Submit your Club News & Events to share with District 9685 via email
December District News includes...
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S UPDATE
ACTION AGAINST DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2025
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RYLA DINNER 2025
RESPECTING ELDERS PAST AND PRESENT
COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION UPDATE
THE MAGIC OF ROTARY GALA
VIRTUAL VOCATIONAL EXCHANGE
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CAROLS BY TWILIGHT : 8 DEC
IN CONVERSATION WITH WENDY WHITELEY : 10 DEC
CAROLS IN THE COMMON : 15 DEC
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF WORLD HERITAGE : 27 FEB
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OTHER ROTARY NEWS
District and Club News is on hiatus until 20th January
Please share your club social and community event successes from over the break
by 18th January to communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S UPDATE
The spirit of Christmas – share Rotary with a friend – bring a friend to the conference!
Dear Rotarians and friends,
Are we approaching the end of the year, or the middle of it? It depends, one might say. Or perhaps it is both?
As the end of the year, it is the season to celebrate the spirit of giving, to go that extra mile and bring a smile on the face of someone doing it tough, and perhaps to take a break and recharge for the new year.
It was delightful to see the already busy club calendars bursting with markets, Trees of Joy, fairs, cruises, and end of year functions. I enjoyed browsing through the Markets at Cherrybrook last Sunday, hosted by Rotary Clubs of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook.
Vinita and I did some last-minute gift shopping at the Rotary markets – very timely as I could take these with me to India for family while I spend quality time for the rest of this month with my parents in Pune. The beautiful face-washer and soap gift sets we bought (with funds going to Grace’s Place) were a poignant reminder to me once again how the dedication of fellow Rotarians at these markets can make a difference to someone’s life.
We also shared a moment with Santa at the markets!
The season that brings joy is sadly even more challenging for those doing it tough, including those who find themselves homeless. It was a proud yet poignant occasion for us on the 20th of last month, when the Magic of Rotary Gala fund raiser organised jointly by three clubs raised over $13,000 for The Rotary Foundation.
My sincere thanks to Rotary clubs of Kenthurst, Castle Hill, and Norwest Sunrise, Bella Vista, to the entire organising committee, and to Dennis Van Someren for using his network to get support from non-Rotarians and for bringing us the star of the evening, Olympian Noemie Fox, interviewed by leading sports journalist Tom Decent. Tom and Noemie were fascinating as they took us through what it takes to compete and succeed on the world stage.
The event was a great showcase in multi- club collaboration and in focusing our attention on a major and growing social challenge in our nation – the plight of the homeless.
We are also approaching the mid-point of the Rotary year, and that means gearing up for our annual conference in March. This is our biggest opportunity of the year to showcase the power of Rotary to the community, to our friends, and to prospective members.
Yes, this is a membership growth and public image opportunity like no other. Just think of it – when 64 clubs come together to create an expo of humanitarianism, service, fellowship and fun, the prospective member or supporter can experience something that no single club can create on their own. We are working hard to shape the conference to appeal to any community-minded person, not only Rotarians. And we need your help at this critical time in the lead up.
We need members to register in good numbers, do it soon (it saves you money, and it helps us plan the cashflow better for your benefit) – register here and register now!
What’s more, we invite you to BRING A FRIEND, GET A DISCOUNT! I am delighted to announce the launch of our “bring a friend, get a discount" campaign – the first 20 tickets will attract a discount of $50 on the regular price of the Saturday day-only ticket. And you need to be registered yourself to avail of this opportunity for a friend.
So, there you have it – this Christmas why not help a friend get an amazing experience that showcases to them how Rotary brings joy to those who might be struggling, how they can support Rotary’s work and best of all, why they might want to join us!
I wish you and your loved ones Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Yours in Rotary, Niranjan District 9685 Governor
Rotary Club of Beecroft
ACTION AGAINST DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE
Thank you to Rotarians across District 9685 for your efforts in preventing domestic and family violence, promoting respectful relationships, and supporting victims and families in need in our community.
Walks continue this week in Gosford, Manly, and Nepean.
I have just finished reading Thomas Mayo's new book " Always Was, Always Will Be." Mayo, you may recall, was the prominent figure who criss-crossed Australia urging a "Yes" vote in the Voice Referendum. In discussing the Acknowledgement of Country (p123) he uses the phrase, as most Clubs do, "...and pay my respects to Elders past and present."
I was surprised to learn that, contrary to common usage, he says the following "There is no suggestion that "emerging" or "future" Elders should be mentioned. Such a reference is frowned upon by much of the Aboriginal and Torres Islander community because becoming a respected Elder is not an honour that can be guaranteed or expected before it is earned and it is granted according to cultural protocols."
I would appreciate it if Clubs could amend their Acknowledgement statements if they include the words "emerging/future" Thank you.
Bob Selinger District First Nations Partnerships Coordinator
Rotary Club of North Ryde
COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
As 2024 winds down and we all start taking a well-earned holiday break I’d like to thank all of our clubs for contributing in so many different ways to our local communities. I thought however, that I’d highlight Springwood Rotary Club this month.
Springwood Rotarians have just celebrated forty years of service and their high profile in the community was evidenced by the diversity of those who came along to share in the celebration – beneficiaries, friends of Rotary, politicians and Rotarians from the Blue Mountains clubs.
