Clean water, sanitation and good hygiene is a human right. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives. We don’t just build wells and walk away. Rotary members integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into education projects. When children learn about disease transmission and practice good hygiene, they miss less school. And they can take those lessons home to their families, expanding our impact.
Clean water is a basic human right that many are often denied. There are 2.5 billion people in the world that lack access to improved sanitation and 748 million people that don’t have clean drinking water. Nearly 1400 children die each day from diseases caused by lack of sanitation and unsafe water. When people have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives.
President's Report
No President's Report again this week. Liz will arrive back tomorrow, and will be recuperating on Monday. Frank Ross will again Chair the meeting on Monday 30th. We all hope that Liz had a great trip and that she comes back totally rejuvenated.
LAST CLUB MEETING
Our Guest Speakers last week were Ariadne (Addy) Quicke, and Laura Klotz. Addy has recently returned from her Rotary Youth Exchange year in the Czech Republic, and Laura was an in-bound exchange student from Germany in 2008-2009. Both students presented excellent PowerPoints about their experiences, and both showed enormous enthusiasm about their experiences. Well done to these young ladies!
Two of Laura's host parents (Bev and Marilyn) and Her Counsellor, Bronwyn
Bronwyn also held an afternoon tea at her home for Laura. Two who were also there but missed the photo were Pat and Alan Ainslie.
THIS WEEK'S CLUB MEETING
Our Guest Speaker this week is Andrea Comastri from Hotel Etico Australia to talk to us about what this interesting organisation does both in the Blue Mountains and elsewhere.
He will be speaking about the innovative model at Hotel Entico to train and employ young people with disability in hospitality and independent living skills, helping build careers and a life of inclusion. He will be talking about their model, their history, their impact and their industry partnership approach as well as the Long Run To Inclusion.
The Long Run To Inclusion which he will refer to as well was held from 8-21 March and the fact that they were fundraising to create more jobs for young people with disability.
LATEST NEWS …
1. DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO ...
Rotary Garden Care for March - Bill Bowler
Wednesday 1st April - Men's Morning Tea - to be confirmed (new venue)
Wednesday 1st April - BMGS Cross Country, BBQ, helpers needed.
Friday 3rd April - Ori Raffle night
Tuesday 14th April - Dcaf at the Sports Club
2. A MESSAGE fROM PAST MEMBER JOHN FULLER
I have attached the article and a link to my Squat Challenge for the Nation Breast Cancer Foundation. Keeping my self busy with Rotary, doing as much as I can to raise breast cancer awareness and just enjoying as much as I can without Beth the change in lifestyle up here.
3. NORMAN LINDSAY JAZZ IN THE GARDENS, SATURDAY, 28th MARCH
A small but reliable crew organised the parking for the Jazz in the Gardens event on Saturday. Luckily, no rain occurred and a lovely sunny day allowed the event to go ahead successfully. Many thanks to the team who managed the parking under the organisation of Al Kellaway. Below, you can see the Jazz Band on the bal;cony of Norman Lindsay Gallery, and the team who helped with the parking of cars.
4. SPRINGWOOD ROTARY DONATIONS SURVEY
On behalf of President Liz and your Board we're inviting you to complete a short survey to identify your preferred organisations and charities for our Club to support. Your feedback is completely voluntary and to support decision making by the Board - it doesn't mean all of these causes will receive our support or otherwise. If worthy opportunities present themselves during the year they can be brought forward by members and considered by the Board at that time.
We are about to launch an exciting $5 for $5000 raffle and in addition to our regular excellent events, our ability to support good causes continues to be a highlight for us all. Please share your thoughts on how this good can be shared.
We would appreciate if you could complete the survey as soon as you receive it but no later than 30/3.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. Rotary is recognised globally as one of the most effective, transparent, and accountable service organisations. For more than 120 years, Rotary club members have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects.
Your Board is keen to get your views on what the money we raise together can be used for - not selecting a charity or organisation does not mean it won't be a beneficiary.
Rachel Pagitz
Public Image Chair
5. CENTURION DONATIONS
It's that time of the year again!
This is another message asking those who haven't yet made a payment of $100.00 to the foundation, as a Centurion fund contribution, to think about it in the next few weeks. Treasurer Bill has contacted me with the cutoff date on 20th April.
This is entirely up to each member, but the Foundation is the basis of Rotary, and we are able to apply for grants to help our fundraising efforts, Locally, Nationally and Internationally. To those who have contributed this year a big thank you.
Bank details are: The Rotary club of Springwood Inc. Community Account
BSB: 112-879
Account number: 098876456
Thank you
Valda Bray
Foundation Chair
STORIES FROM ROTARY...
1. ROTARY 2026 NSW RESCA NOMINATIONS OPEN
Please see 2026 RESCA Flyer below and a link to the Soft Launch of the 2026 NSW RESCA Awards. Please share with relevant Commissioners and media departments for promotion of the awards for nominations.
2. DISTRICT GOVERNOR UPDATE
February was a month filled with connection, service, learning and reflection, and once again, I am reminded how fortunate I am to serve as your District Governor. The month began with a wonderful “Cup Full of Connection” picnic at Fagan Park. What a perfect reminder that Rotary is at its best when we gather, share stories and strengthen friendships.
