APRIL 2026 DISTRICT NEWS
Visit www.rotarydistrict9685.org.au for regular updates
Submit your Club News & Events to share with District 9685 via email
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S UPDATE
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REGIONALISATION UPDATE
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THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
POLIO NEWS
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UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS & QUICK LINKS
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S UPDATE APRIL 2026
APRIL 2026 DG NEWSLETTER
 
DISTRICT GOVERNOR's UPDATE
 
 
DG PARTNER PROJECT UPDATE - Total so far $15,833.40
We need your support to provide a PHD Scholarship, for research into Children’s Mental illness aged 0-12 years.
 
Year To Date SUPPORTERS
Gosford
Turramurra
Kincumber
Kurrajong North Richmond
Lower Blue Mountains
Upper Northern Beaches
Gosford City
Richmond
Springwood
Upper Blue Mtns RC
WPH & Cherrybrook RC
Lane Cove RC
Macquarie Park RC
Chatswood Roseville RC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL NEWS
 
 
‘Success is collective,’
 
Says recipient of Rotary’s 2026, Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award
 
Mayan Raslan,2026 recipient of Rotary’s
 
 
 
 
Do You know what a Cadre is?
 
Cadre members can assist your project by:
  • Providing project planning advice and implementation guidance
  • Designing community assessments
  • Incorporating elements of sustainability into projects
  • Establishing monitoring and evaluation plans
  • Answering questions about Rotary’s areas of focus
  • Providing financial management best practices
Need support or resources for your Global grant? Or have skills to assist others? Apply Here
 
 
                                                                                                                                       
DISTRICT 9685 Updates and Resources
 
2027 Rotary District 9685 Conference announced!
 
🎉 Registrations Now Open – 2027 Rotary District 9685 Conference in Mudgee
 
Join David and I in beautiful Mudgee for the 2027 District Conference!
We are delighted to officially announce the 2027 Rotary District 9685 Conference, taking place from Friday 12 March to Sunday 14 March 2027 at the beautiful Parklands Resort, Mudgee.
This will be a weekend to Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate Rotary together in one of NSW’s most stunning wine regions.
Whether you are reconnecting with old friends, discovering new ideas for your club, or simply enjoying Rotary fellowship, this conference promises to be one of the highlights of the Rotary year.
 
Tickets Now Available                         
 
Secure your place early and save!
 
 
 
 
 
Districts 9660 & 9685 Conference, Newcastle 
Returning from the 2026 Rotary Districts 9660 and 9685 Conference in Newcastle, I felt both inspired and encouraged by the experience.
 
The program highlighted how innovation and compassion are shaping the future, from technology supporting wildlife conservation to empowering people with complex needs. Personal stories of resilience reinforced the vital role of community, while expert speakers challenged us to think critically about misinformation, wellbeing, and staying mentally engaged.
Beyond the program, the true highlight was the spirit of Rotary- our connection, collaboration, and shared purpose, celebrated in a vibrant “Hollywood Icons” gala.
The conference was a powerful reminder of the impact we can achieve together through service and vision.
I extend my sincere thanks to District 9660 Governor Evan Burrell, Rotary International President’s Personal Representative PDG Wendy Protheroe, our Conference Chair Bob Kaye-Smith, the Conference Committee, and all volunteers from both districts. Your dedication made this a truly memorable and meaningful event.
 
 
 
 
PDG Luncheon, Newcastle 
District Governors from D9660 and 9685 and their partners came together for a pre-conference luncheon in Newcastle, an opportunity to catch up with old friends.
Highlight of the afternoon was a Major Donor recognition for PDG Ian Dyball. Ian is a PDG of D9660 and many years ago was a Member of Carlingford Rotary Club, very much involved with the 'From Russia With Love' project.
 
The recognitions were presented by PDG Wendy Protheroe, who was the RI President's Personal Representative (RIPPR) and is also the Zone TRF Endowment and Major Gift Advisor.
 
 
 
 
District Club Awards
Presidents and members are encouraged to start preparing your Club Award submissions now to be considered for a District Award, which will be proudly presented at the District Changeover on Saturday 27 June 2026.
 
Please download the applications from the newly updated District website using the
 
and be sure to check the due dates on each application so you don’t miss out.
 
