HOPPER NIGHT : HARVESTING HOPE & HEALING INTERNATIONAL MENS DAY BREAKFAST
THE MAGIC OF ROTARY GALA
SPRINGWOOD ROTARY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
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IN MEMORIAM
Share your Rotary Club's stories with District 9685 via email by the 18th of each month
QUICK DISTRICT UPDATES
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
The Rotary Leadership Institute is a great program for new and existing Rotarian or Rotaractors who wants to know more about our incredible organisation.
Level 2 via Zoom : Saturdays 16 & 23 November 9am - 3pm
Applications for RYLA are now open! RYLA will be held at Knox Grammar School in January 2025. RYLA is an awe inspiring program aimed at empowering Australia's next generation of superstars.
Encourage emerging leaders in your community to apply for RYLA to meet life changing people, be enthralled by inspiring stories and develop skills through challenges and activities designed to put their leadership into practice, in a supportive and encouraging environment.
District 9685 Learning & Development invite you to join in our Expert Sessions series of events.This series is designed to give you access to experts in various fields in Rotary work, practical guides and powerful information to enhance your Rotary experience and impact.
The next Expert Session is on November 9th with New Clubs Chair Ubah Gabris inspiring us to think about how we can grow Rotary through new and innovative clubs - RSVP here today.
POLIO PUSH-UPS / PACES
Don't forget to sponsor our Central Blue Mountains Rotarians as they complete 20 days of push-ups and paces for End Polio!
Thank you for your support and patience with our volunteer team pulling together the news from across the District each month.
TRAIN RIDE TO END POLIO
THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER
On Thursday 24th October, Mark and David Anderson of Beecroft Rotary Club will ride the train to every railway station in Sydney to raise funds to END POLIO NOW.
It used to be that trains were part of the polio problem, as they gave the poliovirus the perfect way to rapidly spread far and wide. Then, in 2001, trains became part of the solution, with all children aboard Indian trains being immunised. Now, Pakistan has adopted the same strategy, helping to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.
Over the past six years, there has been an All-Stations Challenge in the Sydney Metropolitan area, along with several other cities in Australia and New Zealand, to raise money for the Rotary END POLIO NOW Campaign. The Sydney event have raised over $660,000 — and that’s before the Gates 2:1 match.
With the new metro, the day got just a bit longer and a few more stations to cover. This year there are 195 stations. We will be taking the bus to connect from Bankstown to Sydenham because of the reconstruction of the line. So those stations in between as still counted.
Please join us where you can and spend as long as you can on the train with us. When joining the train, we will be in the 4th carriage from the front of the train. If presenting a certificate the following is necessary:
Get on the train. You cannot get on and get off as you will block others
Please wear RED end polio shirt
Please do not block other passengers getting on or off the train
You cannot ask for donations on the trains or on station property
Please advise us if you are going to join the ride so that we can look out for you
Please ask your Club to make its POLIO Contribution this month. (If your club wants to complete its commitment of US$1,500 the value this month is $2,175)
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 September 9th at The Lyceum in the Castle Hill RSL Club well attended by 165 people.
The evening was well attended with school pupils, their teachers and parents as well as special guests and Rotary Club members. Special guests included Mark Taylor MP (State Member for Winston Hills), The Hon Mark Hodges (State Member for Kellyville), Mitchell Blue (Deputy Mayor – Hills Shire Council), Dr Michelle Byrne (Emeritus Mayor – Hills Shire Council), Frank De Masi (Councillor – Hills Shire Council) and Greg Keighran (Youth Chair Rotary District 9685).
This year marks 19 years of the Rotary Writing Competition which has gone from strength to strength with up to 20 schools participating. The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville is proud to recognise the effort and achievements of the students who participated in this popular annual competition that primary schools are eager to participate in.
“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 ‘the value of volunteering in our community’. 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 a highlight 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.
Schools represented in this year’s competition included Public Schools (Bella Vista, Crestwood, Ironbark Ridge, Jasper Road, Kellyville & Matthew Pearce) as well as Independent Schools (Our Lady of The Angels, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of The Rosary, Rouse Hill Anglican College, St Angela’s & St Michael’s).
