Last week our meeting was held at Adelaide University's Mount Gambier Campus for their Future Minds: Creativity and Ethics in the Age of AI Public Lecture. It was an engaging presentation by researchers Dr Rebecca Marrone and Dr Maria Vieira. The session explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, education and everyday life, while encouraging attendees to consider the ethical responsibilities that come with emerging technologies. Through thought-provoking discussion and debate, participants were invited to reflect on how communities can balance innovation with responsible AI use as technology continues to evolve.
Fast Facts:
AI has been around since 1950
Chat GPT is Narrow AI (designed to perform a specific task or a limited range of tasks)
One Gemini text query uses the equivalent energy of 9 seconds of watching TV.
AI carries bias just like humans do.
Even if you have nothing to hide, you shouldn't let AI collect your data.
The above summary was written by Copilot (also narrow AI) as Neil was too busy eating egg sandwiches to take notes.
Until next time...
Redistricting Update
Just a reminder that all Rotary Clubs in our district are being asked for their vote on the proposed changes to district boundaries.
We are proposed to be reference 2 with SA and NT clubs. This would not mean we can't still join our fellow border clubs at social events like Strathdownie.
If you have a strong opinion or would to discuss any of the changes, please reach out to Ray or Neil. Westies will get 1 vote, to be submitted by President Neil.
Meeting 2894 on Tuesday will be at Macs Parlour Room for fellowship and dinner. Sgt Deb Edwards from SAPOL and Sophie Boucher from Substance Misuse Limestone Coast will be presenting on International Drug Overdose Day. Please also remember you are welcome at the Library Monday night to hear Neil's speech and eat Ray's tasty soup. International Drug Overdose Day awareness is an annual project of our club.
Pinch and Punch for the First of the Month, Tuesday as 1 September 2026 sees our New Sergeants take the floor. Unlike Lisa's cookies, any drug samples would not be well received... maybe wine?
September Sergeants
Greg Appleyard
John Whitehead
Judith Whitehead
Upcoming projects
31 August - International Drug Overdose Day Event
21 September (Monday) - Graeme Fischer - District 9780 End Trachoma Chair, Commodore Motel hosted by Lakes
TBA - Graeme Cox, District 9780 Youth Protection Officer, Commodore Motel hosted by Lakes
10 October - Mil Lel Show Pizza Van
23-24 October - Mount Gambier Show Pizza Van
25 October 2026 - M.A.G.I.C Casterton Rotary Event
Wednesday 28 October is National First Responders Day, and Bunnings SA/NT are working with RI to hold a region-wide fundraiser - Volunteers required for two shifts on the BBQ
30 October-1 November 2026 - Zone 8 Conference - Melbourne
Zone 8 Conference - Melbourne
Early bird tickets end tomorrow: Monday 31 August.
The Rotary South Pacific Regional Conference is the premier gathering of Rotary leaders, changemakers, and members across our region. It’s where vision meets action—where we explore the future of Rotary through the lens of People, Planet, and Peace, and connect with causes that reflect our shared values and areas of focus.
This is more than a conference—it’s a regional movement. A chance to build momentum, strengthen partnerships, and shape Rotary’s impact in the years ahead.
Date: 30 Oct - 1 Nov
Location: Melbourne Convention Centre PDG Tony Monley OAM, 2026 Zone Conference Chair
Rotary Club of Modbury Golden Grove have been busy working with Bunnings to launch a First Responders Fundraiser.
Wednesday 28 October is National First Responders Day, and Bunnings SA/NT are working with RI to hold a region-wide fundraiser for the Rotary First Responder Mobile App.
Bunnings will supply all meat, onion, bread, sauces, drinks, and ice for the day. All Rotary clubs need to do is cook, serve, and handle the money. 100% of BBQ sales, raffles, and donations will go directly to the First Responder Mobile App Project.
If you can help on the day, please reach out to Ray.
Updated Crater Lakes Walks
Mount Gambier History Group Inc has released a new and updated brochure about the Crater Lakes Walks which includes the sequence of the many volcanic activities in the area.
Brochures are free and will be available at Tourist Centres in the Limestone Coast and Southwest Victoria.
Rotary clubs around the world are being called upon to support an urgent humanitarian response following the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal on 26 August 2026. Severe flooding along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems has caused significant loss of life, displaced families, and destroyed homes, roads, bridges and essential community infrastructure.
Rotarians in Nepal are actively supporting relief efforts and have appealed to Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation, districts and clubs worldwide for assistance. Immediate needs include emergency food and safe drinking water, temporary shelter, medical care, hygiene supplies, support for vulnerable families, and the rehabilitation of damaged community facilities.
In the true spirit of Service Above Self, every contribution can help save lives, provide hope, and support long-term recovery for communities affected by this disaster.
Join fellow Rotarian Juliana Chaparro at the launch of the Living Lightly Locally program.
Through monthly sessions, participants will explore topics including wellbeing, waste, energy, water, food, biodiversity and climate action while connecting with others in the community and learning practical ways to make a positive difference at home.
Date: Monday 31 August 2026.
Time: 6:00 pm
Where: Mount Gambier Library (directly after the International Drug Overdose Day event.
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. She was an amazing person who started a global movement to improve childhood literacy. Our own Mary Irwin-Davies is a past Director for United Way Glenelg, and our favourite Mascot Mackenzie was a recipient of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. A real project giving back.
Below is a link to the March 2010 Q&A originally published in The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
Transform your camping water setup and eliminate heavy lifting with this easy thirty-dollar modification that makes washing feet and refilling bottles effortless on the road.
The Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra is bringing some of the biggest pop and rock hits from the 80s through to the new millennium and beyond to the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in a spectacular night of live orchestral music.
