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| Photo by Darren Clements Photography, courtesy Mount Barker District Council |
Rotary Volunteers Ian, Jack, Dave, Mel, Andy and Stuart
In a proud new partnership, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker helped launch the inaugural Rotary Mount Barker Gift this November - a vibrant celebration of athleticism, youth engagement, and community spirit.
The event welcomed participants of all ages to compete in a full day of running races, culminating in the exciting Mount Barker Mile. Despite stormy weather, the day saw over 160 participants and a strong turnout from the local community.
Rotary supported the event as part of its commitment to encouraging young people in meaningful activities and fostering community cohesion. Members were hands-on throughout the day, presenting prizes, cheering on competitors, and serving up our famous hot donuts, which kept spirits high and bellies warm.
"This marks the beginning of a promising new tradition for Mount Barker, and Rotary is proud to be part of it"; said President Andrew Scott; "we look forward to seeing the Rotary Mount Barker Gift grow in years to come."
RYLA Awardees Noah Rose and Amy Dospisil with Rotary Club of Mount Barker Director of Youth Service Justin Hill.
This year, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker proudly sponsored two outstanding young people, Noah Rose and Amy Dospisil, to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), one of Rotary’s flagship youth programs.
Held from 20-26 September 2025 at the Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair, RYLA offers a life-changing experience for participants aged 19-26 who are passionate about leadership and making a difference in their communities.
In 2025, the Rotary Clubs of Mount Barker and Salisbury co-sponsored the program, demonstrating a shared commitment to empowering youth - not just locally, but across South Australia.
Rotarians Andy, Diane, John and Justin are eagerly awaiting to delight your tastebuds
Every September, an army of Rotary volunteers descends on the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds to serve what many call the best donuts they've ever tasted.
Last year alone, we whipped up a staggering 41,000 donuts, powered by 1200kg of donut mix, 140kg of cinnamon sugar, and a small lake of 260 litres of cooking oil. As our biggest fundraising event of the year, we’re aiming even higher in 2025—because the more donuts we sell, the more good we can do.
These donuts have a fan club, and it’s easy to see why. They’re hot, fresh, and irresistibly sweet—but they’re also a force for good. Every bite helps fund Rotary’s community projects, especially those supporting young people.
So come find us at the Showgrounds. Taste the magic. And know that every donut you enjoy helps make a difference.
Outgoing President Mark Clemow reflected on the Club’s strong culture and positive momentum, highlighting the spirit of service and friendship that defines the Mount Barker Rotary community. In a heartfelt moment, Mark presented the Ian Rose Memorial Award for Community Service to James Hawker, and named Karen Nolan as Rotarian of the Year. Both were further honoured with Paul Harris Fellows, the highest accolade a Rotary Club can bestow, acknowledging their outstanding commitment to the ideals of Rotary and their enduring contribution to the leadership of the Club.
Incoming President Andrew Scott shared his vision for the year ahead, expressing a desire to elevate the Club’s profile through the creation of a signature community event. “If more people knew what we did and were inspired to volunteer with Rotary,” he said, “our capacity to create meaningful change in our community would grow exponentially.”
With a renewed sense of purpose and leadership, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker looks forward to another year of service, fellowship, and impact.
Rotarian of the Year, Karen Nolan, outgoing President Mark Clemow and winner of the Ian Rose Memorial Award for Community Service, James Hawker.
Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that Jesus came into this world to bring hope, peace on earth, and goodwill to all.
It is also the time when we gather with friends and family and demonstrate a spirit of togetherness in our community. Our Rotary traditions have always included bringing cheer to the less fortunate. Giving and sharing, however, do not always mean giving money or material things. Sometimes taking time to help and comfort someone in need is worth as much or more. As individuals, let us find time in our busy schedules to offer a word of encouragement to someone with a broken spirit, a neighbour, a relative, or a friend going through a difficult time. Let us give of ourselves, not out of obligation, but out of desire.
As we reflect on the past year and approach a new one, let us consider what we can do as a club to continue making a difference in our community. As Gandhi said, "you must be the change you want see in this world." What changes do you personally plan to make to bring about positive changes in our community?
Let us remind ourselves once again of the hope and joy we find in Christmas. With the global turmoil we are witnessing, it seems more appropriate than ever to say, "let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."
Adapted from a Christmas Message by Former Rotary International President Bendt Haverberg
Pictured from left: Liv and Sam Hately from The Salvation Army; Haydn Lush from the Mount Barker Uniting Church; President Mark Clemow and Tom Mead from the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Service Above Self
Mount Barker, SA 5251
Australia