Club Highlights – People of Action in District 9685 🌟
Here are just a few examples of the great work happening across our District:
✳️ Lower Blue Mountains,
✳️ Lane Cove
✳️ Carlingford-Beecroft
Bringing family, friends and community together on Australia day, celebrating the great Country we live in.
✳️ Sallianne McLelland –The Apron Project will go on the road in February, and we need your creations and support. Last year we raised $20,000 for the Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group, and in 2026 funds will support children and adults impacted by domestic and family violence through the Rotary District 9685 bursary program -join me here: https://eatcakecreate.com/apron-project-25/
Yours in Rotary, Michele
District 9685 Governor
Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
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.
Rotary’s impact does not end when a grant is closed, and the Rotary Mobile Clinic for Leprosy Care is a powerful reminder of what sustainable service looks like in action.
Completed in 2020 through a Rotary Foundation Global Grant, this project continues to deliver Disease Prevention and Treatment services to underserved rural communities in Uttar Pradesh, India. The fully equipped mobile clinic travels into villages where ..... read more
To learn how your club can participate through The Rotary Foundation Global Grant program reach out to me.
The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers is a network of Rotary members who work to increase the impact of Rotary projects. We volunteer to use our professional expertise in Rotary’s areas of focus and financial auditing to help steward Rotary Foundation grant funds and strengthen the capacity of members in project planning, implementation, and evaluation.
What we do: Cadre advisers are part of Rotary's district resource networks. In addition to our technical and regional expertise, we are regularly learning about the latest grant requirements and policies, advising techniques, elements of sustainable projects, and approaches to monitoring and evaluation. When a Cadre adviser provides guidance on planning and implementation, the most common result is a high-quality, sustainable project .....see more
REMINDER TO UPDATE YOUR CLUB DATA ONLINE NOW!
2026/27 URGENT! Update Club Board and Chairs in Clubrunner
Contact lindsaymay6000@gmail.com for help with this vital step in updating Rotary records to produce the 2026/27 District Directory.
Koolewong community is hurting. In the recent bushfires, several families lost their homes, their possessions, and their sense of security in a matter of minutes. Rotary has stepped in to coordinate a compassionate, community-driven response, bringing Rotary clubs together to offer practical help, support, and hope.
If you’re able, please donate via the RAWCS Koolewong Fire Disaster Relief Fund by scanning the QR code. Your contribution is tax-deductible and will go directly to families who are beginning the long journey of rebuilding their lives.
Rotary in collaboration with the NSW Government and the Jewish Board of Deputies has set up the Unite for Bondi - Bondi Terror Attack Appeal to provide benevolent relief and support to injured survivors and direct next of kin of those deceased following the fatal shootings which occurred in Bondi NSW on Sunday 14 December 2025. Link to Ministerial Website
As Rotarians we stand united in our values of compassion, peace, and community with the victims and survivors of the Bondi shooting tragedy. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and all impacted by this devastating event.
Help deliver urgently needed relief to communities impacted by the bushfires across Victoria. Click the link below to donate and help rebuild local communities.
This is Andre's son, William. He will notify Lita and family of your donation.
6. Scroll down the page to complete payment process step by step.
Save the Date: Sunday 1st February: District Family Picnic
Sunday 1st February 2026, 11.30 am - 3.30 pm
Fagan Park, Carrs Road 1 & 2 Picnic Areas, Carrs Road, Galston
Join a relaxed and joyful Rotary District 9685 picnic designed to celebrate YOU – the people who give so much to others!
Fill your cup with laughter, connection, and gratitude, surrounded by fellow Rotarians, families, and friends!
Event Highlights
Fun lawn games and light-hearted competitions
Great food and drinks – BYO picnic or use the onsite BBQs
Family-friendly activities with 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!
Freedom from agendas and pressure. Just time well spent.
Seeking Rotary Club's Expression of Interest to Sponsor a School Team. Program is targeted at students in years 10, 11 and 12 from public and private schools
Teenagers today benefit greatly from opportunities to develop "life skills" and motivation to help them cope with the challenges of a very competitive future.
4.30pm Friday 13th Feb. to 3.30pm Sunday 15th Feb 2026.
Sydney Academy of Sport (SAS), Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen.
Melanie Lewis
Chair – Summer RYPEN
Rotary Social Impact Network
Picture the incredible power of every club in our zone coming together, each taking on a project that ignites their passion, all on the same day! Imagine the energy as we unite, side by side, to make a difference and reveal Rotary’s true impact within our communities.
On January 28th, join us at 7 PM AEDT for an uplifting Membership Voice webinar with the event founders live from the US. Discover how you and your club can transform a project you’re already passionate about into something truly extraordinary, with the support and spirit of Membership Voices that echo across the world.
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!
Zone 8 Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026
