I was proud to represent our District as a major sponsor at the National Science and Engineering Challenge Event at Olympic Stadium on Friday 27 October.
Students from all over Australia, except the Northern Territory, participated in teams to collaborate and solve STEM problems. It was wonderful to observe the students thinking and creatively unravelling and solving the problems. Thanks to the staff from University of Newcastle for their diligence in conducting the event. The winners, Pacific Hills Christian School Dural (pictured right) are from our District! They were very excited to take home the main trophy! Well done!
I would like to thank Gavin Ralston E-Club of Greater Sydney (National Chair), David and Joan Hart Upper Blue Mtns Sunrise, David Ellyard and PDG David Rands Beecroft, Mike Mead Balgowlah, Geoff Pritchard North Sydney for their dedication to our young people and for volunteering to supervise the students during the event.
Saturday night 28 October at Rydges Norwest saw more than 100 guests join to celebrate Kenthurst Rotary Club’s 50th anniversary. A team of Japanese Rotarians from their sister club travelled to Australia specifically to join in the celebrations. It was a wonderful night. Congratulations to President Chris Gaskin and all Kenthurst Rotarians for the energy, effort and service that you have brought to Rotary for 50 years!
Dressed in my red T-shirt I joined the End Polio Now train riders for about 4.5 hours to promote this important cause across the Sydney Train Network. Rotarians from D9685 and D9675 laughed and had fun together. Thank you to those Rotarians who rode the trains and to those Clubs that turned up and presented a cheque donation. Thanks to Mark and Dave Anderson for their major contribution once again to Rotary’s major initiative. I am advised that to date $87,000 and counting has been raised from the train ride. Please lodge your donation ASAP to contribute to the eradication of Polio. So close!
On Friday 20 October with an early 4am start I drove to Canberra to attend the AUS RESCA (Australian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards) Ceremony at Government House, Yarralumla. The awards, presented by the Governor-General of Australia, The Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Hurley were awarded to 5 recipients who had won the State RESCAs in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Congratulations to the state winners and the overall winner Detective Sergent Sharan Slater, ACT Policing. Following a fitting ceremony, we were treated to morning tea.
Young at Heart Living Treasures Event conducted by Beecroft RC was a delightful experience and MC’d by Vineeta Deodhar. Held on a warm Saturday afternoon with awards being made to winning primary school children for colouring, art and poetry, some beautiful solo singing had the audience appreciating the local talent. This was followed by the Beecroft Public School Concert band superbly paying a number of items which got our toes tapping. The identified “Living Treasures” from the local community were then honoured, their citations revealing why they had been selected. It was a proud moment for all the winners and awardees. To celebrate we enjoyed a high tea. Thank you Beecroft Rotary!
By the end of October, I had visited 56 of the 64 Clubs in the District and am still wanting to visit with the Rotaract clubs. Each club has a different and unique way of conducting its meetings and I have felt welcomed at every one of my official visits. What a great District! This can only come from your individual and collective contribution to Creating Hope in the World and serving to do good in the world. My thanks for your efforts to date and in anticipation of a solid end to this half of the Rotary year. I look forward to walking with you at one of our walks when Rotary says NO to Domestic and Family Violence and YES to respectful relationships.
The Rotary Foundation – Our Foundation – Our Charity
The Rotary Year is swiftly progressing, and this month holds special significance as it's The Rotary Foundation Month. We invite you to join us in celebrating this occasion alongside the esteemed Trustee Chair of Our Foundation, PRIP Barry Rasin, and PDG Jennie Herring, Zone 8's E/MGA (Endowment and Major Grants Advisor). Our goal is to gather approximately 130 Rotarians and Guests from D9675 and D9685 at the Annual Rotary Foundation Recognition Dinner. This event is a platform to express gratitude to our donors and shine a spotlight on the remarkable work that Rotarians are accomplishing to foster hope in our world. A big thank you to PDG Lindsay and PP Neil McWhannell for organizing this event, taking place on November 6th at The Epping Club.
Last month, Mark Anderson and his son, Dave, dedicated 18 hours to spreading Rotary's primary objective: eradicating Polio from the world. We are on the cusp of realizing this dream, and there's still time to contribute to the PolioPlus Fund. We must acknowledge the Rotary Club of Central Blue Mountain for their exceptional efforts in raising nearly $10,000 through their 'Push up for Polio' campaign. In our district, 35 clubs have yet to update their giving goals for the PolioPlus Fund this Rotary Year. Your club's contribution could be the missing piece needed for your club to earn a Presidential Citation this year.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the clubs that have successfully completed their District Grant projects and submitted their final reports. We encourage these clubs to showcase their achievements on the Rotary Showcase portal.
