ONLINE TRIVIA FUNDRAISER Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
The Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains invites your club and members to a friendly online fundraising trivia event. The event is held virtually, so you can have a special night at a member's home or venue to eat food and bubbles and have fellowship.
You will need a computer or projector screen with an internet connection to see the Trivia questions, and each of your members can download a free app that turns your phone into a game panel to answer the questions.
This will be a fun collaborative night of Rotarians having fun and raising much-needed funds for the End Polio campaign. Our club has registered the fundraiser with Raise for Rotary, and the simple steps to register and donate are on the flyer.
Michele Ellery Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
PYJAMA PARTY WITH STEPHANIE URCHICK Social Impact Network
On the 10th July at 10pm AEST Rotary Social Impact Network had a Pyjama Party with the President of Rotary International Stephanie Urchick.
In addition "The Chief" Stephanie Urchick and her aide Tom Gump, we were joined by participants from Zimbabwe, Uganda, Sri Lanka, all over Europe, US, NZ, Australia. President Stephanie shared her goals for the year and engaged in a lively Q&A and discussion about her role in the organisation, terminology, acronym soup, and the opportunities, roadblocks, and potential of Rotary.
Thank you from Social Impact Network President Ben Brown for everyone who joined us to share their dreams for The Magic of Rotary.
Amanda Barnes Social Impact Network
ALLAWAH HOUSE MATTRESS PROJECT Rotary Club of The Entrance
Existing services cannot meet the demand for crisis accommodation for women who are homeless. More than 50% of women in Australia who seek a bed in a crisis shelter are turned away every night, mostly due to a lack of space. Women’s Community Shelters works with communities to establish new shelters, which provide short term accommodation and support in a safe environment. This enables homeless women to rebuild self-esteem and achieve control and fulfilment in their lives.
Allawah House provides such accommodation that includes a brand new mattress, which the woman is able to take with her when she gets back on her own feet. Hence the need for new mattresses.
Allawah House is run by Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) and offer medium term secure accommodation for up to 12 months. In a year where DG Christine Owen has focussed on raising awareness of Domestic Violence, sourcing seven new mattresses seemed to be a good practical way of supporting vulnerable women in our community.
With the help of the new Rotary (RCG 4) Community Leader Russell Grove, we sought assistance from other Rotary Groups on the Coast and nearby. We sincerely thank the Rotary Clubs of Umina, West Gosford, Kincumber, Woy Woy and West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook.
Each of these five clubs donated $500. So along with our $1,500, this enabled us to reach our target of supplying the seven mattresses along with sheet sets and doona cover sets, which were delivered in June 2024.
While Allawah House is likely to close down as a women’s shelter in 2025, these ladies and their mattresses will be rehoused on the Central Coast.
We would like to thank Just Mattresses at Bateau Bay for giving us a great deal on the mattresses purchased and organising the delivery.
Julie Glover Rotary Club of The Entrance
WINTER RYPEN STORIES Rotary Clubs of North Ryde & Castle Hill
Jacob Littler, a bright student from Baulkham Hills High, was recently sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castle Hill to attend the Winter Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). At our last club meeting, Jacob shared his transformative experience, expressing deep appreciation for the opportunity.
Jacob highlighted how the program significantly boosted his confidence and leadership skills. He praised the excellent speakers and the challenging activities that pushed him out of his comfort zone, fostering a growth mindset. His enthusiasm for community service has grown, and he hinted at joining an Interact Club in the near future.
In addition to RYPEN, Jacob also spoke about his involvement in the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), another Rotary program for young leaders. His team, representing France, impressively secured second place in the competition.
Jacob’s journey through these Rotary programs exemplifies the profound impact they have on young individuals, nurturing future leaders and passionate community contributors.
