A LITTLE DIRECTION FOR CONQUERING A SUMMIT
Photo courtesy of Conquer the Summit
Every March, you'll find Rotary Volunteers like Dianne helping participants navigate their way to "conquer the summit" at an iconic running event in Mount Barker.
Stories
|
|
|||||||||||||||
A SHOWDOWN OF FOOTY FOODS IN MOUNT BARKER Photo by Darren Clements Photography, courtesy of the Mount Barker District Council. |
|||||||||||||||
MORE THAN JUST YOUR AVERAGE JOE Meet Joe. He's been part of Rotary in different ways for most of his life and a member of our Club for 20 years.
|
|||||||||||||||
SIZZLING CELEBRATION FOR AUSTRALIA DAY Photo by Darren Clements Photography, courtesy of the Mount Barker District Council. The snags weren't the only things sizzling when Rotary cooked up an Aussie-style barbecue on a scorching Australia Day in Mount Barker. |
|||||||||||||||
ROTARY VAN RAMPED AT NEW AMBULANCE STATION We've all heard about the ramping of ambulances, but this time it was the Rotary Catering Van that got ramped when it was parked to feed the masses at the official opening of Mount Barker's new Ambulance Station. |
|||||||||||||||
VALE IAN ROSE. A WONDERFUL FRIEND On December 21st 2024 we lost one of our longest-serving and most accomplished members when Ian Rose passed away suddenly at home.
|
|||||||||||||||
2024 Christmas message from the Rotary Club of Mount Barker
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 |
|||||||||||||||
Supporting our community at ChristmasFor nearly 40 years, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker has supported local organisations that work to make Christmas a little brighter for the discouraged, hungry, and lonely people in our community. This year, the cost of living and housing crisis has hit our community hard, and the reliance on these organisations has grown immensely. At our last meeting for 2024, we hosted representatives from The Salvation Army, the Mount Barker Uniting Church, and the Society of St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies). They received our donations and informed us about why their work in Mount Barker was so important.  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. |
|||||||||||||||
Three decades of spreading festive cheer at the Christmas PageantSince 1982 the Mount Barker Christmas Festival Committee, a jolly group of community volunteers, has been decking the streets with boughs of holly and much more for the annual Mount Barker Christmas Pageant. On the first Saturday of December, the town buzzes with excitement as thousands gather along the 1.4km route through our beautiful town centre, making it the biggest Christmas parade in South Australia outside of the famous Adelaide Christmas Pageant. For three decades, Rotary has been a part of the Pageant, with Ian Rose steering the ship. Ian is not just a figurehead; over the years he has crafted and cared for eleven floats, marshalled the merry-makers, and piloted the Club's float. Our participation in the Mount Barker Christmas Pageant is more than festive fun; it's a tip of the Santa hat to Ian's stellar service to our Club and the community.  |
|||||||||||||||
A mountain of donut delight at the 2024 Royal Adelaide ShowWhipping up 41,000 donuts for the 2024 Royal Adelaide Show was no small feat - it was a veritable baking marathon! Picture this: 1200kg of donut mix, 140kg of cinnamon sugar, and a small lake of 260 litres of cooking oil. Let's just say the calorie counter gave up and went home. Our famous donut van's biggest event of the year, the Royal Adelaide Show, is also our top fundraising event. This year, a whopping 650 volunteer hours were clocked, with 500 of those spent in the deliciously sweet trenches, serving up donuts and drinks. Our donuts have a fan club, and it's not hard to see why. They're not just a treat for the taste buds with their sugary, creamy goodness, and the fact that they're hot and fresh. It's also because every bite is a bite for a good cause, with proceeds powering our community projects, particularly those for young people. Mark your calendars! The donut van's next big adventure is at the Lights of Lobethal Festival, happening from December 7th to 24th 2024. You'll find us in the Lobethal Foodland carpark for your donut fix!  |
|||||||||||||||
2024 Community Grants help eleven local organisationsIn 2024, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker Community Grants supported eleven grassroots community organisations in achieving their objectives to make a difference locally.  |
|||||||||||||||
Community Grants 2022-2023SUBMISSIONS FOR COMMUNITY GRANTS HAVE NOW CLOSED The Rotary Club of Mount Barker is a local community-based service club, made up of dedicated members, donating their time to raise funds to spend in our local community, Australia wide & internationally. Rotarians generously work together to aid those in need. |
|||||||||||||||
Birthing KitsOn Saturday, 27th August, members and friends of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker met at the Lifestyle SA Village (Mount Barker) Bowling Clubhouse to assemble 200 birthing kits to assist vulnerable women and newborns in underdeveloped areas of the world to survive and hopefully thrive. These birthing kits have significantly reduced the infection and death rate of childbirth.
