Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, was sitting with a friend at his district conference when he received a call, asking him to leave the room and join a Zoom meeting with the Rotary International Board of Directors. A few minutes later, Arezzo learned that he’d been chosen as RI president for 2025-26. Arezzo has been part of Rotary for more than three decades and has supported initiatives that strengthen RI’s impact and expand opportunities for engagement across generations. At the 2025 Rotary Convention in Calgary, he set aside some time with Rotary magazine to talk about his life, his Rotary journey, and his two other passions: opera and olive oil.

 

 

Welcome Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Friends to the first edition of the 2025–2026 District Governor’s Newsletter, and to an exciting new Rotary year! I am deeply honoured to serve as your District Governor and to follow in the footsteps of the outstanding Past District Governors who have guided our district with vision and dedication. I am especially grateful for their ongoing support as we embrace the opportunities ahead. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make our recent District Changeover such a wonderful success. I also extend my warmest congratulations to Immediate Past District Governor Niranjan Deodhar and his wife Vinita for their outstanding service and leadership throughout the past year. Well done!

 

This year’s Rotary International theme, Unite for Good, calls on us to lead with compassion, collaborate with purpose, and amplify our impact through service. As RI President Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy reminds us, “Rotary members are People of Action. We don’t wait for change to happen; we make it happen. And what do people of action do? We unite for good.” Francesco's Presidential Address at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary is available online here, and you can read more at Rotary.org here.

 

 

This year, our focus will be on empowering clubs to lead with confidence and creativity, while expanding our impact through high-value, visible projects that inspire and engage. We will also prioritize nurturing leaders at every level to ensure Rotary’s strength and relevance for generations to come. Support is always close by - from our district team to Rotary Community Leaders (RCLs), and through the Specialist Groups of the Rotary South Pacific Regional Council. Your experience matters; why not get involved? With your support, I look forward to connecting both through Rotary Community Group (RCG) gatherings and individual club visits. I’m working closely with your Rotary Community Leader to coordinate group meetings and welcome every opportunity to engage with your club, support your projects, and learn more about your unique Rotary story.

 

Finally, save the date for our combined Districts 9660 & 9685 Conference, Together for Tomorrow, in Newcastle on March 20–21, 2026. It will be a transformative weekend, rich with inspiration, connection, and purpose-driven conversation.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to a year of meaningful impact together.

 

 

 

As we embrace the new Rotary year under the inspiring leadership of District Governor Michele Ellery, we’re reminded of her powerful call to action: “Unite for Good.” This year let’s come together to create an even greater impact through The Rotary Foundation.

 

Thank you to every club that has contributed to the Foundation’s life-changing work. Your support is creating hope and transforming lives across our communities and around the globe, but there’s still more to be done.

 

We urge all clubs to log in to Rotary Club Central and ensure your 2025/26 goals, especially those for Foundation Giving and Service Projects, are entered and up to date. Strong goal setting helps measure our impact, unlocks district-wide achievements, and demonstrates our collective commitment to service.

 

The Annual Fund is the lifeblood of Rotary service. In 2024/25, thanks to previous giving, District 9685 had USD 134,387.37 available to support 32 District Grants and 14 Global Grants across seven countries. These projects are a direct result of your generosity. However, giving to the Annual Fund has declined to USD 268,051, and PolioPlus contributions have dropped to USD 74,819—both at five-year lows. These figures directly affect our ability to support new grant applications in the coming year. Let’s remember:

 

• 47.5% of your donations return to our district as DDF

• What we give today defines what we can achieve tomorrow District Grants 2025/26 –

 

PP David Rivett, our Grants Committee Chair, is currently compiling the District Grant application for 2025/26. A heartfelt thank you to all the clubs that responded positively to the call and submitted their applications by June 30. This timely response ensures your clubs are ready to begin impactful, hands-on Rotary work early in the year, continuing the legacy of service that defines our district.

 

The District Rotary Foundation Team is available to speak at your club. Whether it’s to explain how Foundation grants work, inspire members to become Centurions, or share how we can finish the fight to end polio.

 

This year, we’re launching a new initiative of Q&A sessions in small clusters, beginning on the Central Coast. Look out for more details from RC Gosford City, who will host our first session.

 

Let’s bring the Magic of Rotary to life—not with illusions, but with Rotarians in action, united for good. Thank you for your ongoing service and support. Together, we can ensure that Rotary continues to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

 

 

• Champagne reception and warm welcome
• Delicious three-course dinner and drinks
• Inspiring stories from young people and families supported by KYDS
• Live auction, raffle and opportunity to pledge your support
• Live band and dancing to end the night on a high.
• Masquerade attire encouraged – bring your most captivating mask and dress to impress!