August is Membership and New Club Development Month, a time for Rotary leaders to focus on the most important part of our organisation, 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
Well, what a wet week we have had; which has meant no time in the garden, but plenty of time for indoor jobs including the review of our Club By-Laws. Recently the District provided to the Club the latest editions of the Standard Club Constitution and By-laws and to ensure we are fully compliant with the new Constitution a review and redrafting of our By-Laws is required.
Whilst it is a bit of a task, it is also a great opportunity to ensure we operate within the Constitution, and develop By-Laws whilst compliant also actually meet the changing needs of the Club and its membership. Once this first draft is completed it will go to the Board for review prior to being issued to the members for their consideration. The endorsement and adoption of these currently requires the calling of a Special meeting or holding over to the Annual General meeting, and the Board will consider this at an upcoming meeting.
It’s interesting that the recently received ‘Recommended Rotary Club By-Laws’ that we are now considering actually provides for increased ease of managing the Club, including changes to By-Laws in the future which could occur at a regular meeting once 21 days-notice to members is provided. I don’t believe any member wouldn’t want to be freer of unnecessary doctrine and be allowed to undertake what we are actually charged with – ‘Service Above Self’ in a Club environment that doesn’t hinder being quick and responsive as need dictates. I look forward to being able to provide you with the draft document in the not too distant future.
The Club now has an up to date Register of Assets, and a big thank you to Bill Bowler our treasurer for the work he undertook in compiling it. A few additions have now been made to it from assets held by other directors and I would ask any member who currently has Club assets to inform me ASAP so they can be added to the register.
The Club has submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Women’s Week Grant for March 2026. These Grants are highly sought after; having said this, we feel we have put together a fairly compelling submission. A very big thank you to Honorary member Robin Ingram, and members Valda and Rachel. A lot of time, energy and thought goes into developing an EOI and these ladies put in a herculean effort in a very tight timeframe.
It was delightful to have our District Governor Michele Ellery with us last Monday, and I thank the members, honorary members and friends of the Club who attended. It was wonderful to hear from Michele the outcomes achieved to date, plus all the future initiatives and plans she has for our District. Michele is a high energy; high impact individual and I know her term is going to be one of significant achievement. Please do plug into her husband David’s Partner Project, it really is an exciting initiative that has the potential to realise enormous benefits via a PhD scholarship to investigate mental health issues in 0-12 year olds, an area of mental health that hasn’t received significant attention to date. Donations to the Project can be made through the Rotary Foundation.
August is Membership and New Club Development month. As I know we are all aware Rotary membership in our part of the world is in decline and the challenge for Clubs including ours is finding the path that makes us more relevant and of value in our community. Our ability to serve locally, nationally and internationally is reliant on strong membership of people committed to the Rotary values. This week I tuned into The State of Membership session on YouTube and for those that have an interest in some of the identified reasons for membership decline and the ways in which we might remedy this, you can view this session at https://bit.ly/RIStateofMembership2025
It’s been awhile since the Club members have had an entire week off from service activities and events, but the rainy weather has seen the Norman Lindsay Dogs Day Out cancelled and we all get a bit of ‘me time’ to enjoy, so please make sure you do so!
Until next week, take care….Liz
Liz Roberts
President 2025-2026
The Rotary Club of Springwood
Latest News
1. DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Club General Meeting, 25th August at 6.30 pm.
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.
Bunnings Father Day Family Night, 6.00 to 8.00pm 4th September
2. SOFT PLASTICS RECYCLING
Norm is still as passionate about "Recycling" and shares below the link to information on Soft Plastics recycling hoping more people will take advantage of the service and help save the planet. President Liz has taken over the Return & Earn bottles & cans bringing in funds for the Club.
Adam Law has installed solar panels and a battery backup free of charge onto the BBQ trailer. We will no longer be relying on mains power or transporting our 8v heavy duty battery. We recently set up at the Ellison Public School athletics carnival and were totally self sufficient on our own power for the first time. Congratulations and thank you Adam!!
4. MONSTER GARAGE SALE
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.
5. BLUE MOUNTAINS THEATRE - THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS 1960'S VARIETY TV SHOW
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.
6. 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
7. ROTARIAN JOURNEY TO CAMBODIA
8. 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. ROTARY AND GATES FOUNDATION EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO END POLIO
Rotary and the Gates Foundation are renewing their long-standing
partnership to end polio. At the 2025 Rotary International Convention, they announced their joint commitment to keep supporting the global eradication effort.
Rotary will continue to raise US$50 million per year, with every dollar to be matched with two additional dollars from the Gates Foundation. Over three years, this renewed agreement will deliver up to US$450 million to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Learn more about this agreement
(Click on the image above for the full End Polio Newsletter.)
2.
Click on the image above to hear the podcast.
3. DG MICHELE ELLERY PARTNERS PROJECT 2025-2026
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.
