September is Basic Education and Literacy Month for Rotary. This is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. We all know how critical reading and writing are for success in life – for gaining information, communicating, making agreements, and so forth.
Enhancing Basic Education skills and Literacy are essential in reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. Improvements can reduce maternal death, improve childhood survivability, and reduce poverty. They can also enable success in business or a profession. Projects undertaken by a Rotary Club can address low adult literacy, returning youth to school, enhancing student performance, or supplementing limited school resources.
President's Report
I’ve had a fairly busy week, which is not a complaint, as it’s great to be able to be active and involved, and as Rotarians we embrace the ability to serve.
I’ve spent a good part of the week getting items sorted and priced for the Monster Garage Sale on the 13th of September. A call out went to members and friends this week looking for assistance both on Saturday 13th and with set up on Friday 12th September. I thank those that have responded to date, but hope a few more willing workers with come forward over the next week or so. On behalf of the Club I thank Buckland Aged Care Services and their CEO and fellow Rotarian Johannes Brockhaus for making Buckland available for the holding of this event and the assistance being provided in this leadup to the event.
I had an interesting evening on Friday with our Youth portfolio director Sheryn Phillips at the 3 monthly meeting of the Mountains Youth Hub. This is a very active group and it was fantastic to hear from each Club’s director about the work they are doing in supporting youth in our District. I have to say Sheryn is doing a great job in this portfolio and it was wonderful to witness at this meeting just how much she is contributing in this role.
I’ve also continued with learning a bit more about the Club’s accounting system under the expert tutoring of our treasurer Bill Bowler. Bill and Therese will be off on holidays for nearly 3 weeks during September and will be leaving me to manage required matters – these will just be the essential day to day, without any fancy accounting procedures – let’s hope Bill has taught me enough to not make him wish on his return that he hadn’t gone!
Those who attended last Monday evening’s meeting were really treated to an informative and somewhat inspiring presentation by Sargeant Matt Cavanagh and Inspector Ben Hadfield. Matt is stationed Springwood Police Station with Inspector Hadfield in charge of the Local Area Command. All in attendance at their presentation were impressed by the dedication each show to their important roles in maintaining public safety in our region. Matt was able to speak to the many areas of public safety they address on a daily basis and it was somewhat distressing to hear much of their time and efforts are devoted to dealing with matters relating to domestic and family violence /abuse. Having said this Inspector Hadfield who has wide ranging experience across a number of Area Commands, noted the Blue Mts in general is a peaceful and safe community. I’m sure you join with me in thanking them for their service to our community.
This Monday evening, we are really honoured to have PDG Susan Wakefield OAM, as our guest speaker. Susan is the Chair of the District Youth Exchange Program and will provide us with details on ‘all things Youth Exchange Program’. All those in our Club who have had experience with either sending out a child on exchange or hosting an incoming student will speak of the value of this program in furthering ‘international understanding and goodwill’. I’m certainly looking forward to hearing Susan’s presentation.
Most of you will be aware that our International portfolio director, Al Kellaway is currently braving the elements at the ShelterBox Conference this weekend. I’m hoping the winds aren’t as strong at Glenfield where Al will be ‘sleeping out’, over the 3 day event. The conference program is impressive and I look forward to hearing from Al on his return.
Finally, for this week, I’d like to let members know Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Blue Mts are holding a Horses and High Tea fundraising event on Sunday 26 October at their Blaxland Centre. Our Club has had a long association with RDA and they remain supportive of our Club in many ways and are regular attendees at our events and functions. Those interested in supporting the day and enjoying the horses and high tea, can book a place by contacting Brenda Phillips rdabrenda@gmail.com tickets are $55 each.
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, 30th August at 6.30 pm. Speaker this week is PDG Susan Wakefield OAM.
Men's Morning Tea, Wednesday 3rd September.
Bunnings Father Day Family Night, 5.30 to 8.00pm 4th September (see below).
Board Meeting (no Club General Meeting), Monday 8th September.
Monster Garage Sale at Bucklands,Saturday 13th September.
Bush Poet Gregory North 125th Anniversary Banjo Paterson Boer War Lecture tour, 16th September (see below)
Robertson Brothers & Deana Atkins Concert, Saturday 27th September (see below).
2. VISIONING EXERCISE RESULTS
These have arrived from the District Visioning Chair, Robert Bredin. The findings and conclusions, will be discussed at the next Club's Board meeting on 8th September.
3. PEACE POLES
As you can see the peace poles are now in their full glory, all clean, beautiful bright Rotary wheel in place and the garden patch planted up. Well done Frank in initiating this project, it is a great showpiece for Rotary and our Club. I'll call in there several times each week for about a month to water the plants until they are properly established and if all agree I think I will put down either pine bark or peddles to keep the weeds at bay. When digging in that garden there is not a daffodil bulb to be found!
Cheers Liz
4. FATHERS' DAY BUNNINGS BBQ
Next Thursday, 4th September, we’re taking over Bunnings with the sacred tools of Rotary: tongs, onions, and an info table. From 5:30pm to 8pm, we’ll be flipping sausages and promoting Rotary (not necessarily in that order).
I’m on the hunt for three more legends to join the crew, whether you’re a BBQ maestro or a natural at chatting up the passing crowds.
Please let Johannes know if you can help on the night.
Johannes Brockhaus, Community Service Director
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5. DEMENTIA CAFE - KATOOMBA
5. MONSTER GARAGE SALE
Have you volunteered yet? We are running the BBQ and a garage sale stall. Lots to do.
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.
6. BLUE MOUNTAINS THEATRE - THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS 1960'S VARIETY TV SHOW, SAT 27 SEPT - 2pm
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.
7. 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
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. READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUSTRALIA ROTARY HEALTH (ARH) ALUMNI NEWSLETTER AND RESEARCH ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Click on each image below to see the newsletters.
2. ROMAC AUGUST NEWSLETTER
Click on the image below to see the newsletter.
3. PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG LEADERS NEWSLETTER
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of their ability, Rotary members, their partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people with whom they come into contact and protect them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Rotary International takes all youth protection allegations seriously. You can report any concern at any time by using the blue Report a Youth Protection Concern button on the Youth Protection page.
Subscribe to the Programs for Young Leaders newsletter.
4. 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.
