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District Governor Rita Zappulla's September Update
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As Rotary moves into September, District Governor Rita highlights a number of significant developments across District 9560, including the outcome of the recent redistricting vote, continued membership growth, support for Nepal flood relief, and opportunities for clubs to engage in literacy, PolioPlus and Foundation initiatives.
The Governor's video update is featured below. Please click on the image to play the video. Clubs are encouraged to share the video with members and, where possible, play it at a club meeting so all members can hear the latest district news, opportunities and priorities for the year ahead. |
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Redistricting Vote Results
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District Governor Rita extends her sincere thanks to every club that took the time to discuss and participate in the recent redistricting vote. The process generated strong engagement and thoughtful discussion throughout the district, demonstrating the commitment of members to Rotary's future.
Importantly, the proposal was not intended to change the way individual clubs operate. While opinions differed, the discussions highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue and consideration of diverse viewpoints.
The final voting results were:
- 31 clubs (38.75%) voted YES
- 47 clubs (58.75%) voted NO
- 2 clubs (2.50%) did not vote
A special thank you is extended to District Executive Secretary Sam Dyer for managing the voting process and assisting clubs in reconnecting with district communications and email systems throughout the process.
The district now awaits advice from Rotary International regarding the next steps following the outcome of the vote.
District Governor Rita also encourages past presidents who have been Rotarians for a minimum of five years to consider nominating for future District Governor positions, helping to ensure strong leadership succession across the district.
Thanks are also extended to the Rotary Community Leaders (RCLs) who assisted in following up clubs and coordinating club visits throughout the district.
Recent visits to the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste were highlights, with District Governor Rita acknowledging:
- Val Wilkie and the clubs of the Northern Territory.
- Pedro and Martin Tilman for their hospitality in Timor-Leste.
- The three Rotary Clubs and seven Rotaract Clubs in Timor-Leste.
- The successful chartering of two new Rotaract clubs during the visit.
- Attendance at the 8th National Rotaract Conference in Dili.
Upcoming visits will include clubs in Innisfail, Mission Beach, Tully, Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr, Home Hill, Bowen, Proserpine and Airlie Beach. |
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September Focus: Basic Education and Literacy
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September is Basic Education and Literacy Month, one of Rotary's key Areas of Focus.
Rotary believes literacy changes lives by opening doors to better health, improved employment opportunities and stronger communities. Education helps build tolerance, understanding and peace, creating more resilient communities around the world.
District Governor Rita encourages clubs to share their literacy projects and achievements throughout the month.
Examples across the district include:
- Providing books to babies, preschool children and young readers.
- Supporting literacy initiatives in schools and communities.
- Encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
- Rotaract-led English language programs in Timor-Leste.
Every literacy project, regardless of size, contributes to a stronger future. |
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Membership Momentum Continues!
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The focus on Membership Month has produced encouraging results across the district.
Since 1 July, 38 new members have joined the Rotary family in District 9560.
District Governor Rita thanks every club that has welcomed new members and prioritised growing Rotary's impact through membership growth and member engagement.
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Congratulations to the Interact Club of Tannum Sands
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Congratulations to the newly chartered Interact Club of Tannum Sands, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gladstone Midday.
This achievement reflects Rotary's commitment to developing the next generation of leaders and increasing youth engagement throughout our communities.
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Million Dollar Rotary Foundation Gala Dinner
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Tickets are now available for the Million Dollar Rotary Foundation Gala Dinner, proudly presented by Wellness Embodied and featuring Jennifer Jones as Keynote Speaker.
Early Bird Pricing
- $175 per person until 31 October
- $200 per person from 1 November
On the District website members can:
- Purchase Gala Dinner tickets
- Book accommodation at specially negotiated discounted rates
- Access sponsorship opportunities
- Learn more about the event
- View the campaign progress tracker showing the district's progress towards the US$1 million fundraising goal
The district has already raised more than US$300,000, including cash donations, pledges and bequests, making excellent progress towards this ambitious target.
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Rotary District 9560 Northern Australia and Timor Leste is proud to announce Wellness Embodied Cairns as the Platinum Partner of the Million Dollar Foundation Gala Dinner 2027, to be held at the Pullman Cairns International on 3 March 2027.
As we continue our journey towards achieving US$1 Million in giving to The Rotary Foundation, we are delighted to partner with an organisation that shares Rotary's commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities.
Wellness Embodied is a Cairns-based multidisciplinary allied health practice founded by physiotherapist and award-winning business leader Suzanne Rath. With services including physiotherapy, osteopathy, occupational therapy, remedial massage, rehabilitation and mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the Wellness Embodied team is driven by a vision of making Far North Queensland the healthiest region in Australia.
Suzanne is also an internationally recognised keynote speaker on leadership, endurance and sustainable high performance, helping teams around the world develop vision, resilience and adaptability. She is a passionate Rotarian and currently serves as President of the RotaryClubEmpoweringWomenAndGirls.
We sincerely thank Suzanne and the entire Wellness Embodied team for their leadership, generosity and support of this landmark event.
