August is Membership and New Club Development Month, a time for Rotary leaders to focus on the most important part of our organization, our members.
This year, we are emphasizing comfort and care for our membership. Throughout the month of August, read inspiring stories of how districts and clubs are creating a nurturing environment and a welcoming culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. And find a variety of resources that will help you build and strengthen your membership.
President's Report
Welcome to this weeks’ report.
It was wonderful to have Robert Bredin at our meeting last week where he presented the feedback he received from members back in July and then assisted us in completing the second session of this visioning exercise. We are still to receive the outcome of these two sessions, but I certainly expect it to be useful and informative to us as a Club in formulating our Club Plan for what we hope to achieve in the coming three to five years. It’s my hope that as we develop our plans we can truly meet the needs of all members whilst achieving our overall aim of improving the lives of others both locally and more broadly nationally and internationally.
The Board will meet this Monday with lots on our agenda to discuss and decide, please know that the Board is charged with meeting the needs and desires of the members and your input and suggestions are sought and welcomed.
I would also ask each of you to seriously consider providing your support of the number of community events we have coming up in September. These functions/events have three very important purposes. Firstly, they are our main avenue of fund raising; just as importantly they are a wonderful opportunity for us to increase our presence in the community and finally in many cases they allow us to assist our local community by way of providing an important resource to them via the BBQ, parking assistance, etc.
As is always the case with Spring, everyone seems to want to hold an event as the weather is improving and we are all feeling like we want to be out and about a bit more. Having said this it also means a few of our key organisers are also taking the opportunity to travel and will be away for much of September, so please try to be available to staff the BBQ, be a parking marshal, etc. – WE NEED YOU!
As always, our very active Speaker organiser, Bronwyn has an interesting program of presenters for us in the coming months. Please note in your diaries Monday 18th August the visit by our DISTRICT GOVERNOR, Michele Ellery. It is always a real honour to have the District Governor visit and for Michele to make herself available so early in her term is very exciting, I’m certainly looking forward to hearing her plans and news for our District.
Don’t forget the Club’s Monster Garage Sale will be held on Saturday 13 September in the grounds of the Buckland Retirement Village. We’ll be pleased to receive any saleable items from members and friends, so that the event is a financial success for the Club. Please get in touch with me if you have items you would like to donate.
In closing and for those that have asked – Yes; a great 50th birthday celebration was had for my daughter Helen and son-in-law Karras last Saturday. The predicted rain fell in buckets but this didn’t damper spirits and a great night was had by all with plenty of food, dancing and drink (speaking of drink – 400 bottles and cans cashed in at the Return & Earn from this party; so, they did their bit for Rotary as well!)
Until next week, take care….Liz
Liz Roberts
President 2025-2026
The Rotary Club of Springwood
COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTOR
Dear Rotary Legends,
It’s that glorious time again – where we stand tall behind the grill, breathe in the sweet scent of sizzling sausages, and raise money for good causes with nothing but a BBQ apron and unstoppable optimism.
The Bunnings BBQ is coming up on Saturday 16th August and your Club needs YOU – yes, YOU – to bring the sizzle.
There are three noble shifts to choose from:
8:30am – 11:00am (the early risers' bacon-and-egg brigade),
11:00am – 1:30pm (the lunchtime sausage squad),
1:30pm – 4:00pm (the finishing strong, maybe-a-bit-sunburnt champions).
Please reply with:
Your preferred shift (or shifts),
Any shift you cannot do (because we’re nice people and don’t want you to miss your pilates class),
Your preferred duty – Chef Extraordinaire (cook), Money Maestro (cashier), or People Person (server).
We’ll do our best to match you to your BBQ destiny.
Cheers
Johannes Brockhaus
ORI BBQ HELD ON FRIDAY 1ST AUGUST
After the brave effort of a small number of Rotarians and a family member at the Ori BBQ on Friday 1st August, the photo of the dedicated troop was missed in the last newsletter. Now we can share it.
Thanks to Bruce, Deborah and Stephanie Wood for the above and beyond service on a really cold evening in Springwood.
RUNNING WILD 17TH AUGUST - SAINTS & SINNERS
The Running wild next event is on the 17th of August (Details Below)
Looking for 5 People to run a very easy day of serving runners as they finish the run. We may need a cashier as at the last event we could have sold a few extra on the side but this will be confirmed shortly. it’s a nice and relaxed 6 hours with plenty of sit down time so only one shift required. Norm and Cheryl have already put their hand up for the event.
Please let me know if you can help.
Adam Law
PUBLIC IMAGE DIRECTOR
Did you know in the last month our Facebook content had almost 10,000 views? Yes some people may have been doom-scrolling and not really taken anything in but even if only 1 in 10 of them paused and contemplated the value of Rotary in our community that's a lot of people!
During August, membership month, please consider posting this image on your own social media account/s with a few words about why YOU are proud to be a Rotarian. Think about how wide the word can spread with the help of your facebook friends. Also encourage them to like our Facebook page by tagging us in your post using the @ symbol and The Rotary Club of Springwood should come up.
Have you checked out the new Blue Mountains Gazette community Noticeboard? A place for locals to connect with what's happening around the traps, Noticeboard is a fresh new hub for all things in the Blue Mountains. Rachel Pagitz has already put it into use for our Club. Have a look when our notice has been approved by the Gazette. However, there will be a little delay in obtaining approval.
