Big events that you shouldn't miss are coming up!

 
β˜… Bookings Closing on 25th June 2026

District Changeover

A new Rotary year begins

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday 4 July 2026 Β· 6:00pm – 11:30pm πŸ“ Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham VIC

Join Rotarians, partners, and guests for an inspiring evening of connection, recognition, and new beginnings.

We'll honour a landmark year under District Governor Peter Behm and welcome incoming District Governor Emma Clark and the 2026–2027 leadership team.

But a Changeover is far more than a badge handover. It's one of those rare nights where the whole District 9815 story comes alive in one room β€” clubs reuniting, friendships rekindling, and new ideas spark over dinner. You'll leave reminded that your club is part of something much bigger.

Expect stories that matter, people doing extraordinary things, and opportunities you didn't know existed. One conversation can spark a new project, an international connection, or the confidence to step into a bigger role yourself. Even seasoned Rotarians walk out saying, β€œI had no idea we were doing all this.”

And yes β€” there's the fun too. The laughter, the photos, the elegant chaos of finding your table, and that unmistakable buzz of a fresh Rotary year beginning.

Come for the leadership. Stay for the energy. Leave inspired.

β˜… Rotary District 9815 presents

Challenge to Change

2027 District Conference LaunchΒ· 10th July 2026
Cardinia Cultural Centre 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham

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β˜… Registrations now open

Secretary Seminars

Everything you need to thrive in the role

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday 18 July 2026 Β· 9:00am – 12:30pm πŸ’» Online via Zoom
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You are the quiet engine of your club.

When a club runs well, a great Secretary is usually the reason. Whether you’re brand new to the role or have years behind you, an hour or two now will save you many more across the year ahead β€” with less guesswork, more confidence, and a few β€œI didn’t know it could do that” moments. Come to one session or both. Free, online, and made for you.

9:00am – 10:30am

Club Secretary Basics

Tips, tricks and the absolute must-do’s in the Club Secretary role.

Register for Session 1 β†’

Your club counts on you β€” give yourself the head start you deserve. Register today.

οΌ‹ Add to calendar

Past District Governor Merv Williams

Pictured: Heather Chong, RAWCS Chair, Merv Williams, and Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn ACPast District Governor Merv Williams joined the Board of RAWCS in 2019 and served as National Projects and Volunteers Manager for six years. This is one of the most time demanding roles of our volunteer Board, which Merv fulfilled with distinction.

This period required that RAWCS pivot to cope with Covid and the cessation of overseas travel for volunteer teams, whilst striving to continue the meaningful impact of existing projects.

With the level of uncertainty surrounding overseas projects and the sustainability of charities and Not for Profit’s during and post Covid, Merv joined the Committee of Management and made a significant contribution. His excellent reporting was a feature of this crucial time.

During Past District Governor Merv’s tenure, he helped establish and had oversight of RAWCS Disaster Response Committee and made a significant contribution to developing an effective Disaster Response capability including further developing the processes and governance of the Rotary Australia Relief Fund and Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants.

Following Covid restrictions, Merv took to the road in his caravan, however he didn’t neglect his role with RAWCS, always maintaining his availability to Projects and Volunteers. Many projects eventuated because of his guidance and support.

We acknowledge Past District Governor Merv Williams

Presidents' Meeting and District Club Awards Celebrate a Year of Leadership

On Friday 29 May 2026, the Presidents of District 9815 gathered for their final Presidents' Meeting of the Rotary year. More than simply the last meeting on the calendar, it marked the culmination of a year-long journey of leadership, learning and collaboration.

The Presidents' Meetings play a vital role in the success of Rotary Clubs across the District. Throughout the year, Club Presidents come together to learn from District leaders and subject matter experts, gaining access to new ideas, proven strategies and practical tools to strengthen their Clubs. Topics such as membership, public image, community engagement, leadership development, fundraising and service projects all contribute to helping Clubs become more vibrant, visible and impactful within their communities.