|
|||||||||||||||
Rotarians in Action (Hungry No More - July 2022)Twice per year, the Members of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker participate in the Hungry No More program. Held weekly at the Mount Barker Uniting Church, the Club provided a meal for those less fortunate. The Members provide the food and serve the meal up to the public as though they were in a restaurant. On Sunday, 10th July 2022, the Club served a 3 course meal of soup, followed by roast chicken and vegetables followed by desert of puddings and ice cream.
|
|||||||||||||||
Mount Barker RSL Smoke Detector Upgrade During the ANZAC Gunfire Breakfast at the Mount Barker RSL, it was mentioned by RSL President Barrie Scott that they needed to spend a considerable amount if their funds to upgrade the smoke detector and alarm systems in their premises.At its next Board meeting, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker discussed this matter and agreed to provide the funds to the RSL for this project. Pictured are Rotary Club of Mount Barker President James Hawker presenting the funds to Mount Barker RSL President Barrie Scott.
|
|||||||||||||||
Rotary Saves Playgrounds From Land FillThe 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 EveningThe 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:
|
|||||||||||||||
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.
|
|||||||||||||||
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.
|
|||||||||||||||
Vale Founding Member Dev Connelly
|
|||||||||||||||
Austerity BBQ November 14th On Saturday, 14th November 2020, James and Judy Hawker hosted an Austerity BBQ at their property on Native Avenue, Mount Barker.Attended by most Members, along with our Friends of Rotary Members, Honorary Members and Members partners we all enjoyed a great afternoon of eating and drinking and, more importantly, fellowship with like minded Rotarians. There were a number of highlights during the afternoon:-
|
|||||||||||||||
Polio Ute Relay 2020 |
|||||||||||||||
Resumption of Meetings on Monday NightsAt the Club Assembly on Thursday, 8th October 2020, the members of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker voted to resume regular meetings on Monday evenings commencing at 6:00pm for 6:30pm start, with the next meeting to be Monday, 19th October 2020.
|
|||||||||||||||
Uniting Church Carpet Tile LayingAs a successful recipients of a Rotary Club of Mount Barker community grant for the purchase of carpet tiles for their hall, the Mount Barker Uniting Church asked the Club for assistance with laying the tiles. On Saturday, 26th September, a team of Rotarians from the Club provided much appreciated assistance with the task of laying the tiles. |
|||||||||||||||
District COVID-19 Relief FundA Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) fund has been established to provide financial assistance to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions who are not eligible for other forms of financial assistance. The partnering organisations managing this fund are:
Requests for financial assistance will be submitted through the Mount Barker Community Centre and reviewed by a joint committee comprising personnel from the partner organisations. Should you wish to make a donation to this fund via bank transfer or credit/debit card, please click ---> If you prefer to donate by cheque, please make it payable to Rotary Club of Mount Barker. Please download, print and complete this , attach your cheque, and mail it to the address on the form. Once the cheque has cleared, the club's fund administrator will enter the donation into RAWCS on your behalf using the details provided with the cheque. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and your support is greatly appreciated. |
|||||||||||||||
Resumption of MeetingsThe Rotary Club of Mount Barker is resuming regular meetings as of Thursday, 25th June 2020. Note, the Club is meeting on Thursday evenings until at least the end of July as Auchendarroch is not opening on Monday or Tuesday until Government restrictions make it viable. Rod Cooper President 2019-2020 Rotary Club of Mount Barker |
|||||||||||||||
Inbound Exchange Student PresentationOn Monday evening, 25th May 2020, Our Inbound Exchange Student from France, Thibault Finnochiaro, gave a presentation on his stay in South Australia hosted by the Rotary Club of Mount Barker. Whilst there were some disappointments as a result of the restrictions caused by the Caronavirus restrictions, Thibault focused on the positive aspects of his time in Australia. Please click this link to view a video of Thibault's presentation.
