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)
Welcome to this weeks’ edition of the Springword, and what an amazing Monday evening meeting we are going to have, with two important events.
Firstly, we will be inducting our newest member, Bev Wasterson. Bev is known to you all as a very long standing friend of the Club and a very committed volunteer for our events over many, many years. Bev’s late husband Laurie was a stalwart of Rotary and our Club and is fondly remembered by us all. To now have Bev as a member is fantastic and continues the long association the Waterson family have had with the Club and Rotary.
We also have the honour of having District Governor, Michele Ellery as our guest and speaker and I’m so looking forward to hearing from her. Michele is passionate about our District and all that Rotary does to ‘do good in the world’. I was certainly inspired to read Michele’s District Governor’s message in the 2026 – 2027 directory where she started “…Rotary continues to evolve across our district and around the world, not by chance, but because ordinary people step forward to lead with courage, compassion and conviction…Rotary’s greatest strength has always lived within its members – in your ideas, your passion, and your steadfast commitment to Service Above Self…” We are extremely fortunate in our District to have such a dedicated and committed Governor leading us. I encourage you to not miss this opportunity to hear from Michele; and be inspired.
On Saturday, the weather gods were shining on us and delivered a perfect Autumn Day for the Norman Lindsay Gallery Vintage Fair. We manned our BBQ as well as looking after the parking, which is a double bonus fundraising wise. The public were out in droves, and it was a busy day for us as the only meal vendor. I’d like to thank, Bruce, Al, Frank, Pat & Alan Ainslie, Valda, Rachel, Sheryn, Paul, Donna and Rob Hildon, Geoff, Susette and Marilyn. It was a true team effort, and we all had a great day of fellowship and comradery whilst flying the Rotary flag. Our next big day is Friday 29 May where we support the Blue Mountains Grammar School, Wentworth Falls with their annual Athletics Carnival. Please think about being there to raise funds; demonstrate Rotary in action and assist the school and children. To date we have a number of volunteers, but four (4) more willing helpers will make all the difference.
We have a ‘new Australian’ in our Club with our Community Director, Johannes Brockhaus having become an Australian citizen this Saturday 16 May. It is only recently Germany has allowed for dual citizenship, so it’s wonderful after so many years in Australia that Johannes can now official call himself Australian! Congratulations Johannes.
A photo of Johannes with his citizenship certificate. He was accompanied by our friends Mark and Lauren Hamilton and their baby.
Finally, a thank you to those that have extended their best wishes for a speedy recovery for my daughter Helen. Marilyn mentioned to you last week that Helen had fracture her leg/ankle, and to date she is still in hospital waiting on the remedial surgery (currently too much swelling to allow for further surgery and the final pinning and plating). Again, thanks for your well wishes.
Please see the below events that we need your assistance with this month:
Friday 29 May – BMG School Athletics Carnival 10 -12 people required
On Monday, 4th May, Our guest speaker was Susan Templement MP, our Federal member.
Her presentation was about her recent trip to Papua New Guinea. During the trip she learnt many things about the activities being undertaken in New Guinea by Rotarians. One of these programs was "Rotarians Against Malaria" - RAM. The impact of Rotarians Against Malaria (PNG) is unparalleled, malaria being reduced, for example, by up to 80% and 90% in highlands and Southern Regions respectively from 2009 to 2014. It is an ongoing program with outstanding results.
Susan also saw evidence of Rotarians building houses; developing water and sanitation projects; and educating young people, all significant focus area within Rotary.
The presentation was uplifting and all appreciated that Susan came to tell us about what Rotarians are doing in one area of Oceania. A huge thank you to Susan.
Valda Bray introduced Susan to our Club.
Geoff Glassock thanked Susanfor her excellent presentation
LATEST NEWS …
1. MORE DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO ...
Rotary Garden Care for May - Rachel
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. OUR EPIC DAY OF SERVICE, 16th MAY 2026
Our epic day of service was a community event held at the Norman Lindsay Gallery. The Norman Lindsay Vintage Fair is an annual event and proved to be an amazing success for us. We supplied the food for the Fair, and the coffee van staff were run off their feet. The day itself was just a gorgeous autumn day in the mountains. The number of people who attended, fully dressed in vintage clothing was something to behold. The classic cars were great contributors to that vintage feeling for the day. Here are some photos of the event and our financially successful barbecue and raffle ticket sales.
The photos abopve show our parking specialists who did a fantastic job of getting all of the visitors parked carefully.
They also show one member
who was conned into psoing with opne of the guests in her special outfit.
They also show the hard working chefs and servers at the barbecue, and Valda Bray who diligently sold many raffle tickets on the day.
A very happy Epic Day of Service
3. OUR CLUB CHANGEOVER
Following is the invitation for our Club Changeover. this will be a great culmination of what has been a impressive year. We really hope that all of you can attend.
Please note that when you click on "Pay by Cheque" in the last step of your registration, you do not pay by cheque. Pay by direct deposit as instructed in the confirmation of your registration which is emailed to you. Please notify Deana Atkins (deanajatkins@gmail.com) that you have paid, or you can wait for Deana to invoice you. Any problems, please contact Marilyn Kenney (ckenney@bigpond.net.au)
4. THE FUNERAL OF DAWN HARRIS
The funeral service for the Late Dawn Harris was held on Thursday 4th May at Leura Memorial Gardens. I represented the Rotary club of Springwood at the funeral service for Dawn Harris. Dawn was the widow of the much loved Joe, who was a very active Rotarian of many years standing. Dawn was a very supportive Rotary wife, a dedicated and proud Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother. Lynda Sparkes, who was a good friend of Dawn's family also attended. The family was pleased we were represented.
Valda Bray
5. THE PUSH-UP CHALLENGE
The Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise member Bill Pixton, is keen to do the Push Up Challenge again this year and would like to put together a Blue Mountains Rotary Team.
Below is the link to the challenge and some key points from Bill. This is an important Mental Health fundraiser, so hopefully we can encourage at least 2 to 3 members from our club to sign up.
I would preferably like to enter as a Rotary team, eg "Blue Mountains Rotarians" and maybe get 2-3 members from each Club. With our Club and Greater Blue, Springwood and Lower Blue that would give us a team of about 10.
We would channel our funds to Headspace Katoomba (and Penrith if applicable)
We will adopt an exercise program commensurate with our members health and mobility. We do not have to do push ups but alternative gentle exercises are fine. Walking and cycling are also possible.
Entry is free but the expectation is that you will, by your efforts, get support from the community, family and friends.
Hopefully our Rotary Clubs will provide additional encouragement and support.
Most of the promotion will be on the app and social media and you will be part of that.
I am available to talk to other Clubs about the program.
There is a lot of prework to do before June so the sooner we can chat the better.
Rotary International has published artificial intelligence (AI) guidelines for members to help you use AI tools responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with Rotary’s mission and values. Just click on each of the following links: AI guidelinesAI FAQ
2. LEARN ABOUT ROTARY'S KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES
(Click on the image below)
3. LEARN HOW TO ACTIVATE ROTARY'S ACTION PLAN
Learn how Rotary's Action Plan can help your club increase its impact, expand its reach,
better engage its members, and keep adapting to a changing world.
Our research shows that clubs that develop and follow a strategic plan are stronger than clubs that don't. Their members are more satisfied and view their clubs and Rotary more positively.
4. THE ROTARY CLUB OF LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS CHANGEOVER
Click on the image below to register, or use the QR Code.
5. DISTRICT 9685 CHANGEOVER CELEBRATION AND AWARDS EVENT
6. 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...
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
What is our Public Image?
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.
