Home Page | District 9705

Together, We Can End Polio – A Message of Urgency and Hope

In a powerful new video produced by long-time Rotarian Norm Potter, who is also the District Polio Chair, we are reminded why Rotary’s commitment to ending polio remains as vital as ever. Norm’s story is deeply personal—he contracted polio at just

three years of age. His life has been shaped by the challenges and resilience required to live with the aftereffects of a disease we now have the tools to eliminate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoFOjhgfaNU PLEASE WATCH!

His message comes at a time when polio is making an unsettling return. A new case of polio has recently emerged in Papua New Guinea—alarmingly close to Australia’s northern shores. This stark reminder that polio remains a threat underscores the need for unwavering vigilance and continued global action. Rotary’s PolioPlus program has been instrumental in reducing polio cases by over 99.9% since the global eradication effort began. Through vaccinations, surveillance, and community engagement, millions of lives have been saved. But as long as the

virus exists anywhere, children everywhere remain at risk.

Now is not the time to retreat. Now is the time to finish the job. We urge Rotary clubs across our region and around the world to consider donating to PolioPlus. Every contribution helps fund vaccinations, support frontline workers, and build stronger health systems in vulnerable areas. Norm’s story is not just a personal reflection—it is a call to action for all of us.

Let us honour his journey and Rotary’s decades-long commitment by pushing through to the end. Let us ensure that no child, anywhere, ever again suffers from polio.

Donate today. Support PolioPlus. End polio now.

Southern Highlands Model United
Nations Inspires Future Leaders

The Wingecarribee Shire Council chambers in Moss Vale came alive with diplomacy, debate, and global issues on Friday as 12 teams from local high schools gathered for the 2025 Southern Highlands Model United Nations Assembly (SH MUNA).

Officially opened by Mayor Jessie Fitzpatrick, the event showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of local students, who represented countries from around the world in simulated UN-style debates. The standard of research and public speaking was widely praised, with fierce competition throughout the day. Since its inception in 2015, SH MUNA has grown into a cornerstone event in the region, promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of international relations. The program is run by the Rotary Clubs of Bowral-Mittagong, Moss Vale, and the E-Club of Brindabella, who also sponsor the winning teams to travel to Canberra in August for the National MUNA, held at the historic Old Parliament House.

This year’s Secretary-General was Joseph Brake, a SH MUNA alumnus from 2019 and former Southern Highlands Christian School student. Now pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and Liberal Arts at the University of Wollongong, Joseph brought his extensive experience and passion for international affairs to the role. The judging panel featured distinguished guests, including His Excellency Ajay Bhai Amrit, High Commissioner of Fiji; Dr. Arshad Abasi, a respected researcher affiliated with the South Asian Research Institute at ANU; and Georgia Smith, who competed in the very first SH MUNA. Georgia credits the experience with shaping her future—she has since completed a Master’s degree in International Relations.

Winners of the Day: Overall Debate Winner: Southern Highlands Christian School, representing the United States.

Reflecting on the Rotary Year: Goals, Growth, and Giving

As we approach the end of the Rotary year, it’s a valuable time to reflect on the goals we set—both as individuals and as clubs. What progress have we made? Where have we made an impact? And where might we refocus as we prepare for the year ahead?

This is also a perfect moment to consider our role in Rotary’s global mission. Have you considered making a contribution to PolioPlus—helping to finish the fight against polio—or donating to The Rotary Foundation, which powers so many of the projects we care deeply about?

Looking forward, are you beginning to set new goals, projects, or targets for the coming Rotary year? Consider how your club can grow—not only in numbers, but in diversity, energy, and engagement. Is your club reflective of the wider community it serves? Are there voices, professions, or perspectives that are underrepresented? Now is the time to start those conversations.

Membership growth remains a key focus across Rotary. But equally important is member retention. Are your current members finding value, connection, and purpose in their Rotary experience? Simple steps like engaging members in meaningful projects, recognizing contributions, and building stronger social connections can make all the difference.

Let’s finish the year strong—with reflection, generosity, and intention—and prepare to embrace the next Rotary year with fresh ideas and renewed energy.

Rotary Club of Tumut Welcomes Five New Members

Rotary Club of Tumut welcomes five new members, marking significant growth. The Rotary Club of Tumut is experiencing a period of vibrant growth and renewed community engagement, highlighted by the recent induction of five new members. This expansion reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to service and its appeal to individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in the Tumut region.