Additionally, we urge your club to consider making a contribution to The Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation. Your support will empower our district to provide you with district grants and financial assistance for your global grant projects through DDF (District Designated Funds). We appreciate the clubs that have already entered their giving goals for the Annual Fund, but there are still 22 clubs that haven't set their goals in Rotary Club Central. We kindly request you to review your club's goals on Rotary Club Central and take a moment to discuss and finalize these goals with your club's board.
The call to action here is clear: celebrate The Rotary Foundation Month, contribute to the PolioPlus Fund, showcase your club's achievements, and make a contribution to The Annual Fund.
Please contact me (0419 980 529) or our Grants Chair, David Rivett (0418 410 106) if you have any questions about District or Global Grants.
STOP the violence, END the silence Join us to "Say NO to domestic and family violence and YES to respectful relationships."
Rotarians across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands have joined together to spread awareness, provide assistance, and offer resources to combat family and domestic violence. By working together, we can make a significant difference in reducing this pervasive issue, across our District, from Sydney Harbour to the top end of the Central Coast and west to the Blue Mountains. We share the common goal of supporting individuals who have experienced abuse and violence within their homes.
What you and your club can do!
By participating in this campaign you can help raise awareness and demonstrate your commitment to this cause and our shared values.
Each Rotary Club can determine its own project or fundraising activity.
To assist your preparation for this District wide campaign, below are several links to acquaint you with various tools to support your initiatives.
Community Walks: Walks will be held in each cluster, linking Rotarians with others in the community standing together against domestic and family violence and for respectful relationships.
The campaign is centred on the United Nations 16 Days of Activism – from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25th November to 10th December 2023, Human Rights Day but events may be held at any time.
Projects: Clubs are creating their own projects and events to support the campaign. A link to the progressive list of projects with clubs and contacts is attached - here
Education: Rotarians may like to educate themselves on domestic violence. A Link to a 4 minute animated - video
Raising Awareness: TBA
Communications: All Rotarians need to share the same message. Consistency of wording and graphics are vital. Use this community letter and media release to engage with your local community to gain support for this important social issue.
Link to Community letter Media Release and T-shirt order form below:
Research has shown that clubs with an irresistible culture retain more members. Learn the key principles that successful clubs use to be engaging, inclusive, and inviting and how you can incorporate these principles in your club.
Go to the Learning Center and search for the “Transform Your Club Culture” video, prepared by Stephanie A. Urchick, RI President-Elect, and Tom Gump, a Past District Governor. Learn the principles and apply the tips they recommend to create an irresistible club culture.
2. Regionalisation Update – November 2023
Regional Council Elections
Regional Council Elections are now complete. Thank you to all clubs that participated in electing the leadership team for the pilot project.
Special congratulations to 2 of our own members, who stood unopposed for positions.
Firstly, Dallas Booth from RC Turramurra and our current District Insurance Officer standing for Regional Council Chair
Secondly, Neil McWhannell from RC Wahroonga and our current TRF Giving and Bequests chair standing for Chair of Public Image and Partnerships Portfolio.
Congratulations to both these candidates for stepping up – we wish them all the best as their new roles come into play, Results will be confirmed in coming weeks.
Rotary Community Groupings (RCG) – CLOSING EXTENDED to NOV 12!
Very exciting news! Our District leads the way with club survey submissions with over half our clubs providing details on their preference for a Community Group – CONGRATULATIONS!!
And more good news! The closing date for submission has been extended to Nov 12th. So, if your club has not discussed your preferences, NOW is the time to talk to your Club President and Secretary about getting your response in.
For more details or information:
Watch recent webinar recording with updates on Community Groups, pilot team progress and Council elections at Webinar
Has your Club nominated a candidate yet? We have space for more applicants to attend.
This year, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) will be happening from the 14-20th January 2024 at Knox Grammar school. RYLA needs your support.
We're currently struggling to receive applications for the RYLA program. Your nominations will ensure RYLA’s 60-year legacy continues. Applications are currently open and can be accessed here: https://www.d9685ryla.org.au/apply. Applications close the 1st December 2023
RYLA, is the district’s flagship program for young adult leaders. Participants are presented with immersive experiences to hone their skills, gain invaluable experiences, and make a positive impact on their communities. The involvement of clubs is crucial in identifying and sponsoring young candidates who display leadership potential.
If clubs are experiencing difficulties regarding candidates, please reach out at ryla9685@gmail.com
The fabulous promotional RYLA Brochure can be seen by clicking HERE
4. RYPEN – Rotary District 9685 is open to Year 10 students in 2024 - Urgent Reminder
Has your Club nominated a candidate yet? We have space for more applicants to attend.
The Summer RYPEN will be held from 4.30pm Friday 16th Feb. 2024 to 3.30pm Sunday 18th Feb. 2024, at Sydney Academy of Sport (SAS), Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen 2101
APPROACH SCHOOLS NOW!
