Rotary District 9675 will host its 2026 Conference at Novotel Brighton-Le-Sands on Saturday 14 March, bringing together members for a day of inspiration, leadership and community spirit under the theme Aspire to Inspire.
The event carries special meaning this year as it coincides with the tenure of Mr Rengarajan Chidambaranathan, known widely as Renga Rajan, who has been appointed District Governor for 2025–2026. His appointment marks history, as he is the first Tamil and the first person of subcontinental heritage to hold the role in Rotary’s 115 years in Australia.
Renga Rajan’s journey to this milestone reflects years of professional and community commitment. A mechanical engineer by qualification and currently a Sourcing Specialist for GE Power in the Asia Pacific, he has combined his technical career with an equally dedicated path in service. He has held leadership roles including Assistant District Governor, Past President of the Rotary Club of Granville, and president of community organisations such as the Sydney Ayyappa Swami Centre. His involvement has extended to the Hindu Council of Australia, the United Indian Association as a Governing Council member, and Freemasonry. Beyond leadership positions, he is a regular blood donor, having completed 70 donations. He has also helped and participated in numerous charity runs.
For many in the community, he is remembered as a dignified and humble leader. During his time as a member of the United Indian Association’s governing council, colleagues recall his simplicity and generosity. “Very simple, dignified person. Always prayed for my family whichever temples he visited,” one colleague said. His journey has been shared with his wife Bharathi, a civil engineer, Past President of the Granville Rotary Club and a board member of the Granville Diggers Club. Together they are well known across the Indian community and within Rotary circles in Granville.
Alongside his leadership, Renga Rajan’s generosity has been marked by regular blood donations and participation in charity runs. Community Service Director in Strathfield Rotary Club Aruna Chandrala said it was a privilege to work alongside him. “He gave me the honour of the role of Rotary District 9675 Conference Director 2026,” she said.
Aruna Chandrala has long embodied Rotary’s ethos of service. She regularly donates raffle prizes and gift hampers from her own home to raise funds at events such as International Women’s Day, the Police Awards, Vocational Awards and changeover dinners. These efforts have supported causes including Police Legacy, Women’s & Girls Emergency Centre, ADHD research, Gene’s for Genes and projects for Aboriginal women. Aruna said the weekly meetings of the Strathfield Rotary Club, held every Wednesday evening at Strathfield Golf Club, are a source of inspiration. “It’s a dinner meeting with a guest speaker each week, and Rotary’s motto ‘Service over Self’ resonates with my passion for community service,” she said. The Strathfield Rotary Club also works closely with Strathfield Council, helping to organise the community BBQ at the ANZAC service and National Tree Day events.
The Brighton-Le-Sands conference will celebrate this spirit. With the beachside Novotel as its venue, attendees can expect thought-provoking speakers, discussions on innovation and global impact, and a glamorous evening dinner. The gala night will take on a Bollywood theme, adding colour and energy to an already vibrant occasion.
For participants, the conference promises a mix of substance and spirit—a day to reflect on Rotary’s impact, to share in its achievements, and to build on the energy of a community that continues to evolve while holding firmly to its ethos of service.
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