Club's Board Meeting, 11th August at 6.30 pm. There will be no General Meeting for members, but all are welcome to attend. however non-Board members are unable to participate in the Board Meeting. If you would like to attend as a non-Board member, please let Marilyn Kenney know prior to the evening.
Blue Mountains Police Officer of the Year Awards 13th August, Katoomba RSL
Bunnings BBQ, 16th August - see Johannes' email above for details.
Running Wild at St Columba's, 17th August, 6.30 am shift start.
District Governor, Michele Ellery, will be making her official visit to our Club on Monday, 18th August, 6.30 for 7.00pm.
On Monday 25th August, Matt Cavanagh from Springwood Police and possibly a colleague, will talk about Security in Springwood and the need for Security Cameras in various areas to improve our business owner’s security.
2. MONSTER GARAGE SALE
Buckland Retirement Village,
39 Hawkesbury Rd, Springwood,
on Saturday 13 September, 9am-12pm
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.
The 2024 Police Officer of the Year Awards will be presented on Wednesday 13th August 2025 at Katoomba RSL, 6pm for 6.30pm start. The cost will be $64 per head. This evening is a celebration of the Police Officers working in the Blue Mountains
DATE : Wednesday 13 August 2025 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM (UTC+10)
This is a great event and one that is enjoyed by all who attend it. We would like you to consider attending to show "the flag" for the Rotary Club of Springwood.
4. RETURN AND EARN PROGRAM - SUPPORT YOUR CLUB
5. HAWKESBURY WALK, RIDE, RUN - Rotary Club of Windsor
6. ROTARY SUPPORTS NEW LIFE IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Story and image: Steve Cookson and Peter Hartley
L to R: Rotary International Director, Jennifer Scott AM, Katoomba Rotarian Faye Woodward, Club President Barry Taylor and Michele Ellery, Rotary District Governor.
Babies born at Katoomba Hospital will soon receive security, care, and comfort in ultra-modern “Rooming-in Cribs” donated by the Rotary Club of Greater Blue Mountains. At $3,000 each, and as its first local community service project, the club is raising money to purchase four rooming-in cribs for presentation to the hospital.
Greater Blue Mountains Rotary Club has been formed by the amalgamation of Blackheath, Katoomba and Central Blue Mountains Rotary clubs, which have a combined history of service to the community of more than 200 years. Now, resources, management, fundraising and support for local and international projects will be shared under one banner.
At the launch of the new club, on July 27, 2025, President Barry Taylor said he was proud of the collaboration on of club members to organise funding for the cribs.
“The cribs are a new design with a drop-down side, giving the mother easy bedside access to her baby,” Barry Taylor said.
“This creates a natural and intimate maternal bonding experience and allows safe transfer of the baby, which doesn’t need to be lifted from the crib to be given to the mother.”
Rotary International Director, and local Rotarian, Jennifer Scott AM, praised the decision of the three clubs to combine.
“In the year when Rotary’s world theme is ‘Unite for Good’, the timing is excellent. The focus of the club is a perfect fit with the theme, and Greater Blue Mountains Rotary Club is already doing good for the Blue Mountains community through this generous donation.”
Rotary District Governor, Michele Ellery said: “The new Rotary club’s first project supports new life and the community.”
“Built on vision, care and service, it’s a strong foundation on for the new life of Rotary in the region, through the dedication of members of the Greater Blue Mountains Rotary Club.”
HERE ARE A FEW ROTARY STORIES...
1. CUP-FULL OF CONNECTION - An Invitation From DG Michele Ellery
A Rotary Picnic in the Park – Reconnect, Recharge, Refill.
Join us for a relaxed and joyful Rotary District 9685 picnic designed to celebrate YOU – the people who give so much to others. This is a chance to fill your cup with laughter, connection, and gratitude, surrounded by fellow Rotarians, families, and friends.
Date: Sunday 1st February 2026 Time: 11.30 am - 3.30 pm Venue: Fagan Park, Carrs Road 1 & 2 Picnic Areas, Carrs Road, Galston NSW Event Highlights:
• Fun lawn games and light-hearted competitions
• Great food and drinks – BYO picnic or use the BBQ facilities available
• Family-friendly activities and picnic vibes
• Connection, conversation, and community
• Family and friends welcome
Why "Cup-Full of Connection"?
Because even the most generous hearts need time to pause, breathe, and be with those who understand the joy of service, let this day be a gentle reminder that you matter, your well-being matters, and fellowship is one of Rotary’s greatest gifts. Bring your picnic rug, your Rotary spirit, and your favourite people – and let’s fill our cups together. No agendas. No pressure. Just time well spent.
2. PATHWAYS TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN ROTARY
The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in an era of remote and hybrid work that has given employees unprecedented flexibility. But it’s come at a cost, particularly to younger workers missing out on the relationship-building that’s essential for early career development. Organizations like Rotary are filling the gap, offering the kinds of networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities once common in the traditional workplace. Read more about how Rotary provides avenues to professional development in the August Rotary magazine.
3. ROTARY 360 | THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Defines Vocational Service and explains its importance in upholding ethical standards in our professional and personal lives
Offers project ideas for mentoring, skills training, and ethical-business initiatives
Includes inspiring real-world examples of members applying their professional expertise to serve communities
Shows how Vocational Service supports Rotary’s Action Plan by increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant experience, and increasing our adaptability.
Download it now and integrate your vocation meaningfully and ethically into service.
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.