Equally important is the opportunity for Presidents to learn from one another. Every Club faces different challenges and opportunities, and the meetings provide a forum for sharing experiences, successes and innovative approaches. These conversations often spark new ideas that can be adapted and implemented within individual Clubs, improving both the member experience and the Club's ability to serve its community.

Over the course of the year, the meetings also foster strong relationships between Club leaders. These connections create a valuable support network, encouraging collaboration, mutual assistance and the sharing of resources across the District. As a result, Presidents return to their Clubs better equipped to lead and with a broader perspective on what is possible through Rotary.

The evening concluded with the District Club Awards, recognising the Clubs that had excelled in key areas throughout the year. While the awards celebrated outstanding achievement, they also highlighted the collective commitment of Clubs across District 9815 to continuous improvement and community impact.

Congratulations to all award recipients, whose achievements have set a benchmark for excellence and provided inspiration for others to strive towards. Their success demonstrates what can be achieved when strong leadership, a willingness to learn and a commitment to improvement come together in service of Rotary's mission.

Please feel free to view the many photos from the night captured by our photographer Alannah Vidic-Wirth, and edited by Mat Wise (Rotaract Club of Casey-Cardinia) Click HERE

 

Rotary District 9815

Club Awards 2025–2026

Celebrating the clubs recognised at the final Presidents’ Meeting on 29 May 2026 β€” across the Gold, Silver and Bronze Governor’s Awards and the District Specialist Awards. Select any club to visit its website.

 
 

DG Family Project

 

I’m proud to share a very special initiative close to my heart: instead of a Partners project, we will have a family project for our children and grandchildren targeted to assist and help our local primary schools.
This initiative is not designed to raise money for one worthy charity. Instead, I am inviting all clubs across our District to partner with their local Primary Schools to make, provide, and supply essential resources.
The basis of the plan includes your choice of Primary school for new equipment, safe and engaging play areas, and even organizing fun days or festivals that create joyful memories for the students. All moneys you raise will go directly to the school of your choice. The return on investment for us will be advertising in the schools such as large sign boards you see from Real Estate companies and the chance to connect with both parents and teachers.
The ultimate return will be the school fraternity wanting to become more involved in our great organization. It’s a project that brings together everything Rotary stands for: service, visibility, impact, and community.
 
How Can Your Club Get Involved?
Getting started is simpleβ€”and the impact can be extraordinary. Here’s how your club can make a meaningful difference through the District Family Project:
  1. Connect with a Local Primary School
    Choose a school in your community and start a conversation about what support would be most valuable to their students.
  2. Choose a Project That Brings Joy and Value
    Projects can be big or smallβ€”whatever suits your club's capacity and the school's needs. Ideas include:
    • Building a new playground with community-donated funds
    • Supplying updated learning tools or classroom equipment
    • Hosting a fun day or sausage sizzle with your club’s help
    • Creating a memorable event that puts smiles on students’ faces
  3. Promote Rotary’s Presence
    As part of your project, kindly ask the school to display Rotary signage prominently helping raise awareness and celebrate our shared impact.
  4. Engage Your Sponsors
    If additional funding is needed, consider inviting one of your club’s trusted sponsors to contribute. Many local businesses will welcome the opportunity to support children and education.
  5. Build Strong Relationships
    Once the project is complete, invite the school principal and key staff to one of your club meetings as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill.
  6. Celebrate Your Impact
    Share your story with the broader community! Promote the project through local newspapers, radio, or social media.
  7. Keep Us in the Loop
    Let the District team know about your project so we can help amplify it on the District website and communication channels.
 
 

Welcome to our Rotary Stories seriesβ€”real conversations with passionate Rotarians making a difference, locally and globally.

 

Whether you're curious about joining Rotary, looking to grow your club, or want to be inspired, these stories will give you insight, ideas, and a glimpse into the heart of Rotary.

District 9815 at a glance
2,236+
Rotarians and Honorary Members serving in our Community
84
Rotary Clubs
370 Members
Logged in the District Website for information in the last 3 months
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Around the District
Jun 30, 2026
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