DISTRICT NEWS - JANUARY 2026
 
 
Dear Rotary Presidents, Club Leaders, and Fellow Rotarians,
Greetings from Renga!
 
It gives me immense pride, gratitude, and optimism to welcome you to the seventh edition of our District Bulletin for the Rotary Year 2025–26. As we move into the second half of this Rotary year, I am continually inspired by the passion, commitment, and unity displayed by our clubs across the district.
 

Vocational Service Month – Unite for Good

January is Vocational Service Month, one of Rotary’s most powerful pillars. It reminds us that our professions are not just a means of livelihood, but also a platform for service. By upholding high ethical standards, recognising the dignity of all work, and using our professional skills to uplift communities, we truly live our Rotary theme for 2025–26 — Unite for Good. I encourage every Rotarian to reflect on how their vocation can continue to be a force for positive change.
 

A Proud Rotary Foundation Moment

A major highlight this month was the joint Rotary Foundation Recognition Dinner hosted by Districts 9675 and 9685, held in Epping. The evening was made truly special by the presence of Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair PRIP Holger Knaack, and it was heartening to see a full house of committed Rotarians united in their support for The Rotary Foundation.
 
We were especially proud to recognise our two Major Donors, Walter Bock and Lesley Fernandes, whose extraordinary generosity and commitment to The Rotary Foundation will continue to change lives across the world. Their contribution stands as a shining example of what Rotary can achieve when we give from the heart.
 

Highlights from Across Our District

Our clubs continue to deliver outstanding service and fellowship through a wide range of meaningful initiatives, including:
  • Christmas Celebrations
  • Rotary Foundation Recognition Events
  • Seniors’ Christmas Lunches
Thank you to every club leader, volunteer, and community partner whose tireless efforts bring Rotary’s vision to life every day.
 

Raise for Rotary 2025 – Update

I am delighted to share that we have now visited 24 clubs, all actively participating in our Raise for Rotary 2025 campaign. Together, we have:
  • Completed 1,000 kilometres in 180 days
  • Raised over $19,000 for The Rotary Foundation
This remarkable achievement reflects the collective spirit, fitness, fellowship, and fundraising power of our district.
 

Looking Ahead – Aspire to Inspire

We are now gearing up for our Rotary District Conference – Aspire to Inspire, to be held on Saturday, 14 March 2026. I warmly encourage every Rotarian to register and support this important event, which will be a celebration of our service, leadership, and Rotary friendships.
 
Let us continue to Unite for Good, strengthen The Rotary Foundation, and serve our communities with passion and purpose.
 
Warm Rotary regards,
Renga Rajan
District Governor 2025–26
 
 
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Happy Birthday
Congratulations to the following Clubs in our District who achieve milestones in January:
 
  • Campsie turns 78 on the 22nd
Congratulations to all club members from your District Team.
 
To find out about events being held by Clubs, check out the Club News page on our website - link below.
Club News

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District Dates

As Clubs get back into the swing of fundraising and community service in January, we thought it timely to provide a list of District events for this year:

14th February - District Governance Team will be running an info session - more details to follow

19th February - the first Presidents meeting for 2026, held at Bankstown Sports Club

26th February - is Pre-PELD for incoming 2026-27 Presidents - PE's will be contacted by the District Learning & Development Team.

14th March - is the District Conference - Aspire to Inspire - details on how to register in the bulletin.

18th April - is PELD - a full day training session for President Elects - more details to be provided by District Learning & Development Team.

16th May - is District Assembly - where DGE Shane Burette will share his vision to President Elects and their Boards.

18th June - is second Presidents meeting for 2026, held at Bankstown Sports Club.

28th June is the District Changeover - held this year at Bankstown Sports Club

More information on any District Events can be found on the District Calendar https://www.rotarydistrict9675.org/events/calendar

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District Dues

District Treasurer has sent out to Club's invoices for second half 2025-26 of District Dues.  If your Club hasn't received an email, please get in touch with District Treasurer Paula McPherson, Email:  paula.mcpherson@bigpond.com

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Expression of Interest – Rotary Community Leader (South West Sydney)

We are seeking two passionate, capable Rotarians who embody Rotary values and are committed to leading positive change as a Rotary Community leader (RCL). If you’re a community-minded leader ready to support and strengthen our clubs, we’d love to hear from you.
 
What We’re Looking For
  • Demonstrated leadership within Rotary or community organisations
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Commitment to Rotary’s mission, values, and strategic direction
  • Ability to support, mentor, and guide clubs and members
Financial support is available for RCL activities; details are provided in the attached policy.
 
Questions?
For enquiries, please contact:
Rotary Community Nominee: Steven Lovison – community@rotarysouthpacific.org
DGE: Shane Burette – shaneburette@gmail.com
 
Submitting an EOI
Please send nominations or expressions of interest to Shane Burette by COB Friday, 6 February.  EOI can be sourced here.
 
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RYPEN 2026 

RYPEN, The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, is for young people aged 14 to 16 years and caters for teenagers who have shown qualities and application in everyday life which deserve further development.  Dates for sessions at Teen Ranch are:

  • Friday 1st May - Sunday 3rd May
  • Friday 28th August - Sunday 30th August
For more details, contact the RYPEN Chair,
David Butterfield: rustonsignco@hotmail.com
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Rotary South Pacific Website

As part of Regionalisation, a new interactive Website has been created which encompasses all Clubs in the South Pacific.  Check it out at:  https://rotarysouthpacific.org/
You will also find updates about the Regionalisation Pilot and you can subscribe to receive a monthly update email.  In addition, stories about your club projects can be submitted to the Marketing team via this form.  
If you have any questions, please approach your Rotary Community Leader.
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Olayinka H. Babalola urges members of Rotary to Create Lasting Impact

 
Rotary International President-elect Olayinka H. Babalola called on members to Create Lasting Impact by making their clubs more welcoming, carrying out impactful projects, and allowing their Rotary experiences to transform them personally.
 
“Rotary has changed us. It has shaped who we are and made us better people,” Babalola said at Rotary’s International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, on 12 January. “We often talk about changing the world. We talk about ending polio, about building peace. We do not think enough about how Rotary transforms us.”
 
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Rotary International - 2027 Convention

The next Rotary International Convention will be held in Dubai, with registrations opening during the Taipei Convention in June 2026.
More Information:  https://www.rotary.org/en/convention-news
 
 
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SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

The Sydney Musical and Opera Society is offering tickets to Rotary members and friends to attend the show @Some Enchanted Evening@, a warm, uplifting daytime concert of classic musical theatre favourites at IPAC Theatre, Wollongong.
 
The show featured on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise ship and celebrated music from the golden age (South Pacific, Carousel, My Fair Lady) and those made famous by big Band specialists Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Sammy Davis Jnr.
 
A short promo video is found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuixgAqXtUw
 
Date/Time: Saturday 14 March, 2.00pm
Venue: IPAC Theatre (Merrigong), Wollongong
Bookings: IPAC Box Office 02 4224 5999
Group offer for Rotary: for groups of 10+, tickets are $55 per person and seating together can be organised.