Thank you to all the many clubs that David and I have had the pleasure of visiting for your Changeover events. We’ve truly appreciated your warm welcome and hospitality.
Congratulations to all the Presidents and their Boards for stepping up to lead your clubs through the 2025–26 Rotary year. We would love to visit your club or attend a meaningful project or event—please reach out and let us know how we can connect.
August is Membership and New Club Development Month—a perfect time to reflect on how we can grow Rotary not just in numbers, but in diversity, energy, and impact.
Across District 9685, I’ve already seen clubs welcoming new members, engaging their communities, and embracing fresh ideas. Whether it’s through flexible meeting styles, cause-based clubs, or simply inviting friends and family to experience Rotary, there are so many ways we can open the door wider.
This month, I encourage you to:
Connect with potential members who share your passion for service
Re-engage former members or friends of Rotary
Support efforts to create new clubs or satellites that reflect changing needs
Create short 30-second videos:
Introduce yourself, what club you’re from, and why you joined Rotary
Or talk about a favourite project or event and the club behind it
Please email your videos to me—we’d love to share them!
Let’s make space for new voices and celebrate the power of Rotary to adapt, grow, and Unite for Good.
I’m also heartened by the many clubs already supporting the District Governor Partner Project, raising funds for a PhD scholarship through Australian Rotary Health to investigate mental illness in children aged 0-12. Your support means the world to David and me - and more importantly, to the future wellbeing of young people in our communities.
Thank you for all that you do. I’m proud to walk beside you on this journey.
Yours in Rotary, Michele District 9685 Governor
Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
Presidents for 2025/26 Sandra White & Anne Sharpe
West Pennant Hills & Cherrybrook Rotary Club
Castlehill Rotary Club changeover
Rotary Community Leader Russell Zimmerman, President Anoop Sud, District Governor Michele Ellery at Pennant Hills Rotary Club changeover
SHARE YOUR STORIES AT ROTARY SOUTH PACIFIC
We’re inviting all Rotary Clubs to be part of a powerful storytelling initiative. By sharing your local projects, events, and community impact stories with the marketing team, you’ll help shine a light on the incredible work being done across the network - and inspire others to find out more about Rotary.
We’re looking for impactful, real stories that could influence a non-member to stop, read, and think: “I want to be part of something like that.” These stories help bring Rotary’s mission to life in a way that facts and figures can’t.
The Rotary South Pacific team can help turn your club's project photos into a video with voice over like this, create photo galleries like this, and even short story films, and assist with preparing for media interviews like this. Thanks and congratulations to Kenthurst and Warringah Rotary Clubs for these examples!
Liz McDougall District Chief Storyteller
Rotary Club of Warringah
GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS ROTARY
It is with great excitement and pride that I announce the official merger of the Rotary Clubs of Katoomba, Blackheath, and Central Blue Mountains.
Effective 27th July 2025, these three dedicated clubs have united to form the Rotary Club of Greater Blue Mountains—a vibrant and strengthened presence serving our mountain communities with renewed energy and purpose.
This historic merger not only reflects the collaborative spirit of Rotary, but also ensures greater impact and sustainability for years to come.
A new Charter Certificate has been issued, honouring the legacy of the Rotary Club of Katoomba with its original charter date of 12th January 1937.
Please join me in warmly congratulating all members involved in this inspiring transition. Your collective vision and commitment are a shining example of what it means to Unite for Good.
Michele Ellery District 9685 Governor
Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
DISTRICT GOVERNOR PARTNER PROJECT
I am very fortunate that I have a husband, David, who is just as passionate as I am in advocating for Mental Illness.
Please consider supporting the Funding of a PhD scholarship, to continue the vital research into children 0-12 years old's Mental Illness.
TOGETHER we can UNITE FOR GOOD for our most vulnerable in the community.
Michele Ellery District 9685 Governor
Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
Researching mental health in children aged 0-12 years is crucial, because mental health challenges often begin in childhood and can have long-term consequences if left unaddressed. Early intervention and prevention strategies are vital for improving lifelong mental health and wellbeing, as well as reducing disparities in mental health outcomes for vulnerable children.
Donations can be made individually or as a club to support this project.
