Firstly, the passing of Tom, farewelled in a wonderful (typical Tom) service on May 14 attended by many Rotarians from many clubs. May he rest in Peace. Joy has indicated she wishes to continue her involvement with our club, and it will be a pleasure to see her at future events & BBQs. If you have not already done so, visit our Facebook page to see some wonderful tributes. (more details in the story below).
The club had another active month. Firstly, at our club meeting of May 5, Sam led the final club health check. The club agreed that Rotary Crows Nest is serving the community well and has an excellent reputation. The opportunities noted were encouraging socialization among the club members, fund raising and managing the effort required for club volunteers.
Socialization: Many members indicated they would like to socialize outside of meetings and develop friendships. Accordingly, a WHATSAPP group has been set up called - Rotary Crows Nest Social Group. All members have been sent an invitation to connect. If you did not receive the invitation and want to connect please talk to Gloria. The Board will appoint a social a coordinator to assist in this effort.
Fund Raising: The club has raised sufficient funds to support the designated charities. For this year we still have some funds available. Louise is working with the charities to identify possible donations. No additional fund-raising opportunities will be considered until there are more members to support the effort. The club will assess sponsorship opportunities.
Volunteer support. Providing timely information so volunteers can manage their calendars was the main issue. This will be further discussed at the next Board meeting for implementation
Louise and Sue are preparing an application for a District Grant to further support the Crows Nest Community Centre facility which allows the homeless to shower.
On May 19 the Pride of Workmanship dinner was jointly held with Lane Cove Rotary at the Chatswood golf club. This was a fun filled evening with many in attendance. Congratulations to our awards winners Danielle Ravese, Joy Campbell-Stephen and Kerry Hammond. Their above and beyond service to community is very much appreciated and the recognition well deserved. It was very special to have Joy Sweeny join us to present Tom’s awardee, and her message the next day “Thanks for a great night, Tom would have been proud.” Please see the full story below.
Finally, I encourage you to read the May 11 board meeting minutes (link on left-hand side of eBulletin). Much of the meeting was spent reviewing potential project and donations for the remainder of this financial year, and planning a few for the next financial year, starting July 1st.
I hope to see many of you on June 2. Please diarize Tuesday July 7th for our Changeover.
As you read above, Tom passed away in early May. Tom was a long time Rotarian and an exceptional community leader He served our Rotary Club and District for more than a quarter of a century with tireless energy and a generous heart. He was active, engaging, and warm — the kind of person who turned meetings into gatherings, ideas into projects, and neighbours into friends. Tom built community not for recognition but because he believed in people; his laughter, steady presence, and quiet encouragement lifted so many of us.
Tom was inducted in Rotary 1998 and, received 4 Paul Harris Fellowship Awards in recognition of his contribution to Rotary and the community, was President 2001-2 and 2023-24 and co-president in 2009-10, served on the board over many years mainly as director of Vocational Service and PR, organised the entertainment in the House of Friendship for the Rotary World Convention in Sydney in 2014, served on the District Conference Committee organised by our club twice in 2003 and 2016 and emceed many district conferences and district changeovers as well as all our club functions
Tom’s Community accomplishments include patron of the Australian Opera and organizing the Government House Garden Party, helping organize the Tunnel walk for 300,000 citizens as part of the Harbour Tunnel opening ceremonies, actively supporting the NSHRF (North Shore Heart Research Foundation) through the Zipper club, fundraising and public speaking, guest speaker regularly at Probus and other Rotary Clubs on topics such as The Theatre and Famous People at Macquarie Park Cemetery and hosting night tours of Macquarie Park Cemetery.
Tom’s legacy is visible in every project he championed and every life he touched. Tom’s example will keep inspiring our work and our care for one another.
STRENGHT TRAINING
RCN and Keiser have formed a partnership to assist our members better understand strength training.
Your Lower Back Matters:
Did you know that 70–80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives? At any given time, up to 20% of people are experiencing back pain right now, and for many, it doesn’t stop there. Around 80% will have at least one recurrence, while up to 50% of cases can become persistent or chronic.
The good news is that strength loss and back pain are not inevitable. Research consistently shows that strength training is one of the most effective ways to maintain muscle, prevent injuries, protect bone density, and support overall health as we age. Training just 2–3 times per week can make a significant difference in helping you stay strong, active, and independent.
At Kieser, the lower back machine is specifically designed to strengthen the lumbar extensor muscles; the deep muscles that support and stabilise your spine. Lower back pain and stiffness can make everyday activities like lifting, walking, or getting out of a chair more difficult. Often, this is linked to weakness in the muscles that support the spine. This machine is designed to specifically to strengthen these important muscles safely and effectively whilst assisting with the reduction of lower back pain, improved posture, and make daily movements feel easier and more confident.
If you would like to learn more or discuss whether this could benefit you, please call 02 9170 9944.
MEETINGS
LAST MEETINGS: Club Meeting on May 5, 2026 and POW on May 19, 2026.
Our last meeting was a club discussion where Sam completed the club health check. The results were informative and positive. The recommendations mentioned in Mark' message will be actioned. See the story below for the POW evening.
NEXT MEETINGS:
June 2. Club discussion. Dinner at 6pm and 6:50pm start.
June 16- guest speaker Eleanor Bull.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS
The Rotary Chatswood Roseville musical competition will be held on Tuesday June 09 at 7 pm at the Zenith Theatre. If you wish to attend, please contact Peggy Yu at 0401 949 983.
The Rotary Club of North Ryde will hold its 2026 Annual Celebration and Changeover Dinner on Friday 26 June at North Ryde RSL commencing 6.30p.m. for a 7p.m. start. RSVP to President Mandy Van email: northryderotary@gmail.com or mobile: 0404082611 or Presidents-elect Bernie and Peter Mason email: bib_59@hotmail.com mobile 0411134530 by Friday 5 June 2026.
The Rotary Crows Nest changeover dinner will be held on Tuesday July 7 at Lees Fortuna.
YEAR OF THE HORSE
"Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it".
On May 19th the Pride of Workmanship dinner was jointly held with Lane Cove Rotary at the Chatswood golf club. This was a fun filled evening with many in attendance. We recognise members of the local community who go above & beyond in their job , whether it be a business person, employee or a volunteer. Congratulations to our awards winners :-
Danielle Ravese, - A successful hairdresser who has built her business into one of the most successful on the North Shore. Her success has been matched by her kindness & generosity to clients, taking a keen interest in what they do, including free home visits to those too ill to visit her.
Joy Campbell-Stephen - A volunteer at Royal North Shore Hospital for over 20 years, running the Pink Lady shop/ward deliveries, raising over $5 million under her guidance.
Kerry Hammond - A Meals on Wheels volunteer for many decades. She doesn't just deliver meals, she gives support, encouragement, and a kind word , building a deeper connection with those she visits.
Their above and beyond service to community is very much appreciated and the recognition well deserved.
Recently departed Tom Sweeney, was vocational Director and driver of POW for many years, so it was very special to have Joy Sweeney join us to present Tom’s awardee, and fill in as Vocational director for the evening. Her message the next day “Thanks for a great night, Tom would have been proud.” .
We are planning to continue this as an annual event for Crows Nest Rotary.
On May 19th the Pride of Workmanship dinner was jointly held with Lane Cove Rotary at the Chatswood golf club. This was a fun filled evening with many in attendance. We recognise members of the local community who go above & beyond in their job , whether it be a business person, employee or a volunteer. Congratulations to our awards winners :- 