June is designated Rotary Fellowships Month to recognize the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar recreational and vocational interests, promote increased participation in fellowships, and increase understanding of this program.
What are the benefits for Rotarians in joining the Rotary Fellowships? Fellowship provides opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting friendships outside their own Club, District or country. There are many Fellowships that would be of interest to our members, and they are detailed on https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
President's Report
Welcome to this weeks’ edition of the Springword, as we draw close to the completion of this Rotary year. I would encourage any member or friend of the Club who has not registered for the Changeover next Monday 29 June, to do so ASAP. The Changeover is an important event in the Rotary calendar and allows the Club to look over what has been achieved in the previous 12 months and to look with some enthusiasm to the year ahead.
You can register by using the link below in this edition of the newsletter or if you have an issue with the link, just email Marilyn ckenney@bigpond.net.au and she will register you and advise Deana to send you an invoice. I look forward to seeing you on the night.
We have had a change in the meeting schedule for this Monday 22 June and Geoff Glassock has organised the events for the evening, with him promising a bit of change of pace with some interesting proceedings. I am sure it is going to be both an interesting and enjoyable evening so please try to make it.
On Saturday, Marilyn, Geoff and I attended the Greater Blue Mountains Changeover luncheon at the Grand View, Wentworth Falls. It was a lovely, friendly event where we were able to catch up with other local Rotarians and celebrate with them their achievements for the year. We needed to cut short our attendance to make a quick dash to the Foundation event at Baulkham Hills. The event was hosted by Niranjan Deodhar, the District Foundation Chair; with Niranjan explaining how each Club can make better use of what the Foundation has to offer them. It certainly provided some food for thought for our incoming Club committee.
Then on Sunday, we hosted the BBQ sausage sizzle at the Glenbrook National Park, Running Wild event. The 500 odd mountain bikers and runners made their way from Woodford to Glenbrook, via the Oaks fire trails located within the park. It is a challenging event for both riders and runners over a 25 kilometre trail that takes in some really beautiful bushland. I do not think the riders were able to take in much of scenery but a few of the runners stated how lovely it was to run through this natural parkland. I also enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with a couple of previous road racers from my days of involvement with the Penrith Cycling Club and to see them now participating in this discipline. The Running Wild team are always a real joy to work with as are the participants who are happy to receive a well-cooked sausage at the end of the trail. A big thank you is owed to Deana for two days of BBQ trailer towing, Joe who worked non-stop at the BBQ plate and produced mountains of mouthwatering sausages and onions. Johannes managed the Square and general GOFOR jobs with his usual happy demeaner and usefulness. Warrick was on the drinks and acted as a ‘welcomer’ to all, with me and the ever efficient Bronwyn on the serving. serving. We finished off the day with our wonderful friends of the Club Roger and Margaret Bowen coming along to do a fantastic job with the trailer pack up; they really made a difference and we were pleased to see them and be introduced to the two Japanese runners they were supporting as participants in this event, as part of the Blue Mts City Council sister city relationship with Sanda City, Japan. It was a good day all round from both a fundraising perspective as well as flying the Rotary flag out in our community.
Next Saturday we are at Bunning with Johannes at the helm and a team of willing helpers, who I would like to thank for putting their hands up so quickly to cover this event.
Do you want a chance of winning your share of $5,000, then do not forget your 5 for 5 Raffle tickets - for any members who have not already picked up their books of raffle tickets please see Valda at our next meeting or contact her on 0414 974 686 or valdabray@hotmail.com
Please see the below events that we need your assistance with over the next 5 weeks, it is super easy to register your ability to assist by emailing the noted contact person.
Wednesday 8 July – BMCC Youth Day Out at the Hub 6 people required,
Saturday 27th June - District Changeover, Wenty leagues Club
Monday 29th June - Club Changeover at the Sports Club
2. CLUB MEETING ON MONDAY 15th JUNE
At our last meeting (Monday 1 June, 6.30pm for 7pm) we had a presentation by Melissa Stewart McSeverny. Melissa spoke passionately about “Running Wild”, its History, the events it has organised both now and in the past, and the benefits Melissa believes this brings to the Blue Mountains and the running community in particular. This was a very enjoyable evening and Melissa was very knowledgeable about the running events in thje Blue Mountains
Melissa was introduced by Bronwyn Berriman
Melissa Stewart McSeverny
Melissa was thanked by Treasurer Bill Bowler
3. REPORT FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF WARNERS BAY ON THE MHER VAN
On behalf of the MHERV Team, I am writing to thank the Rotary Club of Springwood for hosting the 2 days of clinics held by the MHERV Nurse in June. We appreciate the time and effort that was put in to do the planning needed for the visit, choosing the location, which has always worked well, setting up a roster of helpers to greet people at the reception, arranging accommodation for Kath the RN, and Craig and also distributing the Publicity we provided.
Word is spreading even further now, and we are continuing to have extra requests from more towns to host the van. June completes our schedule for Tour 1 of 2026, and we have averaged testing 40 people per day. Thank you also for helping spread the message in your community that:- “Just a 5-to-10-minute investment of time can save your own, or the life of someone you love”. Below are the Clinic statistics for the testing done when you hosted the MHERV visit this year.
(Just a reminder that:
Category 1 means – “no concerns today but continue having regular check-up with your GP”.
Category 2 means – “the tests identified an issue. Follow up with your GP for treatment within a week”
Category 3 means – “Seek medical advice Immediately”)
The MHERV Team will keep in touch, and we look forward to the possibility of working with your Club members again next time Springwood is included in our Tour Schedule.
Kind regards, and thanks again on behalf of the whole MHERV team.
Susanne Thompson (PHF, JP)
MHERV Operations Manager
STORIES FROM ROTARY...
1. THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
From powerful performances and speakers to global service commitments, more than 38,000 people celebrate Rotary’s global spirit
By Wen Huang Photos by Monika Lozinska and Kristen Wei
The Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan, ended on a high note as singer Leona Lewis brought thousands of attendees to their feet with a stirring performance that included the resilience anthem “Fire Under My Feet” during the closing ceremony on 17 June.
Taipei’s warm hospitality was on full display as hundreds of Rotary volunteers formed a human corridor outside the venue, greeting departing attendees with cheers and celebratory gestures. Many people stopped to take selfies and exchange farewells before heading home.
The four-day event attracted more than 38,000 people from 140 countries and regions, making it one of Rotary’s largest conventions in recent years.
Click on the image above to learn more about the International Convention. When there, scroll down right to the end to read about the Convention, explore the convention coverage, learn about everything that happened at the 2026 convention on our social media channels, and some of the speeches and reports.
2. NEW ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS CREATE GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Posted on
June is Fellowships Month in the family of Rotary. Rotary Fellowships are global, member-led groups that bring people together around shared interests – whether that’s a common hobby, profession, or identity. Explore some of the newest Fellowships, covering topics from agriculture and farming, rums of the world, fitness and wellness, and a passion for the sea.
3. 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...
So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable,
and then, when we summon the will, they become inevitable.
Christopher Reeve
... and now for something different (again!)...
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.
