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
What a fantastic Saturday a number of Club members and our wonderful friends had at the Euroka pre-school’s 40th anniversary. It was very much a carnival type atmosphere, with lots of dress-ups, face painting, cake stalls and loads and loads of happy, smiling children with cheerful parents in tow.
We set up around 9.15am, with our ever obliging Rachel towing the BBQ trailer in, it was set up quickly by all our 1st shift (Liz, Paul and Allison Tapulska, Rachel, Geoff, Marilyn and Colin) were willing and experienced workers. By 10am we served our first sausage sizzle and then the steady flow of hungry kids and parents really never let up. We had a couple of periods where we had them lined up, but the super-efficient servers never let it get out of hand and all were served perfectly cooked sausages firstly by Paul Tapuska and Bruce and then on the 2nd shift by Alan Ainslie. Helpers on the second shift included Rosa Sage and Pat Ainslie.
Whilst its always great to be out in our community showing Rotary at work, it’s always wonderful when that is coupled by a good financial outcome. The final figures on this are still to be finalised, but I know it has been one of our more successful events in recent weeks.
This was part of the first shift team. Bruce and Deborah Wood were also part of this shift, and many thanks to them for all of their help.
On the second shift, Alan Ainslie took over the cooking, and Pat and Rosa took over the role of servers.
President Liz and Geoff Glassock remained on duty all day.
So, thank you to the team of Rachel, Bruce and Deborah Wood, Pat and Alan Ainslie, Roza Sage, Marilyn and Colin Kenney, Geoff Glassock and the amazing friends of the Club, Paul and Alison Tapuska. I can’t forget Jerome who also made the trek down the mountain post event with Rachel to pick up the trailer and safely deliver it back to Springwood. My heartfelt thanks to you all.
I’d like to thank Marilyn for chairing last Monday’s meeting, by all accounts I missed a fantastic night with Marilyn more than ably managing the evening and an a super informative presentation by Al Kellaway.
This week we are not at our usual venue, with Bronwyn having organised a visit to the Winmalee Rural Fire Station on Hawkesbury Rd, Winmalee. It going to be another fantastic evening that will be both informative in relation to the work of the Rural Fire Service and a good night for some casual fellowship. I hope to make it back from Mudgee on time to be there, otherwise I again leave you in the very capable hands of Marilyn.
We end our week on a really high note with Halloween on Friday 31st. Deana and Shannon Aitkins host a legionary Halloween party each year and I know a number of members have previously attended. Our Club will be doing the food and it’s a great opportunity to serve our Club and the community at the same time, whilst also enjoying all the fun that Halloween is. Deana has invited us all to be there and I do hope as many members and friends of the Club will take this opportunity to come together on the night where according to the Celtic festival of Samhain – ‘ghosts and spirits are believed to be abroad’
Until Friday, take care….Liz
Liz Roberts
President 2025-2026
The Rotary Club of Springwood
YOUTH SERVICE PORTFOLIO
1. MEAL FROM THE HEART, FRIDAY 7TH NOVEMBER
we really need more helpers for Meals from the Heart on Friday 7th November. I currently have 3 volunteers & need at least 10. I understand we will have a few members away on the day but if you can get back to me by Weds 29th as to whether you can help, I can then try to round up a few friends and/or our Youth Alumni.
Details are:
Fri 7th Nov, starting at 3:30pm
Ronald McDonald House Westmead
Transport - car pooling
Requirements: Need to be able to stand for 3+ hours to prepare, cok & serve dinner to the families staying at Ronald McDonald House
2. BREAKFAST CLUB SPRINGWOOD HIGH
We were back at Springwood High this week, supporting MYST with Breakfast Club.
On Monday afternoon, Bronwyn & Deborah worked together with Javi from MYST to ensure there were sandwiches ready for us to cook on Tuesday.
We were then spoilt Tuesday morning in being able to use the industrial kitchens. The HSC exams are currently on in the school hall so we weren't able to use our usual spot there. The change of location didn't deter the students & they were rewarded with lots of tasty toasties, pastries, muffins & juice. You can see Grace from MYST happily displaying the tasty treats!
Many thanks to Bronwyn, Deborah & Bev for helping make this happen.
Some photos of the MYST breakfast at Springwood HS
on Tuesday of last week.
3. MESSAGE FROM OUR EXCHANGE STUDENT ADDY QUICKE
I've had a few emails back & forth with Addy, our Youth Exchange student, over the past few weeks. She went on a school trip organised by her English teacher to London & Ireland in September. She had a great time on her trip but wasn't able to have the meat pie she was looking forward to. She did manage to enjoy a couple of sausage rolls & some chai tea though, things they don't have in Czechia. The photo of her holding the lamb was one she sent through from her trip to Ireland.