Jamie Buttigieg Rotary Club of Castle Hill
Jacob presenting to Castle Hill Rotary
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Along with four other students from Marsden High, I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) leadership camp. We are all from Year 10. Abby, Elizabeth and Marc were sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Ryde, whilst Lui and I were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ryde. We went on a journey that was not only fun and engaging but also profoundly transformative.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this camp was designed to push us out of our comfort zones and help us grow. The setting was beautiful, surrounded by nature, which provided the perfect backdrop for what would become a series of unforgettable experiences. One of the first activities we participated in was a series of icebreakers designed to help us get to know the other attendees. Meeting new people from different schools and backgrounds was initially a bit daunting, but these activities quickly dissolved any boundaries. We laughed, shared stories, and began forming connections that would strengthen over the course of the camp.
The team-building exercises were among the highlights of the camp. We engaged in a variety of challenges that required us to work together, communicate effectively, and trust one another. From navigating obstacle courses to building structures with limited resources, each task taught us valuable lessons about leadership, cooperation, and the importance of every team member's contribution.
Leadership workshops were another key component of the camp. These sessions were led by experienced leaders who shared their insights and experiences, providing us with practical tools and strategies for effective leadership. We learned about different leadership styles, the importance of empathy and active listening, and how to motivate and inspire others. The workshops were interactive and engaging, often involving group discussions and role-playing scenarios that made the lessons come alive.
One of the most impactful moments for me was a session on personal growth and self-reflection. We were encouraged to think deeply about our goals, values, and the kind of leaders we aspire to be. This introspective exercise was both challenging and enlightening, prompting me to consider how I can contribute positively to my school and community. In addition to the structured activities, we also had plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the company of our new friends. Whether it was sharing meals, playing sports, or simply chatting around the campfire, these moments were just as valuable as the formal sessions. They allowed us to bond on a personal level and created a sense of belonging, friendship and trust that will last well beyond the camp.
Overall, the Rotary leadership camp was an amazing experience that I will cherish forever. It not only equipped me with essential leadership skills but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of teamwork and the importance of stepping up as a leader. I am incredibly grateful to the Ryde and North Ryde Rotary Clubs for providing us with this opportunity. It was a truly life-changing experience, and I encourage future students to take advantage of such opportunities whenever they arise. Thank you to everyone who made this camp possible, and to my fellow campers for making it such a memorable and enriching experience.
Indu Ajay
Winter RYPEN Participant Marsden High School
Marc, Elizabeth and Abby with President Bernie Mason and Peter Mason of North Ryde Rotary
SCHOOLS IN AFGHANISTAN, 10 YEARS LATER Rotary Club of Ryde
Ali Reza Yunespor is a Ryde Rotary success story. Ali initially attended a Ryde-run Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). Ali led his team from Marsden High School fluently in the debates, despite having arrived from Afghanistan as a refugee only a year earlier with no English. Ali was then sponsored by the Club to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards where he learned you could achieve anything if you had a vision of your goal, the determination to put in the effort to achieve it, and the resources required.
Ali had a vision to build a School in his former home of Borjegai: Ali was committed and Rotary could help. With PP Rob Mitchell as Project Manager and in conjunction with the Indigo Foundation (which Rob was later to Chair), the Club was able to finance $76,000 over 2 years to build a school for children from the many tribes in the Borjegai area. The school is “owned” by the whole community, not just one part and provides sheltered education with up to 500 primary school children in the morning and 500 High School children in the afternoon. Importantly, the School was Co-ed with girls attending school for the first time. The Club followed up with more funds for furniture and equipment.
Ali has completed his PhD in the study of education in Afghanistan and was able to provide a detailed perspective. Afghanistan has had schools for girls since 1923 and has gone through many regimes: Marxist 1979 – 1992, Afghan 2001-2021, Taliban from 1996 – 2001 and again from 2021. Schools are run by the government, mosques, the US, and charities teaching religion firstly and then reading, writing and maths.