Please join us in thanking Wellness Embodied for their support. |
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District Grants Funding Distributed
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Congratulations to all clubs that were successful in receiving District Grant funding this Rotary year.
District Governor Rita acknowledges Graeme Bartlett and the Foundation Committee for their work reviewing applications and selecting successful projects.
Grant payments have now been distributed, and clubs are encouraged to confirm receipt of funds through their bank accounts.
The following clubs were successful recipients:
- Atherton
- Bundaberg Sunrise
- Cairns
- Cairns Northern Beaches
- Cairns Sunrise
- Cairns West
- Childers
- Darwin South
- Discovery Coast
- Dili Timor Lorosa'e
- Gladstone Sunrise
- Hervey Bay City
- Hervey Bay Sunrise
- Home Hill
- Mackay
- Mackay Northern Beaches
- Mackay West
- Mareeba
- Maryborough Sunrise
- Mount Morgan
- Port of Townsville
- Rockhampton North
- Rockhampton South
- Rockhampton Sunrise
Clubs are reminded to document their projects with photos and stories and to share outcomes with the district.
Important Public Image Requirement
Any signage, banners, promotional materials or branded items produced using District Grant funding must have artwork and proofs approved before production.
Proofs should be submitted to PDG Merewyn Wright, District Public Image Chair, via:
📧 publicimage@rotary9560.org
Merewyn is also available to assist clubs with media releases, publicity and public image support.
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Nepal Flood Relief Appeal
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Our thoughts remain with the people of Nepal following the devastating floods that occurred on 26 August.
Rotarians in District 3292 continue to provide support to affected communities, and District 9560 members are encouraged to assist through one of the following trusted channels:
1. RAWCS Nepal Flood Relief Project
https://directory.rawcs.com.au/17-2026-27
2. Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund
https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
Select Disaster Response Fund when making your donation.
3. ShelterBox Nepal Flood Appeal
https://shelterboxaustralia.org.au/where-we-work/nepal-flash-floods/
Brien's Partner Project Continues
Several clubs have asked whether Brien's Partner Project in Nepal will continue following the flooding.
The answer is yes.
The project supports the construction of a new hostel in Batase through Friends of Himalayan Children, providing accommodation for students and teachers while expanding educational opportunities for young people in the region.
Following the floods, demand for accommodation has increased, with additional children already requiring support through the existing facility.
Clubs are encouraged to consider contributing $1,000 AUD over the next 10 months, where possible.
Further information about the project is available at: https://rotary9560.org/fhc/
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My Rotary Goals: Club Central
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Clubs are encouraged to ensure their goals have been entered into My Rotary.
With the Rotary year now three months underway, the end of September presents an ideal opportunity to review progress and assess how clubs are tracking against their objectives. |
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Momentum continues to build for the District PolioPlus Challenge.
For every US$100 donation to PolioPlus, a further US$100 donation will be matched in the donor's name.
The district has already reached 20 donors, and members are encouraged to join the challenge as Rotary works towards a polio-free world. |
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Start Planning Your World Polio Day Fundraiser
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With World Polio Day on 24 October, now is the time for clubs to begin planning their fundraising activities.
This year's featured fundraising film is Guided by Horses.
Set in the Australian outback, the film tells the remarkable story of Aboriginal Professor Juli Coffin and the transformative connection between young Indigenous people and wild horses. Exploring themes of resilience, healing, hope and connection, it provides an excellent opportunity for clubs to engage their communities while supporting End Polio Now.
The trailer can be viewed by clicking here.
Whether planning a movie night, community gathering or fundraising event, clubs are encouraged to begin organising committees and promoting activities now. |
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Join District Polio Chair PDG Joanne Shilling and Foundation Chair PDG Phil Dempster for this month's District Information Webinar.
The session will provide updates on Rotary's global polio eradication efforts and offer practical fundraising ideas and resources for World Polio Day.
Monday 28th September 6pm AEST |
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Celebrate Rotary Milestones!
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Club Anniversary
Rotary Club of Walkerston
- Chartered 10 September 1991
- Celebrating 35 years of service
Member Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following members celebrating significant Rotary milestones in September:
- Bevan List (Ayr) – 55 Years
- Neill Mitchell (Charters Towers) – 50 Years
- Michael Dunn (Walkerston) – 35 Years
- Ian Single (Walkerston) – 35 Years
- Laurence Mayer (Mackay) – 25 Years
- Dan Baschiera (Darwin North) – 20 Years
- Peter McKeown (Mossman) – 15 Years
- Stephen Caruana (Mackay North) – 10 Years
- Paul Anderson (Mackay North) – 10 Years
Thank you for your dedication, commitment and years of Service Above Self. |
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Rotary International Convention
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Planning is already underway for the Rotary International Convention in Barcelona, June 2027.
Special Early Bird registration opens on 17 September for a limited two-week period. You will save US $200 on your registration fee if you register before 21 September.
Members considering attending are encouraged to register early! |
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If you need help accessing your club's district email account, please lodge a support request with our District Systems Team. |
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