In regards to life in Czechia, she says she has a nice group of friends & recently celebrated her birthday with some of them, going out for lunch & bowling. She's reported that she is still finding the language difficult to pronounce but it is "do-able" and she describes the towns & cities as feeling small & cute.
It doesn't sound like she has a great deal to do with her Rotary club but she was involved with the orientation for the new inbound exchange students for Czechia & Slovakia. The group photo attached is from this orientation.
Addy is now with her fourth host family & her exchange year is flying by. Valda & I are going to organise a small Christmas package to send over to Addy. If anyone has any suggestions on what to include, please speak with one of us.
Addy's email address is : Ariadne Quicke <ariadneartemisqwerty@gmail.com>
Thanks,
Sheryn
TRAIN RIDE TO END POLIO, FRIDAY 24TH OCTOBER
What an event. A large group of Rotarians from Springwood, Lower Blue Mountains, Pnerith and Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise gathered on Emu Plains station to meet the train when it arrived at 10.38am and stayed for 10 minutes. A large group of Rotarians from D9685 and D9675 were riding the train and exited the train for the 10 minutes for photos and exchanges of pleasantries. We want to thank the Rotarians from Springwood who went down to Emu Plains, and all enjoyed the event.
After 18 hours and 1 minute the incredible team of 10 Rotarians from Sydney and Aukland were able to get off the train for the last time for the day. The event raised over $100 000 during the day through donations to the End Polio fund of the Rotary Foundation.
LATEST NEWS …
1. DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO...
On Monday 27th October, we have a Club visit to the Rural Fire Brigade for a tour, a talk and a meal. We need to be there by 6.30pm.
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 AMENDED 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 10.30am on Friday 31st October at Springwood cemetery and then there will be service of remembrance at 11.30am at Springwood Uniting Church. Everyone is welcome to stay for light refreshments after to share their stories about Bill.
3. RIDING FOR THE DISABLED HORSES AND HIGH TEA
This was held on Sunday afternoon and attended by President Liz Roberts, Valda Bray and Robin Ingram. Also attending was Pamela Noal. A lovely afternoon for all.
4. 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
5. THE LEARNING CENTRE
2024-25 was a big year for Rotary’s Learning Center. Here are five highlights:
We launched a new mobile app, RotaryLearn. It has already been downloaded by over 16,000 users.
Course completions increased by 23%.
More clubs are signing in to the Learning Center. At the end of 2025-25, 64% of clubs had at least one person who was using the Learning Center.
More club officers took their required courses. Course completions by Rotaract club officers rose by 40%, and completions by Rotary club officers rose by 11%.
Learners found the content relevant and felt confident applying what they learned. Among members who completed course evaluations, 92% said they learned something new.
It’s a great time to continue learning. Download the course catalog for Rotary’s Learning Center to discover what’s new and what’s been updated.
Do you prefer to learn on your smartphone? You can take Learning Center courses on our new mobile app, RotaryLearn!
Download Rotary Learning Center from your app store.
Open the app and enter the same username and password you use for My Rotary.
6.ACTION PLAN ENGAGEMENT, MEMBERSHIP GROWTH OFTEN GO TOGETHER
Some of the regions where membership is growing the most are Africa and the Middle East, India, and Central and Southeast Asia. Those are also some of the places where the Action Plan is being used the most, according to survey data.
Get your club in on the action. Explore the Action Plan through our new videos and discussion guides. Just pick a priority (impact, reach, engagement, or adapting), watch the video, and start a conversation using the guide. It’s an easy, meaningful way to bring strategy to life, not to mention a handy backup when a speaker cancels or you need a last-minute meeting idea.
7. DESTINY RESCUE MONTHLY REPORT (AUGUST)
Together, we made incredible progress in August.
384 people were rescued!
Your compassion and continued support helped 384 individuals step into freedom last month. Every number represents a precious life transformed. Thank you for helping make freedom, restoration and hope possible. 🧡
GLOBAL OUTCOMES FOR AUGUST 2025*
261 Children rescued
(209 girls & 52 boys)
123 Adults rescued
(Aged over 18+)
8 Raids
(5 offenders arrested)
Note:As rescue data is verified throughout the year, final totals may increase and are published in our Annual Report.
8. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK...
They say you can’t change the world in a day but Rotarians world-wide give it a pretty darned good try.
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.
