The theme for May is Rotary’s fifth avenue of service -Youth Service. Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs. Rotary programs include: (click on each heading below for more information)
You may be aware that President Liz's daughter, Helen, had a serious fall and ended up with a very comp-licated and serious injury to her ankle. We wish her a speedy recovery and wait for more news about when her operation will take place as it has been postponed once already. For this reason, Marilyn is letting you know what happened at the District Assembly held last Saturday.
Seven of our members headed to the District Assembly yesterday for what turned out to be a brilliant day of learning and connection. The day kicked off with a fantastic introduction from our District Governor, setting the tone for everything that followed. Members then split into breakout sessions covering a great range of topics — from club operations and project development and implementation, to growing Rotary and telling our story. The sessions were very interactive, with many opportunities to ask questions and get practical, relevant answers straight from the speakers — exactly the kind of thing that makes a day like this so worthwhile. A number of issues raised many questions which the Board will take back and work through in the next Rotary year if not before.
The afternoon brought a real highlight: connecting with fellow clubs in our Rotary Community Group. It was great to catch up with our Rotary neighbours, hear what they’ve been up to, and start thinking about how we can collaborate on bigger and better projects together. All in all, it was a genuinely rewarding day for everyone who attended — a solid foundation for our leadership team heading into the year ahead.
Many thanks to the Board members who attended the District Assembly and to all of our Members and Friends who have volunteered to help at the Vintage Fair at Norman Lindsay Gallery on 16th May, and the Athletics Carnival BBQ for Blue Mountains Grammar School.
A reminder that there is no normal Club meeting tonight as it is a Board meeting.
And lastly, a very warm welcome home to Johannes Brockhaus.
Marilyn Kenney
Club Secretary
YOUTH DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Hi everyone,
There is a number of things happening in the Youth area at the moment but the focus of my report this week is MUNA - Model United Nations Assembly. To give you some background on MUNA I thought I'd use the description on our district MUNA website.
"MUNA is an annual two-day weekend event that is part of a global Rotary project to educate senior high school students (years 10 - 12) on the United Nations organisation and its vital commitment to world peace, in addition to health, education and living standards around the world. MUNA provides an excellent forum for students to develop and practice their public speaking skills whilst debating on topical world issues."
In our district, competitions are held across the three regions - Western Sydney, Norther Beaches & Central Coast and the winner from each region is invited to compete at the Australian competition held in Canberra at Old Parliament House. The Western Sydney MUNA is being held on 23rd & 24th May this year at Nepean CAPA High School. Rotarians & friends are welcome to visit over the course of the weekend & the organising committee are particularly keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in helping, particularly as "runners" passing notes between the teams. I will be helping on the Saturday afternoon and if anyone else would like to come, I'm happy to be your taxi/Uber!
In the past we have sponsored teams from Winmalee & Springwood High Schools and this year we will be sponsoring two teams from each of the schools. As a way of introducing you to the students involved, I have included below a small paragraph from each of the Springwood High students, written by the students. Team 1 will be representing Japan and Team 2 will be representing New Zealand.
Team 1
Hi I'm Indigo Whye-Millers. I enjoy volunteering, hanging out with friends and spending time with my cats. I am an avid debater and have been for 6 years. Last year I received the Susan Templeman Macquarie prize for citizenship. Additionally, I have been part of the SRC at Springwood high school for 5 years, been involved in both 'Into the woods' and 'The Addams family' with the school and have been performing in the drama program since year 7. Thank you so much for sponsoring us for MUNA this year.
Hi, my name is Ella Hale, I am a year 11 student at Springwood High School. I am really passionate about CAPA subjects and the performing arts and I am an avid debater and love all things public speaking. I can't wait for all my future high school endeavours like MUNA. I have been a part of Springwood High School's Addams Family musical and Into The Woods. Thank you so much for sponsoring us Springwood Rotary and all the support you and the blue mountains community give us.
Hi, my name is Zachary Andrews and I'm one of the members of Springwood High School's MUNA Team 1. I am in year 11 currently and am keen to participate in the Model United Nations Assembly. I am an avid debater and am a part of the school’s competitive senior team which is participating in the NSW Premier's Debating Challenge. Apart from debating, I have received the English Faculty's Award for Public Speaking 2 years in a row and have also participated in other public speaking competitions such as the Lions Club Youth of The Year competition. I also was the stage manager for our school's production of 'The Addams Family Musicals' and was a featured cast member for our school's production of 'Into The Woods'. My keen participation in debating, public speaking and performing arts have left me really excited to participate in MUNA this year. Thank you so much for sponsoring our team and supporting us through MUNA.
Team 2
Hello, my name is Ruaig Payne and I’m one of the members of Springwood High School’s MUNA Team 2. I am currently in year 11 and I am very interested in participating in the Model United Nations Assembly. I am involved in many Music and Drama activities including the school’s many MAAD nights (Music, Art, Dance, Drama) and even featuring in the school’s ‘Into The Woods’ musical as one of the lead characters, The Baker. I have joined the SRC for the first time during my time in Springwood High School with dreams to become the school captain next year and I believe that my involvement in the MUNA will help me understand the importance of teamwork, communication and leadership. I would also like to say thank you for sponsoring our school’s MUNA teams, this helps us out a lot.
