend were able to enjoy an informative and engaging day of learning. Personally, I enjoyed attending the breakouts in my role on next year’s club board.
Opportunity knocks but once….
Well, actually twice in this instance. A few days ago, I wrote to Club Boards with three new opportunities for all clubs to consider. I outline them here again so that all members can consider how to make the most of them.
Imagine if all the work done by all the clubs could be stitched into one impact story…how powerful a tool that would be to attract new members and lift public image. All you have to do is send us your annual report. We will use AI tech to generate the big picture of our collective impact. Please upload the documents here by May 25th and make sure to include your club’s name and report year in the file name. Thank you to all the clubs who have already done so.
Imagine if you could get access to funds from a corporate sponsor (Aveo) and at the same time make connections into a key demographic that would help us grow membership. If your club would like to avail of such an information session, please click here and register your interest. There is no deadline as such, but funds are limited, so get in there now!
It’s that time of year when we look at which clubs are deserving of recognition for their contribution to their communities and to the goals of Rotary.
If you think that your club has made a worthy contribution to one or more Avenues of Service, or meets the criteria for the DG Shield, please apply to the relevant District Chair who will then make recommendations to the DG. Please contact PDG Mina Howard if you missed the details in the email outlining all the awards and how to apply. The application deadline is 25th of May.
Making your fundraising and new member outreach go further….
If you are looking for new ways to appeal to prospective members, expand your fundraising reach, and at the same time multiply your financial impact with the help of Foundation global grants, the ‘Valued Donor Program” may well be just the thing for you.
I ran a pilot in Beecroft some years ago with great success, and I am now working with our Foundation Chair Haran Ramachandran to roll out the opportunity for all clubs to consider. Thanks again to the six clubs who have already shown interest during the ‘pre-marketing’ emails that I sent to validate the level of interest.
And remember, Foundation grants are not only outbound – we can run projects right here in our communities using the same method. We have to fit within one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, have clear evidence of community need, and be able to show sustainability beyond the initial injection of funds.
But regardless of whether you use these grants for local or international work, you can still benefit from the Valued Donor Program that generates new membership leads, new sources of fundraising, and helps make your funds go farther. To know more about this innovative program, please write directly to me.
There are no new requirements - the policy update is focused on clearly setting out roles and responsibilities for youth protection, clarifying what is required to be done to manage risk related to youth activities and events, and reducing duplication.
District Youth Protection Officer Michelle Westlund will be hosting a Zoom webinar on the updated Policy for Club Youth/Child Protection Officers, Verification Officers, Presidents, Presidents-Elect, Youth Directors and all other interested Rotarians.
Michelle Westlund District Youth Protection Officer
Rotary Social Impact Network
COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION 2025 OUTCOMES
About 480 Rotary members from around the world, each representing a single Rotary district, a gathered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, for the 2025 Council on Legislation. They were there to vote on 78 proposals to change Rotary International’s constitutional documents.
“This Council represents the heart of Rotary’s democratic process and the best of our international spirit,” said Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick at the opening session. “The gathering is one of Rotary’s most powerful expressions of multiculturalism. Here, voices from every corner of the globe come together – not to compete, but to collaborate.”
The Council on Legislation, which meets every three years, is Rotary's version of a congress. Representatives selected by their districts gather to consider proposals designed to move Rotary forward and adapt to the changing times.
DAY ONE SUMMARY Representatives approved a measure to decrease the number of members needed to charter a new Rotary club from 20 to 15. Supporters said it would remove barriers to starting new clubs and help Rotary grow and expand its reach. The Council also defeated a pair of measures to set an age limit for Rotaractors. Opponents cited the low number of current Rotaractors over the age of 40 in arguing that limits were unnecessary and said such restrictions could force members out of Rotary.
They also rejected limiting the number of honorary members a club can have to 5% of the club’s active membership. Opponents noted that many clubs use honorary membership to stay in contact with former members, many of them longtime Rotarians with valuable expertise to offer.
DAY TWO SUMMARY After 45 minutes of debate, the Council approved an increase in the dues that every member pays to Rotary International of US$3.50 in the first year and US$3.75 in the following two years. Supporters said the increase is needed to meet rising costs and continue providing essential resources and services to clubs. They said that the dues increase is below the inflation rate, indicating that RI is working to cut costs and manage revenues responsibly. Opponents felt that dues increases may hurt membership and wanted more transparency from RI about what cost-cutting has been done.
Representatives also approved a measure allowing the Board to test additional new governance models in districts beyond those approved by the Council three years ago. A governance pilot is currently being tested in districts in RIBI, New Zealand, and Australia, with some modest success in membership growth. Supporters noted that the system in which governors oversee districts dates back to the early days of Rotary. They argue that trying new governance models can help Rotary adapt to future needs and train and develop new leaders.