You should be seeking existing year 9 students who will be entering year 10 in 2024.
Student nomination forms are included in the information packs and will be received by Melanie Lewis. More detailed registrations are captured within the SAS portal via a link emailed to students in December.
Melanie Lewis, (Rotary Social Impact Network), Chair – Summer RYPEN
5. Rotary Positive Peace Activator Oceania Program announcement - opportunity for Cadre members in Oceania region
Rotary Positive Peace Activator Oceania Program Opportunity for peacebuilders living, working, and/or studying in Oceania. Launched in 2017, the Rotary-IEP Partnership is one of Rotary’s three strategic partnerships. The core focus of the Partnership is IEP peace education for Rotary stakeholders, to help them shift attitudes and approaches to peacebuilding and to create meaningful change in their communities by applying the framework of Positive Peace to their interventions. The Rotary - Institute for Economics & Peace Partnership now invites applications for the Rotary Positive Peace Activator Oceania Program. Visit the Positive Peace Activator webpage and the Rotary-IEP Partnership webpage for more information.
Radio is a powerful way to spread your Club stories. If your Club has a project, local or overseas, which would interest the wider general public, discuss it with Rotary Matters presenter Ian Stuart who will be glad to help spread the word. Ian.stuart@optusnet.com.au 0416 138 860
Top reasons to register early for the Rotary Convention
Posted on in Rotary Voices
Ferris Wheel seen from the Gardens By the Bay
By Rotary staff
Daydreaming about a trip on your calendar is one of life’s small rewards. All the more so if the destination is the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore, Asia’s dazzling garden city, rich in culture and unique attractions. Here are just a few of the reasons to register early.
Give yourself a vacation to look forward to. Whether you’re making the trip of a lifetime or a return visit, you’ll find inspiration and wonder in Singapore.
Save significant money. The last day for the early registration discount is 15 December. You won’t get a lower rate.
Have your pick of airfares and hotels. It’s the right time to lock in a good airfare rate before prices almost certainly go up closer to 25-29 May. You’ll have more room choices when you book your hotel at a special rate. Looking for a deal? A city view? Enough space for your kids? Check your options.
Book a special experience. Exclusive excursions for Rotary members can sell out, and organizers have curated tour packages to see hidden gems in Singapore and nearby countries.
Leave time to gather your entourage. Veronica and Johnny Yu, of the Rotary Club of Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines, committed to Singapore while still in Melbourne and have been encouraging others to take advantage of early registration. “You can only believe in the magic of Rotary if you go to the convention,” Johnny Yu says. No two conventions are the same, so even if you’ve been before it’s a chance to reconnect with friends and be inspired. This convention is when members turn ideas into actions for Sharing Hope With the World.
to let us know of any bereavements you would like published. It would be much appreciated if you also sent a short biography and photo for an information
link in In Memoriam.
You may also inform your Assistant Governor, the District Secretary, or the Governor. Remember to also update
your club's member database on the District website.
RLI is a training course offered to Rotarians to develop their skills in leadership and management within Clubs to improve performance, knowledge and enjoyment in leading or helping to lead Clubs in the District.
The next opportunity is RLI 78 which will be held on-line.
To register for RLI 78, please click on the "Register Here" button at the bottom of this section. (More courses to follow in the future)
The courses consist of three parts over one weekend, all delivered by Zoom. Course materials will be sent to registered participants directly.
You are receiving this email as a member or friend of one of the Rotary Clubs within Rotary International District 9685. If, for any reason, you do not want to receive communications of this nature, please unsubscribe by un-checking the box in the 'Privacy' tab of your member profile on the District website, or by selecting the 'unsubscribe' link at the foot of this newsletter.
District eNews is reviewed weekly for publication on Thursday at least every two weeks. Content provided and all rights reserved by Rotary International District 9685 Inc
I would like to thank Gavin Ralston E-Club of Greater Sydney (National Chair), David and Joan Hart Upper Blue Mtns Sunrise, David Ellyard and PDG David Rands Beecroft, Mike Mead Balgowlah, Geoff Pritchard North Sydney for their dedication to our young people and for volunteering to supervise the students during the event.
Dressed in my red T-shirt I joined the End Polio Now train riders for about 4.5 hours to promote this important cause across the Sydney Train Network. Rotarians from D9685 and D9675 laughed and had fun together. Thank you to those Rotarians who rode the trains and to those Clubs that turned up and presented a cheque donation. Thanks to Mark and Dave Anderson for their major contribution once again to Rotary’s major initiative. I am advised that to date $87,000 and counting has been raised from the train ride. Please lodge your donation ASAP to contribute to the eradication of Polio. So close!
1. Learning & Development Update
"The Club Buzz" is where you will find some exciting and relevant programs or events happening in our Clubs and in District 9685. 
