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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Mount Barker, South Australia

Proud Sponsors of

Operation Flinders - Signature Project of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker

Operation Flinders Mission Statement:

“Operation Flinders Foundation is to provide young men and women who have been identified as being at risk, with demanding outdoor challenges and support, to help them develop their personal attitudes and values of self esteem, motivation, team work and responsibility so they may grow as valued members of the community.”

These young men and women are taken to a remote location in the Flinders Ranges, trekking 100kms over 8 days, where they are confronted with physical, emotional and psychological challenges in an isolated and unfamiliar environment.

Operation Flinders site: https://operationflinders.org.au/

To read more about the relationship between Rotary Club of Mount Barker and Operation Flinders, please click here ...

Rotary Saves Playgrounds From Land Fill

The Rotary Club of Mount Barker is leading an impactful project that removes unwanted playgrounds in Australia and sends them to schools and communities in developing nations. Click here to watch a 5 minute video about the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds project and contact Mark Clemow on rorpsa@gmx.com or 0414 238 604 if you'd like to get involved.

Computer Refurbishment Project

The initial project was a joint venture between the District Council of Mount Barker, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker and the Mount Barker Community Centre. The Computer Refurbishment project resulted in 28 desktop computers and a few laptops becoming available for Not-For-Profit Charitable organisations, and families who are doing it tough and needing a computer for their children.

The computers, provided by the District Council of Mount Barker following an upgrade program, were fully refurbished with a new hard drive, Windows 10 Professional, Open Office software and Windows Defender AntiVirus.

As a true joint venture, the District Council of Mount Barker funded the replacement hard drives, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker funded the Windows 10 Professional software through its Volume Licencing Agreement with Microsoft, plus additional cables and parts as required, and the Mount Barker Community Centre provided the room to store the hardware, and the workspace, during the refurbishment project.

Since the completion of the initial project, 5 more computers have been provided to the project and are now available, under the same terms as the initial project being, Not-For-Profit Charitable organisations, and families who are doing it tough and needing a computer for their children.

District Council of Mount Barker Community Service Award

For his outstanding contribution to his role as Community Service Director, the Board of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker submitted Peter Baur to the District Council of Mount Barker for consideration for an award presented during the Australia Day ceremonies held at Auchendarroch.

Peter was duly awarded the District Council of Mount Barker Community Service Award for his outstanding service to the Rotary Club of Mount Barker and the Community.

Congratulations Peter.

2021 Mount Barker High School Community Award

Year 12 graduating student Tahlia Badenock has been selected as the recipient of the Mount Barker High School Community Award funded by the Rotary Club of Mount Barker.

Tahlia has been recognised for her community involvement and particularly her interest in assisting First Nation people in the APY Lands. Tahlia applied for, and was granted, 2 weeks of experience as a student in the APY Lands.

Florence and Richard Become Australian Citizens

On Monday, 18th October 2021, family, friends and fellow Rotarians were present at a special event to witness Rotarians Florence and Richard Yeardley become Australian Citizens.

Approximately 55 people attended the ceremony conducted by Mayor Ann Fergusson in the Robert Charles Room at Auchendarroch.

Florence and Richard have been members of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker since 2012 and decided it was time to become citizens of this wonderful country.

Both hard working and dedicated Rotarians, Florence is in her eighth (and last) year as Club Secretary and Richard is always putting his hand up when there is a donut or two to be made.

One of the highlights of the evening was the Lobethal Harmony Choir performing Advance Australia Fair to welcome Florence and Richard.

Joint Meeting with Rotary Club of Stirling

On Monday, 27th September, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker hosted the Rotary Club of Stirling at a joint meeting to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the charter of the Rotary Club of Stirling.

63 members, partners and guest from both Clubs listened to Guest Speaker, the Honourable Martin Hamilton-Smith.

He spent 24 years in military service. He is an Alma Mater of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. His rank is Lieutenant Colonel. Martin was Commander of the Australian Contingent multi national force in the Sinai desert and spent many years in the Special Air Service and as head of the 1st Commando Regiment. On retirement from the army, Martin moved into the small business sector where he operated and built a number of child care centres. He then spent 21 years in parliament where he represented the seat of Waite in the SA House of Assembly. His ministerships include Investment and Trade, Small Business, Defence and Space Industries and Health Industries. He is a former Leader of the Opposition and holds a Masters degree in Asian History and an MBA.

Vale Brian Voumard

Of Mount Barker. 16/11/1931 – 12/05/2021. Aged 89 Years. Dearly loved husband of Anne for 64 years. Brian joined Rotary on Sep. 14, 1966 and was a member for 55 years.

Brian's whole family was involved in Rotary. Brian and his wife Anne hosted a number of Long Term Youth Exchange students and all 4 of their children also became Long Term Exchange Students.

Brian was a long time volunteer at this club. After the bush fires a fundraiser was held at the oval. Brian was the auctioneers and raised many thousands of dollars for projects over the years.

The club's 'Wipeout Award' came from one of Brian's auctions. The club's current recipient of the 'Wipeout Award' is Ian Rose who keeps it in a special place in his shed.

Brian was club president twice. Board meetings were then held at the President's home and Ian Rose remembers Anne's cream puffs well.

Sadly, Anne suffered from dementia in her later years. Brian took care of her until he himself moved in to Southern Cross Homes.

Our club is very proud of the contribution that Brian made. He is fondly remembered as a lovely bloke.

Brian spent his life in stock sales as a stock agent where he moved around the state. He grew up on the Eyre Peninsular.

He was very much loved by his family. A thorough gentleman, who was generous and meticulous in everything he did. His total devotion to his family, friends and the Rotary community will be forever remembered.

Membership Networking Evening

The very successful Membership Networking Evening held on Monday, 15th March has resulted in a possible 6 new members for the club.

The theme of the evening highlighted the clubs involvement in Rotary and other Youth Programs.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Rotarian Michael Bagshaw.

The meeting was officially opened by President Shawn Hutchinson who welcomed all members and the 23 guests attending the evening.

Guest speakers were:

Jonathon Robran, who outlined the Operation Flinders program for "kids at risk" and highlighted the club's support and involvement in the program.
Teacher Kelly Ktedinis spoke on the results she has seen in students who have attended the program.
Member of 12 months Rotarian Jack Newton, spoke on why he joined Rotary.
Youth and International Director Karen Nolan spoke of the many Youth programs that the club is involved in.
National Youth Science Forum attendee Michael Smallbridge spoke of his experience attending the forum and thanked the club for their financial support.
Blakiston member Rotarian Lachlan Peter outlined the programs offered by Blakiston club.