The Rotary District 9705 Conference in Bathurst marked the culmination of so much work by so many Rotarians to have two former Districts working as one. The success of the conference may be attributed not just to the overall organiser, Phil Byrne OAM, and on the ground in Bathurst coordinator, Doug Kinlyside, along with their teams, but to all of those who have played a role in “opening opportunities” to ensure the successful establishment of one of two mega Districts within Australia. (The other mega District is 9510 in South Australia under the leadership of DG David Jones which borders our District to the west).

Having started the year with a goal of ensuring that District 9705 Rotarians accept their new status as a single District and work together to “do good in the world”, it was pleasing to see the turn out in Bathurst and the engagement of Rotarians with each other and with the program. My thanks really do go out to all who were involved. It was exciting to have well over three hundred in attendance and at one stage to have another 1700 participating online. Our District was very fortunate as many Districts in our Zone and internationally have either opted or been forced to postpone, cancel or manage with virtual conferences.