Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.
We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.
Supporting the environment is Rotary's seventh area of focus. It joined peace-building and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.
I’m looking forward to seeing as many members as possible at the CLUB ASSEMBLY this MONDAY 20 April. It’s always a great opportunity to get together and freely talk about ways in which we can enhance the Club experience and better serve our community. The Club Assemblies are members only evenings, so whilst we are always pleased to see friends and guests of the Club, this Monday is a ‘members only zone’.
On Friday evening a group of willing members and friends of the Club served our famous sausage sangers at the Youth Expo held at the Hub. It really was a great night, and it was fantastic to see so many people there, particularly a large number of the younger members of our community. A big thank you to our own Sheryn for organising this event with the able assistance of Lucian Keegel of the E-Club of Greater Sydney. So, thanks to Sheryn, Frank, Bruce, Deborah, Bev, Belinda and
Bronwyn for flying the Springwood Rotary flag. I can’t close off on this without a mention of Belinda’s husband Hugo who was a great help with the pack up at the end of the night, as always, we are indebted to so many of the extended Rotary family.
I’m putting out an early notice of the ‘garage sale’ we are planning for September. Last year this was a great fund raiser for the Club and I’m hoping we will do just as well this year with the usual sale of those many household items and other goods that we no longer need or want but can find an extended life in another home. Almost any item that is still in good repair is saleable, so if you are looking to declutter in the near future, hang onto the items just a little longer and we will be pleased to rehome them in Spring.
We will have the annual Club Changeover evening on Monday 29 June and this is a big event for our Club. It’s the opportunity to look at what have been achieved in the current Rotary year and to acknowledge and thank the outgoing committee and welcome those charged with leading the Club for the following 12 months. Also, I’m sure most of you are aware of the significance of being recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow and this year the committee would like to ask members to think about who the Club might honour with this recognition. When thinking about who you might nominate, the person should be seen to advance the ideals and causes of Rotary and demonstrate the shared purpose, objectives and mission of the Rotary Foundation to build world understanding and peace. The committee will be happy to receive nominations from members that includes the reasons you are putting that person forward for consideration, please send to liz.roberts2783@outlook.com
As I mentioned via email to members and friends of the Club I had a great response to the call out for volunteers to assist with two upcoming events; Running Wild on Sunday the 26th and the Variety Club Golf Day on Friday the 1st of May – so a very big thank you to all those that put their hand up so quickly – it certainly makes the organisation of these events a much easier task.
Our next big fund raising event is the Norman Lindsay Vintage Fair on 16 May, where we are doing the BBQ as well as parking. We already have a couple of advance notice volunteers for the parking duties, so thank you to those members/friends. For the BBQ we need quite a few willing hands so please let me know if you can assist with this event with the contact details listed below.
Future upcoming events that I would ask you to consider:
16 May - Norman Lindsay Vintage Fair BBQ – 8 to 10 volunteers required – contact liz.roberts2783@outlook.com
16 May - Norman Lindsay Vintage Fair Parking - 4 to 5 volunteers required – contact alkellaway17@gmail.com
Friday 17th April saw a group of our members & friends spending a perfect afternoon / evening feeding sausage sandwiches to the local youth & their families. We were part of the Youth Expo held at the Hub in Springwood and were there promoting Rotary, being seen & being involved in the local community. The Expo involved many local services & clubs who are involved in supporting the youth in our area. Bruce was voted MVP by our "customers", handing out ice blocks to some of the local children. Maybe Rotary will be known in the future for their iceblocks rather than their sausage sizzles!! Many thanks for everyone who helped make this event happen.
Sheryn.
Our team included Lucian Keegel who jelped us out with the BBQ on the night (see left).
LAST CLUB MEETING
Our speaker at the last meeting was our very own Deana Atkins. Her presentation moved many who heard her experiences and the motivations that she was encouraging all of us to adopt were inspirational. Her presentation on "Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone" was popularly endorsed and enjoyed, as well as being challenging for all present on the night. Thank you Deana.
LATEST NEWS …
1. DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO ...
Rotary Garden Care for April - Marilyn
Monday 27th April - No General Club Meeting, replaced by Barefoot Bowls.
