Clean water, sanitation and good hygiene is a human right. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives. We don’t just build wells and walk away. Rotary members integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into education projects. When children learn about disease transmission and practice good hygiene, they miss less school. And they can take those lessons home to their families, expanding our impact.
Clean water is a basic human right that many are often denied. There are 2.5 billion people in the world that lack access to improved sanitation and 748 million people that don’t have clean drinking water. Nearly 1400 children die each day from diseases caused by lack of sanitation and unsafe water. When people have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives.
President's Report
On Sunday, we had a large band of willing helpers at the Wellness Day at Robin Ingram’s Olde Farm. This event built on the very successful one held in 2025, and as with all that Robin does, it was organised and managed with skill and proficiency. A full day event like this, where guest speakers are organised and an interesting program developed is a project of many months; and I personally thank Robin for her ongoing commitment to our Club, its members and the projects and causes we support.
Thanks also go to members - Belinda, Margaret, Bronwyn, Sheryn, Deana, Joe and Rachel; friends of the Club - Bev & Nyree Waterson, Sue Erickson, Paul Tapuska & Margaret Bowen Kennedy. Also, Robin’s sister, Sally who is visiting from WA and worked with Robin over many days to bring it all together.
So again, what an amazing weekend of service with three events all supporting our local community, plus raising the profile of Rotary and our Club, and raising funds to support any number of worthy causes and projects, with many of them being in our local community.
A photo album will appear in next week's newsletter to show the many photos taken on the day by Public Image Director, Rachel Pagitz. Many thanks to Rachel for the photos. In the meantime, please check our FaceBook page .
I can’t tell you how proud I am to be involved in our Club and see so many members and our friends ‘united for good’ and making our world a better place.
For members and friends at our regular meeting last Monday, we had a real treat in having Past District Governor (PDG) Lindsay May OAM with us. Lindsay spoke of his 50 year involvement in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race; and what an interesting presentation he gave us. As well as being a skilled navigator, Lindsay is a passionate Rotarian who has committed much of his life to Rotary in many ways, including as a past District Governor and currently as District Governor Mentor and District Administration Co-Chair. He is most certainly a very worthy recipient of an OAM.
Lindsay was introduced by Marilyn Kenney
PDG Lindsay May OAM
Lindsay's presentation
Lindsay was thanked by PP Frank Ross
This Monday 9 March is the monthly Club Board meeting, so a regular meeting will not occur this week. As always Club members are welcome to attend and observe the workings of the management and administration of the Club.
I won’t be providing a message over the coming three weeks as I’m off on a cruise with the family up into the Pacific islands. I’m looking forward to celebrating my sisters 70th birthday with around 25 family members and close friends. We took the same trip last year for my 70th and whilst I’m not really a ‘holiday person’, it is so nice to have an extended time with those you love, in this super relaxed environment with loads of great food and good company.
In closing I thank our Immediate Past President, Frank Ross for chairing our meetings for the next three weeks, I know with the speakers Bronwyn has organised and the great number of members, friends and guests we have had at meetings in recent months that you are going to continue to be treated to enjoyable Monday evenings.
Upcoming events – please think about what you can assist with
April 26th – Running Wild BBQ, Wenty Falls; 8 people required - Please contact Lizliz.roberts2783@outlook.com
Until April when we meet again, please take care.
Cheers Liz
Liz Roberts
President 2025-2026
The Rotary Club of Springwood
LATEST NEWS …
1. DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO (IN ADDITION TO THOSE LISTED ABOVE)...
Next Meeting on Monday, 16th March - Guest speaker Annette Cam
Rotary Garden Care for March - Bill Bowler
Wednesday 1st April - Men's Morning Tea (new venue)
Friday 3rd April - Ori Raffle night
2. TEA PARTY FUNDRAISER FOR GRACE'S PLACE TO BE HELD AT THE SINGH'S
Let's all get behind this great event!
This is a great event to raise funds for Grace's Place. The goal is to raise funds to purchase a ride-on mower. Grace’s Place is a residential trauma centre for children and young people affected by homicide. To say we were overwhelmed by the facility itself and the incredible work undertaken there would be an understatement. I don’t feel anyone could visit this centre and see and hear the work undertaken and not be impressed by the selfless service performed on a daily basis. Martha Jabour OAM, is the Executive Director and CEO of
Grace’s Place and was named the NSW 2025 Local Hero; so, it’s not surprising that Martha is also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Carlingford – Rotarians are certainly a force to be reckoned with.
