DG PARTNER PROJECT UPDATETOTAL TO DATE: $13,683.40
Thank you this month
Crows Nest RC
Richmond RC
Trina Phillips (Macquarie Park RC)
Please note, any contributions not listed, have either requested names to not be published or the information has not come through at the time of publication.
Koolewong Fire Disaster Relief
Our Koolewong community is hurting. In the recent bushfires, several families lost their homes, their possessions, and their sense of security in a matter of minutes. Rotary has stepped in to coordinate a compassionate, community-driven response, bringing Rotary clubs together to offer practical help, support, and hope.
If you’re able, please donate via the RAWCS Koolewong Fire Disaster Relief Fund by scanning the QR code. Your contribution is tax-deductible and will go directly to families who are beginning the long journey of rebuilding their lives.
Rotary Foundation Celebration - 9 December 2025
Sydney enjoyed a brief visit from past Rotary International President ((2020-21) Holger Knaack and his wife Susanne. Holger is currently Chair of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation. They were accompanied by PDG Wendy Protheroe, Zone 8 Endowment and Major Gifts Advisor.
Tuesday night was a combined D9675, D9685 dinner at the Epping Club where we celebrated 13 Rotary Foundation donors who between them had contributed a minimum of US $2 million in the past 24 months. Many more Rotary Foundation donors and Bequest Society Members attended.
These are special opportunities to meet our Rotary leaders who are Rotarians just like us and very well grounded. We expect to have RI President Elect (26-27) Larry Lunsford in Australia in November 2026 and if we have an event in Sydney, I encourage you to attend and learn more about the challenges and successes of Rotary from a global viewpoint.
RAWCS Unite for Bondi - Bondi Terror Attack Appeal
RAWCS Project: Unite for Bondi - Bondi Terror Attack Appeal donations:Click Here
Rotary in collaboration with the NSW Government and the Jewish Board of Deputies has set up the Unite for Bondi - Bondi Terror Attack Appeal to provide benevolent relief and support to injured survivors and direct next of kin of those deceased following the fatal shootings which occurred in Bondi NSW on Sunday 14 December 2025. Link to Ministerial Website
As Rotarians we stand united in our values of compassion, peace, and community with the victims and survivors of the Bondi shooting tragedy. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and all impacted by this devastating event.
RAWCS National Chair, PDG Heather Chong
Picture the incredible power of every club in our zone coming together, each taking on a project that ignites their passion, all on the same day! Imagine the energy as we unite, side by side, to make a difference and reveal Rotary’s true impact within our communities.
In 2025, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community partners from five continents, eight countries, twenty states, fifty-seven districts, and 539 clubs joined forces in 613 projects, with 6,557 volunteers serving together. Nine of those clubs were ours—just think how much greater our impact will be if we step up even further in 2026. The possibilities are limitless, and the ripple effect of our service can inspire real, lasting change!
On January 28th, join us at 7 PM AEDT for an uplifting Membership Voice webinar with the event founders live from the US. Discover how you and your club can transform a project you’re already passionate about into something truly extraordinary, with the support and spirit of Membership Voice.
This is your moment, let’s come together, dream bigger, and make 2026 an Epic Day of Service that echoes across the world.
Be a part of something bold. Be a part of something EPIC! See more
Please stay alert for emails or text messages pretending to be from Rotarians.
There are a number circulating including;
a request from our District Governor or another Rotarian for gift card purchasing assistance (asking you reply to a different email address)
a ClubRunner request to check your system's storage capacity (click on a link)
Text msgs from unknown numbers (pretending to be someone you know)
If you are unsure:
1.Ask someone you trust to verify the communication
2.Check the source details ie hover your mouse over email address
3.Remember When in doubt - CHECK IT OUT, dont pass this Cracker on!...read more
IN MEMORIAM
Vale PP Dr Andre Hariman 20 December 2025
Rotary Club of Chatswood Roseville
Vale Kevin Schreiber 12 December 2025 (Honorary)
Rotary Club of Greater Blue Mountains
2026/27 Reminder: 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.
Save the Date: Sunday 1st February: District Family Picnic
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.
D9685 ROTARY YOUTH PROGRAMS IN EARLY 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.
Please remember to book a Rotarian to attend the RYLA dinner:Click here
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.
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
NORTHERN SYDNEY MUNA
SAVE THE DATE: Sat 16 - Sun 17 May 2026
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: 16-17 May 2026
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.
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!