Donations can be made directly to Australian Rotary Health (BSB 112 879, Acc. 065 433 595) Please include your club name and "FPP" in the reference, and email admin@arh.org.au to advise of the donation to the Funding Partner Project and for tax deductible receipt details.
Australian Rotary Health is at PO Box 6161 Norwest 2154, and available at 02 8837 1900.
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
August is Membership & New Club Development Month – a timely opportunity to reflect on how The Rotary Foundation (TRF) connects, empowers, and sustains the heart of our organisation: our members.
In 2024-25, District 9685 Rotarians contributed an incredible USD 286,528 to the Annual Fund
(including USD 276,339 to SHARE), USD 75,556 to PolioPlus, and over USD 202,785 in Global
Grant contributions. These figures speak volumes – but beyond the numbers lies the true Magic of Rotary: impactful service, global partnerships, and the personal stories of change that
inspire and retain members.
The Ripple Effect of Giving
Our District Designated Fund (DDF), drawn from past Annual Fund contributions, enabled:
32 District Grants totalling nearly USD 193,370 in project value across Australia and 13 countries
14 Global Grants worth over USD 1.15 million, with more in the pipeline
A Global Grant Scholarship hosted for the first time by RC Penrith Valley
Disaster Response support, thanks to USD 19,998 in contributions
From eye clinics in Sri Lanka to hospital capacity-building in Pakistan, District 9685 clubs are making a difference.
Despite these successes, Annual Fund giving has dipped to a five-year low (USD 268,051), with PolioPlus also down. Lower giving today reduces our DDF pool in future years and limits our ability to support club projects. We need to rally together.
We are calling on all Presidents and Foundation Chairs to:
Set and enter Annual Fund and PolioPlus goals in RCC (29 & 31 clubs have yet to do so!)
Join the Leadership Giving Campaign – your example can spark clubwide support
Reconnect members to our mission through club TRF presentations and storytelling
Let’s harness the spirit of Membership Month. The Rotary blog’s tips include creating service opportunities, celebrating donors, and showcasing Rotary’s global reach – all aspects that TRF embodies.
We thank and applaud our 100% TRF Giving Clubs – Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise, Wahroonga, and Windsor – and our top per capita giving clubs: Beecroft, Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise, and the E-Club of Greater Sydney.
As Rotarians, our giving isn’t just financial, it’s hope in action. TRF enables us to transform passion into projects, compassion into clinics, and ideals into impact. Let’s grow the Foundation, grow Rotary, and grow hope.
For resources, grant guidance, or to book a TRF club presentation, contact the District Rotary Foundation Team.
DGN Haran Ramachandran District Foundation Chair
Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney
YOUTH PROTECTION TOP TIPS
TIP #1 GOOD RISK MANAGEMENT
Rotary goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of the young people in our care.
All Rotarians and non-Rotarian volunteers must agree to adhere to the Rotary Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth:
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of their ability, Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses and partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people they come into contact with and protect them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Adopted by the RI Board of Directors, November 2006
The main way we manage risk associated with youth activities in Rotary is screening of volunteers. Two screening methods are used by Rotary - the Working With Children Check (administered by the Office of the Children's Guardian in NSW) and the Rotary Volunteer Information and Declaration Form (administered by Rotary International).
So when do we need to complete each of these screening methods for a volunteer?
Michelle Westlund District Youth Protection Officer
Rotary Social Impact Network
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2026
Type caption here
WHAT IS RYLA?
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) is a transformational leadership program designed for young adults. Spanning over seven days, the program combines some of Australia's finest speakers with engaging activities and challenges, as well as a supportive environment that enables their leadership to grow and develop to its full potential. RYLA is an annual event with 70+ participants held at Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga NSW.
Applicants must be permanent residents of Australia residing in New South Wales.
All applicants are endorsed and sponsored by a Rotary Club however, we welcome Employers or other organisations to support applicants by way of nomination and/or funding of the application fee via their nominated sponsoring Rotary Club for the RYLA program.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR APPLICANTS In your local area: University students, Church groups, Girl Guides, Scouts, Rural Fire Service, SES, Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving, Schools - Teachers, Teacher’s Aides, a local business employing young adults.