PP Cheryl Kitto OAM gave an overview of some of the community projects carried out over those forty years:
Exercise equipment in a park on Hawkesbury Road
Disabled accessible play equipment in Buttonshaw Park
A new kitchen and toilets for Riding for the Disabled in Blaxland
A Rotary Garden as part of the Sister City Program including tables and chairs for the park
The highway Rotary park 100 daffodil project to celebrate 100 years of Rotary. This park is about to have seven Peace Poles installed – a stunning addition to this small but highly visible park.
Shade structures in Tom Hunter Reserve
A shade structure over the toilet block in Springwood allowing a covered pick-up area for aged residents awaiting transport back to their facilities
Ongoing support for Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre. Mountain Youth Services Team (MYST) and other local groups
A ride on lawn mower for Faulconbridge Public School along with garden transformations and clean-ups
A gas refilling station for Yellow Rock/Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade as well as eskies and communication equipment for their trucks and
A Toyota Tarago for Blue Mountains Community Transport to aid with patient transport.
It is only at these significant milestone celebrations that people get to see the big picture and reflect on the significant contribution that Rotary has made over the years. Springwood Rotary Inc. continues to thrive and grow and work hard for its community. Congratulations to you all.
PDG Mina Howard
Community Service Chair
Rotary Club of Blackheath
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION UPDATE
This holiday season, we celebrate Rotary's incredible magic—the transformative power of Our Foundation, The Rotary Foundation, which inspires hope, ignites passion, and creates lasting change in communities worldwide.
Together, we’ve achieved so much already:
The Rotary Club of Turramurra, joined by the Rotary Clubs of Griffith Avanti, Griffith East, and Yenda, presented the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service (GAMS) with a digital retinal camera. This invaluable tool brings ophthalmic care to remote communities in Southern NSW, where such services are desperately needed.
The Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kowloon Golden Mile, delivered school kits to children in the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo, lighting up young lives with the gift of education.
The Rotary Club of Wyong-Tuggerah and Rotary Club of Tirupur Pioneers joined hands to provide essential toilet and hygiene facilities to three government schools in Tirupur District, uplifting students, especially girls, by reducing dropout rates and fostering lifelong hygiene habits.
The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Tirupur West, equipped the Tirupur West Rotary Medical Trust Hospital with critical medical equipment and solar power backup, ensuring better healthcare for underprivileged families, including expectant mothers and daily wage workers.
These are just glimpses of the magic we create when clubs in our district collaborate locally and globally to bring measurable, sustainable change to communities in need. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of Our Foundation and your contributions to the Annual Fund, the seed bank that helps us weave this magic.
A special shoutout to the Rotary Clubs of Castle Hill, Kenthurst, and Norwest Sunrise for their remarkable Rotary Foundation Gala Dinner, raising awareness and funds for Our Foundation. To all the clubs that participated in the Polio Movie Night, thank you for standing guard as we approach the finish line in eradicating polio. Your commitment ensures that immunisation programs worldwide continue to save lives and protect futures.
This Christmas, let’s keep spreading the joy by giving the most meaningful gift of all—a tangible contribution to Our Foundation. Let’s ensure a gift under the tree of joy for our Foundation in every Rotary home.
On behalf of your Foundation Team, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas filled with love, happiness, and the pride of being part of this incredible Rotary family. May your holiday season be safe, joyful, and filled with the magic of Rotary!
Haran Ramachandran
Foundation Chair E-Club of Greater Sydney
THE MAGIC OF ROTARY GALA
VIRTUAL VOCATIONAL EXCHANGE
The essence of virtual Vocational exchange VVE is an online platform built and maintained by Rotarians and Rotaractors for Rotarians and Rotaractors. VVE aims to foster meaningful connections and interactions both locally and internationally. VVE zoom sessions feature enlightening speakers on subjects of popular interest, where participants can ask questions and actively engage in the content being presented.
VVE speakers can enhance our international perspective, expand our knowledge on international vocational opportunities and enrich our knowledge and appreciation of different cultures and customs. Through participation in regular VVE sessions , mutually beneficial friendships can grow and prosper across the international family of Rotary.
Remember, “Doing good in the world” is the spirit of Rotary. Creating closer connections between Rotarians can therefore, lead to more fruitful partnerships in the delivery of humanitarian services by Rotary Clubs and members around the world.
PDG Kenneth Wong
District 3450
CAROLS BY TWILIGHT
SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER
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IN CONVERSATION WITH WENDY WHITELEY
TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER
North Sydney Sunrise Rotary are delighted to invite you to our annual dinner on Tuesday 10 December 2024 at which we are thrilled to bring you legendary ABC broadcaster, Geraldine Doogue in conversation with prominent local and artist Wendy Whiteley.
Wendy’s Secret Garden on Lavender Bay has become one of our most iconic and idyllic locations on the north shore. Its creation has been a labour of love for Wendy Whiteley and an enduring legacy for our community.
Our dinner will be held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in Kirribilli and for $95 includes a three course Christmas feast.
All funds raised at the dinner will be donated to the Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden Trust which has been established to ensure the future of this precious place.
This will be a very special occasion, and you are very welcome to bring family and friends.
CAROLS IN THE COMMON
SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF WORLD HERITAGE
THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025
As we mark the 25-year milestone of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, we invite you to an evening of captivating stories from our remarkable environment.
Join Katoomba Rotary's Gala Dinner for an inspiring evening and hear from keynote speaker Jon Dee, co-founder of Planet Ark.
