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)
Hello members and friends to the last edition of the Springword for May and as we move toward the last month of this Rotary year.
What a fantastic meeting we had last week with the induction of Bev Wasterson, who is now our fifth new member this year. Bev is a wonderful addition to our Club. I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with Bev on many of our activities and programs.
We also had a visit from our District Governor, Michele Ellery. Michele is always so enthusiastic about our Club, the District and all that Rotary does and offers. As always, she didn’t disappoint in her presentation that encouraged enjoying the service experience whilst at the same time looking after ourselves and each other. Michele was able to give us an overview of the 2027 District Conference in Mudgee, and it promises to be packed with fun and excitement for us all. Please get your early bird registration in soon so our Club can be well represented at this important District event.
As of 1 July 2026, we will have a new Board, with many of the 2025-2026 committee continuing on in roles. We also welcome several new members to positions with Bronwyn Berriman, Deana Aitkins and PDG Paul Erickson joining the team. The director roles on the committee are varied, but having said this it is also a very cohesive team, that happily shares duties and responsibilities as needed.
Recently our current Community Director Johannes Brockhaus returned from an extended overseas stint, and he will continue to be taking regular periods of leave to travel overseas into the coming year. With this in mind, coupled with his very busy working life, he is being realistic about the time he can commit to the Community role in the coming 12 months. So, the Club is now seeking a person to take on this role for the 2026-2027 year, or maybe more realistically several people who can work together on the Community portfolio. Please feel free to speak with me if you are interested or would like more information.
Please see the below events that we need your assistance with this month and into June
Friday 29 May – BMG School Athletics Carnival 10 -12 people required please contact bdwood@bigpond.net.au
Fri 12 & Sat 13 June – Men’s Health Ed. Rural Van 10 -12 people required please contact glassock@bigpond.net.au
Saturday 27 June – Bunnings BBQ, Valley Heights 8 people required please contact liz.roberts2783@outlook.com
LAST MEETING
On Monday, 4th May, our guest speaker was DG Michele Ellery. You can tell from President Liz's report how exciting the night was. Bev Waterson has now joined our Club as a member, after a long stint as an Honarary member. We are very pleased that after yeasr of helping out at m,any activities Bev is now officially a member. Her family was there to support her as she was inducted by the District Governor.
YOUTH DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Western Sydney MUNA competition took place over the weekend of Sat 23rd & Sun 24th May at Nepean CAPA High School. Our club sponsored two teams from Winmalee High & two teams from Springwood High School. Unfortunately, one of the Winmalee High teams needed to withdraw due to illness with the remaining Winmalee High team representing Mexico. The Springwood High teams were representing New Zealand & Japan.
The teams were allocated their country approx 5 weeks before the competition & had time to prepare on set resolutions, thinking as their allocated country, not necessarily their own personal views. The teams were also given set resolutions over the weekend, with little preparation time, as well as being able to put forward their own resolutions. As is the case with the real United Nations, there was much negotiation going on behind the scenes with countries creating alliances and rallying support. Robin, Warwick & myself had the pleasure of helping on Saturday afternoon as "runners", passing (& scrutinising) notes between the countries. All the students participating were well mannered, passionate about being involved & relishing the opportunity of being there.
It reinforced for us that we have some inspiring students within our district who are destined to do great things in their future lives. I was able to speak with all 3 of the teams we sponsored & they expressed their gratitude for the support our club has provided them & the opportunity to be involved in MUNA. I have attached photos of two of the teams, the Winmalee High team representing Mexico & the Springwood High team representing Japan.
Sheryn Phillips
And news just in - the Winmalee High team won the Western Sydney MUNA competition!! Congratulations girls!
Springwood HS MUNA team 2026 - Japan
Winmalee HS MUNA team 2026
Western Sydney MUNA 2026
LATEST NEWS …
1. MORE DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO ...
Rotary Garden Care for May - Rachel
Saturday 27th June - Next Bunnings BBQ
Saturday 27th June - District Changeover, Wenty leagues Club
Monday 29th June - Club Changeover at the Sports Club
2. THE GARDENS IN BUTTENSHAW PARK
An update on the Rotary International Friendship Garden at Buttenshaw
I would like to thank Liz and the board for supplying us with extra plants for the garden we have also weeded and put paper down before the BMCC supplied the mulch
It is worth a look Pat Ainslie
3. 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.
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.
1. WITH JET INJECTORS, POLIO VACCINATORS IN AFGHANISTAN BUILD TRUST
Instead of giving shots, some polio vaccinators in Afghanistan are introducing jet injectors, a technology used in some of the most remote communities. Spring-powered devices deliver a tiny stream of vaccine through the outer layer of skin in a split second. Just a quick press, a soft click, and protection delivered with a smile. Read how injectors help vaccination rates in the story: No needle, no fear, no pain.
2. PROTECTING YOUTH PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ANNUAL COURSE
Young people are safer when adults understand and apply the information in this course. For this reason, clubs and districts often ask members and volunteers to take the course each year. We revise the course annually and post a new version. Each time someone completes the course, they can download a dated certificate.
Even if you took the course in 2024-25 or earlier, we recommend that you complete Protecting Youth Program Participants 2025-26 this Rotary year. We also encourage you to promote the course to others who are involved with young people.
Completing this course for the first time or retaking it will remind you why youth safety is so important, show you how to create a safe environment, and help you respond to any report of a youth protection concern.
The safety and well-being of participants are Rotary’s highest priority for our youth programs. We appreciate the time you take to complete this course and keep young people safe.
This is following up on what Paul Pixton advised us about (see above) 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. ACTION PLANS
Use an action plan to create a positive member experience
Healthy clubs provide a positive experience, which is essential to member satisfaction and retention. Rotary’s Action Plan can help you enhance your club experience, address challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and explore new ideas. Use the Action Plan’s four priorities to develop your goals. Then, use the Strategic Planning Guide (PDF) to develop your long-term plan.
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...
The Rotary thought for this week centers on service, continuity, and purpose: "The world improves when we choose to serve. Every act of service—no matter how small—has the power to create meaningful change." This philosophy reminds us that consistent, everyday efforts build stronger communities and quietly shape a better future for all.
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.
ILD TRUST
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
