Community Grants 2022-2023

SUBMISSIONS 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.
 
Community Grants 2022-2023 Rod Cooper 2023-01-16 13:30:00Z 0

Birthing Kits

On 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.
 
Members and Friends hard at work assembling the Birthing Kits
A very happy group at the completion of the project
 
Birthing Kits Rod Cooper 2022-08-26 14:30:00Z 0

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.
 
 
   
  
Rotarians in Action (Hungry No More - July 2022) Rod Cooper 2022-07-10 14:30:00Z 0

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.
Mount Barker RSL Smoke Detector Upgrade Rod Cooper 2022-05-12 14:30:00Z 0

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.
Rotary Saves Playgrounds From Land Fill Rod Cooper 2022-03-28 13:30:00Z 0

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.
 
Computer Refurbishment Project Rod Cooper 2022-02-22 13:30:00Z 0

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.
District Council of Mount Barker Community Service Award Rod Cooper 2022-02-08 13:30:00Z 0

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.
2021 Mount Barker High School Community Award Rod Cooper 2021-11-18 13:30:00Z 0

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. 
 
 
Florence and Richard Become Australian Citizens Rod Cooper 2021-10-17 13:30:00Z 0

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.
 
Joint Meeting with Rotary Club of Stirling Rod Cooper 2021-09-26 14:30:00Z 0

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.
Vale Brian Voumard Rod Cooper 2021-05-19 14:30:00Z 0

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.
Membership Networking Evening Rod Cooper 2021-03-16 13:30:00Z 0

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 NolanPresident Elect James Hawker
 
Rotary Leadership Institute 2021 Rod Cooper 2021-02-07 13:30:00Z 0

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.
 
 
World War II Vet Colin Wagener Rod Cooper 2020-11-29 13:30:00Z 0

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.
Vale Founding Member Dev Connelly Rod Cooper 2020-11-26 13:30:00Z 0

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:-
Austerity BBQ November 14th Rod Cooper 2020-11-14 13:30:00Z 0
Polio Ute Relay 2020 Rod Cooper 2020-10-25 13:30:00Z 0

Resumption of Meetings on Monday Nights

At 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.
Resumption of Meetings on Monday Nights Rod Cooper 2020-10-07 13:30:00Z 0

Uniting Church Carpet Tile Laying

As 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.
 
Uniting Church Carpet Tile Laying Rod Cooper 2020-09-25 14:30:00Z 0

District COVID-19 Relief Fund

A 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:
  • Rotary Club of Mount Barker
  • Mount Barker District Council
  • Member for Kavel, Dan Cregan MP
  • Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie MP
  • Mount Barker Community Centre
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.
District COVID-19 Relief Fund Rod Cooper 2020-06-23 14:30:00Z 0

Resumption of Meetings

The 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
Resumption of Meetings Rod Cooper 2020-06-20 14:30:00Z 0

Inbound Exchange Student Presentation

On 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. 
Inbound Exchange Student Presentation Rod Cooper 2020-05-24 14:30:00Z 0

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 ...
 
Supporting Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Rod Cooper 2020-05-07 14:30:00Z 0

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.
 
Anzac Wreath Laying Ceremony Rod Cooper 2020-04-24 14:30:00Z 0

Meeting Cancellation

As 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.
 
  • All relevant information will be distributed to club members via email.
  • Committee meetings will be conducted by email.
  • Board meetings will be conducted by email or via Zoom online meetings.
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
Meeting Cancellation Rod Cooper 2020-03-22 13:30:00Z 0

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. 
Austerity Evening for Bushfire Relief Rod Cooper 2020-02-16 13:30:00Z 0

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.
Rotary Club of Mount Barker Supports CanTeen Rod Cooper 2020-02-02 13:30:00Z 0
Royal Adelaide Show "Thank You" BBQ and Wine Labelling 2019 Rod Cooper 2019-10-25 13:30:00Z 0
End Polio Film Evening 2019 Rod Cooper 2019-10-24 13:30:00Z 0

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.
 
Austerity Evening October 2019 Rod Cooper 2019-10-20 13:30:00Z 0

President's Changeover 2019

On 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:-
 
New Member Al Jawhari, and Ingy, inducted into the Club by District Governor Elect Tim Klar and President Shiralee Judge
 
Past President Brian Vourmard bestowed Honarary Membership by District Governor Elect Tim Klar and President Shiralee Judge
 
Margaret Brook bestowed Honarary Membership by District Governor Elect Tim Klar and President Shiralee Judge
 
Margaret Rose and Margaret Inglis awarded Paul Harris Fellow by District Governor Elect Tim Klar and President Shiralee Judge
 
James Hawker awarded the Club's "Wipeout Award"
 
Rod Cooper (and Jeanette) inducted as Club President for 2019-2020 by President Shiralee Judge
 
Sergeant for 2019-2020: Ian Rose
Board members for 2019-2020: Peter Baur, James Hawker, Shawn Hutchinson, Shiralee Judge and Rod Cooper
Absent: Helen Marshall, Florence Yeardley and Mary Roebuck 
 
Hills Radio presenter and Entertainer Steve Bleach entertaining the guests 
 
President's Changeover 2019 Rod Cooper 2019-06-28 14:30:00Z 0

International Women's Day 2019

On 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.
 
 
International Women's Day 2019 Rod Cooper 2019-03-05 13:30:00Z 0
Community Grants 2018-2019 Presentation Rod Cooper 2019-02-24 13:30:00Z 0

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.
Royal Adelaide Show "Thank You" BBQ Rod Cooper 2018-09-21 14:30:00Z 0

Rotary Club Shed Cleanout

A massive undertaking to cleanup the Rotary Shed was undertaken over 2 days.
 
  • On Thursday, 26th July, additional shelving was installed
  • On Saturday, 28th July, EVERYTHING was removed from the shed, cleaned, and returned to the shed, hopefully in some order.
Rotary Club Shed Cleanout Rod Cooper 2018-07-27 14:30:00Z 0

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.
Conquer the Summit Joint Meeting Rod Cooper 2018-07-24 14:30:00Z 0

Hills Boxing Shed Insulation

On 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.
Hills Boxing Shed Insulation Rod Cooper 2018-07-20 14:30:00Z 0

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.
Council Shed to Yankaninna Rod Cooper 2018-07-18 14:30:00Z 0

Community Grants 2017-2018 Presentation

Each 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:-
  • Callington Agricultural & Horticultural Society
  • Mount Barker Community Centre
  • Mount Barker (Dunn Memorial) Uniting Church
  • Mount Barker Community Centre (The Hut Community Centre)
  • Mount Barker United Soccer Club
  • Wistow Cricket Club
  • Prospect Hill Community Association
Community Grants 2017-2018 Presentation Rod Cooper 2018-02-13 13:30:00Z 0