|
|||||||||||||||
Supporting Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Each year, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker supports the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal by staffing a Bunnings BBQ with all proceeds being donated to the Appeal.With the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, this year's Bunnings BBQ cannot proceed, so the club is supporting the Red Shield Appeal by promoting and supporting a Salvation Army initiative to go online. The Salvation Army have stated "Not only is Covid 19 impacting those already doing it tough, but we are still continuing to work with those many families affected by the summer bushfires. We have also had an influx of people in the community in financial need and general support". To view a video promoting the Red Shield Appeal, please click here ... To make a donation to the Red Shield Appeal, please click here ... |
|||||||||||||||
Anzac Wreath Laying Ceremony  Due to the RSL Anzac Day Dawn Service being limited in numbers this year, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker performed their own Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Mount Barker War Memorial at 8:00pm on Friday, 24th April.Attended by 15 members and partners, it was an honour to invite 102 year old WWII Veteran Colin Wagener, father of Rotarian Paul Wagener, to lay the wreath. Colin also recited the Ode of Remembrance and led the 1 minute's silence. Colin is a WWII Veteran who served with the Second AIF, Sergeant with 2/3 Anti Aircraft Regiment attached to the 9th Division, 6 years Army service in the Pacific Region. |
|||||||||||||||
Meeting CancellationAs of Monday, 23rd March 2020, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker has cancelled its Monday night meetings due to the latest social distancing advice from the Federal Government.
Should any member of the public wish to contact the club, please use the Contact Us page on this website. We trust we will be back on deck as soon as possible to support the community, but in the mean time, everyone please stay safe and healthy and follow the advice of the experts on this matter. Rod Cooper President 2019-2020 Rotary Club of Mount Barker |
|||||||||||||||
Austerity Evening for Bushfire Relief On Monday, 17th February 2020, the Club held an austerity evening at the Olive Branch Cafe in Balhannah. Attended by 30 members, family and friends, the evening supported cafe owner Nicole McIntosh and her family who sadly lost their home in Lobethal during the recent Cudlee Creek fires. |
|||||||||||||||
Rotary Club of Mount Barker Supports CanTeen On Monday, 3rd February 2020, the Club hosted Anna Baric and Stephen Handrick from Beyond Bank who are in training for a Ride for Cancer event in April which will see them riding from Adelaide, along the great Ocean Road to Melbourne.Being a fundraising event for CanTeen, meeting Chairman Shawn Hutchinson presented a donation of $1,000 on behalf of the Club.
