Australia Day Awards
Three of our fellow Rotarians were deservedly recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours, each awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their outstanding service to the community. Their dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to making a difference embody the very heart of Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self. We are incredibly proud to see their years of quiet hard work and leadership acknowledged on a national stage — a true testament to the impact one committed individual can have, and an inspiration to us all.
Cathie Mason - Caringbah Rotary
for service to the community through a range of roles
Robert Kirby - Iron Cove Rotary
for service to the community of Sydney
Max Connery - Sydney Cove Rotary
for service to social welfare and choral music
The following people were also recognised in local Council Australia Day Awards:
David Symonds - Campbelltown Rotary
Senior Citizen of the Year - Campbelltown City Council
Sinilia Pukeroa - Fairfield Rotary
Sports Achiever of the Year - Fairfield City Council
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District Dates for 2026
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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Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics
Fun Fact: Did you know, Australia is one of only TWO nations (alongside Greece) to have competed at every Olympic Games!
Olympians and Rotarians might wear different uniforms, but they’re powered by the same spirit — passion, persistence and a whole lot of heart. Olympians train for years chasing gold, while Rotarians put in the hours chasing something just as valuable: stronger communities and a better world. One brings home medals, the other brings lasting change — and both prove what’s possible when dedication meets purpose.
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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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We closed out a busy year in December 2025 with the arrival of five-month-old Hilario Tarcisio Correia Da Silva and his mother Vanessa who travelled from Timor-Leste to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for specialist eye surgery. Following retinal detachment repair they were able to return home in time for Christmas. This was another wonderful outcome made possible through the dedication of ROMAC and the Westmead team.
