September is Basic Education and Literacy Month for Rotary. This is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. We all know how critical reading and writing are for success in life – for gaining information, communicating, making agreements, and so forth.
Enhancing Basic Education skills and Literacy are essential in reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. Improvements can reduce maternal death, improve childhood survivability, and reduce poverty. They can also enable success in business or a profession. Projects undertaken by a Rotary Club can address low adult literacy, returning youth to school, enhancing student performance, or supplementing limited school resources.
President's Report
My busy times continue this last week, with lots and lots of sorting and pricing for our Monster Garage Sale this coming Saturday 13 September. A very big thank you to members and friends for their donations to the event and to those that have committed to help with set up on Friday and to be there on the Saturday to – sell; sell; sell!
Another great speaker presentation last Monday by PDG Susan Wakefield OAM. Susan, the Chair of the District Youth Exchange Program gave a comprehensive overview and insight into the program with members asking a number of questions at the end of the session. The commitment made by this District committee and the many members and others that have supported this program over the years are commended. There is no doubt this is a valuable program that reaps benefits for both the incoming and outgoing students and the Clubs they are linked to during their exchange.
On Thursday night Bronwyn Berriman, Al Kellaway, Johannes Brockhaus, Warrick Harrison and myself attended the Father’s Day event at Bunnings Trade Centre. We provided a sausage sizzle to the attendees and were able to speak with a number of members of the public about the work of Rotary and ShelterBox. Al having just attended the 3 day ShelterBox conference was able to provide great current information on this valuable work and the enormous benefit those experiences terrible personal circumstances gain from being provided with shelter and items that allow them to survive until they can again have secure housing. I feel we as Rotarians have much to be proud of through our association and support of ShelterBox. It was also great to see our Riding for the Disabled friends there and don’t forget to think about supporting their fundraising efforts with the upcoming Horses and High Tea event on Sunday 26 October at their Blaxland Centre. Details are available by contacting Brenda Phillips rdabrenda@gmail.com. I’m certainly looking forward to this.
This Monday 8 September is our Board meeting at the Sports Club. Whilst directors will discuss and undertake the business matters of the Club, any member is welcome to attend; or alternatively enjoy a night at home.
Finally, please think about your ability to assist with the Springwood United Football Club Junior Presentation event this coming Sunday 14 September, it’s a super big and busy event and we really do need a few more willing hands to be there cooking and serving sausages. Please get in touch with Johannes JBrockhaus@buckland-rv.com.au if you can give just a couple of hours on the day.
an international disaster relief organisation, providing emergency shelter after disaster, supporting people to build, repair or return home. No two responses are the same.
A humanitarian charity with no government funding assistance.
Tagline - "No-one without shelter after conflict or disaster".
On Monday, 25th September, we had Sergeant Matt Cavanagh asa our speaker on the night. He was accompanied by Inspector
Sergeant Matt Cavanagh from Springwood Police. Matt was introduced by Pat Ainslie
Inspector Ben Hadfield Blue Mountains Area Command.
Both were thanked by Bruce Wood.
Both of these policemen spoke brilliantly & answered all questions asked.
PDG Susan Wakefield OAM was introduced by Bronwyn Berriman
PDG Susan presented a fascintaing account of her experiences with Rotary Youth Exchange
PDG Susan Wakefield OAM was thanked by Sheryn Phillips.
Latest News
1. DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Board Meeting (no Club General Meeting), Monday 8th September.
Monster Garage Sale at Bucklands, Saturday 13th September.
Springwood United Football Club Junior Presentation, Sunday 14th September.
Springwood Rotary Club General Meeting, Monday 15th September at the Sports Club. DGN Haran Ramachandran OAM will be our guest speaker at this meeting.
Bush Poet Gregory North 125th Anniversary Banjo Paterson Boer War Lecture tour, 16th September (see below)
Springwood Festival, Saturday 20th September. Note: No Bunnings BBQ today.
Bunnings BBQ, Saturday 27th September
Robertson Brothers & Deana Atkins Concert, Saturday 27th September (see below).
2. MONSTER GARAGE SALE
Have you volunteered yet? We are running the BBQ and a garage sale stall. Lots to do.
Buckland Retirement Village,
39 Hawkesbury Rd, Springwood,
on Saturday 13 September, 9am-12pm
The Rotary stand alone stall will be held at the invitation of Buckland. All proceeds of sale from the Rotary stall, retained by Rotary. Light meals and drinks available at the on-site café.
We are seeking donations of saleable goods, including household items, furniture, antique/vintage items, new/near new clothing and general bric-a-brac.
3. PRE-SCHOOL 50th CELEBRATION AND ROTARY BBQ, Saturday 6th September
The Pre-School 50th Celebration and Rotary BBQ was a success on a number of levels.
The team of Al, Bronwyn, Bev, Johannes, Marilyn, Colin, Warrick and Liz had a really good day and enjoyed each other’s company and that of those attending.
It was a good PR event with a number of people thanking Rotary for being there and the Pre School management and committee thought we did a great job. We also made some money - so win/win/win.