The top placed students and their schools were:
1st place: Aurora Lui from St Michael’s Primary School for “Our Library”.
2nd place: Risha Suman from Ironbark Ridge Public School for “Sometimes it all pays off”.
3rd place: Darsh Shah from Bella Vista Primary School for “An Elderly Encounter”.
Highly Commended: Arzoo Kajani from Jasper Road Public School for “James”.
Highly Commended: Isabella Logarta-Scott from St Angela’s Catholic Primary School for “Homeless”.
The winning schools were:
1st place: St Michael’s Primary School, Baulkham Hills
2nd place: Jasper Road Public School, Baulkham Hills
3rd place: Bella Vista Public School, Bella Vista
The top placed students and schools received awards, trophies and monetary prizes thanks to our patrons of the awards and Five Senses Education. We are also grateful to Club Grants NSW via Castle Hill RSL in supporting The Hills-Kellyville Rotary Club to host this event, as through their generosity, a large number of school representatives, parents, and students were able to participate in the Presentation Night.
If you have any queries about the Writing Competition or ideas for collaboration between clubs in our District in this area, please feel free to contact Hills-Kellyville PR director John Collington, Club President John van den Burg or Director of Youth Programs Shelia Krishnan.
SHELTERBOX CHAMPION AWARDS
ShelterBox Australia, the international disaster relief charity, hosted a special virtual
ceremony last week and announced the 128 Rotary Clubs who were recognised with
a ShelterBox Champion Award.
Rotary Clubs around Australia joined ShelterBox staff, volunteers and community members as they heard from ShelterBox Australia CEO Mike Greenslade as he officially announced the winners of the 2024 ShelterBox Champion Awards.
“In a year where many club’s fundraising efforts were hampered because of the cost of living and competing humanitarian needs, the 2024 ShelterBox Champion Award winners are truly deserving of their awards” said Mike Greenslade, CEO of ShelterBox Australia.
More than $578,000 was raised for emergency shelter by Rotary Club Champions over the last year. Congratulations to our District 9685 Rotary Clubs recognised:
Gold ShelterBox Champion
Chatswood Roseville
Bronze ShelterBox Champions
Balgowlah
Blackheath
Hornsby District
Kariong Somersby
Kurrajong North Richmond
Lower Blue Mountains
North Ryde
Norwest Sunrise
Wahroonga
Windsor
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2025
Early bird pricing until December 15, 2024
Reminder Rotarians can grab a terrific convention rate between now and December 15. To take advantage of early bird pricing, visit: https://convention.rotary.org
Special Zone 8 Calgary Convention Information session, Saturday November 16th
All Rotarians in Zone 8 are invited to a special information session, with guests all the way from Calgary. It will be a chance to get a sneak peak of what awaits attendees in Calgary and a chance to ask questions of our local hosts.
Hotels
There are still hotel rooms available for Calgary. 30 October is the last day for guests to reduce or adjust their room block without penalty. Shortly after, if no payment is received, group room blocks will be cancelled and released.
Rotaract
A feedback survey will be sent some time this month (October) to Rotaractors to help shape their Calgary convention experience. Rotaractors in particular, keep an eye out!
Breakout session applications close on the 14th October! Current registrants please submit proposals now.
Don't hesitate to reach out with questions, follow-ups or for more information on the 2025 Rotary International Convention.
PDG Marilyn Mercer Rotary International Convention Communications Chair
Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney
JAZZ AT THE PINES (ON THIS AFTERNOON!)
SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER
AND FUTURE SUNDAYS 17TH NOVEMBER, 16TH FEBRUARY,
16TH MARCH, 13TH APRIL & 18TH MAY
Castle Hill Rotary invites you to join us for a wonderful fellowship event, Jazz at the Pines, this Sunday, 20th October! This is a fantastic opportunity for us all to get together, socialise, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with live jazz music from the talented Geoff Power Jazz Band.
📍 Where: Roughley House at The Pines, 656a Old Northern Rd, Dural
🕐 When: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Ticket Prices:
$25 Adults
$20 Concession
$50 Family
Bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy under the majestic pines of the historic Roughley House (circa 1856). You can also explore the house on one of the free tours and indulge in afternoon tea, available on-site.
