Welcome to this week’s edition of The Duo’s Discourse.
There was no official club meeting last week (Wednesday, 9th September) as our entire focus has been on finalising outstanding items for the Food & Wine Festival event on Sunday, 20th September. As communicated to members, volunteers and friends of Rotary, there will be a final briefing on Wednesday, 16th September at The St Ives Club.
For those attendees who do not wish to have dinner beforehand, the briefing will commence at 7.00pm. For attendees who wish to have dinner, the Buffet Meal will commence at 6.30pm. Cost $40 dinner, self-funded drinks at the bar.
RSVP to jlsteel19@outlook.com by Monday, 14th September 2026 if you are having dinner as numbers must be provided to the caterer.
Grateful thanks to Di Barnes who has spoken to all volunteers to confirm their availability for allocated time/times and location/s. Please remember that, if you have volunteered for a specific task/s, you are expected to be there at your allocated time! Final schedule will be confirmed on Wednesday as there have continued to be variables in availability of people.
VALE – Robert Lindsay Walker – 8/2/1941 to 7/9/2026
Robert (Rob) passed away peacefully at Turramurra House, where he has resided for a few years.
Rob joined St Ives Rotary club on 12/11/2008 and remained an active member until medical issues precluded him from attending our regular meetings and functions. Funeral details to be received.
Zone 8 Restructuring - Districts within Zone 8 (which includes Australia and the local region) have paused specific 2028–29 District Governor elections to accommodate an active re-districting pilot and working group ahead of a new district rollout.
There is a Zone 8 People Planet Peace Conference in Melbourne Friday, 30 October 2026 - Sunday, 1 November 2026 at the Melbourne convention and Exhibition Centre.
If you want to know more visit: You can follow updates and changes for Zone 8 by visiting: https://rotaryzone8.org
Membership – Club Development Champion Issue 3 from District has been sent through this week and is worth reading. It is a full-page document and worthy of your time. For convenience it is added to the end of The Waratah this week.
District Conference Mudgee – Friday, 12 March to Sunday, 14 March 2027
District Governor, Michele reminds all Rotarians and Friends that Early Bird registrations ($345) close on 30th September 2026. After that, prices increase and accommodation will become harder to secure. The conference has been designed with something for everyone—outstanding keynote speakers, practical ideas to take back to clubs, the Country Fair, Bush Dance, local food and wine experiences, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with fellow Rotarians from across the district.
Link: https://rotarydistrict9685.org.au/page/conference
2027 Rotary International Convention in Barcelona:
Registration for the Rotary International Convention in Barcelona, Spain (scheduled for 26–30 June 2027) opens on 17 September 2026, with early-bird registration savings available through 21 September 2026.
Best Wishes
Russ and John
Joint Presidents