CRITERIA
Must have been out of high school one year.
Be aged between 18-30 years.
Must be able to commit to the full week of the course. Contacting your participant early allows them to arrange their leave.
Applicants must be nominated, interviewed, and financially supported by District Rotary Clubs or corporations/business.
Cost: $1,375.00 per applicant.
HOW TO APPLY Applicants must complete the registration form on line. Applications are open from 1 July to 30 November 2025. Completed online only via www.d9685ryla.org.au
Congratulations to the Graffiti Removal Team from Turramurra RC led by Roger Norman for getting some well-earned recognition for such a dogged approach to keeping Turramurra graffiti free.
Chatswood-Roseville members have been busy painting the newly renovated toilets at the Lifeline Book Depot.
I’ve noticed many more posts on Facebook recently by clubs promoting what they do. This is fantastic work and is really getting the message out there that we are ‘People of Action’.
ROTARY COMMUNITY CORPS
After the demise of a key community member who managed a group of willing helpers to look after the planters and gardens surrounding the Blackheath commercial precinct, the volunteers lost their way. We decided to form an RCC to try and regroup and keep up the great work. This was an easy process to establish with RI and we now have a group of ten community members who will continue on looking after the palntings.
We called it Blackheath Urban Gardeners or BUGS for short, received a small grant from the local credit union for high-vis vests and have formed an agreement with Council to have permission to do the work.
Consider identifying a need and forming an RCC in your area.
Rotary Community Corps (RCCs) are club-sponsored organizations of community members who regularly collaborate with Rotary clubs on local service activities. Chartering an RCC helps clubs formalize their community partnerships for service projects.
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a professional and personal development program for members which started on the east coast of USA in 1992.
The overriding goal of the course for club Rotarians is to create enthusiasm for Rotary by opening to them the world of Rotary outside of their own clubs and showing them the great potential of Rotary service for the benefit of the world that can be furthered with excellent leadership in our clubs.
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.
NEXT PROGRAM AVAILABLE
LEVEL ONE: RLI New Member Orientation Program
Level One: 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.
Level 1 via Zoom : Sunday 24th August 2025 9am - 1pm
Please reach out with any queries or suggestions via email.
Andrew McIver District RLI Convenor
Rotary Social Impact Network
RAWCS NEWS
We have an amazing group of people in our District who are quietly working away and making a huge difference in the lives of thousands, both here in Australia and overseas.
Having just taken over the role of District RAWCS Chair from the wonderful Jan Pryor I have been receiving the reports and I am truly in awe of the work that is going on.
Here is a quick look at some stats for D9685, the leading RAWCS District in our zone:
82 projects made up of:
64 Rotary Australia Overseas Aid Fund (RAOAF)
8 Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS)
10 Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants (RACG)
and we have just registered our first Rotary Australia Trust for the Environment (RATE)
These projects cover 28 countries including 18 in Australia.
If your club is looking to contribute to some international service projects look no further than the RAWCS website. There are hundreds to choose from and they all need your support.
PDG Mina Howard District RAWCS Chair
Rotary Club of Blackheath
DISTRICT CHANGEOVER 2025
Thank you Maureen & Rod Rose for capturing this evening of celebration!
The Sydney Hills Garden Competition is on again in 2025. Steeped in history and intricately linked to the Hills Shire, this year marks 66 years since the first competition ran as the brainchild of Councillor Eric Mobbs. It became the forerunner of the Orange Blossom Festival, so has a significant place in the cultural history of “The Garden Shire”.
Calling all gardeners to enter gardens big to small, traditional to modern, residential and even industrial or special in some other way. Hills residents, businesses and institutions are asked to register their gardens by 5pm on Friday 12th September 2025 for spring judging during the Orange Blossom Festival. Entry forms are available at Plants Plus West Pennant Hills, Flower Power Glenhaven, Swanes Dural, The Hills Shire Council or www.hillsgardencomp.org.au
The Garden Competition is run each year by The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville and has a variety of categories for gardeners from small town houses to residential gardens, to gardens of industrial, commercial and retirement complexes. The competition covers a diverse range of categories for all types of gardeners – even young gardeners in the school’s category. Specialty gardens such as cottage, communal and environmentally friendly gardens are also included. The garden competition is open to gardens located in the Hills Shire and adjoining parts of the suburbs of North Rocks, Carlingford, Northmead, Winston Hills, Baulkham Hills, West Pennant Hills, Cherrybrook, Glenhaven, Dural, Arcadia, Galston and Glenorie.
