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
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Gosford
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Turramurra
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Kincumber
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Kurrajong North Richmond
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Lower Blue Mountains
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Upper Northern Beaches
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Gosford City
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Richmond
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Springwood
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Upper Blue Mtns RC
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WPH & Cherrybrook RC
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Lane Cove RC
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Macquarie Park RC
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Chatswood Roseville RC
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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.
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!