I’m Jaedyn (year 12), and I am interested in this year's model UN. specifically in the nations of New Zealand, Canada and Egypt. I study politics both local and global and have been interested in history and am involved in the year 12 ancient history course. Furthermore, I am in SRC and am interested in how our government structure works as well as wanting to get involved in elections counting next year.
My name is Amelia! I’m a year 11 student at Springwood High School. I’m very passionate about performing arts, and volunteering in places like the Blue Mountains Youth Council and EVIE (Ending Violence, Improving Equality). I’ve been in the SRC for 8 years now and have been debating for 9 years. I have been a featured cast member in ‘The Addams Family Musical’ and ‘Into The Woods’ through school. I have also been involved in many professional film sets in my career. Performance and community services are both things that I am very passionate about. Thank you so much to the Springwood Rotary for sponsoring this year’s MUNA teams!
I have no doubt that these students will gain a lot from their involvement in the competition & I look forward to meeting with them. We will invite them and their teacher, Rhiannon Brown, to a Rotary meeting after the competition to hear about their experiences. In the meantime, if you are able to, go down to Nepean High & experience a little of what MUNA is about, it's quite inspiring.
Sheryn.
LATEST NEWS …
1. DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO ...
Rotary Garden Care for May - Rachel
Monday 11th May - Club Board Meeting - no general Club meeting
Saturday 16th May - Norman Lindsay Vintage Fair, Parking and BBQ
Monday 18th May - DG Michele Ellery will be our speaker; it is also the induction of Bev Waterson.
Saturday 27th June - Next Bunnings BBQ
Saturday 27th June - District Changeover, Wenty leagues Club
Monday 29th June - Club Changeover at the Sports Club
2. THE PASSING OF DAWN HARRIS
The family of the late Elwyn Dawn Harris have advised us about her passing,
For those of you who remember her late husband, Joe, will be saddened to hear about Dawn. Joseph Harris, was a Rotarian, and she was a member of Probus. Her funeral will be held at Leura Memorial Gardens on Thursday 14.5.2026, commencing at 10.00am.
STORIES FROM ROTARY...
1. WEBINAR - BREAKING THE SILENCE: CHILD AND MENTAL HEALTH
The course is free and you do not need to register for it. The link for the webinar will be sent out the day before the webinar. Marilyn will send it to you when it arrives.
2. INTRODUCING THE NEW PROSPECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The system (formerly known as the membership leads management system) focuses on building momentum and relationships as we help more people discover the gift of Rotary membership.
People who visit rotary.org/join will now choose the club that they believe best aligns with their interests and needs. After they submit their membership inquiry, an email message will automatically notify club presidents, membership chairs, secretaries, and executive secretaries (if applicable). Club officers will then take action to help the prospective member begin their Rotary journey.
What can you do now? We recommend that you and your fellow club leaders:
3. E-CLUB OF GREATER SYDNEY IS HOLDING A CLIMATE PITCH WORKSHOP ONLINE
The Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney is holding a Climate Pitch Workshop Online on Sunday May 31. The flyer is attached. We would appreciate it if you could circlulate this flyer to your members as perhaps a number of them may be interested in attending. It is FREE to all participants.
This is the second time we have held an online workshop on climate change, the first one being very popular with Rotarians. Please encourage your members to join us.
4. THE ROTARY CLUB OF LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS CHANGEOVER
Click on the image below to register, or use the QR Code.
5. LEI DAY IN MAY FUNDRAISER
What: Lunch cruise on the historic Nepean BellePaddlewheeler
When: Sunday, 17th May, 2026, 11:30am
Where: Meet at the jetty in Tench Reserve, Jamisontown.
Cost: $80 pp two-course lunch with tea, coffee and Cash bar
6. DISTRICT 9685 CHANGEOVER CELEBRATION AND AWARDS EVENT
7. THE ROAD TO MUDGEE 2027 CONFERENCE
David and I are absolutely thrilled to invite you to our Rotary District 9685 Conference 2027, held in the picturesque regional town of Mudgee, NSW. This conference is a highlight for our district, and we can't wait for you to be a part of it!
Our Theme: Connect. Collaborate. Celebrate
This theme is the very heart of Rotary, isn't it? It speaks to the incredible friendships we forge, the innovative ideas we share, and the profound difference we make together through dedicated service. A District Conference is so much more than just a gathering; it's a dynamic opportunity to recharge your Rotary spirit, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen the bonds that make our district so special.
Connect with Passionate Leaders
Discover new friendships and strengthen existing ones. Mudgee offers a perfect setting to reconnect with Rotarians from across the district and share your passion for service.
Collaborate on Inspiring Ideas
Brainstorm impactful projects and share best practices. This conference is your chance to collaborate with fellow changemakers and ignite new initiatives for our communities.
Yours in Rotary,
Michele Ellery
District Governor
Rotary District 9685
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK...
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.
Muhammad Ali
Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge the Gundungurra and Dharug peoples past, present and emerging as the traditional owners of the land where our Club resides and pay our respects to them.
4. THE ROTARY CLUB OF LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS CHANGEOVER