It's the perfect way to unwind, connect with fellow members, and soak in the atmosphere of live jazz music in this beautiful setting.
We hope to see you there for a delightful afternoon of music and fellowship!
HOPPER NIGHT : HARVESTING HOPE & HEALING
SUNDAY 10TH NOVEMBER
The E-Club of Greater Sydney are thrilled to invite you to Hopper Night: Harvesting Hope and Healing, a fundraising event to support three transformative Rotary Foundation projects in Sri Lanka. Join us for an evening filled with delicious hoppers, meaningful conversations, and inspiring stories of resilience and hope.
What We’re Supporting
This year’s event aims to raise AUD 15,000 for three critical initiatives in Sri Lanka:
Lifesaving Heart Surgeries for Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) at Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo.
An Integrated Farm in Mannar in partnership with Sivan Arul Illam, which provides sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment to local communities.
Specialist Ophthalmology Equipment for Vavuniya District Hospital, in collaboration with the Australian Medical Aid Foundation (AMAF), improving eye care services for underserved populations.
Hear from Expert Speakers
We are honored to have distinguished guest speakers at the event, who will share insights on the importance of these projects:
Dr. Duminda Samarasighe, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, will speak on the critical impact of supporting children with CHD.
A/Prof Jayamohan, Senior Radiation Oncologist at Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead, will discuss the broader impact of these healthcare projects.
Dr. Vairamuttu Manomohan, Consultant Cardiologist and President of AMAF (NSW), will update us on how AMAF and Rotary are improving healthcare services in the North and East of Sri Lanka.
Special Guest: Rajan Thananayagam
We are also excited to welcome Rajan Thananayagam, a long-distance endurance athlete with 24 full-distance IRONMAN finishes. Rajan will share his incredible experience returning from the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, completed in October 2024.
Double Your Impact
Every dollar raised at this event will be multiplied by the Magic Wand of Rotary District 9685 and the Rotary Foundation, adding AUD 64,500 to the cause. Your participation can make an enormous difference in the lives of children and families in Sri Lanka.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an evening that celebrates community, hope, and the spirit of giving. Secure your tickets today by visiting the link below:
Together, we can make a lasting impact on healthcare, sustainable development, and the well-being of communities in Sri Lanka. Join us on 10th November to help harvest hope and healing!
INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY BREAKFAST
FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER
International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. It highlights positive role models and raises awareness of men’s well-being. Our theme this year is Men's Health Champions.
The Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise is proud to arrange this special event to assist men and women in our local community to make a positive difference in men’s well-being.
Our 2024 keynote speakers:
Ned Narouz
Rap 4 Change
Mario Rodrigues
Positive Vibes Foundation
Aaron Huey
Tradies Wellness
WHERE: Maurice’s Café, The Hills Shire Council Chambers,
3 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills
WHEN: Breakfast from 7.00 am Friday 15th November Speakers commence at 7.15; concludes by 8.40
Coming up on Wednesday 20 November, we are having a special 'The Magic of Rotary Gala' Dinner at Rydges, Norwest, a celebration of Rotary and the incredible difference we make together across the globe. On this special evening, we will come together to honour the profound work of the Rotary Foundation.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Rotary Foundation, the Gala will also highlight the “Magic" that happens when Rotarians unite—turning dreams into reality for those in need.
Our distinguished guest speaker is Ms Noémie Fox - 2024 Paris Olympic Gold Medalist. She will be interviewed by Sydney Morning Herald sports journalist Tom Decent.
The evening will have a magical atmosphere filled with inspiring stories, entertainment, gourmet dining, and camaraderie.
Be a part of the magic. Together, we can continue to make lasting change in the world. This is a joint initiative of the Rotary Clubs of Castle Hill, Norwest Sunrise and Kenthurst as well as Rotary District 9685.
Please email editorial@rotarydistrict9685.org.au to let us know of any bereavements you would like published. It is much appreciated if you can also send a short biography and photo to include in the monthly District 9685 ClubsNews.
You may also wish to inform your Rotary Community Group Leader, the District Secretary, or the District Governor. Remember to also update your clubs member database on ClubRunner
