Stories
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Beach2Beach : A New Half MarathonThe iconic Beach2Beach Charity Fun Run organised Warringah Rotary is set to reach new heights in 2025 with the launch of its first-ever Beach2Beach Half Marathon. For the first time, runners will have the chance to tackle 21.09 km of stunning coastal views, making it one of the most picturesque half marathons in Australia. Scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, the new Half Marathon will complement the existing 3km, 6km, and 14km courses, providing a thrilling new challenge for seasoned runners while maintaining the event’s fun and inclusive atmosphere. "We’re thrilled to introduce the Half Marathon to Beach2Beach," said Phil Jackson from Warringah Rotary "This new distance caters to experienced runners looking to push their limits while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of Sydney’s Northern Beaches." Phil Jackson also emphasized the community impact of the event: "With the rising popularity of running, we saw an opportunity to expand Beach2Beach, not just for the thrill of competition but also to increase the funds we raise to support local charities and community programs."  A Run with Purpose Beach2Beach is more than just a run—it’s a movement for good. As the largest charity fun run, the event has raised millions of dollars for local charities, schools, and community groups. Proceeds from the 2025 event will continue to fund vital programs that make a real difference. Event date: 24th August 2025 Dee Why to Newport Beach Half Marathon, 14km, 6km and 3km options |
REGISTER NOW FOR OUR 2025 DISTRICT CONFERENCE - OUR BETTER WORLD THROUGH PEOPLE AND ROTARY Join us for a unique blend of fun, fellowship, learning, and inspiration. District 9685 Conference 2025 will take place on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March 2025, at The Pullman, Penrith.
For more information and to register. |
RYLA 2025 Applications Open
WELCOME TO LIFE CHANGING Rotary Youth Leadership Award's are a transformational 7-day program facilitated by Rotary, the world's leading volunteer service organisation. Open to young people with leadership potential based in North/North-West Sydney through to the Central Coast. RYLA 2025 will be held at Knox Grammar School from 12th-18th January 2025 PREPARE TO BE CHALLENGED
RYLA is an awe inspiring program aimed at empowering Australia's next generation of superstars.
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The Rotary Foundation Gala 2024Coming up on Wednesday 20 November, we are having a special 'The Magic of Rotary Gala' Dinner at Rydges, Norwest, a celebration of Rotary and the incredible difference we make together across the globe. On this special evening, we will come together to honour the profound work of the Rotary Foundation. As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Rotary Foundation, the Gala will also highlight the “Magic" that happens when Rotarians unite—turning dreams into reality for those in need. Our distinguished guest speaker is Ms Noémie Fox - 2024 Paris Olympic Gold Medalist. She will be interviewed by Sydney Morning Herald sports journalist Tom Decent. The evening will have a magical atmosphere filled with inspiring stories, entertainment, gourmet dining, and camaraderie. Be a part of the magic. Together, we can continue to make lasting change in the world. This is a joint initiative of the Rotary Clubs of Castle Hill, Norwest Sunrise and Kenthurst as well as Rotary District 9685.  |
The Mindset of an OlympianWEDNESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER Join us for a special RSIN Guest Speaker Event featuring Olympian Jemima Montag: “The Mindset of an Olympian.” Jemima Montag is an inspiring Australian athlete, known for her remarkable achievements in race walking. As a two time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and two-time Olympian bronze medalist, Jemima has overcome countless challenges through sheer determination, hard work, and a champion mindset. In this special event, Jemima will dive into “The Mindset of an Olympian,” sharing how she developed the mental resilience, focus, and leadership qualities needed to excel at the highest levels of sport. Her story will inspire you to apply these principles to your own life, helping you stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and achieve your goals—no matter what path you’re on. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hear from an Olympian who will empower you to unlock your full potential! 7 PM (Syd, Mel and Canberra - Daylight Savings) Virtual on Microsoft Teams (Click here to join) |
2025 Winter RYPEN Dates AnnouncedThe 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.  APPLICATIONS OPEN IN MARCH 2025!
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Pyjama Party with PRI Stephanie UrchickOn 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 2024District 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:
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.
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The Magic of Rotary
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 |
March Against Domestic Violence VideoClick on the image below  |
WALKS AGAINST DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCEOn Saturday 26th November 2023, one of the walks against domestic and family violence was held at Penrith at the Tench Reserve. Rotarians were joined by the Police and numerous community groups to reinforce this campaign. District Governor Christine Owen and AG's Michele Ellery and Paul Rogers were accompanied by Rotarians from Rotary Clubs from the Blue Mountains, Nepean and Hawkesbury areas. It was an amzing dedication to the fight against violence with the weather cooperating to provide an outstanding day to undertake this walk. This was one of a series of events taking place during the 16 days of activism against domestic and family violence.
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End Plastic Soup  2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne
EndPlasticSoup attracted great interest at the Rotary International Convention which was held from 27 to 31 May, 2023, in Melbourne Australia. Many attendees visited our Booth in the House of Friendship where it was always busy and we had inspiring conversations. The Breakout presentation was attended by 240 people (many could not attend because the room was full). Our ambassadors Melanie Lewis (RC Social Impact Network, Sydney, Australia), Barbara McChesney (RC Windsor, CA, USA) and Salvador Rico (RC South Ukiah, CA, USA) did such a great job. Melanie repeated the breakout presentation in a webinar which was recorded. Click HERE to view. |
Green Events Handbook This handbook has been created by the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) between 2020-2023 with the support of our members. Its purpose is to educate and inspire Rotary members and friends around the world to take club action to reduce the environmental footprint of their events. The handbook includes a selection of activities that your Rotary club can do to be more sustainable. Click on the image below to download a copy of the Green Events Handbook.   |
