Join us in supporting the District Governor Partner Project—funding a three-year Australian Rotary Health scholarship to drive vital research into mental illness in children aged 0–12 through targeted research project grants.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our clubs and members, we’ve already raised $13,683.40, but we still need your help to reach our goal over the next three years.
Please consider giving today—together we can reduce stigma and strengthen support for young people and families across our community.
Total to date donated is: $13, 683.40
Please note, any contributions not listed, have either requested names to not be published or the inf12ormation has not come through at the time of publication.
A week ago, when 63 young adults arrived at District 9685's Rotary Youth Leadership Awards they were reserved, some shy, unsure of the week they were about to have.
On Sunday, 60 young adults hugged, cried and have made lifelong friends.
Congratulations to the District RYLA team, facilitators and Rotarians for all their efforts, that provided an amazing, transformational week for the participants.
Well done, DG Michele
CLUB NEWS & UPDATES
Club Highlights - People of Action in District 9685 🌟
Here are just a few examples of the great work happening across our District:
If your club has a story, photo, or project you’d like featured in the next newsletter, please send it to communications9685@gmail.com with a short description and a couple of high-quality images.
DISTRICT 9685 - ROTARY FOUNDATION UPDATE - CALL TO ACTION
Dear Rotarians of District 9685
As we move through the final months of this Rotary year, I want to thank you for your commitment to service through The Rotary Foundation and invite every club to take purposeful action that strengthens our impact, stewardship, and legacy.
Global Grants - Act by 1st March 2026 With upcoming changes to District Designated Funds, we anticipate a significant increase in Global Grant applications between now and June. Applications submitted by 1 March are most likely to be reviewed and approved by 30 June. Applications submitted after this date may roll into the next Rotary year.
Clubs are strongly encouraged to engage early with the District Rotary Foundation Committee, whose expertise can help shape high-quality, sustainable projects and expedite approvals.
Share Your Impact Stories Our strength lies in real stories of lives changed. We are seeking inspiring, measurable stories from grant-funded projects that demonstrate Rotary in action. Please take a few moments to share your project impact through the Service Project Centre so others can learn, replicate, and scale what works.
One inspiring example comes from Malaysia, where Rotarians responded decisively to rising adolescent suicide and mental health challenges. Their coordinated, community-led approach shows how Rotary can influence national priorities, lessons that any club can adapt.
Grant Stewardship & Reporting I am pleased to report that District 9685 is currently 78% compliant with TRF grant reporting as of January 2026. This reflects strong stewardship across our district.
At present, we have 18 active TRF-funded grants, with 4 overdue reports. Stewardship reminder letters will be issued shortly, and I ask club leaders to support project
contacts in actively bringing all grants into compliance. Stewardship protects trust and our future funding capacity.
Paul Harris Society - From Intent to Fulfilment While overall giving continues to grow, only 53% of PHS members globally fulfilled their US$1,000 commitment last year. Often, this is simply a matter of awareness. On behalf of all Rotarians of our district, I would like to thank each one of our 70 PHS members and would encourage them to track their giving via My Rotary..
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank our Paul Harris Society members across District 9685 for your continued generosity and belief in The Rotary Foundation. Your giving is not just a financial contribution; it is an expression of trust in Rotary’s ability to create lasting, meaningful change..... read more
Thank You for Your Consistent Commitment
Together, let us lead with purpose, integrity, and action, turning generosity into lasting change.
DGN Haran Ramachandran OAM District Foundation Chair
Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
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.
CUP OF CONNECTION PICNIC 2026 - FAGAN PARK, GALSTON
The Rotary District 9685 Annual Picnic was held at the picturesque Fagan Park, Galston on Sunday, 1st of February 2026, bringing together Rotarians, partners, families and Rotary Youth for a relaxed and enjoyable day of fellowship.
Surrounded by bushland, members enjoyed wonderful food, good conversation and the chance to connect across clubs and generations.
The picnic was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen friendships, celebrate our Rotary community and simply enjoy time together outside of meetings and projects. A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the day such a success.
We will be looking for suggestions for holding an annual event in different areas each year, please email DG Michele
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as we honour the incredible women shaping our community and raising funds for the Rotary District 9685 Educational Scholarship Scheme, supporting survivors of domestic and family violence.
🫖 Date: Sunday March 8, 2026
📍 Venue: Hornsby RSL
⏰ Time: from 11:00am 3pm
👠 Dress: Sunday Best
✨ What’s in store:
A beautifully curated high tea menu by Hornsby RSL Club
Uplifting entertainment by Lyhra – a powerful trio of celebrated female vocalists
A silent auction featuring the inspiring 2026 Apron Project
Chocolate fountain, bubbles, gifts, lucky door, raffles and more!
This is a celebration for everyone — yes, we want to see our good men at the tables too! Let’s come together to honour life, community, and connection, while raising vital funds for the Rotary District 9685 Educational Scholarship Scheme.
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!
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