From there, the calendar was full of regionalisation discussions on public image, reviews of COTA guidelines, conference planning meetings for 2026, connecting with Rotaract leaders, and presenting the Community Hero Paul Harris Fellow to Helen Palmer at Windsor Rotary and a special moment recognising the extraordinary impact one person can make.
Behind the scenes, your District team has been busy preparing for the future. I’ve also joined discussions on regionalisation and public image, COTA guideline reviews, RAWCS in the Eastern Region, Respectful Relationships, mentoring, Presidents and G-Train meetings, and our District Awards and Finance Committees. These conversations and workshops ensure we remain strong, relevant and well-governed as we move forward together.
Our youth programs continue to shine. I attended a RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) workshop and Summer RYPEN, and if you ever need reassurance about the future, spend a day with these young leaders. Their courage, curiosity and compassion are extraordinary. It was also special to attend the Youth Exchange welcome home dinner hosted by RC Carlingford. Seeing the growth in our returning students reminds us why international understanding matters.
There were moments of celebration, collaboration, and reflection as we farewelled Bobby Redman, a reminder that Rotary is not just an organisation but a family. I’ve continued my club visits, including The Entrance and Hills Kellyville, and I thank every club for the warm
welcome and the opportunity to hear your stories. Rotary is thriving in District 9685 because of your leadership, generosity, and willingness to act. Michele Ellery
District Governor 2025–2026
Rotary District 9685
3. JOIN US IN BEAUTIFUL MUDGEE FOR THE 2027 DISTRICT CONFERENCE!
You're Invited to a Weekend Away in Mudgee at the Rotary District 9685 Conference 2027 – Mudgee - Connect. Collaborate. Celebrate.
We are delighted to officially announce the 2027 Rotary District 9685 Conference, taking place from Friday, 12 March to Sunday, 14 March 2027 at the beautiful Parklands Resort, Mudgee.
This will be a weekend to Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate Rotary together in one of NSW’s most stunning wine regions.
Whether you are reconnecting with old friends, discovering new ideas for your club, or simply enjoying Rotary fellowship, this conference promises to be one of the highlights of the Rotary year.
Conference Highlights
🤝 Friday – Connect
Reconnect with Rotarians and friends from across the district.
💡 Saturday – Collaborate
A full day of ideas, learning and shared experiences.
🍷 Saturday Afternoon – Country Fair
Local artisans, food and Mudgee wines in a relaxed setting.
🎶 Saturday Night – Bush Dance
Prizes for the best decorated table and a Boot Decorating Competition!
🎉 Sunday – Celebrate
Celebrate Rotary, friendships and the year ahead.
(This article comes from the newsletter for the Rotary Club of Brisbane Water)
OH boy, what a whiz-banger of a Rotary conference we had in Newcastle on the weekend of March 20-21, with amazing speakers, entertainment, and plenty of dancing.
This Today for Tomorrow conference combined Districts 9685, to which Rotary Brisbane Water belongs, and District 9660 - a total of 600 Rotarians. The weekend kicked off with a cocktail party on the Friday night where Rotarians renewed friendships and made new connections.
Saturday was a full-on day of an interesting array of speakers, from health expert Dr Norman Swan talking about health ageing, through to experts on astronomy, artificial intelligence helping people with disabilities, a wildlife warrior, former governor general David Hurley being passionate about mental health initiatives and the puppets from Camp Quality "interviewing" their CEO Debra Thomas.
Of course, there was also serious but exciting Rotary talk, especially in relation to our international work.
And, to lighten the mood, there was a drag and dance show. A Hollywood glam dinner dance, where many showed their moves, ended the conference. Plenty to entertain and to think about as Rotary continues to Unite for Good.
Next year's conference will be in Mudgee and that promises to be just as exciting, and of particular interest to the wine connoisseurs.
Huge congratulations to District Governors Michele Ellery and Evan Burrell for organising such a fantastic conference this year. It will be difficult to top!
PICTURED Rotary Brisbane Water's Di Bartok and Sue O'Neill enjoying the cocktail party; Rotary girls just wanna have fun
5. ROTARY LEARNING CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS
a) COURSE UPDATES
Protecting Personal data has been updated to include new artificial intelligence guidelines for members who use AI to conduct club or district business. Minimizing Risk has also been updated.
In response to your feedback, we’ve made course evaluations optional. You don’t need to complete an evaluation to get credit for completing a course. Nevertheless, we value your feedback and ideas about how to improve course content. We use these evaluations to inform our revisions and decisions about which courses to discontinue. If you have feedback about a course, you can complete the evaluation or write to us at learn@rotary.org.
c) INCOMING CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Incoming chairs of club administration, membership, public image, Rotary Foundation, and service projects committees can find the learning plan for their upcoming role in the Club Leadership Catalog. They can also access their learning plan through the links below:
Remember to download the Rotary Learning Center Mobile app. Then you'll be able to take your courses wherever you go! Be sure to keep the app updated to avoid any sign-in issues.
I (DG Michele Ellery) am very fortunate that I have a husband, David, who is just as passionate as I am in advocating for Mental Illness. Please consider supporting the funding of a PhD scholarship, to continue the vital research into mental illness in children aged 0–12 years.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK...
Concerning all the wonderful ways Rotarians serve …
“‘Why?’, they ask. Because we can … and we care!”
– Frank Romano, District 7430 Governor 2013-14
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.