In another measure, representatives agreed to allow the Board to consider factors such as culture and language, not just the number of Rotarians, in deciding zone boundaries.
DAY THREE SUMMARY Representatives voted to require that the five-year financial forecast presented at the beginning of each Council include updates on specific process improvements and cost-reduction measures taken by RI. Several representatives wanted RI to provide more details about cost reductions to justify any increase in dues.
In a similar measure, the Council approved commissioning a regular professional analysis of processes and cost structures in RI’s administration. They declined to require, however, that Rotary’s annual report include an itemized list of every expense over US$1 million.
After considerable debate, the Council voted to make holding a district conference optional.
PDG Peter Ward District 9685 Council on Legislation Representative
Rotary Club of The Entrance
2025-26 SPECIAL ZOOM EVENTS : RYDE ROTARY
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.
If you and/or your club are interested to attend, please pre-register here to receive Zoom links closer to the dates!
Together for Healthy Families
PDG Prof. Emmanuel Lufadeju (Nigeria)
Tuesday July 8th, 6:30 - 8pm on Zoom
Cofounder & Technical Advisor to the Reproductive, Maternal & Child Health Rotarian Action Group
Rotary International "Programs of Scale" grant winner Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria was the first project of the Reproductive, Maternal & Child Health Rotarian Action Group, founded in 1994.
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.
Rotary International Presidential Peace Conference 2025 Speaker
Rotary Peace Fellow Alumna
Ass. Prof. & Journalism Department Chair Near East University Nicosia
Founder Rotary Club of Peace, Istanbul
Dr Ayça Demet Atay is a leading researcher in peace communication as "a transdisciplinary practice for peace at the intersection of cultural, peace and communication studies".
Celebrate International Women's Day and Days for Girls Ryde Area Team's 10th birthday with our key distribution, local enterprise, and collaboration partner in Fiji, Milika Wata-Marshall.
Climate Pitch Workshop via ZOOM organised by the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney. Our co-host PDG Kenneth Wong from the Rotary Club of Hong Kong, who initiated a pilot program Vocational Virtual Exchange (more on that at a later meeting!)
There are many people to be thanked for the success of the workshop but particularly my Environment Team, Ross Johnson, Lucy Hobgood-Brown and Doug Vincent, who are always supportive, hard working and compassionate about environmental sustainability. Also President Kim Mannion who introduced us to the Climate Pitch concept and liaised with the presenters to set up this one hour workshop rather than the usual three hours!
The workshop was presented by: Mylene Turban, co-Country Coordinator of Fresk in Australia. Mylene’s career began as a chemical engineer in solar energy and groundwater remediation before transitioning to sustainability consulting. Since May 2024, she has been leading environmental sustainability engagement at the University of New South Wales. Audrey Barucchi is the CEO and co-founder of People for Nature, an environmental charity rooted in citizen-led action, with a mission to reconnect people with nature through education, empowerment, and impact. She holds an MBA and has extensive experience in cleantech, conservation, scientific communications, and sustainability project management.
The short time frame for this workshop necessitated a very tight running schedule. The program included a power point presentation and interactive response by Slido or Chat:
Presentation on what climate change is, based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) Reports.
Interactive Q&A session to help answer concerns and help connect with others.
Suggestions for actions we can take as individuals or as groups.
Don’t be overwhelmed – small steps can make a difference.
The meeting was a resounding success and showed that there is a large audience out there who want up-to-date and correct scientific data about climate change – causes, effects, outcomes and mitigation.
45 attendees ZOOMED in from nine countries – Australia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Netherlands, Nepal, Singapore, Tunisia, Uganda and Vietnam. This demonstrates “The Magic of Rotary” – 45 people, 9 countries sitting in the same room (virtually) helping to solve one of the World’s leading problems.
Several interesting, or worrying facts which came from the session:
Digital technology in use today accounts for 3-4% of global carbon emissions, this is rising exponentially due to the introduction of AI and so on.
Australia has the second highest annual carbon footprint per person, only the USA is higher.
The highest emitter of carbon dioxide in buildings is heating, accounting for 33% of household emissions.
A flight from Paris to New York produces 2 tonnes of CO 2 per person, equivalent to the yearly carbon footprint per person for sustainability.
The workshop was so successful and warmly received we would like a follow-up session and intend inviting all attendees to join us at future meetings.
Anyone interested in a Climate Pitch workshop contact Audrey or Mylene. The Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney, has made a donation to People for Nature to thank Audrey for the time spent on our workshop.