Liz’s very rough calculations on income and profit are below
Total income = $1,317.62
Approx profit = $755.62
Donations = $19.55
The BBQ Team with BMCC Mayor Mark Greenhill OAM
The BBQ Team with NSW State MP Trish Doyle
The BBQ Team with Federal MP Susan Templeman
4. BUNNINGS FATHERS’ DAY EVENT, Thursday 4th September, 6-8pm
The Rotary team enjoyed a fun filled evening at the the Bunnings Valley Heights Trade Centre on Thursday night in support of their Fathers Day event. We cooked and served sausage sandwiches and drinks and our ShelterBox champion Al manned the Rotary info table where we highlighted the amazing work of ShelterBox.
A great night was had by all.
Al Kellaway displayed a Shelter Kit for disaster relief wherever people are affected by earthquakes, fires, etc. (L)
Our fantastic team on the night (R)
5. OUR CURRENT OUTBOUND EXCHANGE STUDENT
Below is an excerpt from Addy's latest report to the Youth Exchange committee & we have her permission to share it with the Club.
Firstly, Addy Quicke, is our current outbound Youth Exchange student. She is happy for me to share her email address if other members of the club would like to email her. Addy is currently staying with her third host family and is about to head to London & Ireland on a school trip. I'll let you know if I hear from her again this week with an update.
The excerpt from Addy's latest report to the Youth Exchange committee report to our District is following:
I guess there's a lot to say when it comes to this year although to sum it up I feel like it's gone by so fast, as crazy as it may sound it feels like only a week since I arrived here and it's crazy to think that I came in January.
The year definitely started off bumpy but the host mum from my second family Helena has had a massive role in making my exchange enjoyable, I genuinely would consider her family. She's an absolutely amazing person and I'm so grateful to have met her!
During my exchange I've visited so many countries and will be going on a trip to Ireland and London at the end of the week (school excursion) which is going to be great (but most importantly I'll be able to by a meat pie!)
I've also been lucky enough to find a large group of awesome people who I'm proud to call my friends from another home although at the end of the day I suppose I'll also be considering Czechia my second home.
What good things have happened this month?
A little over a week ago I spent a week in Croatia with my host family, we were on a yacht from Friday to Saturday the week after, it was a really cool trip and the scenery was stunning + I was able to swim in the ocean every day which was really nice.
What are the challenges you're dealing with now, and how can we help?
Honestly I'm feeling alright with my situation at the moment, I'll be moving to my final host family in a few days and I hope they're nice I haven't really had much contact yet,
so it would be great if the next one is a good fit.
6. OUR MOST RECENT INBOUND EXCHANGE STUDENT
From an email sent to Norm & Cheryl.
It’s so nice to hear from you again. The return to Chile has been a bit of a whirlwind. I’ve had so many exams and academic things going on that time just flew by.
I often think about my time with you and in Australia it was such a special experience for me. How are you both doing? And how is everything going with the Rotary Club? I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to lately.
As for soccer, I’ve been trying to play whenever I can, although school has kept me really busy. 🥲
I’m not sure yet when I’ll be able to make a return trip to Australia, but it’s definitely something I’d love to do in the future. Hopefully we can catch up in person again one day!
7. BLUE MOUNTAINS THEATRE - THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS 1960'S VARIETY TV SHOW, SAT 27 SEPT - 2pm
The Robertson Brothers are thrilled to be returning with their new heart-warming and uplifting 1960’s Variety TV Show! Geoff and Ben Robertson are back as your charming and cheeky hosts for this nostalgic night of entertainment as they pay tribute to the musical giants of the 1960’s – The Beatles, Petula Clark, Del Shannon, Beach Boys, The Hollies, Bee Gees and the Everly Brothers.
Variety TV Show fans will be excited to know the multi-talented Simon Brook McLachlan (from the Original Australian cast of Jersey Boys)will return in 2025 to thrill us with his very special tribute toDel Shannon.
Also joining the Variety show this year is the amazing Deana Atkinswith her incredible tribute to Petula Clark.
8. BUSH POET GREGORY NORTH 125th Anniversary Banjo Paterson Boer War Lecture tour
Please find attached the TryBooking link for your registration at the Rotary Lower Blue Mountains event with guest presenter, Gregory North, Bush Poet, presenting " Life and Rhymes of Banjo Paterson "
We would be delighted to have you join in this re-enactment of history 125 years on.
Gregory North's book on the life of Banjo Paterson, Australia's most famous poet, covers the many aspects, travels and travails of Banjo's fascinating life.
Pamela Noal
President - Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains
9. SPRINGWOOD FESTIVAL
Save the date. Come and enjoy working on the BBQ. All volunteers will be very welcome.
HERE ARE A FEW ROTARY STORIES...
1. LESSONS FROM A BASIC EDUCATION AND LITERACY PROJECT
Literacy Alive, a global grant-funded reading initiative sponsored by Rotary clubs in Canada and Belize, has trained 1,500 teachers and helped more than 20,000 students. Through the program, struggling young readers build essential skills like decoding and word recognition. Read more in the Rotary Service in Action blog.
2. 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.
3. WORLD POLIO DAY
4. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Rotary is more than projects. It is friendship, fellowship, and a community that grows stronger together.
5. ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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.
It’s so nice to hear from you again. The return to Chile has been a bit of a whirlwind. I’ve had so many exams and academic things going on that time just flew by.
