District Governor Rita Zappulla congratulates the five clubs that have successfully completed the District PolioPlus Challenge by contributing US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation's PolioPlus Fund.

In recognition of their commitment to Rotary's goal of a polio-free world, District 9560 will match each contribution with an additional US$1,000 in the club's name.

Congratulations to:

• Rotary Club of Cairns West
• Rotary Club of Discovery Coast
• Rotary Club of Hervey Bay City
• Rotary Club of Maryborough Sunrise
• Rotary Club of Rockhampton South

The challenge remains open for individual members, with the district matching the first 50 Rotarians who make a personal donation of US$100 to the PolioPlus Fund. Ten Rotarians have already qualified, leaving 40 matching opportunities still available.

August is Rotary's Membership and New Club Development Month, providing an opportunity for clubs to celebrate members and focus on strengthening Rotary's future.

District Governor Zappulla encourages every Rotarian to actively promote Rotary within their communities, noting that membership growth is not solely the responsibility of club presidents and membership chairs. Every member has a role to play in sharing the Rotary story with friends, neighbours, colleagues and community contacts.

DG Rita would like to highlight the three key elements of successful membership development:

• Attracting new members
• Retaining existing members
• Establishing and supporting new clubs

Clubs are encouraged to consider projects, activities and initiatives that raise Rotary's profile and create opportunities to engage potential members.

Members are also encouraged to attend the district Membership Webinar on 31 August, featuring Membership Chair PDG Michael Buckeridge, who will share practical strategies for membership growth and retention.

For more membership ideas, please review the accompanying "10 ideas to maximize engagement during membership month" blog by Rotary International. 

Members are reminded that clubs recently received information regarding the proposed reorganisation of Rotary districts across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

In accordance with Rotary International policy, every Rotary club has been asked to submit a vote on the future structure of District 9560. Each club is entitled to one vote, regardless of membership size.

District 9560 is not directing clubs on how they should vote. Rather, clubs are encouraged to review the proposal carefully, discuss the implications with their members, and determine the position they wish to take on this important issue.

Rotary International does not prescribe how clubs must make this decision. Clubs may choose to determine their position through a board meeting, club forum, membership discussion, or another process that suits their club's governance arrangements.

Once a club has determined its position, the authorised club representative should submit the club's vote using the ballot link provided in the district communication.

Voting closes on 30 August 2026.

Members are encouraged to engage with the discussion and ensure their club's views are represented in this important decision regarding the future structure of our district.

For further information, clubs should refer to the material previously distributed by District 9560 which is accessible via the below links.

District Governor Zappulla would like to remind members to review the information recently distributed regarding Queensland's new Reportable Conduct Scheme, which came into effect on 1 July 2026.

The legislation requires organisations to identify, assess, investigate and report allegations of misconduct involving children by a worker. Importantly, these obligations also extend to volunteer organisations and volunteers themselves.

District 9560 has updated its policies and procedures to comply with the legislation and to continue supporting a safe environment for young people involved in Rotary activities.

Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Aide-Memoire distributed to clubs and to speak with their Club President or Youth Protection Officer should they require further information.

District Governor Rita Zappulla and husband Brien Leibinger will commence their official club visits on 13 August, beginning with visits to clubs in Darwin, Katherine and Timor-Leste.

The visit will also include attendance at the Rotaract Conference in Timor-Leste.

Members are encouraged to consult the district directory for upcoming visit dates and locations.

While there will not be a District Conference during the 2026-2027 Rotary year, members are encouraged to support the Rotary South Pacific Conference, to be held in Melbourne from 30 October to 1 November 2026.

The discounted early bird registration fee of $425 is available until 31 August.

Members are also encouraged to save the date for the:

Jennifer Jones Million Dollar Dinner
Pullman International Cairns
3 March 2027

Further details will be released in coming months.

District membership dues have now been issued and distributed to clubs. Club officers are encouraged to check their district email accounts and confirm receipt.

Rotary International invoices have also been issued and are available through My Rotary.

Rotary Down Under (RDU) invoices for the Down Under Magazine have also been issued and invoiced to clubs. 

The district is currently awaiting confirmation of the 2026-2027 insurance premium. Once received, clubs will be advised of the percentage that may be transferred from community accounts to their administration accounts.

Orders are now open for District 9560 polo and long-sleeve shirts.

Available options:

• Polo Shirt: $50
• Long Sleeve Shirt: $55

Postage costs apply.

Members are encouraged to check sizing carefully before ordering, as the garments are a fitted style. Orders submitted by 31 August will be included in the next production run.