Within the Rotary calendar, the month of July holds special significance as the official start of a new Rotary year. It is celebrated as New Leadership Month—a period dedicated to the induction of new leaders at every level of the organisation, from clubs and districts to Rotary international. Across the globe, Rotary clubs and districts come together in July to welcome new leadership teams and to embrace the opportunities that a new Rotary year brings. The July theme typically highlights this important transition, reflecting the spirit of renewal and forward momentum that defines Rotary.
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Happy Birthday
Congratulations to the following Clubs in our District who achieve milestones in July:
Campbelltown will turns 67 years on 24/7
Granville achieves 69 years on 18/7
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.
Dear Rotary Presidents, Club Leaders, and Fellow Rotarians,
It is with immense pride and optimism that I welcome you to the first edition of our District Bulletin for the Rotary year 2025–2026.
A new Rotary year brings new energy, fresh ideas, and an opportunity to deepen our impact. I am honoured to serve as your District Governor and look forward to working alongside you all in a spirit of unity, purpose, and service.
At the outset, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our Immediate past District GovernorsWarwick, Sue, Tonia and the outgoing leadership team for their dedication and service. Their contributions have set a strong foundation for the journey ahead.
To our incoming District Leadership Team, Club Presidents, Secretaries, office bearers, and members, thank you for stepping up with passion and commitment. You are the driving force of Rotary, and your leadership will shape the success of this year.
Our vision for 2025–26 is clear, focused, and bold. We have identified five key strategic priorities — our District “Hi Five” Goals:
Grow to 1,200 Members – Strengthen our clubs and expand our reach through intentional growth and engagement.
Raise $250,000 for The Rotary Foundation – Support life-changing projects locally and globally through generous giving.
Launch “Rotary Got Talent” – Celebrate the talents within our Rotary family and build stronger fellowship.
Host a Youth Business Conclave – Empower and inspire young leaders through dialogue and opportunity.
Execute One Big Public Image Project – Amplify Rotary’s presence and purpose through a signature district-wide initiative.
These priorities are more than goals — they are a collective call to action. With your support and leadership, I am confident we will not only achieve them but create lasting impact in the communities we serve. This bulletin will be your monthly source of inspiration, showcasing success stories, club highlights, and opportunities for engagement. Let it reflect the energy and excellence that define our district.
Let’s make 2025–26 a year of connection, growth, and purpose-driven service. Together, we will make a difference.
Warm regards, Renga Rajan
District Governor 2025–2026
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District Changeover
The District Changeover was held on 29th June at St George Motor Boat Club, with the room having views of the beautiful Kogarah Bay and the Georges River. The venue was decorated just for the occasion, setting the scene for club members, their families, friends, and Rotary supporters to come together and celebrate the year's achievements and look forward to the next year. We were treated to a delicious meal prepared by the wonderful staff at the Club.
Warwick, Sue, and Tonia shared some highlights from the past year in the District, and Renga and Bharathi enthusiastically talked about their plans for what's ahead.
The RC of Corrimal took home the Club of the Year award, and many other clubs were also recognised for their accomplishments. Rae-Anne Medforth did a fantastic job as master of ceremonies, making sure the afternoon ran smoothly.
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RESCA - 2025 Finalists Announced
At a recent function at Parliament House, The Hon Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency Services announced the 28 finalists in the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards and the 4 finalists in the Dot Hennessy OAM Youth Scholarship.
The 2025 Awards Dinner is being held at Bankstown Sports Club on Saturday 2nd August 2025. Tickets can be purchased via the links below:
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Rotary Inspirational Women's Award - Auction of Regifted Presents
RIWA are running an Auction of Regifted Presents at the Native Rose Hotel in Rozelle on Tuesday 19th of August.
Tickets are only $10 and you can buy your pub food and drinks at the bar. The bonus is that you can optionally also donate items currently cluttering up your cupboards for a great cause! Donations can include unused household items, clothing, handbags, jewellery, artworks, trinkets, games - it's amazing the gifts and purchases we accumulate that we don't need!
The below flyer has a QR code for booking your seats and information on how to make a donation. There's plenty of parking nearby, and a bus stop in front of the pub.
We encourage your Rotary Club to book a table for your members/friends for a great night of fun - with all proceeds going to fund a scholarship for a female graduate GP undertaking a rural placement and serving a regional community in need.
The RIWA team would like to request that Clubs look to sponsor ($100) towards the RIWA trophies for the awards. Clubs will get recognition on the day for the sponsorship and will be included in the program. Any money that RIWA team have left after the trophies are purchased will go towards the RIWA Rural doctor Scholarship through Australian Rotary Health.
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ROMAC NEWS
Our delightful and very lively Joel and his father have safely returned home to Lospalos in East Timor. He is progressing very well and later this year he will have a permanent prosthesis moulded and fitted to his eye. Joel’s smiling presence certainly endeared him to staff at Westmead Children’s Hospital
Lei Day has continued into June and a big THANK YOU to all those Clubs in our District who held Lei Day events. Just two examples; members at the Rotary Club of Holroyd raised funds at a meeting event.
And, the Rotary Club of Five Dock held a Trivia night. These events, whether they be big or small, were a wonderful way to raise funds and awareness of the work of ROMAC.
We are eager to visit more Rotary & Rotaract clubs to provide insight into ROMAC and how you can help improve the lives of children Like Joel Please contact Anita Robinson; anitagrobinson@outlook.com or Jennifer Pedley at connaljenny@yahoo.com.au to schedule a visit.
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Shelterbox News
Camp out (or power down) for 24 hours for ShelterBox.
It’s on now! Join us as we power down for a purpose. Turn off your phones, lights, Wi-Fi or social media and do good.
This is a fun and easy way to promote ShelterBox in your communities.
We’d love you to join us on our 2025 Off the Grid for ShelterBox challenge, share it on socials and ask family and friends to support you with a donation.
If you have an event you would like promoted, or a story that's worthy of publishing in our District News, please send an email to your District Secretary by the 1st week of the month and we can include in this bulletin. It's a great tool to advertise just what Rotary is about.
Lospalos in East Timor. He is progressing very well and later this year he will have a permanent prosthesis moulded and fitted to his eye. Joel’s smiling presence certainly endeared him to staff at Westmead Children’s Hospital 