Friday 1st May - Ori Raffle night
Wednesday 6th May - Men's Morning Tea
Saturday 16th May - Norman Lindsay Vintage Fair, Parking and BBQ
Saturday 23rd May - Next Bunnings BBQ
Monday 29th June - Club Changeover at the Sports Club
2. BAREFOOT BOWLS
A fun evening of Barefoot Bowls is planned for the 27th April from 5pm till 7pm, at the Sports club, and with dinner to follow. The cost is members $15.00, and $16.50 for non- members, payable at Reception prior to playing.
Please bring your selves and family along for a different Monday night meeting, and let me know if you are attending.
Thank you
Valda Bray
mbl 0414974686
3. WEBINAR: FALLS PREVENTION ALLIANCE AUSTRALIA – LOOKING BACK ON THE FIRST 6 MONTHS
This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Falls Prevention Alliance Australia’s progress over its first six months, highlighting key achievements, milestones, and the impact of our collective efforts to date. We will also outline our strategic priorities moving forward, including upcoming initiatives and opportunities for continued collaboration.
The session will feature a panel discussion with Alliance representatives, offering insights into engagement with government, reflections on recent policy activities, and a forward-looking conversation on shared priorities and advocacy efforts to strengthen falls prevention across Australia. There will be an opportunity to participate via polls and Q&A.
We look forward to celebrating the alliance with you.
Rachel Pagitz
Public image Director
4. OUR "VERY OWN" AUTHOR - JENNY KROONSTUIVER
As you may be aware, Jenny is a past member who has moved to Cairns to be with several members of her family. Her latest book is called "Last Coach to Quartz Hill".
You can order a copy of this book from Valda Bray who will receive and distribute the books to those who order one.
Cost is Hard Cover - $56.60
Paperback - $29.70
Kindle - $6.00
For Jenny to get the full price of her book, please order through Valda.
You can also look at Jenny's new website by clicking on the image below:
5. ANZAC DAY IN SPRINGWOOD
Anzac Day on 25TH April is a national day of remembrance and commemoration. This solemn day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Anzac Day commemorations, services and events take place throughout Australia. The Springwood RSL Sub-Branch is conducting their annual Anzac Day March and Service. The Dawn Service will occur 6-6.30am at the War Memorial in Buckland Park, Springwood.
The Anzac Day March will occur 10.15-10.55am, concluding with a service until 11.45am at the War Memorial in Buckland Park, Springwood.
Air Commodore Bruce Wood from The Rotary Club of Springwood will be representing us and laying a wreath on our behalf.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT RE TWO-UP ON ANZAC DAY
Unfortunately the Two-Up planned to be held at the FirePit on Anzac Day has had to be cancelled.
STORIES FROM ROTARY...
1. WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK IS 24-30 APRIL!
World Immunization Week is 24-30 April! Here are
some resources your club can use to mark this important week in public health:
Decide who you're sending or bringing to the Graduation Lunch on Sunday 14th June and Book in for this with this form.
When: Applications are due NOW - Camp 12-14th June 2026.
Where: Our camp will again be in the wonderful Katoomba Convention Center
How much: $400 per participant for
Why: RYPEN offers a connection that many young people are missing today, genuine connection, friendship and growth happen over the weekend in a condensed and rich format which leaves our young people nurtured, transformed and inspired.
2025 Participants' feedback:
"Keep doing the camp."
"Make it longer!"
"It was awesome, don't want to leave"
"Overall, my favourite camp that I have ever been on. Loved meeting everyone and making new friends. It felt refreshing that I did not need to act like someone in front of my friends out of camp and would be myself"
For almost a century, Rotary members have been using The Four-Way
Test as an ethical guide and moral compass. Herbert Taylor penned the test’s four questions in 1932 to help turn his company around during the Great Depression. In a blog post for Rotary 360, Haresh L. Ramchandani, chair of Rotary International’s Membership Growth Committee, breaks down the test’s four parts and tells why it’s still relevant.
4. THE 2026 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR FUNCTION
A message from PDG Susan Wakefield:
The 2026 Police Officer of the Year function will be held at Katoomba RSL on Wednesday 5th August 2026. This date is the most suitable for the Police and for the submission of Blue Mountains Command nominations to the state awards.
We have been successful in having the event approved under the club grants program. Thank you to PDG Ian Scott for arranging this.
The flyers calling for nominations have been created and I will forward one to you all for your information. The applications close on 15/6/26 for nominations during 2025.
5. THE ROAD TO MUDGEE 2027 CONFERENCE BEGINS!
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...
Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, they are not paid because they are priceless!
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.
