The next Winter RYPEN will be held
13-15th June 2025
at Katoomba Christian Convention Center
Applications will be open from February until mid-May.
Check out the RYPEN page for details and contact Amanda Barnes for more information.
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.
District Changeover on June 29th was a celebration of the inspiring achievements of the past year during the term of Immediate Past District Governor Christine Owen and we thank Christine for her leadership and dedication during this time.
Special congratulations to Theo Glockermann OAM, recognised with a Rotary International Service Above Self Award - the highest honour recognising Rotarians who demonstrate Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, by volunteering their time and talents to help others, intended to recognise especially those who actively help others through Rotary.
Rotary District 9685 was proud to posthumously recognise PDG Bob Aitken AM for service to Rotary and the Rotary Foundation, especially through the Polio Plus program and his role in developing Rotary Down Under, with a presentation to his family.
Also recognised with honour through the evening:
- Janelle Craig of West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook : District 9685 Service to Rotary Award
- Phill Isaacs OAM of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise : District 9685 Service to Rotary Award
- PDG Bruce Allen of Castle Hill : Distinguished Service Award
- Rotary Club of Chatswood-Roseville : Celebrating 75 years in Rotary
- Rotary Club of Balgowlah : Celebrating 50 years in Rotary
- Rotary Club of Hornsby : Small Clubs Service Award
- Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook : Large Clubs Service Award to Rotary Club
- Acknowledgement of IPDG Christine Owen as a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation
A huge thank you to our event photographer Maureen Rose from the Rotary Club of Richmond. Please enjoy the evening's photos on our District Website.
Rotary International President-elect Stephanie Urchick announced that the 2024-25 presidential theme is The Magic of Rotary and called on members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives.
“Don’t misunderstand me – we are not going to end polio or bring peace to the world by waving a wand and saying some funny words,” Urchick told incoming district governors at the Rotary International Assembly on 8 January. “It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member."
To learn more about Rotary International's goals for the year, click here
STOP the violence, END the silence
Join us to "Say NO to domestic and family violence and YES to respectful relationships."
Join us to "Say NO to domestic and family violence and YES to respectful relationships."
Rotarians across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands have joined together to spread awareness, provide assistance, and offer resources to combat family and domestic violence. By working together, we can make a significant difference in reducing this pervasive issue, across our District, from Sydney Harbour to the top end of the Central Coast and west to the Blue Mountains. We share the common goal of supporting individuals who have experienced abuse and violence within their homes.
What you and your club can do!
By participating in this campaign you can help raise awareness and demonstrate your commitment to this cause and our shared values.
Each Rotary Club can determine its own project or fundraising activity.
To assist your preparation for this District wide campaign, below are several links to acquaint you with various tools to support your initiatives.
Community Walks: Walks will be held in each cluster, linking Rotarians with others in the community standing together against domestic and family violence and for respectful relationships.
The campaign is centred on the United Nations 16 Days of Activism – from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25th November to 10th December 2023, Human Rights Day but events may be held at any time.
Link to calendar of walks.
Projects: Clubs are creating their own projects and events to support the campaign. A link to the progressive list of projects with clubs and contacts is attached - here
Education: Rotarians may like to educate themselves on domestic violence. A Link to a 4 minute animated - video
Raising Awareness:
TBA
Communications: All Rotarians need to share the same message. Consistency of wording and graphics are vital.
Use this community letter and media release to engage with your local community to gain support for this important social issue.
The links to the Community letter, Media Release, and T-shirt order form can be found below.
T-Shirt order form (click on the Rotary logo)
For further information contact
Liz McDougall, districtsecretary@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Rotary District 9685
