Welcome to the February issue of our Rotary District 9800 Networker. We really do want to hear and see your Club projects and events. Tell your fellow Rotarians how successful your recent fundraiser was or the progress on a local or overseas project.
As February comes to a close, we reflect on a month dedicated to Peace and Conflict Resolution and the incredible work being done across our District. We continue to seek applicants for the prestigious Peace Fellowships—if you know someone passionate about fostering peace, now is the time to encourage them to apply. To give our nominees the best possible chance of success, we are grateful for the support of PDG Murray Verso and the committee, who are working to help prepare and guide candidates through the application process. Refer to their story below for more information.
District 9800 is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for young Rotarians and Rotaractors to grow as leaders and experience the power of Rotary on a global and national scale. Through an approved sponsorship initiative, we will be supporting young leaders (aged 18–35) to attend either:
🔹 The 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary (21–25 June 2025) – a world-class event bringing together over 20,000 Rotarians from across the globe for inspiration, networking, and learning.
🔹 The Multi-District Impact Summit/District Conference in Adelaide (16–18 May 2025) – a dynamic conference designed to engage and equip young leaders within the Australian Rotary community.
This initiative reflects District 9800’s commitment to developing future leaders by providing them with opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute in meaningful ways.
Applications for 2026 Rotary Peace Fellowships are now open until May 15, 2025.
District 9800 has produced one or more peace fellows every year, except one, since the program began in 2002. We invite you and your fellow club members to find qualified candidates so that our district’s world beating record can be maintained. This year, The Rotary Foundation will award up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and up to 80 fellowships for professional development certificates at premier universities — including at our newest Rotary Peace Centre in Istanbul.
From humble beginnings, the Rotary Overseas Repurposed/Relocated Playgrounds (RORP) project has given children’s playgrounds no longer needed in Australia a second life. Thanks to the tireless efforts of passionate Rotarians and friends, what started as a small initiative – where Rotary teams physically dismantling playgrounds in local municipalities – has now grown into an industry-recognised enterprise.
Rotary Central Melbourne’s (RCM) 2024 Silk Miller Scholar, acting Senior Sergeant Steve Turner’s work has been recognised at the National Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. Steve’s project resulted in the team receiving a silver award, one of nine awards presented by Federal-Attorney General, Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC MP, at a ceremony held in Parliament House, Canberra on 12 November 2024.
The Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour D9800 in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Canal Estate D9110, Lagos, Nigeria, joined forces to provide school writing materials for kids in a local school in Okata in Lagos, unlocking words and giving children the joy of reading.
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a 12-month international experience for 16 year olds providing cultural, social, educational and language immersion in a safe, supportive home hosting environment. Each year, hundreds of teenagers from countries across the globe take up the offer of the adventure of a lifetime where they develop independence, life skills and lifelong friendships.
The Melbourne Celtic Festival, Port Phillip Rotary’s flagship event, heads into its fourth year with a stacked local and international lineup across three indoor stages and one charming garden stage at the iconic Mission to Seafarers Victoria, in the heart of the city. The event which took out a Rotary District 9800 Community Service Award in 2024 consists of 11 hours of entertainment on St Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17 from 12pm – 11pm. The Melbourne Celtic Festival aims to unite through the power of Celtic music, dance, food and great Craic!
Exciting news! Registration for the Multi District Impact Summit are now LIVE, and you won’t want to miss out! This event is set to be an inspiring gathering of Rotary minds, all coming together to make a greater impact. Secure your spot today at rotaryimpactsummit.org!
Rotary's monthly themes are meant to highlight the wide range of Rotary's good work and give clubs some suggestions, timing and guidance for their programs and activities. Thanks to the work of Cath Stahel of Balwyn Rotary, District 9800 has its own monthly graphic. The following is a list of the themes. There are a number of other sources of graphics (including on myrotary.org
District 9800 Sponsorships for Calgary & Adelaide 
Applications for 2026 Rotary Peace Fellowships are now open until May 15, 2025.
From humble beginnings, the Rotary Overseas Repurposed/Relocated Playgrounds (RORP) project has given children’s playgrounds no longer needed in Australia a second life. Thanks to the tireless efforts of passionate Rotarians and friends, what started as a small initiative – where Rotary teams physically dismantling playgrounds in local municipalities – has now grown into an industry-recognised enterprise.
Rotary Central Melbourne’s (RCM) 2024 Silk Miller Scholar, acting Senior Sergeant Steve Turner’s work has been recognised at the National Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. Steve’s project resulted in the team receiving a silver award, one of nine awards presented by Federal-Attorney General, Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC MP, at a ceremony held in Parliament House, Canberra on 12 November 2024.
The Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour D9800 in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Canal Estate D9110, Lagos, Nigeria, joined forces to provide school writing materials for kids in a local school in Okata in Lagos, unlocking words and giving children the joy of reading.
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a 12-month international experience for 16 year olds providing cultural, social, educational and language immersion in a safe, supportive home hosting environment. Each year, hundreds of teenagers from countries across the globe take up the offer of the adventure of a lifetime where they develop independence, life skills and lifelong friendships.
The Melbourne Celtic Festival, Port Phillip Rotary’s flagship event, heads into its fourth year with a stacked local and international lineup across three indoor stages and one charming garden stage at the iconic Mission to Seafarers Victoria, in the heart of the city. The event which took out a Rotary District 9800 Community Service Award in 2024 consists of 11 hours of entertainment on St Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17 from 12pm – 11pm. The Melbourne Celtic Festival aims to unite through the power of Celtic music, dance, food and great Craic!
Exciting news! Registration for the Multi District Impact Summit are now 
Rotary's monthly themes are meant to highlight the wide range of Rotary's good work and give clubs some suggestions, timing and guidance for their programs and activities. Thanks to the work of Cath Stahel of Balwyn Rotary, District 9800 has its own monthly graphic. The following is a list of the themes. There are a number of other sources of graphics (including on myrotary.org