OCTOBER IS ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH
Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable, and long-term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods by:
1. Building the capacity of entrepreneurs, community leaders, local organisations, and community networks to support economic development in impoverished communities;
2. Developing opportunities for productive work;
3. Reducing poverty in under-served communities;
4. Supporting studies for career-minded professionals related to economic and community development.
President's Report
It’s been a busy week for our Club with two Community events this weekend.
Firstly, we had the Wine and Jazz Festival at the Norman Lindsay Galley on Saturday. Whilst this event was somewhat disappointing in relation to the numbers that turned up and their purchases at our BBQ, a pleasant day was spent by those that volunteered. The slow pace allowed for quite a bit of conversation which is something we don’t always get the opportunity to enjoy.
I’d like to thank the friends of our Club who gave of their valuable time – Paul and Alison Tapuska, Annette Brown, Nyree Waterson & Roger and Margaret Bowen – we are indebted to them and we really couldn’t have held the event without them. We also had our Rotarians there and I’m grateful to Al, Sheryn, Valda, Geoff, Paul, Roza & Margaret Bell, plus pre and post event Bill, Bruce, Warwick and Deana.
On Sunday Bruce, Deborah, Roger and Margaret Bowen front up for the Running Wild event at Glenbrook. This is a big day for all concerned. The efforts of Bill and Bruce in the quick organisation of this event was spectacular and again I’m grateful to them for their resourcefulness in pulling this all together. As always, the BBQ trailer needs to get to and from each event and we are in Deana’s debt for picking the trailer up on Saturday arvo and getting it to Glenbrook. I look forward to reading Bruce’s report on this event and I feel sure it is going to be a real success on a number of levels.
I know all Club members will let out a sigh of relief when I say we only have one more BBQ that involves the trailer in the coming weeks/months. We are at the Euroka Pre-School at Blaxland next Saturday for their 40th anniversary celebration. I will be sending out a call for a few volunteers for that day and I hope I haven’t exhausted my good will with too many of you and we can make this another great day where we assist our community once again and demonstrate the very best of Rotary and Rotarians. As always, the funds raised from supporting events such as this will make a real difference in the lives of the people and organisations’ we provide funding for throughout the year. I’m always amazed by the news and information we receive back and the incredible impact the work we do at Club level has in so many places - locally in our own community, nationally and internationally.
It is with a great deal of sadness that I note the passing of long term Club member Bill Clague. Bill was a real champion of Rotary and gave an enormous amount to our Club, and its members. Bill’s life was very much one of service both to our Club and a number of other organisations and causes. Bill joined The Rotary Club of Springwood in January 1986 and served in a number of roles including President. In more recent years the Club was pleased to have Bill continue his association with the Club as an honorary member. I know I join all members and friends of our Club in extending our sympathy to Margaret and family. Details as to funeral arrangements will be provided in the near future.
In closing please don’t forget the Train Ride to End Polio this Friday 24 October. See the timetable include below. Members of our Club will be at Emu Pains railway station to show their support. I’m sorry a family commitment will not allow me to be there but I know there will be a great turnout at the station with the message of ‘End Polio Now’ being heard loud and clear – we are almost there!
Also, my apologies for Mondays meeting, again my family commitments are keeping me well occupied at present.
Liz Roberts
President 2025-2026
The Rotary Club of Springwood
YOUTH SERVICE PORTFOLIO
It's time to head back to Ronald McDonald House for Meals From The Heart (MFTH). With Adam away enjoying the caravanning life, I have offered to coordinate our next visit. As I work Thursday nights & am not able to be there, we have changed the date to FRIDAY 7th November. Sorry to anyone this change of date may exclude.
Being that this is just under 3 weeks away, I'm looking for approx 10 volunteers to spend a fun filled evening preparing, cooking & serving dinner to the children & families staying in Ronald McDonald House. We will need to be there about 3:30pm, usually serve dinner around 6pm & then will be able to enjoy the meal we serve (last time it was delicious!).
You will need to be able to stand for 3+ hours and if you have any flu-like symptoms on the day we will need you to graciously bow out. I'll organise some car-pooling once we have volunteers sorted out.
I've only been to one MFTH before so please bear with me as I work this out. Having said that, the evening I helped was one of my Rotary highlights for this year so I'm really looking forward to it. Hoping to see you there,
Thanks,
Sheryn
NORMAN LINDSAY GALLEY (NLG) WINE & JAZZ FESTIVAL
I just wanted to offer each and every one of you my heart-felt thanks for all your efforts today at the NLG.
I don’t have to tell any of you that it was an extremely slow day with the overall takings not being great. Having said this I certainly enjoyed my time with each of you and the opportunity the slower pace allowed for a lot of pleasurable conversations.
