FRIDAY 20TH and SATURDAY 21ST MARCH 2026
Newcastle Civic Theatre and City Hall
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Unite...
with Rotarians and leaders across the district to shape a brighter future!
This transformative event is your opportunity to:
Connect
Build meaningful relationships with like-minded changemakers
Learn
Gain insights from inspiring speakers and be entertained by a musical extravaganza.
Act
Discover new ways to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.
Keynote & Guest Speakers
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Programme
[Programme | Friday 20th March 2026]
Registration and Welcome Reception*
Friday 20th March 2026
Time | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|
2:30pm - 5pm | Newcastle Town Hall | Conference Registration Open |
5:30 - 7:30pm | Newcastle Town Hall | Welcome Reception Cocktail Party |
7:30pm - Late | Enjoy dinner after the cocktails at one of many of Newcastle's fabulous restaurants |
*Subject to change
[Programme | Saturday 21st March 2026]
Conference*
Saturday 21st March 2026
Time | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|
7:30am | Newcastle Town Hall | Conference Registration |
8am - 5pm | Newcastle Town Hall | House of Friendship (HOF) |
8:30am | Civic Theatre | Conference Opening Plenary |
9am | Civic Theatre | Conference Speakers |
10:30am - 11am | Newcastle Town Hall | Morning Tea |
11am | Civic Theatre | Conference Speakers |
12:30pm - 1:30pm | Newcastle Town Hall | Lunch |
1:30pm | Civic Theare | Conference Speakers |
4:30pm | Civic Theatre | Conference Closes |
5pm | Newcastle Town Hall | House of Friendship (HOF) Closes |
6pm for 6:30 - 12am | NEX | GALA DINNER |
*Subject to change
The Venue and Accommodation
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Gala Dinner
and Entertainment
That’s Entertainment! – A Night of Hollywood Glam & Musical Magic
Lights, camera, action! Step into the spotlight at our dazzling "That’s Entertainment!" Gala Dinner, where Rotary’s brightest stars shine in their most iconic Hollywood looks. Whether you channel the elegance of Audrey Hepburn, the swagger of Elvis, or the heroics of Indiana Jones, this is your chance to dress as your favourite movie or music legend!
Enjoy a night of fine dining, star-studded company, and electrifying live music from Fish Fry, who will have you dancing like you’re on the set of a classic musical. From red-carpet moments to unforgettable performances, this will be an evening of glitz, glamour, and good times.
So grab your best costume, strike a pose, and get ready for a night of pure entertainment—because the show must go on!
[1]
Fish Fry
FISH FRY are Newcastle and the Hunter Regions' best exponents of jump-jive jazz, swing and rhythm & blues.
FISH FRY shows are famous for their energy and excitement as well as great musicianship from what Chad Watson of the Newcastle Morning Herald called the Newcastle Jazz supergroup.
Winners in the Jazz category of the ABC Newcastle Music Award for an unprecedented two years running, FISH FRY have released three remarkable albums. They were also on NBN Telethon performing one of their new songs and performed memorably at the Jazz in the Vines where they finished the show with a bang.
Now in their thirtieth year FISH FRY have introduced many people to the music of vital early exponents of R&B like Louis Jordan and Big Joe Turner while also playing the classics of Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Georgie Fame, James Brown and Louis Prima.
FISH FRY have been regular performers at music festivals throughout the state and have supported such greats as Shirley Bassey, Michael Crawford, James Morrison and Don Burrows.
[2]
Wayne Rogers - Cabaret Entertainer
From childhood dreams to standing ovations, Wayne Rogers has spent a lifetime captivating audiences with his extraordinary voice, dazzling stage presence, and larger-than-life charisma.
[3]
Toni Powell - Wellbeing Wonderworker
One of Australia’s most booked female speakers, Toni Powell, is renowned for delivering simple, fun, and science-backed strategies that transform lives.
With warmth, humour, and captivating storytelling, Toni makes the serious business of wellbeing feel like a joyride.
[4]
Chin-Hwi Ang
Chin-Hwi Ang is a passionate, experienced Chinese-Malaysian music educator and performer, specializing in string instruments (violin, viola, cello) with over 25 years of teaching experience, coordinating programs for schools like St Philips and Central Coast Grammar, and running Angamus Music Studio. Chin-Hwi brings a classic but contemporary sound.
House of Friendship Showcase
The Conference offers clubs a valuable opportunity to showcase their signature projects - highlighting the impact you’re making and inviting others to support, collaborate, or help expand your vision.
Many of Rotary’s most influential international programs began as the spark of an idea from a single member, adopted by a club, and grown through District, Zone, and global support.
Think of initiatives such as RYLA, ShelterBox, Australian Rotary Health, ROMAC, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative - all of which started small and became extraordinary.
At our District Conference, space within the House of Friendship will be limited, so we encourage clubs to apply early to secure a spot to present their projects to delegates.
Special Thanks
eluminate Creative
Newcastle City Council
Cordial