The morning tea at the Singh's place is underway, but I wanted to wait until Wellness day is over before I blitz members for this function!! We are collecting patch work quilts, and sturdy toys for Grace's Place. Thanks to Rachel for all her help in making up a flyer. I will need donations for the raffle plus all to bring food for the morning tea. The Singhs plan on inviting their friends. Entrance fee will be $20.00, plus raffle, at 5 for $20.00, plus a donation bucket. Proceeds to go towards Geoffreys aim to raise funds for a ride on lawn mower.
Valda Bray
3. DCAF, TUESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2026
A very successful DCaf meeting occurred on the last Tuesday of February. Luciann Keegal attended the meeting and his input on the day was invaluable. Valda did a great job in running the meeting which all enjoyed on the day. Geoff Glassock AM usually runs the meetings but is sailing on the Queen Mary at the moment and "just couldn't make it" to the meeting. Congratulations to Valda for superbly taking on another task for our Club.
4. MESSAGE FROM FORMER EXCHANGE STUDENT ADELE WU FROM TAIWAN
Today was a meaningful day. We were invited to give a speech at a Rotary District event for the Long-Term Exchange Program. The goal was to encourage students to speak English without being afraid of making mistakes, and to share my personal experience when I went on exchange at 18 as a shy Taiwanese girl.
I talked about how I overcame my fear (took me a while haha) and learned English step by step while living in Australia. My exchange year was truly a transformative year for me, and I will forever be grateful to Rotary for giving students the opportunity to change their lives. I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity.
During the speech, I shared two small stories that marked turning points in my exchange year. I also emphasized the importance of interacting with local host families and making local friends, and how our attitude can drastically shape the entire experience.
Thank you again to Rotary for giving me this opportunity to share my experience. I hope my story can inspire some of the outbound students who will be going abroad this July.
Below: Adele Wu - former exchange student from Taiwan.
Right: Adele's partner - Tordan Ferreira
STORIES FROM ROTARY...
1. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ON 8 MARCH
On International Women’s Day on 8 March, we celebrate a fundamental truth within Rotary: when we support the agency and leadership of women, we strengthen the foundation of every community. This day is more than a celebration - it is a call to continue our work to remove barriers, elevate women’s voices, and expand access to leadership and service. To learn more about women in Rotary, click on the link below:
2. ROTARY INTERNATIONAL (RI) ADOPTS NEW ZONE STRUCTURE
The Rotary International Board of Directors approved a plan to modify Rotary zones covering Asia, Europe/Africa, and the Americas at its January meeting. See a list of zones.
3. ROTARY IMPACT HANDBOOK
(Click on the image bekow to download a copy of the handbook.)
4. INCOMING RI PRESIDENT OLAYINKA BABALOLA 2026-2027
Want to watch incoming RI President Olayinka Babalola's full address to the International Assembly? It's on our District YouTube channel
The theme for the next Rotary year whch is for your information only at this stage as it cannot be officially used in Rotary documents etc, until 1st July 2026, is :
5. FINAL REMINDER: Friday 20 to Sunday 21 March - 2026 Rotary District's 9660 and 9685 Conference
Rotary Unites for Good: 2026 Districts 9660 and 9685 Conference Set for Newcastle on the 20th & 21st March 2026
In 2026, Rotary Districts 9660 and 9685 will come together for a joint conference in the vibrant city of Newcastle, NSW.
This special event will celebrate Rotary’s impact, strengthen connections across districts, and inspire Rotarians and friends through shared learning, collaboration, and fellowship. Register now!
Rotarians from Districts 9660 and 9685 are invited to unite in Newcastle, NSW, on Friday, 20 and Saturday, 21 March 2026, for the “Together for Tomorrow” conference—a dynamic event designed to inspire, connect, and empower Rotary members across both districts.
Event Highlights
Connect: Forge meaningful relationships with fellow Rotarians and changemakers.
Learn: Gain insights from visionary speakers and enjoy a musical extravaganza.
Act: Discover new ways to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.
6. AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK...
This is a changing world: we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.” Paul Harris
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.
Lindsay was introduced by Marilyn Kenney