The golden periods for the expansion of education were from 1963 to 1978 and 2001 to 2021 when all levels and types of education were supported by the State. In addition, from 2004 to 2021, many private education institutions were established. From 2001 to 2021, enrolments increased from 1 million to 8 million of which 35% were female. It was in this period that Ryde Rotary was able to assist with the construction of the school in Borjegai, which is in the mountains near the middle of Afghanistan.
Since the Taliban banned girls from attending secondary schools in August 2021, Indigo Foundation has continued to support their education in local mosques: they might start only restricted tuition, but the opportunity is available for a broader education. Indigo supplies buildings, desks, and books as well as funding female teachers. Many of the teachers have themselves been taught at the Indigo schools and in higher education up to 2021.
Although the education system in Afghanistan is now restricted, Ryde Rotary, Indigo and Ali can still make a considerable difference.
The Club is providing a further $11,500 to Indigo for the purchase of textbooks and stationary equipment, maintenance of roofs and classroom doors, and safe drinking water. Ryde Rotary’s involvement in education in Afghanistan currently provides opportunities and leaves a legacy that cannot be eradicated.
As Ali quoted: “The beautiful thing about education is that no one can take it away from you.”
John Dodd Rotary Club of Ryde
New books arriving at Salman-e-Fars School, built in partnership with Ryde Rotary
SCAMWATCH ADVICE FOR ROTARY Rotary Club of The Entrance
During the last 2 years, our club and its members have been targeted three times by scammers. The first instance was when I, as Treasurer, received an instruction from the then Club President to make a large and urgent payment, with a fairly sketchy explanation. Fortunately it was difficult because I was not near my computer, so I asked for extra time and an invoice – to find that it hadn’t been him at all.
The second time, several club officers received a message which said: “Greeting Julie, are you free?” and signed apparently by the president. The email address which would have received a reply was not his usual address. Each member had his own name in the message. We woke up to that one fairly quickly, and all members were alerted.
This month another has been more successful. This one was more polished, subject Executive Committee Task and worded: “Hi Julie, are you free at the moment? I'm heading into a meeting with limited communication access. So just reply by email.” Again there were at least four members targeted with this one – several picked up the phone and called, which is probably the most sensible course of action if something seems a little fishy.
In particular, beware of requests such as purchase of $100 Apple cards or similar! Since this incident, I have received another suspicious email from a Rotarian in another district. I noted his return email was almost his name – just that Bruce was spelt with two r’s. Brruce – not a mistake someone would make in setting up an email address!
I think it is important that we ensure that Rotarians, and in particular office bearers, realise that their information being public on occasion makes the club and themselves very vulnerable to scammers. The chain of command throughout the club and the respect we hold for each position gives the scammers a hold which they use to their advantage. Rotary is not at fault in any way – but we as Rotarians need to be particularly cautious.
If you are not sure of an email you have received, make your first response a direct contact with the supposed sender by some other means – call, or text, or if you must email, forward it to the apparent sender ensuring you use the address saved in your address book. Never just reply.
Julie Glover Rotary Club of The Entrance
Editor's Note: It is for this reason the District Directory cannot be downloaded without signing into the District website with your ClubRunner credentials, and no individual's contact information is published on the website without direct permission. Similar precautions are worthwhile in your Club systems - reach out to District Administration Chair Lindsay May for advice and support.
DCAF COMMUNITY SOCIAL Rotary Club of Ryde
Ryde Rotary's DCaf Community Social is growing, with 15 participants attending at the Temple Society Church at West Ryde on 3 July (it’s on the first Wednesday of every month) along with five Rotarians.
They reminisced about the sports they played, music listened to, and special events of their youth, followed by local pilates instructor Tayla Joel leading a vigorous session of "chair yoga".
Please email editorial@rotarydistrict9685.org.au to let us know of any bereavements you would like published. It is much appreciated if you can also send a short biography and photo to include in the monthly District 9685 Clubs News.
You may also wish to inform your Rotary Community Group Leader, the District Secretary, or the District Governor. Remember to also update your clubs member database on ClubRunner.
