Click on the below image to load DG Greg Marlow's video.

If you have the facilities, please play this video at your next Club meeting.

District Governor‑Elect Rita Zappulla is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise, where she made history as the club’s first female President. To mark a very special milestone, DGE Rita has chosen to combine her club’s 35th Anniversary celebration with the District Changeover.

Tickets are $80 per person, which includes a two‑course buffet lunch.

As part of the event, $5 from every ticket will be donated to The Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus program as a World’s Greatest Meal fundraiser—helping Rotary continue the fight to end polio.

As we have been visiting clubs across the District during the President‑Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) program and the District Assembly, it has become clear that a number of clubs have not updated their Constitutions or Bylaws for many years. We understand this is often due to the complexity of the process and the time required to navigate changing requirements.

However, it is important to remember that Rotary International requires clubs to update their Constitution whenever RI issues amendments—generally every three years following the Council on Legislation. Keeping your governing documents current ensures your club remains compliant and aligned with Rotary’s global standards.

In addition to RI updates, both the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Queensland Office of Fair Trading have introduced regulatory changes over the past 18 months that must be incorporated into club Constitutions. Northern Territory clubs also have their own obligations under NT legislation.

To make this process easier for all clubs, the District will shortly be providing:

• Updated Constitution and Bylaws templates
• Clear guidance on the process required to formally adopt these changes
• Separate information packs for Queensland and Northern Territory clubs, tailored to each jurisdiction’s requirements

This information will be distributed to all clubs in due course. Please ensure your Board treats this as a priority and takes action as soon as the templates and guidance materials are received.

Updating your club’s governing documents is an essential part of maintaining good governance, compliance, and alignment with Rotary International.

We appreciate your support in ensuring every club in our District remains up to date.

Click on the buttons below to open up some recent newsletters of Rotary related programs. 

David J Boyce was the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Dili, Timor Lorosa'e when it was Chartered in September 2002. It was the first Rotary Club in what was the then worlds newest country, Timor-Leste.

The charter process commenced in 2001 under the guidance of Rotary District Governor Frank Darveniza (Rotary District 9550), and Past President Ray Fauntleroy (Rotary Club Darwin). Ray was appointed as Rotary International Special Representative to undertake the role of establishing the new Rotary Club. However, the process was delayed because it was unclear which Rotary District the new club should belong to, since East Timor, as it was known at the time, was part of Indonesia, and not officially recognised as a country.  

Doctor Susan Griffiths, Resident Doctor at the Australian Embassy was to be the President of the new Rotary Club but she posted out of Timor to a new Diplomatic Mission in the South Pacific. Step up David Boyce.

David Boyce was appointed as President of the club by the membership and his legacy began in Rotary.

David was instrumental in the formalisation of the pre-chartering process and also guided the club through the diplomatic process. This included seeking formal approval of President Xanana Gusmao Timor-Leste to establish a Rotary Club in Timor.

The then Rotary District Governor Jeff Crofts (D9550) 2002-2003 finalised the formal process of Chartering The new Rotary Club of Dili, Timor Lorosa'e. DG Jeff formally presented the Club’s Charter, in September 2002 in Dili. This was soon after the country of Timor-Leste gained its independence,

David Boyce has served the Rotary Club in all roles since the charter, including President, Secretary, Treasurer, and all club directorships.

His passion has been helping all the people in Timor-Leste, particularly the youth of the Timor, through Youth Exchange (one way), RYLA, Rotaract and RYPEN. His legacy continues. Over the past 24 years, David has had a significant input into Rotary Community Projects across Timor, through the Rotary Foundation and D9560 Projects - too many to mention.

David was also instrumental in establishing the Rotary Club of Dili Lafaek and all 6 Rotaract Clubs across Timor.

Rest in Peace David.

Ray Fauntleroy PP Rotary Club Darwin 8 March 2026

Are you ready to connect with like-minded leaders and make a lasting impact on communities worldwide? Join us for the 2026 Rotary Combined Districts 9560, 9620 and 9640 District Conference at Royal Pines, where our theme is “Reaching Across Boundaries”.

When: 1st to 3rd May 2026. 

THE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION HAS ENDED, HOWEVER WE WILL CONTINUE TO REFUND ROTARIANS OF 9560 $160 TOWARDS THEIR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEE. THE FULL FEE IS NOW $175 PER PERSON. 

Click on the button below to lodge your reimbursement request. 

You must submit a copy of the Tax Invoice for the conference, not a copy of the tickets or order confirmation. 

Please visit the Tri-Conference website for more information about the conference, guest speakers, the program & accommodation. 

If you need help accessing your club's district email account, please lodge a support request with our District Systems Team.