District Governor Update July 2026

As we approach the end of the 2025–26 Rotary year, I find myself reflecting with immense gratitude on what we have achieved together across District 9685. Over the past twelve months, I have had the privilege of visiting clubs large and small, celebrating milestone anniversaries, witnessing innovative community projects, and seeing firsthand the dedication of Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors who live our motto of Service Above Self every day. Whether supporting disaster recovery, championing youth leadership, addressing domestic and family violence, promoting mental health research, or strengthening our communities through local service, our members have continued to demonstrate the very best of Rotary.

This year has also been one of growth and renewal. We welcomed new clubs, celebrated successful mergers, chartered new Interact and Rotaract clubs, and continued to invest in future leaders through programs such as RYLA, RYPEN, MUNA, and Youth Exchange. Across the district, clubs embraced change while remaining true to Rotary's purpose, proving that our organisation continues to evolve and thrive. I have been particularly proud of the way our members united behind initiatives such as the Australian Rotary Health PhD Scholarship project, demonstrating the extraordinary impact we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.

As this Rotary year concludes, I want to sincerely thank every club president, district leader, Rotary Community Leader, volunteer, partner and supporter who has contributed to our success.

While this may be my final newsletter for 2025–26, it is not the end of our journey together. I am honoured to continue serving as your District Governor for 2026–27, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations we have created. Together we have achieved so much, and together we will continue creating lasting impact in our communities and beyond.

Yours in Rotary,

Michele Ellery

Rotary District 9685 Governor

MOREE BOOKS IN HOMES TRIP 2026

MOREE TRIP Part 1 28.5.26

By early morning on 28th May 2026, Moree had already received 52mm of rain, and many of us were still drying out socks and jackets after the wild storm that swept through the night before. Despite the wet start, spirits were high as Gregg from the Moree-on-Gwydir Rotary Club organised the community bus to collect us for a fascinating tour of the AFF Australian Food & Fibre Cotton Gin. It was incredible to witness the scale and precision of the operation. Australian Food & Fibre manages the entire supply chain from growing, ginning, and warehousing through to marketing and shipping cotton around the world, ensuring accountability and traceability at every step for growers and customers alike. Watching the ginning process, where the cotton seed is mechanically separated from the lint fibres, was impressive, and seeing endless rows of tightly packed 227kg cotton bales stretching as far as the eye could see was something I will never forget.

After the tour, we arrived at 61 Balo for a delicious lunch and some welcome warmth after the damp morning. The rain had eased enough for us to enjoy a walk through Moree’s main street, taking in the character and resilience of the town. There was something special about seeing the community continuing on despite the weather, with friendly smiles and country hospitality everywhere we went. The day carried a strong sense of connection, not just with Rotary friends, but with the local people and the stories that shape Moree’s identity.

Moree Trip Part 2 -28th May 2026

One of the most meaningful experiences of the day came later at the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, where PDG Pam Pritchard had arranged for us to meet local Elders.

We were privileged to sit, listen and learn as they shared personal stories of growing up on the “Reserve Station”. Their reflections brought to life the complex history of the Moree Aboriginal Reserve, from the early fringe camps established by displaced Aboriginal families, through to the managed Mehi Crescent Reserve of the 1950s. Hearing firsthand accounts connected deeply with the significance of Moree in Australia’s civil rights history, particularly the 1965 Freedom Ride led by Charles Perkins and the University of Sydney students who challenged racial segregation at the Moree Baths. It was a powerful and humbling reminder of resilience, courage and the importance of listening to and honouring these stories. Thank you, PDG Pam Pritchard.

Moree East Public School Visit – 29 May 2026

PDG Pam Pritchard, together with members of the Rotary Club of Turramurra and President Jenny May from the Rotary Club of Lane Cove, travelled to Moree to attend the Books in Homes Assembly at Moree East Public School.

The visit celebrated the Books in Homes Program, which both clubs proudly support. Through this wonderful initiative, every student at Moree East Public School received two new books in Term 1 to begin building their own home library, with additional books provided throughout Terms 2 and 3.

We were warmly welcomed by the school community and thoroughly enjoyed a traditional Indigenous dance performed by the students. Members also had the opportunity to read with students and share in the excitement of receiving their new books.

Books in Homes is about much more than simply providing books. The program encourages a love of reading, helps parents understand the importance of reading at home, and supports improved literacy outcomes for students. By giving children books to keep and cherish, we help create lifelong readers and learners.

Thank you to the staff, students and families of Moree East Public School for making us feel so welcome. It was inspiring to see firsthand the positive impact that the Books in Homes Program is having on young people and their communities.

Every book opens a new world of opportunity.