Literacy is the foundation of education. It is essential for eradicating poverty, improving health, achieving gender equality, fostering sustainable peace, and unlocking human potential. It is one of The Rotary Foundation’s Seven Areas of Focus, and Rotary International dedicates September as Basic Education and Literacy Month to highlight this global priority.
Yet for approximately 18% of the world’s population, literacy remains out of reach. Together, we can change that.
Here’s how your club can make a difference:
• Support global literacy programs.
• Fund local or international literacy initiatives.
• Collect and donate books to remote schools via Donations in Kind.
• Design projects that nurture a love for reading and numeracy.
• Share updates about your club’s literacy projects.
• Read to children — every day — and inspire lifelong learning.
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Happy Birthday
Congratulations to the following Clubs in our District who achieve milestones in September:
Hurstville turned 86 on 2/9
Wollongong will attain 98 years on 14/9
Concord achieves 69 years on 24/9
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,
“We are stubborn on vision. We are flexible on details.” – Jeff Bezos
Greetings from Renga!
It is with immense pride and deep optimism that I welcome you to the third edition of our District Bulletin for the Rotary year 2025–26.
Over the past month, our district leadership team and I have travelled across the district as part of our District “Hi-Five” initiative. The enthusiasm from our clubs has been inspiring. We’ve seen new members inducted, retention strengthened, and energy renewed. This momentum reflects what is possible when we share a clear vision and work together to make it a reality.
As part of our action plan, we launched our first “Post with Purpose” social media workshop in Dapto a sold-out success! The second session, held on 16 August, filled up quickly, and many more clubs have already requested future sessions. In parallel, we are working to secure a free Canva Community Licence to further strengthen club communications and storytelling.
Another proud milestone this month: The Rotary Club of Dapto inducted Lily Piccolo para-athlete, motivational speaker, and passionate advocate for inclusion. Lily is the first visually impaired person to join Rotary in our district. Her journey of resilience and leadership is a living example of Rotary’s values and our strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Congratulations to Dapto’s leadership for their vision and perseverance in making this happen.
I extend my gratitude to all clubs for their proactive participation in District Grants. Assessments are now underway, and approvals will be communicated shortly. Your commitment to impactful, well-planned projects continues to lift our district’s service standards.
Let’s continue to serve with passion, lead with purpose, and inspire with action. Together, we are creating opportunities, empowering communities, and shaping a better future — the Rotary way.
In Rotary Service, Renga Rajan
District Governor 2025–2026
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Aspire to Inspire
The 2026 District Conference isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a one-day immersion into purpose, passion, and possibility. Set against the sparkling shores of Brighton-Le-Sands, this is where Rotary’s future takes flight.
Why You Need to Be There
Be Inspired: Hear stories that stir the soul and reignite your “why.”
Build Connections: Collaborate with changemakers from across the district.
Create Impact: Leave with ideas and energy to transform your club and community.
Event Snapshot
7:30 AM Registration Opens
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM House of Friendship & Conference Sessions
6:30 PM – Midnight Gala Dinner: Bollywood – Dil Se!
Gala Dinner: Bollywood – Dil Se!
Step into a night of colour, rhythm, and celebration. With dazzling entertainment, cultural flair, and a waterfront backdrop, this is Rotary glamour at its finest. Dress to impress and dance like no one’s watching
Tickets are limited, and this event will sell out. Secure your spot early and be part of the movement that’s shaping Rotary’s next chapter.
Let’s show up, shine bright, and Aspire to Inspire.
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The friendly city of Taipei, Taiwan invites you to the 2026 Rotary International Convention from 13 to 17 June, 2026. This Convention is the perfect occasion to discover new opportunities for service and friendship. Register here
We are 12 Host Districts from Taiwan with around 37,000 Rotarians, eager to express our hospitality and welcome you. The charm of Taipei lies in its spirit, enthusiasm, culture, and endless delights . The innovation and ongoing developments in Taipei attract people from all over the world.
Come feel the vibrancy in Taipei and visit us in 2026. We look forward to seeing you!
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Save the Date
St George Next Gen are celebrating their 10-Year Anniversary Celebration om Saturday, 15th November from 11:30am–3:30pm at Centennial Park.
The day will include a Picnic & Cake Swap and will be a relaxed and fun afternoon to celebrate our club’s journey, connect with the wider Rotary community, and hopefully raise a little money too!
More details to follow.
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Vote for Trish and help Sydney Cove's Early Bird Cafe
And the winner - who you can vote for - will have $20,000 awarded to their chosen charity. In Trish’s case it’s our own Early Bird Café, a 6-day-a-week breakfast service for Sydney's homeless, supported by Sydney Cove Rotary for many years.
Trish has been in Rotary for 10 years and works regularly at the Early Bird Café in Macquarie St. She was pivotal in organising over 54,000 meals over the last year and the number is even more this year. Trish continues to be a tireless volunteer.
Also, please ask your friends and contacts to vote for her also!
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RIWA
The Rotary Inspirational Woman's Awards Luncheon is taking place on Saturday 28th September. Below is the Try Booking link for the RIWA lunch. We would love you to join us to celebrate these exceptional women. Please note that bookings close on 14 September as we have to notify the BSC of our numbers. Please book ASAP to assist us with our planning.
Camden Rotary Club is holding a Mental Health Forum & Expo at the Camden Civic Centre on Saturday 25th October from 10am until 3pm.
Guest speakers include Daniel Kowalski, former Olympian; Dee Raquel Joma, the founder of The Be Unstoppable Foundation; and Emeritus Professor Michael Sawyer, an expert in child and adolescent mental health.
Entry is FREE but we would like all attendees to register (QR Code below).
All enquiries PDG Stephen Humphreys 0412 993 561 or sjhumphreys14@bigpond.com
Afghanistan struck by devasting Earthquake
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan around midnight on Sunday 31st August.
Entire villages have been flattened. Over 800 lives have already been lost, and families are still searching for loved ones. Homes made of mud crumbled instantly, and the shallow depth of the quake made it especially destructive. The worst-hit areas of Kunar and Nangarhar are remote, mountainous, and difficult to access. Communication is limited, and the full scale of the disaster is still unknown.
Shelterbox has reached out to their partners in Afghanistan to assess the evolving shelter needs and are ready to deploy should a ShelterBox response be needed.
This is a catastrophe layered on top of an existing crisis.
This year, 1.9 million people who fled decades of conflict in Afghanistan, have been forced to return, many out of Iran and Pakistan. Around 30,000 people are arriving daily at remote borders with almost nothing. Families are finding their former homes destroyed, occupied, or sold. Now, they face the added devastation of this earthquake.
The Rotary Club of Blacktown City proudly hosts the 2025 Blacktown Police Officer of the Year Awards Night to celebrate and honour the exceptional service of our Police Officers.
Date: 10 October 2025
Time: 6:00 pm for 6.30pm start
Venue: Fontana Amorosa, 49 Balmoral St, Blacktown NSW 2148
Dress: Business Attire
Cost: $60 pp (Children under 10: $25 pp) : 2-course meal / drinks at the bar
RSVP: By 30 September 2025
Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/DEGOM
This evening is an opportunity for our community to come together in appreciation of those who serve and protect. Join us in showing our heartfelt gratitude to these everyday heroes.
