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
What a fantastic meeting was last Monday with the presentation by Belinda Erich and Donna Hildon speaking on ‘Working in the Funeral Industry’. Donna and Belinda also invited their sister Selina to attend with all three sisters focused on ensuring the final farewell a loved one receives is undertaken with care, compassion and empathy.
Having heard them speak they are certainly following in their mother, Yvonne’s steps who is fondly remembers by our Club as a dedicated and tireless worker who gave so much to our Club, our local community and her family.
Belinda and Donna’s presentation confirmed the significance of honouring a persons’ life in this final dedication and I know the comfort family and friends of the person receive when this is undertaken with thoughtful preparation and delivery.
We are fortunate as a Club to have these two wonderful ladies as members, serving our community on many levels.
Belinda and Donna were introduced by President Liz Roberts and thanked by Pat Ainslie.
This week we have a presentation by Professor Anne Tiedemann, speaking on ‘Healthy Ageing and Falls Prevention’. I had the pleasure of hearing Professor
Tiedemann speak at the most recent Wellness Day at Robin Ingrams, she is an engaging speaker who has a wealth of knowledge on many aspects of ageing well and preventing what can be life changing falls. I’m very much looking forward to hearing Professor Tiedemann on Monday.
As we move into June, I’m reminded that our Club and Rotary Clubs worldwide complete a Rotary year as of 30 June. Personally, it has been both a busy and fulfilling year. The Club has grown in membership with each of those new members showing a passion for serving our community. A vital and dynamic Rotary Club needs members who are enthusiastic about service and making that real difference in the world. These five new members join a team of others similarly focused, and it’s exciting to see what has already been achieved and what we can as a group of committed members accomplish in the 2026-2027 year.
Our Club will hold its Changeover on Monday 29 June and it’s an expectation that we will see all our members there to celebrate the year that was and welcome the new Rotary year and its committee. If you haven’t already registered via the link in this Bulletin, please do so ASAP. We hope that members will bring along their significant others to join in this celebratory event.
I would also invite members to come together and support our fellow mountains Club’s by attending their Changeovers. A number of members have already registered to attend.
Greater Blue Mountains Saturday 20 June – lunch meeting 12noon for 12.30pm.
Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise on Sunday 28 June - lunch 12noon to 3.30pm
Lower Blue Mountains on Tuesday 30 June – dinner 6.30pm for 7pm
Oh, what a night we had at the Fire Pit café on Saturday where we were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment by our own Deana Aitkins. Deana has an amazing voice coupled with the skill of a great delivery; she had the entire audience in the palm of her hand, and a wonderful night was had by all. The night was topped off by Deana and her family and friends celebrating her milestone birthday, truly an incredible evening for us all.
5 for 5 Raffle tickets - for any members who haven’t 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 Valda and company are putting in a mighty effort in selling tickets at Winmalee and Springwood Shopping Centres, but we also need all members to come onboard and assist with purchasing and selling. This is a major fund raiser for the Club and will allow us to continue on with the contributions we make to so many worthy causes.
Please see the below events that we need your assistance with this month:-
Friday 12 June – BMG School Athletics Carnival 10 -12 people required
A group of Rotary members, led by Kim Walden, created new section on the Zone 33/34 website that is dedicated to polio eradication with links to resources, guides, etc. It is a great example of how zone- and district-level communication channels, like a website, can make information and resources easily accessible for clubs in particular regions.
National Youth Science Forum Programs 2026-27 [View Newsletter]
From future doctors and STEM leaders to exciting new opportunities across Australia’s science community, this month’s newsletter is packed with stories of curiosity, ambition and impact. We’re celebrating the journeys of NYSF alumni, sharing important updates from across the STEM sector, and highlighting the programs, people and partnerships helping shape the next generation of innovators. Whether you’re discovering what’s possible in STEM for the first time or already carving out your own pathway, we hope this edition leaves you inspired for what comes next.
2026 NYSF SYDNEY STEM HUB
Registrations for the 2026 NYSF Sydney STEM Hub are closing soon.
From hands-on workshops to behind-the-scenes STEM experiences and connections with real industry professionals, the Sydney STEM Hub is your chance to explore where STEM could take you. The program is a non-residential experience, running from July 7 - 9 and will include visits with UNSW Sydney, Atlassian, ADF Careers, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and more! Registrations close 12 June, so don’t miss out! Register here!
2027 NYSF YEAR 12 PROGRAM
Applications for the 2027 NYSF Year 12 Program are officially in the final stretch. If you’re a Year 11 student (or know one!) curious about STEM, this is your chance to experience university life, meet like-minded young people from across Australia, and discover the incredible range of STEM careers out there. Applications close 24 June. Your future STEM adventure could start here. [Apply now!]
LATEST NEWS …
1. MORE DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO ...
Rotary Garden Care for June - Rachel
Monday 8th June - No club meeting (PUBLIC HOLIDAY)
Saturday 27th June - Next Bunnings BBQ
Saturday 27th June - District Changeover, Wenty leagues Club
Monday 29th June - Club Changeover at the Sports Club
2. CLUB MEETING ON MONDAY 1st JUNE
Just a reminder at this weeks’ meeting (Monday 1 June, 6.30pm for 7pm) we have a presentation by Professor Anne Tiedemann, on Healthy Ageing and Falls Prevention.
Professor Tiedemann is renowned for her academic research into heathy ageing and the benefits of scalable physical activity based strategies to promote health and prevent falls in middle to old age.
All that heard Prof Tiedemann at the most recent Wellness Day at Robin Ingrams were impressed by her ability to highlight her research findings in a succinct and easily understandable manner.
It promises to be a great night and I hope you can make it.
3. MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
A couple of our members celebrated birthdays last week. One turned 50, and the other had another OBE birthday. You will have to guess which one celebrated which birthday. Happy birthday ladies!!!
