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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Mount Barker, South Australia

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.

Rotary Leadership Institute 2021

Rotary Leadership Class of February 2021.

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) seeks to provide quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills to Rotarians interested in developing their Rotary participation and to those identified by Rotary Clubs as having a potential in club leadership. These educational opportunities will teach skills that will benefit the members in their lives and in their volunteer service.

A group of passionate and enthusiastic Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of Victor Harbor, Morphett Vale, McLaren Vale, Mitcham, Salisbury, Mt Barker, Berri, Adelaide, Holdfast Bay, Adelaide Parks and Campbelltown attended the Rotary Leadership Institute on the weekend of 6th and 7th February.

Special congratulations to President Nominee Karen Nolan and President Elect James Hawker for giving up their weekend to attend.


President Nominee Karen Nolan	President Elect James Hawker

Vale Founding Member Dev Connelly

Dev Connelly, who was the only surviving foundation member of this club, has sadly passed away. President Shawn Hutchinson invited two of Dev's closest friends to give some insight into the man, the legend.

World War II Vet Colin Wagener

On Monday, 30th November, our special guest speaker was Colin Wagener, father of member Paul Wagener.

Colin spoke of his experiences during World War II, a distant memory for most of us, but all fresh in Colin's mind.

On 1st December, Colin turned 103 years old and to celebrate this outstanding milestone, the club presented him with a special birthday cake.

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 ...