I had a post event conversation with the NLG organiser and she was disappointed by the attendance and a little apologetic about the fact the event wasn’t a financial success for any of the stall holders.
Again, thank you for your willingness to be part of this event, I remain grateful.
Cheers Liz
ORI BBQ FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER
Friday 3 October was the ORI BBQ and Raffle and it was run in conjunction with the ‘soft’ opening of the new ORI Bistro. By ‘soft’ the ORI management cranked up the kitchen and their new menu and were serving food to patrons seated outside in the beer garden and in the bar. Our team consisted of Deborah, Sheryn, Lynda and moi. After a slow start because the sausages were absent we began cooking and Deborah and Sheryn began selling tickets at about 6pm. The raffle prize was a tomahawk steak of about 1.2kg and was a very popular prize. While the crowd was not large, probably due to the school holidays and the long weekend,, the Ladies did a wonderful job of coercing the patrons into buying tickets and our takings for the night were a few cents over $328 including $28 in donations. Meanwhile, Lynda and I managed to give away all the sausages. I should add that Deana and Shannon pitched in to give a hand setting up. We had dinner after the raffle draw and we can recommend the breaded mushrooms and the pork knuckle. The photograph is my tired but successful team enjoying a well earned drink and supper.
Thanks and Kind regards
Bruce Wood
GLENBROOK MARATHON - SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER
The Running Wild event held on Sunday 19th of October was put together at the last minute but worked very well. Accolades to Chris, the GM of IGA, who pulled out all stops to get us 300 sausages in short order, to Deborah and our neighbours, Narelle and Adrian who said, ‘you can’t do a BBQ for 380 people by yourself, we’ll come down and help’, and to Margaret and Roger Bowen who backed up after Norman Lindsay’s event to also come down and help. We must not forget Deana who delivered the BBQ Trailer to Euroka (Nioka Camping Ground) by herself – thanks very much Deana. We arrived at the registration area for the marathon at 8.45 am after the runners had departed, and set up our service site. The Running Wild organisers were very pleased to see us and very welcoming. Adrian tended the BBQ and was a very adept cook, Margaret arrived, and we were more than ready as the first runners crossed the line at 10am. The day initially was quite comfortable but then the clouds disappeared and it became very hot – Roger had arrived so up went the Gazebo. However, for a couple hours, until a breeze sprang up, it was most uncomfortable. We all felt for the runners who crossed the line very tired and dehydrated but happy they had completed such a gruelling competition..
All in all it was a very convivial day with all working seamlessly and with great humour – after pack up Roger towed our versatile BBQ Trailer back to Bill’s. Thank you very much Deborah, Narelle, Adrian (Stowie), Margaret and Roger for the Mission Accomplished. Bill has crunched the numbers and the result for the day was $162 (cash sales from spectators and supporters) and $350 service fee which added up to $512 profit. Our profit would have been more but there was no mobile coverage so our Square could not be utilised.
Cheers Bruce Wood
With its fair share of beautiful single and fire trails, the Glenbrook Trail Marathon is a true trail running experience.
LATEST NEWS …
1. DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO...
Next Club Meeting 20th October. Guest Speaker - Al Kellaway on ShelterBox
Euroka Pre School 40th birthday - BBQ by our Club - Saturday 25th October, 10am to 2pm
Ride the Train to End Polio, 2h4th October at Emu Plains station from 11.38am to 11.48am
Ronald McDonald Meal from the Heart, Friday 7th November
Board Meeting 10th November. No General Meeting on the 10th, but non-Board members are welcome to join us while we hold our meeting.
Bunnings BBQ Saturday 15th November
2. THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BILL CLAGUE
The notice for the arrangements for the Funeral and
Church Service for our Past President and Member and Honorary Member, Bill Clague, are as follows:
The burial will be at 10am on Friday 31st October at Springwood cemetery and then there will be service of remembrance at 11am at Springwood Uniting Church. Everyone is welcome to stay for light refreshments after to share their stories about Bill.
I was wondering if there was anyone who might be willing to say something short at the church service about Bill and his involvement in Rotary over the years. There will not be a lot of time, but a short speech would be welcome as Bill’s Rotary involvement meant so much to him.
Warm regards,
Margaret
3. PENRITH ROTARY CLUB IS CELEBRATING ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY
Good afternoon, dear friends and fellow Rotarians,
We are delighted to share that Penrith Rotary Club is celebrating its 80th Anniversary on Saturday 8th November (not Friday, like in my previous email), at the Penrith RSL, in their beautifully renovated event spaces.
This is a special milestone for our club, and we would be honoured to have you join us as we celebrate eight decades of service, fellowship, and community.
You’ll find the official invitation below, along with a TryBooking QR Code to purchase your tickets.
We truly hope to see you there!