Judy Charnaud Environment Director
Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney
OPPORTUNITY : EUROBODALLA REGIONAL HOSPITAL
A very small group of dedicated volunteers are raising funds to build accommodation units at the new Level 4 Regional Hospital, currently under construction in Moruya, NSW.
These units will be of motel style with a communal kitchen and lounge area. They will be available at a very reasonable overnight rate. These units are for the benefit of anyone needing short term accommodation whilst visiting family or friends who are in-patients at the hospital.
At ShelterBox, our mission is to ensure that no one is without shelter COMMITMENTS after disaster. Shelter is a human right, providing the foundation for survival, recovery and dignity.
Despite shifting pressures around the world, the value of having a place to call home remains constant.
We are currently preparing for our Myanmar earthquake response. Our team in Myanmar is helping us better understand the huge levels of need and complexities involved in delivering aid items of shelter, access to clean water, mosquito nets and hygiene materials.
In 2024 we responded in 17 countries, supporting over 270,000 people living through conflict and disasters. Over the past 25 years ShelterBox has provided vital supplies and shelter to 3 million people with the help of Rotary.
In 2025 we are looking to expand our team of ShelterBox Advocates - Rotarians who want to join a network of humanitarians across the country who believe that no one is without shelter. Join the team to amplify the voices of people caught up in traumatic events around the world. In this rewarding role, you will also raise awareness of our global Rotary partnership and inform your club about our shared impact.
I want to thank all the clubs across the District for making our work possible. Your impact is clear - together we continue to make a difference to so many lives by providing practical support in times of crisis.
In 2025, our work is more urgent than ever. According to the latest UN data, 120 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to conflicts and extreme weather. This number has tripled since our founding 25 years ago.
Looking ahead, unpredictable weather and long-running conflicts will continue to challenge many millions of people. With a ShelterBox Advocate in your club, ShelterBox will be ready to respond. Learn more about ShelterBox on our website.
Mike Greenslade
CEO, Shelterbox Australia
ROMAC UPDATE
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) is the Rotary Zone 8 project dedicated to providing life-saving and dignity-restoring medical treatment to children from 12 countries in our region. Run entirely by volunteers, ROMAC ensures 100% of donations go directly to patient care—our administrative costs are covered by investment income.
We support children and families from our island neighbours across Oceania who cannot access the medical treatment they need in their home countries.
THIS ROTARY YEAR SO FAR
16 children have received treatment
4 more are approved and awaiting treatment before the end of the Rotary year
Referrals continue to rise, along with hospital costs —we urgently need your support
VOLUNTEER WITH ROMAC
We’re looking for Rotarians and Rotaractors to join us at the national and regional level. Open roles include:
Fundraising & Engagement Director – Help fund treatments for children
HR, Training & Recruitment Coordinator – Support our volunteer network
Regional Chairs – Positions available in Perth and Adelaide
Regional & District Committee roles – fundraising, media, hospital liaison, patient hosting, club engagement, admin roles (e.g. Secretary, Treasurer)
If you have skills and time to share, we would love to hear from you. Roles vary in scope and commitment and are supported by an engaged national team.
WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE TOGETHER Here’s how ROMAC can support your Club:
Invite a ROMAC speaker to present at your Club meeting – contact your ROMAC Regional Chair
Get involved in hands-on, meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities that directly impact children’s lives
Information to assist hosting a fundraising and awareness event supporting Lei Day in May
Anita Robinson is the ROMAC Regional Chair for "Eastern" including District 9685 - please contact her with any queries, ideas or opportunities for ROMAC and your club.
Glenys Parton
Chair, ROMAC
IN MEMORIAM
Vale PP Glenn Booth Rotary Clubs of Dee Why & Dee Why Warringah
Vale Jutta Stone Rotary Club of Kincumber
THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL THEME FOR MAY IS YOUTH SERVICE
Norwest Sunrise continues with the theme: ‘Making a Difference’.
Rotary is all about making a difference, locally, nationally and internationally, and we recognise that outstanding employees have that same impact.
Some of the Lower North Shore’s most talented young musicians will perform at a
free concert on 12th June, 2025.
Gordon was an esteemed member of Rotary Club of Chatswood who dedicated his
life to music and service.
Participating schools each nominate a student who makes an outstanding
contribution to the school in both a high-performance level of music and service.
The schools participating are Chatswood High School, Killara High School, Mercy
Catholic College, Roseville College, Shore School, St Pius X College and Willoughby
Girls High School.
The award provides a very valuable public performance opportunity for students.
For many this may their very first public performance in a professional venue.
Rotary members, partners and guests make an important contribution to the evening by attending and being an appreciative audience.
Finalists in the Chatswood Roseville Rotary event will perform at the Zenith Theatre,
McIntosh St, Chatswood on Thursday, 12th June at 6.30 for 7pm.
