Who we are

The Rotary Club of Ryde is a volunteer club focused on supporting the local community of Ryde. We are part of a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Our local club is 80 years old this year because it keeps changing, and keeps staying relevant.

  • Rotary was founded over 110 years ago and has grown into a network of over 45,000 clubs globally. Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our clubs work together to:

    • Promote peace

    • Fight disease

    • Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene

    • Save mothers and children

    • Support education

    • Grow local economies

    • Protect the environment

  • The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

    Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

  • The Rotary Club of Ryde was formed just after World War II in April 1946. As we look back on 80 years of outstanding service, we seek to future-proof our club by broaden our volunteer base and membership engagement.

    Ryde Club owes its beginning to the Rotary Club of Burwood.  During the latter part of 1945, Norm Jorgensen, Vice-President of Burwood Club, was appointed the District Governors Special Representative, and with Rotarians Sandy Ross and Arthur Cave, made an extensive survey.  His report stated that Ryde was a good and prosperous community, very friendly and of excellent economic prospects.

    On 8 January 1946, he notified proposed Charter members of an information meeting to be held at the home of Sandy Ross on 18 January.  At this, Rotarians Jorgensen, Ross and Cave outlined the progress made in the survey of the area, explained the ideals, objects and policies of Rotary, and reported on the progress already made in the establishment of the new Club.  It was resolved that a Club be formed and that it be known as the Rotary Club of Ryde.

  • IAs a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.tem description

Our Leadership Programs

Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.

  • Pitch on Purpose is an exciting opportunity for students to hone their skills in innovation and design thinking while solving real-world problems related to environmental protection—one of Rotary's core focus areas. It empowers students to solve real-world environmental challenges!

    We invite schools to participate in this challenge and help their students become leaders in social impact and sustainability. Through immersive workshops and hands-on experiences, students will work in teams to create innovative solutions that address community and global issues.

    The Innovation challenge is organised by the Rotary District 9685, which spans from the Blue Mountains to the Northern Beaches and the Central Coast.

  • Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). We've taken the skills that define the future of work and developed an experience that will develop problem solving, collaboration, leadership, communication, resilience, and confidence through interactive workshops, team building exercises, reflexivity, fun and friendship all in a supportive and safe environment.

    Camps are organised across by the Rotary District 9685, which spans from the Blue Mountains to the Northern Beaches and the Central Coast.

  • Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers — Rotary members and nonmembers alike — who make this unique program so successful.

    Candidates are ages 15-19 and are leaders in their schools and communities.

    Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.

    Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.

  • Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

    RYLA may take the form of a one-day seminar, a three-day retreat, or a weeklong camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics.

    Typically, RYLA is geared towards university students to develop creative problem-solving strategies, or for young professionals to learn ethical business practices.  However, it is also possible to host a RYLA event for secondary school students to hone their leadership potential. 

  • The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a professional and personal development program for members.

    Our newly revamped program is now in full swing, offering development opportunities for all Rotary members — from newcomers to seasoned leaders seeking to refresh their skills and amplify their impact.

We are People of Action around the Globe

In Nigeria, many births take place at home, with heart breaking outcomes.

To honor Rotary’s decades-long commitment to eradicating polio, miniature artists from around the world were invited to recreate powerful moments from this historic global effort.

Discover how Evangeline, a Rotary Person of Action, is transforming a village in the Philippines!

Rotary Youth Exchange allows students to learn a new language, experience another culture, and become global citizens.

Meet the Leaders of our Club

  • A smiling woman wearing a Yankees cap, a blue Rotary apron, and a blue Rotary t-shirt, standing with her hand on her hip, holding tongs, and wearing a black glove on one hand.

    Kathryn Dodd

    Incoming President 2026/27

  • Older man wearing sunglasses, a hat, a blue Rotary apron, and a blue shirt.

    Bob Kaye-Smith

    President 2025/26

  • A woman smiling, wearing a blue Rotary Club of Rye polo shirt with a name tag that says Anna Lindsay, President of Rye, standing indoors with other people in the background.

    Anna Lindsay

    Past President 2024/25