 
 
Welcome to the new members who have joined at the end of March 2026.
🎉 Welcome to Our New Members
Please join me in welcoming the following members who joined at the end of March:
 
  • Beverley Carlyon    – Crows Nest
  • Kay Hudson             - Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise
  • Cameron Allanson  - Hornsby District
  • Melanie Allanson    - Hornsby District
  • Sunita Mahadea      - Hornsby District
  • Liarne Edmunds      - Mosman
  • Bruce Kerridge        - Mosman
Welcome to Rotary District 9685. We are so glad you are here. 💙
All new members receive a welcome email from the District Governor.
Clubs - please continue to nurture, engage and connect your new members.
The first 90 days matter enormously.
 
 
 
Save these important District 9685 Dates
 
2026 District 9685 Changeover Celebration
event, June 27 at Midday.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Save the Date -
Cup-full of Connetion Picnic        
Sunday 7 February 2027
 
11:00am – 3:00pm
John Wearn Reserve, Balaka Drive, Carlingford
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Club News and Updates
Here are just a few examples of the great work happening across our District:
🌟 Club Highlights – People of Action
 
Castle Hill Rotary Club
Castle Hill Rotary Club recently completed a successful community event supported by a Membership Initiative Grant. This was in partnership with The Hills Shire Council, Kenthurst and Norwest Sunrise Rotary Clubs. The Lunar New Year festival event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local community, reaching over 5,000 residents throughout the day. Our team also provided fun and meaningful activities for children, helping families engage with Rotary in a welcoming environment. The event generated 12 enquiries about Rotary membership, and our membership team is currently following up with those interested in learning more about getting involved.
It was a great day showcasing Rotary’s community spirit and impact.
Congratulations Castle Hill, Kenthurst and Norwest Sunrise Rotary clubs.
 
 
Ryde Rotary Club
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.
Let’s celebrate our good news loudly!
 
Yours in Rotary, Michele
District 9685 Governor
Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
 
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
DISTRICT 9685 - ROTARY FOUNDATION UPDATE 
 
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
 
As my term as your District Rotary Foundation Chair draws to a close, I want to sincerely thank you. Your generosity and commitment to creating a better world continue to inspire me and make me proud to be part of this district.
 
Through The Rotary Foundation, our district is currently delivering 25 Global Grants valued at USD 1.95M+ and 33 District Grants, transforming lives both locally and globally. As we continue this journey, let us focus on projects that not only create impact but also strengthen Rotary’s image in our communities.
 
The strength of our Foundation is not measured in dollars alone but in dignity restored, communities strengthened, and futures reimagined.
This year, your generosity has delivered:[read more]
 
 
Thank you for your continued support.
 
DGN Haran Ramachandran OAM
District Foundation Chair
Rotary District 9685
Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney
END POLIO UPDATE MARCH NEWS READ HERE
Rotary at the Heart of a Polio‑Free World
Vale Barbara Furrer (Hon)
Rotary Club of Cherrybrook
Vale Lee Jackson (Hon)
Rotary Club of Northbridge

 
 
DISTRICT AWARDS 2026
NOMINATE via this: LINK

ROTARY DISTRICT PROGRAMS

 
🌏 Rotary Youth Exchange D9685 - District Secretary Needed! 
 
🌏 Rotary Youth Exchange D9685 -Calling for host Families! 
 
🌏 Rotary Youth Exchange D9685 - 2027 Applications now open! 
     
 
 

MUNA IN MAY 2026 Northern Syd 16-17 Central Coast 21st Western Syd 23-24

Janelle Dodd OAM - Days For Girls Ryde Team
Celebrates 10 years of service to Women's health
 

EVENT NOTICEBOARD

Rotary Manly
19 April
Rotary Lane Cove 23 April
Rotary North Ryde
17 - 24 May
Rotary Brisbane Waters
Haasts Bluff tour
1st Sept
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
Sat 9th May
Rotary 9685 
for Boards, Committee Chairs and Rotarians
DISTRICT 9685 CONFERENCE
FRIDAY 12TH - SUNDAY 14TH MARCH 2027
Early Bird Tickets: Register here!
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, TAIPEI
SATURDAY 13TH - WEDNESDAY 17TH JUNE 2026

Join us in Taipei, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention 13–17 June 2026! 

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Registration is strong for the convention in Taipei
Join tens of thousands of Rotarians who have registered already for the Rotary International Convention in Taipei in June.
For senior writer Diana Schoberg’s travelogue, local Rotary members showed her around ancient heritage sights, night time food markets and “old street” shopping districts.
Easy getaway + loads of learning and good vibes. Read: Taipei 101.
 
 
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!
Start planning your journey to Taipei today!
 
PDG Marilyn Mercer
Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney

BREAKING NEWS!

RI CONVENTION DESTINATION FOR 2027

More details next edition .....
 
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