District Governor - September Update
September is shaping up to be another full and inspiring month across District 9685. I continue to be impressed by the energy in our clubs, members' willingness to collaborate, and the practical ways Rotarians are turning ideas into service.
District Governor Update – September 2026
Connecting across Rotary
I recently had the opportunity to join District 9660 Governor Di Hall at the Rotary Club of Gloucester for a fireside chat with members from Gloucester, Taree, MidCoast and Wingham. It was a warm and thoughtful evening, with questions about Rotary's future and the roles we are playing as regionalisation and redistricting continue to take shape.From Gloucester, we travelled to the University of Newcastle for the Science and Engineering Challenge finals. Hundreds of students tested their skills through hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. Rotarians were there throughout the program, supervising activities and recording results. Thank you to everyone whose months of work gave these young people such a valuable experience.
Vale PDG PP PHF Geoffrey Grenfell OAMPDG Geoff Grenfell OAM passed away peacefully on 25 August in Gosford, surrounded by his wife Margaret and loving family. A respected architect, Geoff designed many notable buildings and landmarks throughout the Gosford region.
Geoff devoted much of his life to community service, particularly through Rotary. He served as District Governor of District 9680 and President of the Rotary Club of Gosford and was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow five times. He also made significant contributions to the Scouting movement and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2016.
Remembered for his warmth, quiet humour, generosity and dedication to others, Geoff’s greatest joy was his family. His life was celebrated at Holy Trinity Church in Terrigal on Friday, 4 September.
Literacy Month
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a wonderful example of how regular access to books can help young children build a home library and develop a love of reading. Rotary clubs have embraced literacy initiatives in many communities, opening opportunities that can last a lifetime.
Around our district 
Club visits remain one of the most rewarding parts of serving as District Governor. This month I am visiting Crows Nest, Lower Blue Mountains, Gosford, Richmond, Umina and Kariong-Somersby. Each visit is an opportunity to listen, learn and celebrate the distinctive work happening in local communities.
September also brings our Rotary Community Leaders and District leaders together, continued planning for the 2027 District Conference in Mudgee, the G-Train, COTA, District team and Past District Governor luncheon, Pitch for Purpose finals, the St Ives Food and Wine Festival, Warringah Rotary's Peace Pole dedication, Mental Health First Aid with District 9660, the Rotary International Women's Awards and a volunteer appreciation evening with Lower Blue Mountains Rotary.
These activities show the breadth of Rotary: leadership, fellowship, youth development, peacebuilding, wellbeing and community celebration. Thank you to every member who is helping make them possible.
Rasuwa Nepal Flood Appeal
Our district's response to the Rasuwa-Nepal Flood Appeal has been outstanding, with $110,000 pledged. This support will be distributed in Nepal through the Rotary Club of Rudramati Kathmandu, working with Rotary Districts 9685 and 3292, the Rotary Club of Toukley Wyong, RAWCS and the Didi Foundation.
Thank you to the clubs and individuals who have already pledged support. Every contribution helps communities affected by the floods recover and rebuild. To donate, please scan the QR code in the graphic above.
Membership momentum 
District 9685 began the Rotary year with 1,263 members and had 1,283 members as of 31 August - a net increase of 20 members across our 56 clubs.
This is an encouraging start. Growth is strongest when we welcome people well, give every member a meaningful role and create club experiences people want to return to.
Thank you to every club that is inviting, engaging and caring for its members.
Important tax reminder for clubs
Non-charitable not-for-profit clubs with an active ABN may be required to lodge the 2025-26 NFP self-review return by 31 October 2026. Clubs should check whether the requirement applies, confirm their authorised contact and ensure they can access Online services for business well before the due date.Please use the Australian Taxation Office guidance or seek professional advice if your club is unsure of its obligations.
Stay connected
Follow the District Governor Facebook page for District 9685 news, club stories and upcoming events.
COMING UP: October Theme