Warm regards, Joh Dickens
4. WORLD POLIO DAY
Take action for World Polio Day on 24 October
For decades, Rotary members have joined forces with governments, nongovernmental organizations, and local communities to fight polio. We’ve made incredible progress, but the mission isn’t over yet.
This powerful video (available in English with automatically generated captions in additional languages) shows why our commitment is more critical than ever.
As World Polio Day approaches, a new Rotary Service in Action blog post details the challenges we face, explains how supporting polio eradication promotes peace, and offers simple ways your club can take action through fundraising, education, and advocacy.
Districts 9685 and 9675 are gearing up for the annual Polio Train Ride which will be held on World Polio Day - the 24th of October 2025. The Illawarra train ride will be held on the 23rd of October.
Where possible, donations of US$1,500 per club are being sought or whatever you are able to donate would be greatly appreciated and will make a significant impact.
Details for payments are
Club Donations : BSB 342 011 Account 523 370 001
Personal Donations: BSB 342 011 Account 663 499 001
To increase awareness about Rotary Global Polio Eradication Initiative, this year politicians are being invited to join the train ride by coming aboard at a station in their electorate and having their photo taken. See the attached list of politicians. Please feel free to follow up with your local members to see if they have received their invitation and if they are able to participate.
Action List for our Club
Commit the Club to donating $US 1,500 or whatever we can donate during October.
Encourage fellow members and others to support the campaign by
giving $1 per station
there are over 200 train and light rail stations in Sydney stations so $200 donation to show support would be amazing.
If you are not already Polio Plus Society members, this is the best way to become a member.
Invite our local members to join the train ride.
Put it in your diary: Thursday 24 October, get your Red END POLIO NOW Shirt from RDU Supplies and join the train ride to end Polio.
We need to know which clubs will be participating in the train ride, so please let us know whether you will be joining the train ride and at which station. Our Club usually meets the train with members from Lower Blue Mountains Club at Emu Plains Railway Station.
For anyone who has joined Rotary recently, one of the major projects Rotary International has committed to is to eradicate Polio through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. We are very fortunate to have a partnership with the Bill Gates Foundation which has just been extended for another 3 years. During this time the Bill Gates Foundation will donate US$2.00 for every US$1.00 we raise. We are close to the end with polio now in two countries- Afghanistan and Pakistan, however, if we don't eradicate polio, the risk is that within 10 years there could be 200,000 cases across the world including Australia.
Timetable for Train Ride
For The Rotary Club of Springwood, the times for the train arriving and lraving Emu Plains station is as follows. You can see that there is 10 minutes for the train at Emu Plains.
6. DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2026
Registration
Secure your spot and take advantage of early-bird pricing by registering before September 30, 2025. Some events have limited capacity, so we recommend booking early.
Join us in Newcastle to shape the future of Rotary—Together for Tomorrow.
7. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
At Rotary, our guiding principle is clear: Service Above Self. It’s more than a motto — it’s a mindset that was beautifully unpacked through the ASPIRE framework for ethical decision-making:
A – Alignment: staying true to our mission
S – Stakeholders: considering who we impact
P – Protection & Compliance: upholding transparency
I – Integrity: doing what’s right, not what’s easy
R – Review: reflecting and learning
E – Execute: putting values into action
8. ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Unite for good in Taipei City
Connect with Rotary members from around the world as we unite for good in Taipei City, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention, 13-17 June 2026.
The convention is a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be inspired in a vibrant city rich in culture, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights. This transformative event is your opportunity to renew relationships made at previous conventions, create new ones, and share with likeminded changemakers the exciting work that your club is doing.
The convention is our biggest event of the year! Learn more and register today at convention.rotary.org.
1. A LEGACY IN MINIATURE AND A LIFE-SAVING TREATMENT
In the lead-up to World Polio Day, Rotary and our partners in
the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have found different ways to highlight our decades-long commitment to ending polio. Rotary invited artists to create tiny scenes of significant moments in the global effort. See the mini artworks here. A new animated video tells the story of 12-year-old Vivi Ebert, who was paralyzed during a polio epidemic that swept through Copenhagen in August 1952. Ebert was the first to receive a revolutionary treatment that saved her life and that of countless others.
2. LINKS BRINGING HOPE TO THE DISPLACED: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT IN CAMBODIA
Click on the above image to read the full article.
Article by Aviv Palti, Foundation Director, Rotary Passport Melbourne — October 13, 2025
Rotary Passport Melbourne has been actively supporting a powerful grassroots initiative led by the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap (RACSR), in partnership with the Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST), to deliver humanitarian relief to communities affected by recent conflict near the Cambodia–Thailand border.
An article by Aviv Palti, Foundation Director, Rotary Passport Melbourne
3. FOUNDATION MOMENT
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.