4. JENNY KROONSTUIVER'S LATEST BOOK CAN NOW BE PURCHASED THROUGH VALDA BRAY
Some people have alread ordered this vovel by Jenny. You can collect it from Valda.
The price is more reasonable than previously quoted if you purchase through Valda. You can get a paperback copy for $33 which includes the cost of postage.
All Jenny's books are well worth collecting and reading as thay celebrate historical stories about early Australia.
5. RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION (NSW) FUNDRAISER
Click on the image below to register by email.
6. OUR CLUB CHANGEOVER
Following is the invitation for our Club Changeover. this will be a great culmination of what has been an 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. Close the registration and wait for Deana to invoice you with the instructions for payment. In the meantime, you will receive an automated confirmation of your registration.
We're turning $5 into $5000! Raffle tickets on sale now - for your chance to win a share in $5000 prize pool it's only $5 bucks. You will see us out and about in the community, tickets are available from Springwood Garden Centre (216 Hawkesbury Road) or message us with how many tickets you'd like and our bank details will be provided. Please contact Marilyn Kenney 0404 041 325 to get tickets.
A maximum 2000 tickets will be sold and you have to be in it to win it.
Funds raised will go to our community projects locally, nationally and internationally. We are really proud of the funds we raise with your help and the meaningful change being delivered where it's needed.
STORIES FROM ROTARY...
1. NEW "END POLIO NOW" RESOURCE CENTRE
A group of Rotary members, led by Kim Walden, created new section on the Zone 33/34 website that is dedicated to polio eradication with links to resources, guides, etc. It is a great example of how zone- and district-level communication channels, like a website, can make information and resources easily accessible for clubs in particular regions.
2. JOIN US ONLINE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PRECY PEACOCKBA BABALOLA
Rotary District 9685 invites you to join us for a very special online event featuring an exclusive interview with Precy Peacockba Babalola — Barrister, Historian, Rotarian, YouTuber, Human Rights Advocate, and wife of Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola.
This promises to be an inspiring and insightful conversation as we explore leadership, service, advocacy, Rotary, and create lasting impact in communities around the world.
📅 Thursday, June 4th, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM AEST
💻 Live on Zoom
Meeting ID: 823 5219 5224
Passcode: 140524
Precy Peacockba Babalola brings an extraordinary perspective shaped by leadership, service, and a passion for empowering communities. This is a wonderful opportunity for Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends of Rotary to connect with a global Rotary leader and hear her inspiring story.
We encourage all clubs to share this invitation widely with members, Rotaractors, family, and friends. Let’s come together online as a district and show the strength, connection, and spirit of Rotary District 9685.
Create Lasting Impact.
3. SRI LANKAN BUFFET LUNCH
This is following up on what Paul Pixton advised us regarding a fund raising event that Greater Blue Mountains Rotary are hosting on Sunday 7 June (King’s Birthday long weekend) at the Blackheath Golf Club.
The meal is being prepared by Chef Chathun Parera and his team from GIA Restaurant in Leura. If you would like to enjoy beautiful Sri Lankan cuisine at a good price and at the same time support a good cause, check out the following flyer.
4. THE ROTARY CLUB OF GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS CHANGEOVER
Click on the image below to register, or use the QR Code.
5. THE ROTARY CLUB OF LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS CHANGEOVER
Click on the image below to register, or use the QR Code.
6. ROTARY CLUB OF UPPER BLUE MOUNTAINS SUNRISE CHANGEOVER
25 Years young – please dress as you were at 25 years old or 25 years ago.
On arrival you will be welcomed with a refreshment.
PAYMENT DETAILS
PLEASE PRE-PAY (details below) BY FRIDAY JUNE 5TH AS PAYMENT OPTIONS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY
The cost per person is $75.00. Please put your name (eg Smith June changeover, or Smith June) in the description area of your payment so we know you have paid.
UBMS MEMBERS
You can pay at one of our regular meetings with cash or credit card, or by bank transfer to the BSB & Account number below.
GUESTS
Please pay by bank transfer to the BSB & Account number below:
BSB: 633 000
Account: 164 261 976
If you have any queries please contact Ann Margulis at: ann.margulis@icloud.com
7. DISTRICT 9685 CHANGEOVER CELEBRATION AND AWARDS EVENT
What an incredible year it has been across Rotary District 9685!
From inspiring community projects and life-changing service initiatives to unforgettable fellowship and leadership, our clubs and members have once again shown the extraordinary impact of Rotary in action.
Now it’s time to come together and celebrate it all. You are warmly invited to attend the Rotary District 9685 Awards & Recognition Celebration Luncheon — a special afternoon dedicated to recognising the people, clubs and teams who have made this Rotary year so memorable.
Celebrate the achievements of our clubs and members Honour Rotary International, District and Club award recipients Recognise Paul Harris Fellows and outstanding service Thank our outgoing District leadership team Welcome our incoming District team as we continue the journey together Enjoy friendship, fellowship and fun with Rotarians from across the District
This is not just another luncheon — it is our opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate the passion, commitment and generosity that makes Rotary so special.
To Register for the District Celebration Luncheon [CLICK HERE]
Please RSVP by Friday, 12 June 2026
8. 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...
"If Rotary is to realize its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times, and revolutionary on occasions." — Paul Harris
... and now for something different ...
Singing for Animals Compilation
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.
Belinda and Donna were introduced by President Liz Roberts and thanked by Pat Ainslie.
Celebrate the achievements of our clubs and members
Honour Rotary International, District and Club award recipients
Recognise Paul Harris Fellows and outstanding service
Thank our outgoing District leadership team
Welcome our incoming District team as we continue the journey together
Enjoy friendship, fellowship and fun with Rotarians from across the District