|
|||||||||||||||
Royal Adelaide Show "Thank You" BBQ and Wine Labelling 2019 On Saturday, 26th October, the Board of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker hosted a BBQ to thank all Club members, family and friends who helped out in the donut van at the Royal Adelaide Show. |
|||||||||||||||
End Polio Film Evening 2019 |
|||||||||||||||
Austerity Evening October 2019 On Monday, 21st October, the Club held an austerity evening at the home of James and Judy Hawker.Our thanks go out to James and Judy for opening their home. Great for the Club to have social time together. |
|||||||||||||||
President's Changeover 2019On Saturday, 29th June, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker held it's President's Changeover in the Community Centre of the Lifestyle SA Village. Highlights of the evening were:-
|
|||||||||||||||
International Women's Day 2019On March 6th, President Shiralee Judge, Helen Marshall, Carola Sanders and Mary Roebuck from the Rotary Club of Mount Barker celebrated International Women's Day by attending the Women in Rotary SA Chapter breakfast at The Pavilion, Veale Gardens on South Terrace. The club provided funds to sponsor two students and one teacher from each of Mount Barker High School, Cornerstone College and St. Francis de Sales College to attend.  This year's guest speaker was Megan McLoughlin, SA’s Local Hero, who told her story of hope and inspiration.“Quite simply, Megan McLoughlin says she is filled with hope each time she reflects on the greatest gift she has ever received - life. The 37-year-old Tanunda woman is a double transplant recipient following medical conditions which left her legally blind. Her desire to live a full and rewarding life was strengthened after she was named the 2019 South Australian Local Hero for her advocacy work towards organ donation” The Governor’s wife, Mrs Lan Le, is patron of the Women in Rotary SA Chapter and asked to be photographed with the students and club members.
|
|||||||||||||||
Community Grants 2018-2019 PresentationOn Monday 25th February, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker presented the successful applicants with their allocation from the 2019 Community Grants funds.  Click on Photo to View Project Page |
|||||||||||||||
Royal Adelaide Show "Thank You" BBQ On Saturday, 22nd September, the Board of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker hosted a BBQ to thank all Club members, family and friends who helped out in the donut van at the Royal Adelaide Show.Held at the Lifestyle SA village, home of Community Service Director Rod Cooper and Jeanette, guests were treated to a meal of gourmet sausages and gourmet patties, complemented with salads, and later desserts, provided by Club members.
|
|||||||||||||||
Rotary Club Shed CleanoutA massive undertaking to cleanup the Rotary Shed was undertaken over 2 days.
|
|||||||||||||||
Conquer the Summit Joint Meeting The Conquer the Summit event, which is held in April each year, has been an undertaking of the Mount Barker Lions Club, for some 6 years, with assistance on the day from the Rotary Club of Mount Barker. The event is an 11km run (or walk) from Keith Stephenson Park, along the Linear Trail, then up to the Mount Barker Summit and raises funds for Operation Flinders, a program that provides support and guidance to "young adults at risk".This year, the Mount Barker Lions Club approached the Rotary Club of Mount Barker proposing the event becomes a Joint Service Club event, to which the Rotary Club of Mount Barker agreed.
|
|||||||||||||||
Hills Boxing Shed InsulationOn Saturday, 21st July, Members of the Rotary Club of Mount Barker, ably assisted by a few Members of the boxing club, spent the day installing insulation to the roof of the "Counter Punch" training facility. This involved removing all the roof iron, installing the insulation, then re-installing the roof iron. Thanks to everyone involved, especially Marg Inglis who provided a great lunch.
|
|||||||||||||||
Council Shed to Yankaninna The Mount Barker Council approached the Rotary Club of Mount Barker with a proposal that, if the Club wished to clean out, dismantle, transport and re-erect it, there was a 4-bay shed available that could go to Operation Flinders Base Camp at Yankaninna in the Flinders Ranges.Never being a Club that backs down from a challenge, the Club accepted. Over a period of 2 weeks, members worked on the shed and, eventually, on Thursday, 19th July, the shed was finally cleared, ready for the next phase of dismantling. Along the way, members encountered a number of species of wildlife so great care had to be taken so that they were not disturbed too much.
|
|||||||||||||||
Community Grants 2017-2018 PresentationEach year, the Rotary Club of Mount Barker allocates a sum of grants money which community groups can apply for. Each grant is limited to a maximum of $1,000 which allows the funds to be spread over a larger number of community organisations. The 2018 recipients were:-
|
|||||||||||||||
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.
Rod Cooper (and Jeanette) inducted as Club President for 2019-2020 by President Shiralee Judge
Sergeant for 2019-2020: Ian Rose
Hills Radio presenter and Entertainer Steve Bleach entertaining the guests 
