This week we welcomed Cameron Lonnie from Tenison Woods College to discuss his project Kobald.
Cameron presented Kobald, a locally developed AI and smart system designed to investigate questions and solve problems in a more transparent and reliable way than many existing AI systems.
Kobald is being developed to:
Gather and compare information from multiple sources.
Identify when sources disagree and highlight conflicting information.
Show uncertainty rather than pretending confidence when evidence is limited.
Remember useful previous information and outcomes.
Explain how conclusions were reached.
Recommend possible actions while keeping important real-world decisions under human control.
A key goal of Kobald is to address a common challenge with AI systems that present incorrect or flawed information as a truth. Instead, Kobald is intended to clearly communicate uncertainty and acknowledge when there is insufficient evidence to reach a reliable conclusion. This transparency helps users better understand both the reasoning process and the limitations of the information available.
Next Stage of Development is to build a reliable local prototype focused on solving one real-world problem in a controlled environment. Cameron identified several areas where assistance would be valuable instead of a financial contribution. The Board will be discussing this at our next meeting.
Overall, Kobold is an ambitious project focused on creating a trustworthy AI system that prioritises transparency, evidence, and human oversight when helping people make decisions. We wish Cameron all the very best with his project.
Until next time...
Next Week
Meeting 2892 on Tuesday will be back at Macs for fellowship and fun.
It has been agreed that the following meeting (25 August 2026) will be at Adelaide University for their public lecture on Future Minds.
August Sergeants
Lisa Hogan
Michael Hillstone
Upcoming projects
25 August - Adelaide University Public Lecture
31 August - International Drug Overdose Day Event
21 September (Monday) - Graeme Fischer - District 9780 End Trachoma Chair, Commodore Motel hosted by Lakes
25 October 2026 - M.A.G.I.C Casterton Rotary Event
30 October-1 November 2026 - Zone 8 Conference - Melbourne
August is Membership Month, so we are rolling out our Meet Our Members posts on Facebook. Don't forget to take a look, like and comment for your favourite Rotarians. If you missed filling in your form, it is not to late. Ask President Neil for one at our next meeting. (Mackenzie's is internal only).
Bharat Pandya 2028-29 RI President
Bharat Pandya is the RI nominating committee's selection as President for 2028-29. He will officially become the president-nominee on 15 September if there are no other challenging candidates.
He has built an outstanding legacy of Rotary leadership through service at both Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Over the years, he has served as RI Director and Treasurer, contributed to key Finance and Strategic Planning committees, and held senior Foundation roles including Trustee, Vice Chair, and Executive Committee Chair. He currently serves as Chair of the RI Programs Committee and Vice Chair of The Rotary Foundation Programs Committee.
Pandya also played an important role on the India PolioPlus Committee from 2011 to 2015, a period that culminated in India being certified polio-free. Alongside his wife, Madhavi, he is a Major Donor and Benefactor, reflecting a longstanding commitment to advancing Rotary’s mission and global impact.
Read the full RI Article by Etelka Lehoczky at the link below.
Mount Gambier Library is inviting the community to celebrate Adult Learners Week from 1 to 8 September 2026 with a diverse program of free events designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence and encourage lifelong learning. We have picked out one to whet your appetite, but they have everything from energy smart living tips to creating beaded plants.
Cave Man: Ian Lewis - Join pioneering cave diver and hydrogeologist Ian Lewis for a fascinating and unique exploration of the history, discovery, and wonder of the cave systems beneath our city.
Featuring images, video, and personal stories from Ian's 60 years of underground exploration.
A lasting legacy of the late Robbie Greene, this community event brings together music, art, gardens, food and local stalls.
Following cancellations in 2020, 2022 and 2024 due to the pandemic, flooding and a major hailstorm it would be great to Save the Date so we can support our fellow Rotarians. #BusTrip.
Best Practices for Engaging Members
Did you know the RI Learning Centre has a course for almost everything? including member engagement? So this members month we are highlighting the program for people interested in learning more or just refreshing their ideas.
Course description: Is your club losing more members than it’s gaining? Is participation low at meetings and events? Are the same few people doing all the work? Because your club’s members are at different stages in life and in their membership, their needs differ, too. This course will help you develop strategies for engaging people at all stages of membership. You’ll learn how to energize the club experience, keep members interested, and prevent your club from becoming stale.
Duration: Average 45 minutes
Cost: Free
Delivery: online via the below link (you will need to sign in to RI)
Business excellence will take centre stage on Friday, 6 November 2026, when the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2026 Mount Gambier and Districts Business Awards at the Wulanda Recreation & Convention Centre. This premier black-tie gala will unite the local business community to honour achievements, recognise innovation and celebrate the success stories shaping our region's future.
Nominations close next Friday 21 August 2026 so get in quick.
Drop into the Mount Gambier library at 2:00 PM on Tuesdays to try your hand at 3D printing and digital drawing. Whether you're curious about how 3D printers work or want to explore your artistic side with digital sketching, this is the perfect opportunity to experiment with new technology in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
No experience or bookings needed.
Headlining against human trafficking!
What started as an informal jam session among members of the Columbia Center Rotary Club has grown into the Soup Dogs Band, a community favourite using music to make a difference. The band now performs throughout the region, combining entertainment with purpose by raising funds to support efforts to combat human trafficking.
The story is a great example of Rotary members turning their personal passions into meaningful community service. One idea, one band, and one more way Rotary is creating positive change through connection, creativity, and action.
Read the article by Doug Wadsworth at the linkbelow.
Future Minds: Creativity & Ethics in the Age of AI
Delivered by Australian AI researchers Dr Rebecca Marrone and Dr Maria Vieira, this lecture will showcase national contributions to AI research while addressing key questions:
What role should AI play in creative work?
How do we balance innovation with ethical responsibility?
What choices do we want young people and communities to make as technology develops?
The session invites audiences to reflect, discuss and engage with some of the most important questions shaping our technological future. Suitable for anyone interested in creativity, emerging technologies, education, ethics and the future of society.
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
