Most of us are familiar with the reference to the “Twelve Days of Christmas” but did you know about the “Twelve Months of Rotary”? Rotary has identified a theme for each month. July is the first month of the Rotary year and is when the annual theme kicks in. It is also the month when new leadership takes over at Clubs, Districts and at Rotary International.
This month's theme is Membership and New Club Development Month, and this year’s theme is “Create Lasting Impact.”
The monthly themes are meant to highlight the wide range of Rotary’s good work and give clubs some suggestions, timing, and guidance for their programs and activities.
President's Report
Hello members and friends and welcome to this weeks’ edition of the Springword. I’d like to open this weeks’ message with thank you and acknowledgement of the work and commitment made by our editor each week – Marilyn Kenney. The production of a weekly newsletter requires a great deal of dedication and I know the Club members and our friends will join with me in sincerely thanking Marilyn for her ongoing efforts.
This Monday we have a very special evening with our Club Assembly and a visit by our District Governor Michele Ellery. It is always both interesting and stimulating to have Michele address us and I would encourage as many of you as possible to join us for the evening – I know it’s going to be fun, with a few other special treats also planned.
On Friday evening Valda, Bronwyn, Marilyn, Geoff and I attended a meeting organised by our Community Group Leader Phill Issac with DG Michele and Club representatives from all the Clubs on the Mountains, Penrith and Hawkesbury region. It was a thought provoking event with DG Michele challenging us to work smarter rather than harder and to also seek opportunities to work in collaboration with other Clubs. I’m sure DG Michele will bring some of this to Mondays meeting and I’m certain you will all be as energised by her presentation as we were.
This coming Friday 28 August the Club has organised a casual social evening at the Ori hotel and bistro. It will be an opportunity for us to socialise more generally than we can at a meeting, plus the added bonus of seeing our raffle team headed up by Bruce and Deborah performing their magic in getting Ori patrons to part with a few dollars in the hope of winning the meat and seafood raffle. Most will be aware that Bruce, Deborah and others from the Club sell tickets each month with the proceeds going towards our community supported organisations. Please let me know by 3pm Wednesday of your intention to attend and I will then book the relevant number of tables. It promises to be a great night, so please think about your ability to be there, bringing your family and maybe that person you have been thinking about as a potential new Club member – it will be a good way to introduce them to Rotary and our Club members in this casual environment.
On Saturday 29 August our Club will be hosting the BBQ at the Norman Lindsay Dog’s Day Out, this is always a fabulous day were those attending bring along their doggies and enjoy the number of events and displays that the Norman Lindsay Galley has organised. Whilst we currently have a good team of volunteers organised both for the parking (Al, Frank, Josh) and the BBQ (Bruce, Bill, Warrick, Deana, Belinda, Donna, Margaret Bell, Susette, Bev, Thi and myself), a couple more people will allow for some of us not to have to work the full day – please contact me if you can assist liz.roberts2783@outlook.com
The Penrith Rotary Club is again this year organising the Great Rotary Whitewater Duck Race on Sunday 18 October. I have tickets for sale at $5 each and it’s a really great opportunity to support a fellow Club and also maybe win $5,000 – 1st; $1,000 – 2nd; and Bunnings Outdoor Setting - 3rd. Currently it’s a Sunday our Club isn’t holding an event, so lets’ get down to Penrith Whitewater Stadium and lend our support.
Finally, any member or friend that hasn’t let me know they can assist with one of the below events please do so ASAP and share in the joy of service!
Monday, 24th August - Club Assembly plus visit from District Governor Michele Ellery
Sunday, 27th September - National Trust Members Group visiting the Lower Blue Mountains. We are providing lunch on Sudnay at the Springwood Anglican Church.
Friday, 23rd October, 2026 - Train Ride to End Polio
2. FIRST IN BEST FED !!!
Mark your diaries, and please let me know if you can be with us.
WHERE: Wentworth Falls TAFE luncheon.
WHEN: 12.00pm, Tuesday 10th November.
COST: $40.00 each.
REPLY: valdabray@hotmail.com or 0414974686
Valda Bray
Foundation Director / Welfare Officer
3. OUR LAST CLUB MEETING, MONDAY 17th AUGUST
At our last meeting, we welcomed 5 students from Springwood HS who spoke to us about their experiences at MUNA - the Model United Nations Assembly. The students themselves were extremely enthusiastic and appreciative of the experiences they had with this Youth Activity and their presentation was a cohesive one from the group. It was wonderful to hear the students speaking articulately about what happened at MUNA and the fun they had "arguing" about matters that were being debated by the countries they represented, which although exhausting, they felt were beneficial for them to have experienced. The 2 teams from Springwood HS represented Japan and New Zealand. We want to congratulate them on their poise and presentation and thank them and their teacher, Ms Rhiannon Brown, for coming on the night.
The group was introduced by Sheryn Phillips, Youth Director, and thanked by Warwick Harrison.
STORIES FROM ROTARY...
1. MY ROTARY LEARNING CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS...
Convention breakout sessions
If you didn’t attend the Rotary International Convention in Taipei or couldn’t attend all the presentations you wanted to, you can still review information from many of those sessions! Find breakout session slides, as well as quick chat presentations from Rotary International staff, in the Learning Centre. There’s a 2026 Convention Breakout Session Presentations learning topic. 2026 Convention Breakout Sessions and Quick Chats
Course Updates
The Increase Your Impact learning plan has been streamlined and now includes Rotary examples that make it easier for clubs to use. All members can learn about the components of a theory of change and how to use one to design service projects that achieve meaningful results. Increase Your Impact
2. CLEANING UP THE STREETS (Source: RDU One Newsletter, 17th August, 2026)
A quiet but determined army of volunteers has been waging war on graffiti across Sydney’s north. Dubbed the Grey Graffiti Squad, their work might not make news headlines but, for thousands of residents, the difference is clear.
Words: Nadia Howland.
The Rotary Club of Turramurra’s Graffiti Removal Project has been scrubbing, painting and restoring public spaces for nearly two decades.
With their high-vis vests, signature trailer and brushes in hand, these passionate retirees have become a fixture in the region.
With the support of Dulux’s Community Donation Program, the Grey Graffiti Squad has cleaned well over 8,000 graffiti sites.
It all started thanks to Graffiti Removal Project team leader, Roger Norman. After a year or two of retirement, he joined Rotary with the hope of filling his spare time with some charity work.
“I wanted to get involved in a hands-on project,” Roger explains. “All of a sudden, I started to notice there was a lot of graffiti around the area, so I thought it would make a good project.
“The Rotary club helped me get it established, and in January 2008 we – that being a couple of us – began operating out of the boot of my car.
To read more about the project of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, click on the photo above.
2. ROTARY’S SEVEN AREAS OF FOCUS
4. 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...
... and now for something different ...
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.