Gardens are judged by professional and experienced horticulturists and landscapers. In the past judges have included local gardening gurus Judy Horton, Ross Miller, the late Bruce Pike as well as renowned Horticulturalist Lucia Fowler who will lead the team of expert judges this year. Another of the judges this year is Felicity Mc Caffrey, granddaughter of Eric Mobbs, the founder of the competition. “We’re seeing so many beautiful gardens around this year. So many people making the very best of their surrounds and especially enjoying their gardens. More than ever, this is a time to celebrate the fine gardens of the Hills District this spring” said Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville President, John van den Burg.
The judging will be held between 15th and 19th September culminating in an Awards Night on Friday 26th September where award winning gardens and their gardeners will be honored and receive prizes.
For more information about entering or sponsorship opportunities visit www.hillsrotary.org.au, your local garden center or Keith Stapley on 0412 079 014
The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville has had a long association with gardeners in The Hills, having run the Garden Competition since early 2000’s and the Hills Open Gardens.
The Club proudly opened a Community Garden in March 2021 to mark the 100th year of Rotary in Australia. The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville established and built this garden for the community in conjunction with the Hills Shire Council. Other works of the Club include local community events and the raising of funds for numerous programs far and wide, from the Hills area to outback Australia to overseas communities with specific needs.
To be part of an inspired group that is making a difference, contact the club though our website or Facebook page.
ONLINE AUCTION FOR BOOKS IN HOMES
Alongside the Turramurra & Chatswood Roseville trivia night on Tuesday 19th August, there is an online auction you can participate in remotely!
Check out the Online Silent Auction here to support the Books in Homes project in Moree. Items include artworks, a tour of Parliament House, children's books, wine, novels, home accessories, sporting memorabilia, a quilt, hair treatments, and more.
At last year’s Rotary Foundation Gala Dinner, PDG Niranjan encouraged each club to appoint a Homelessness Program Chair or Director to lead efforts in their community.
District Governor Michele Ellery supports continuing this legacy, primarily as many clubs already work in areas of domestic violence and homelessness.
The homelessness crisis in Australia - especially for women and children - is growing at an alarming rate:
300+ people are turned away from services daily
NSW needs 170,000 more safe bed nights annually for women and children who were turned away from shelters.
1 in 7 homeless people are children under 7
Women over 55 are the fastest-growing cohort of homeless people.
We urge each club to:
Appoint a Homelessness Program Chair/Director
Subscribe to our quarterly homelessness updates to stay informed and share in meetings and on social media.
We invite you to join in the Unite for Good | Unite for Taree Project. A project that is directly underpinning The Rotary Club of Taree-on-Manning, The Rotary Club of Wingham and services working on the ground with these Rotarians.
Follow the link and sign up your family, your friends, your business, your sporting clubs ... to underpin those who are still in need. The Truck is headed to Taree at the end of August.
Plenty of time for your Club to contribute to this big give. Drop off at President Sallianne McClelland's home in Hornsby or deliver to our packing day on August 28 and be a part of this special Big Give!
From the Mountains to the Sea, I call on community to pack a curated tub for our Taree friends. All details can be found in this link. For further information reach out to Sallianne McClelland on 0408 670 207 or president@wahroongarotary.org
GOSFORD CITY ROTARY SUCCESS
On Wednesday 18 June, the Rotary Club of Gosford City proudly hosted the 2025 Bob Ward Vocational Service Awards, celebrating exceptional individuals from across the Central Coast who go above and beyond in their chosen professions.
These awards recognise vocational excellence and honour individuals who have made significant contributions in their field, setting an inspiring example for others and embodying Rotary’s values of service above self.
This year’s awards acknowledged nine outstanding professionals whose passion, dedication and leadership are helping to shape a stronger, more connected community.
The evening was held at Baker St Restaurant and served as a reminder of the incredible talent and commitment that exists within our region.
