Firstly, please note that we have had a significant change to our meetings format. Members have now agreed to evening meetings on the first & third TUESDAY of each month.
Optional dinner from 6pm, with the official start of the meeting at 7pm. The 1st Tuesday will be an ‘internal club’ meeting, whilst the 3rd Tuesday will have a guest speaker. We will trial this for three months to see how it goes.
Over the holidays we paid a sad farewell to Andre Hariman, one of the most dedicated & loved Rotarians I have known. Whilst not a member of our club, we worked closely on a number of projects, and he attended many of our BBQs and meetings. We will miss his kindness and true love for Rotary.
Last Monday’s meeting we were enthralled to have PDG Lindsay May take us thru his 50 years of Sydney to Hobart racing. What an education. He was preceded by our member Michael McQueen who just returned from the Rotary World Assembly where all the incoming District Governors prepare for the upcoming year. The key message – Don’t miss any podcast/message from the incoming RI President - Olayinka Hakeem Babalol who seriously impressed him.
It is a pleasure to announce that the board has accepted Wes McKnight as a member. Recently relocated from Ballarat where his father and grandfather were Rotarians, and he has earned a Paul Harris Award. Welcome Wes. We also have another 4 candidates considering joining the club.
Finally, it was with great pride I read out a ‘Community Recognition Award’ from local MP Tim James. Tim has recognised us, along with North Sydney Sunrise, Mosman and Northbridge clubs for the excellent work being done with D-Café. He has recommended people in our community, with Dementia, get involved in this great initiative.
Hope to see you all at our next meeting on Tuesday February 3, where Sam will continue his club Health Check
Meet Tom Sweeney, OAM, a long time Rotary Crows Nest Member
Tom was born in Sydney and for the first five years lived in a pub in the toughest part of town - Pyrmont- where the power station belched black smoke and the men were tough and hard drinkers. Tom’s father was the publican, and he learnt to crawl on the ' bar'. “The scenes in the pub were the same as any 1950’s movie”.
Besides being a member of the Rotary Club of Crows Nest, spanning some 23 years, he was also deeply involved in musical theatre on the North Shore – being Willoughby Theatre Company, In 2018 Tom was awarded an OAM for dedicated service to the performing arts.
Tom now retired, still continues his love of theatre along with his wife Joy as members of Pymble Players, a drama group now based at the Zenith Theatre Chatswood. Tom has directed over 38 musicals and 10 plays during his time in the sun. Joy now takes the main thrust as an experienced director in her own right and is about to direct her 10th play for Pymble and others.
During his working life, Tom worked for various charities and hospitals as a special events organizer with the highlight being the ‘soft’ opening of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel in 1992. This event attracted 346 thousand people and raised considerable funds for the Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.
Tom’s favourite Rotary activity is the District Conferences where one gets to see Rotary in action and all the good work Rotary achieves.
Tom and his wife enjoy travel where possible as well as going to the theatre! They have been married for 52 years. Tom’s favourite song is " No other Love Have I " Rogers and Hart. “It sums up our marriage”
LAST MEETINGGuest Speaker of January 19.
Our guest speaker was Lindsay May, OAM and he gave a very insightful talk into all the significant effort and skill required to navigate the Sydney to Hobart race. A sailing veteran, Lindsay gave a masterclass in explaining all aspects of being a participant – from navigation to geology to teamwork. This talk brought to race to life for RCN.
NEXT MEETING SPEAKER
Our guest speaker at the February 3 meeting will be Ethan McGregor. Ethan is a graduate of the RYLA program and will share his insights and experience.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS
TALDUMANDE
In 2026, Taldumande Youth Services celebrates an incredible milestone: 50 years of caring for Sydney’s most vulnerable children and young people. To honour this legacy, we are bringing our community together for a night of reflection, celebration and connection at the stunning Ivy Ballroom. Hosted by the wonderful Jean Kittson, the evening will feature inspiring speakers, live entertainment, and heartfelt moments that celebrate the impact we have made together over five decades.
In their 10th year of operation, and leading up to International Women's Day, Mary’s House invites you to purchase tickets to our Hope Lives Here luncheon, celebrating and supporting our life-saving work here at Mary's House Services. "Hope Lives Here" will be an inspiring and hopeful event to celebrate and support our life-saving work. Alyssa Delpopolo, the winner of The Voice will perform live and guests will hear from frontline workers and from the people who support us. Hope Lives Here
ROTARY CLUB OF MOSMAN
Invitation to Rotary Club of Mosman Musical Evening and Fundraiser 13 March 2026
Rotary Australia has a long history of supporting projects in Timor-leste, and the Rotary Club of Mosman has helped support the "Rotary Program of Enrichment ("RYPEN") and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards ("RYLA") training programs for youths and young adults which have run there for more than 15 years. Our fundraising launch will be at the Mosman Art Gallery in March. We would be delighted if you and the members of your club were able to join us for the event.
OTHER DATES
February 1, 2026 - The District Governor is planning a picnic at Fagan Park, Carrs Road.
February 24 2025 - Ryde Rotary Annual Police Awards
March 8, 2026- Intl Women's Day Rotary District 9685 Educational Scholarship Scheme
