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Well, it’s been another great month. We had our annual changeover dinner and a great club discussion.  The club is growing in membership (3 new added this year) and the club energy and community is strong. I plan for this year to be one of consolidation, building on the strong foundations and achievements of the past year while continuing to strengthen our impact and effectiveness.
Our key priorities will be to:
  • Maintain a strong focus on meaningful community projects and ensure we remain more than just a fundraising club.
  • Continue to grow and strengthen our membership.
  • Broaden participation by sharing skills and responsibilities across the club, while actively supporting succession planning.
  • Enhance our public image through improvements to our website, Facebook presence, and wider community engagement.
  • Keep Domestic Violence awareness and support initiatives as a key priority.
  • Continue collaborating with neighbouring Rotary clubs through joint activities and projects.
 
The club discussions have been very engaging, with several initiatives now taking shape. Looking ahead, the District Conference will be held in Mudgee next March. Angelo is coordinating a group from our club to attend, and all members are encouraged to join. If you're interested, please let Angelo know.
The District Youth Policy was also tabled for discussion. George will provide an update once further consultation with the district has been completed. Finally, Angelo and I will once again lead the club's annual Melbourne Club Trifecta adventure. Please also note that the minutes from the last Board meeting are now available via the club link.
We were pleased that Willoughby Council, at its most recent meeting, paid tribute to Tom Sweeny, recognising his significant contribution to the community and the lasting impact of his service. It was a well-deserved honour.
We have a number of community events coming up and look forward to seeing you there:
  • Crows Nest Fair – 18 October
  • End Polio Train Ride – 23 October
  • Mary House Walk & BBQ – 25 October
 
GUEST SPEAKER
 
 
 
We were graced with harpist Louise Johnson. 
 
Louise has played in all the major concert halls in the world (Sydney Opera house, Albert hall, Carnegie Hall, etc) alongside many famous acts  - Sammy Davis Jnr, Bee Gees(at age 15) to name a few. We were amused by a few 'behind the scenes" stories, as well as getting an understanding of the mechanics of playing the Harp, which Louise started at 8 years old. 
 
The highlight of the evening was the three pieces she played. The quote our Louise in her Thank You, "it was like being at our own concert". 
 
A musicial treat enjoyed by all who attended.  
 
 
 
 
 
MEETINGS 

NEXT MEETINGS ( at Crows Nest Hotel):

  • October 6th  - Internal Club Meeting  
  • October 20th - Speaker - TBA 
  • November 3rd - AGM 
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS

 

Rotary's 'declaration form' for working with children will be circulated. Please fill out & return to George. There will be time at the next meeting to ask questions and get fellow club members to be referees.  

Last BBQ raised $2353 and $103 of donations for Nepal. 

The club is growing and we are wanting to expand our activities. We do need volunteer help. Specifically, we need volunteers for:

  • Club Flyer needs updating & online version
  • Social co-ordinator
October 18th - Crows Nest Fair 
October 25th - Mary's House walk  - Pre-Walk BBQ 
 
Other events of interest.
September 25th  - Chatswood Club Octoberfest $65 - Contact Angelo  
September 25th - Dementia Awareness Day 
October 2nd. Crows Nest Probus 50th birthday - Sue & Louise attending. 
October 19th - Board meeting 5pm 
October 27th Turramurra Rotary Comedy night - $ for Polio 
November 10th - NSW Police Awards  
November 14 - 4pm Joy's Sweeny's Pymble players followed by Dinner 

YEAR OF THE HORSE

 
 
 "Small steps are still proof that you are moving"
 
 
 
 
 
ROTARY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 
 
Did you know Rotary offers far more than club meetings and BBQs? There are many resources available worldwide. Rotary provides three key avenues through which members can connect with others, expand their knowledge, and participate in enjoyable and meaningful activities.
 
Discover Rotary's Learning Centre. Rotary Learning: Growing Our Skills, Growing Our Impact
Rotary offers far more than meetings and BBQs — it’s a global network of learning, connection, and inspiration. One of the most valuable resources available to every member is Rotary’s free online Learning Centre. Whether you’ve been part of Rotary for two months or twenty years, there is always something new to discover.
 
By logging in to My Rotary, club members can explore a wide range of self-paced courses (https://learn.rotary.org/members/pages/36/course-catalogs ) covering: 
Rotary Basics, Club Leadership, Membership Development, The Rotary Foundation. Public Image, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Youth Protection, Project Planning, …and much more.
 
 Rotary Action Groups
Rotary Action Groups bring together Rotarians who share professional expertise and a passion for a particular cause. These groups provide opportunities for members to contribute their skills while collaborating with Rotarians from around the world — an excellent way to connect with people from other jurisdictions. There are Action Groups covering topics such as: Mental Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Peace, Alzheimer's and Dementia, Diabetes, Microfinance and  Community Economic Development
 
 Rotary Fellowships
One of Rotary's greatest strengths is friendship. Rotary Fellowships connect worldwide members who enjoy the same hobbies or interests such as photography, bird watching, gourmet cooking and other hobbies.
 
 

FUTURE SPEAKERS
Nov 03, 2026
Mark Staples
Crows Nest AGM
Nov 17, 2026
Tressilian @ thier place
Tressilian projects
View entire list
MEETING RESPONSIBILITIES
eBulletin
 
Editor
Bailen, Gloria
 
International Toast
 
International Toast
St Clair, Adrienne
 
Speaker Introduction
 
Introduce Speaker
Condell, George
 
Speaker Thanks/Write-up
 
Thank Speaker - Write-up
Condell, George
 
President's Message 
 
 
Just back from a three week break, and great to quickly catch up with the club. Thank You George for stepping into my role.
 
It was a pleasure have two small, but special events this week. 
Firstly Louise & I visited Phoenix House for an pop-up Cafe run by Taldumande Youth services. Serving us were the youth who had just completed their Barista course which we sponsored. Another activity Louise is monitoring is sessions on assistance in job interviews. Great stepping stones for these young adults. 
On the same day Louise, Angelo & I visited the Hematology ward at Royal North Shore Hospital to formally acknowledge our donation of two bar fridges. They are dedicated to our late Tom Sweeney. 
 
 
 
 
A big thanks to Louise for arranging these donations. 
 
 
 
 
Lastly a reminder that the 'early bird' registration for the District Conference, in Mudgee next March, closes on September 30th. 
District Conference – March 2027. Registration is now open, It would be wonderful to have a strong club presence. Please take a moment to review the keynote speakers and the non‑Rotary activities listed on the conference website and consider attending: rotarydistrict9685.org.au/page/conference.
 
We will discuss  more at our next meeting on October 6th. 
 
Hope to see you there. 
 
President Mark