We congratulate all our 2025 recipients and thank them for the impact they are making every day in their workplaces and the broader community. To view the winners full bios and photos from the awards, visit www.gosfordcityrotary.org.au
The smell of sizzling sausages filled the air on Saturday 19 July as the Rotary Club of Gosford City fired up the barbie at West Gosford Bunnings for one of their biggest sausage sizzles yet.
With clear blue skies and a steady stream of hungry shoppers, the team of Rotary volunteers were up bright and early, ready to serve with smiles—and a side of onions. By the end of the day, the crew had powered through a whopping 80kg of sausages, 45 loaves of bread (plus extras!), and earned plenty of compliments from the crowd.
“We were a well-oiled machine,” said one club member. “Everyone pitched in and the atmosphere was fantastic.”
Thanks to the efforts of the dedicated team and the generous support of the community, over $2,000 was raised to support local causes and community programs. Check out all the fun on our Facebook.
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.
New Clubs : Evolving Rotary Opportunities
Social Impact Network President Katharina Mono (Netherlands)
Rotary Social Impact Network (RSIN) is platform for busy Rotarians, likeminded people of impact, community minded leaders to create tangible social change through an individualised experience of Rotary.
Transitional Community Housing is now in its 9th year of activity and 18 months since first securing property to provide transitional housing support. The project has provided homes or support to secure housing for 31 persons including 12 women and 18 dependents.
The Transitional Community Housing project is Kenthurst and Norwst Sunrise Rotary Clubs' response to the deteriorating homelessness situation facing so many people today in Sydney. We recognise that women over 55 are the fastest growing cohort of homeless and with them we are seeing 1 in 7 homeless people, children under the age of 7. Neither of these outcomes can be accepted.
To support us to deliver on our programme we invite you to attend our
Our annual Run For The Hills is back and bigger than ever and this year, we’re calling on every Rotary Club in our District to join us to make this event a true celebration of Rotary in action!
Run For The Hills is Castle Hill Rotary’s major fundraiser, drawing hundreds of participants from across the Hills and beyond. Last year, our efforts resulted in record fundraising and runner turnout, with a fantastic atmosphere created by Rotary volunteers, market stalls, and the strong community presence. In 2025, we’re setting our sights even higher:
Our goal is 1,000 runners and $100,000 raised - all going directly to local Hills Shire projects including youth mental health ( Youth Insearch & Positive Vibes), Transitional community housing for women in crisis, Hills Community Aid & Rufftrack teen mentoring & vital local community initiatives. Every runner gets to choose where their funds go this year.
Here’s where you and your club come in:
This year, we’re asking every club in the district to join us to run or walk together as a visible force. Rally your club members, put on your Rotary club shirts, and register as a team. We'd love to show the Hills community the strength and heart of Rotary like never before. Your collective presence will help us inspire the public, raise our community profile, and serve as a brilliant membership opportunity. People want to join groups that get things done and have fun doing it!
Event Date: Sunday, 7th September 2025, Bella Vista Farm
(part of the Orange Blossom Festival)
Distances: Family-friendly walk/run (colour run for the kids) intermediate, and longer run options, There’s something for everyone, no matter your fitness level
Goal: If every runner raises just $100, we’ll hit our target and make a huge difference for local youth and families in need
Why get your club involved?
You’ll boost Rotary’s visibility, attracting new members who see Rotary in action
Enjoy a great team day out—bring family, friends, and future Rotarians
Help raise critical funds for youth mental health and Hills support services
Get your club featured in event media, social posts, and community PR
How to register:
Form a club team, get your members (and their families!) signed up, and let’s create a sea of Rotary blue and gold on event day.
Register now at: www.runforthehills.com.au
Let’s make 2025 the year Rotary leads the way—see you on the start line!
DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY IN TAMWORTH (ZOOM)
TUESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER
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.
Tamworth Regional Council and Rotary International are listed as impact partners to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This evening zoom event will strengthen our connections with Regional NSW and look for opportunities for Rotary to support education and literacy in programs and collaborations like this in our local and regional communities.
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!
Save when you register and pay between 21–25 June 2025 — don’t miss this limited-time offer!