The new members—Jo-Anne and Glenn Stroud, Denise Wiggins, Robyn Harvey and Victoria Fulton—bring diverse skills and fresh perspectives to the club. Their induction signifies a strengthening of the club’s capacity to undertake meaningful projects and initiatives within the community. They were inducted by District Governor Rob Uhl during their meeting at Club Tumut. Under the leadership of President Steve Magann, who assumed the role in July 2024, the club continues to thrive. President Magann has emphasized the importance of unity and service, aligning with Rotary International’s theme for 2024-25, “Magic of Rotary,” which celebrates the transformative power of collective action.

The club’s legacy is written across the landscape of the town—from the welcoming paths of Rotary Pioneer Park to the peaceful reflection offered by the Labyrinth for Peace. What once was an overgrown and underutilized swamp has been transformed into a vibrant, inclusive space for families, children, and nature lovers. This is a testament to the club’s vision and its ability to bring meaningful projects to life, with support from partners like the NSW Government and Snowy Valleys Council.

But Rotary doesn’t stop at beautifying spaces—it changes lives. We’ve seen it in the tricycles for the elderly and disabled, offering mobility and joy along the River Walk. We’ve seen it in the work supporting emergency preparedness with the donation of life-saving defibrillators to public areas. We’ve seen it through their environmental efforts, like tree planting at Junction Park, building a greener future for our region. Tumut is also a club that knows how to bring people together. Events like Carols by Candlelight not only fill the air with music, but also fills their community with spirit and togetherness. They rally for causes far and wide—raising over $7,000 through Sunflowers for Ukraine, providing aid to families affected by war. When they come together, even the smallest ideas blossom into hope. And they believe in investing in the next generation. Through supporting youth exchange programs, public speaking competitions, and support for leadership initiatives like MUNA, they have nurtured confidence, compassion, and courage in our young people. These are the future leaders who will carry the Rotary torch forward.

The Rotary Club of Tumut meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM at Club Tumut, located at 24-30 Richmond Street, Tumut, NSW. These gatherings serve as a platform for members to collaborate on service projects, discuss community needs, and foster fellowship. The addition of new members is expected to further energize these efforts, bringing innovative ideas and renewed enthusiasm to the club’s endeavors.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Tumut or to express interest in membership, individuals are encouraged to contact the club via email at tumut.rotary@gmail.com.

Peace Fellows Presentation Dinner

To register for the Peace Fellows Presentation Dinner please click here

Opening of the Peace Garden at Moss Vale Public School.

Moss Vale Public School proudly celebrated the official opening of its new Peace Garden on Thursday 10^th April, a beautiful and tranquil space designed to promote harmony, reflection, and student wellbeing. This inspiring project was made possible through the generous support and hard work of the Rotary E-Club of Brindabella, whose commitment to community service continues to make a meaningful difference. The project came to culmination after three years. The Peace Pole was donated to the school by the Rotary
E-Club of Brindabella after partnering with the school on two End Trachoma projects. Mrs Katherine Hurst, the School Principal, had a vision of placing the pole and making a peaceful and reflective place for the young students. The vision of the Peace Garden was born!

The Peace Garden is now a focal point of the school, providing students with a peaceful outdoor area for learning, relaxation, and mindfulness. Designed with input from the School and some members of the E-Club, the garden features native plants, seating areas formed by sandstone blocks and curved seating around the pole.

At the opening ceremony, student leaders led the ceremony undertaking the Acknowledgement of Country and introducing each speaker. The Principal expressed the school’s heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Clubs of Moss Vale and The Rotary E-Club. District Governor Rob Uhl spoke about how the school is a community and how each person in that community matters. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. The school choir sang (along with the school students) a very appropriate song called “Everyone Belongs” highlighting diversity.

Principal Mrs Hurst described the Peace Garden as “a lasting legacy of cooperation, care, and creativity—a gift to our school community that will be treasured for years to come.” The Rotary Club of Moss Vale contributed valuable funds that provided the outdoor musical instruments which are now part of the garden.

This collaboration is a wonderful example of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and wellbeing at a grassroots level. The Peace Garden at Moss Vale Public School stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and the power of working together to build a better world.

Welcome to the
District 9705 Website

MAP of clubs

District Governor: Rob Uhl

Rotary E-Club of Brindabella

District Board

23-24 Newsletters Archive

D9705 Conference 2023

D9705 Conference 2024

Do more good in the world

Donate online to the Rotary Foundation - support projects in your community or O/S.

Click here to donate:

https://my.rotary.org/en/donate

Organization Chart

Organization Chart (Photos)

Club Directory & Contacts

Map of Clubs in District

Italian selected as next Rotary International President

Francesco Arezzo will become the third Italian to lead the global membership service organization.

Francesco Arezzo of Italy selected to be 2025-26 Rotary International President

The Board conducted a special session following the unexpected resignation of RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on 8 June. Based on RI code and policies, the Board selected the new president-elect from a pool of candidates who were considered by the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in August 2023.

From e-waste to empowerment