Meeting 2886 was our annual Change Roll Over Dinner! It was an epic night that had a little something for everyone and a lot of laughs. It was great to welcome so many partners and children to the event, along with our two local mayors and fellow Rotarians from Lakes, Mount Gambier and Millicent.
The event welcomed back Gabrialle (Gabe) Strachan our 2025 Shine Scholarship recipient. Gabe played a mix of instrumentals and songs which were well received. Gabe is a very talented musician, and it is always a pleasure to have him in attendance.
Our very own Neville both introduced Gabe and gave the toast to Rotary International. Tonie Thiele provided the response on behalf of Rotary International. The annual toast and response are symbolic of the club belonging to something larger, a global network inspired by Service above Self. Thank you Neville and Tonie.
Sandi Elliot, Manager of In Home Hospice Care Mount Gambier was our honoured guest and keynote speaker. Sandi’s presentation focused on the resources available to clients, including the client support booklets to be funded by the club's generous donation. It was great to see first-hand the booklets, complete with their dedication thanking us for funding them. Keep up the great work Sandi. It also provided an opportunity for Brian to dust off the giant cheque for presentation.
We also welcomed back our current board members who do an amazing job. We couldn't have an annual Roll Over without your continued dedication and support of the club. Our programs like the Dictionaries in Schools, and Pizza Van fundraisers wouldn't happen without your oversight. They also manage the running and scheduling of the club. A special thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. We also added David, Michael, and Mary to the ranks to assist and share the load.
Let's Make 2026-27 our best year yet.
Until next time...
The talented Gabe
Scotty and Judith
President Neil and Sandi Elliot
Next Week
This is a huge week of Changeovers. Meeting 2887 on Tuesday will be at Mac's Hotel for fellowship and good food. Vice President Greg will chair in President Neil's absence.
Upcoming projects
Zone 8 Conference - 30 October-1 November 2026 - Melbourne
Celebrating Deidre
It is with the greatest pleasure that the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West celebrate Deidre Herbert!
At our Change Over dinner on 7 July 2026 District Governor Tony Thiel presented Deidre with a certificate and medal recognising Deidre as our clubs most recent Paul Harris Fellow.
"Paul Harris Society members, through their generous acts, change the lives of those around us, our communities, and the world to which we all belong."
Eddie Allred, Past District Governor for District 6760, Paul Harris Society Member (Tennessee, USA)
Did you know you can access the Rotary Learn resources anywhere, anytime right from your phone!
The RotaryLearn app (previously called GoLearn) is Rotary International's official mobile app for the Rotary Learning Centre.It lets you complete training courses, build learning plans. and track your progress right from your phone.
You can find it in both the Google Play and Apple stores. it is quick and easy to download and completely free to use.
Our District Governor, Tonie Thiel hosted the District Leadership Team right here in beautiful Halls Gap for a powerful weekend of collaboration, strategy, and growth.
With her incredible expertise and forward-thinking vision, DG Tonie is truly taking our leadership team to a whole new level. They spent the weekend diving deep into strategic planning, focusing on the future development of District 9780 and ensuring every single one of our Clubs has the support and tools they need to thrive.
Exciting things are on the horizon for our district! Thank you, DG Tonie, for your inspiring leadership and guidance as we build a stronger future together.
Rethinking Pain: Understanding Why Pain Persists and What Helps presented by Professor Lorimer Moseley.
Professor Moseley’s public lecture will explore the latest understanding of chronic pain, including why pain can persist long after an injury has healed and what this means for improving treatment and care.
He will also discuss the EQUiPP project, highlighting how it is partnering with communities to build awareness and understanding of pain, as well as sharing opportunities for people to learn more about the project and become involved in its activities.
Looking to supercharge your socialising on Tuesdays? Why not enjoy a Mingle and Make session.
Date: every Tuesday
Time: 10 am - 1 pm
Venue: Naval Association, 21 Birdwood Ave, Mount Gambier
Cost: $5 - $10
Find out more on their Facebook Page here: (2) Facebook
Welcome Message from RI
"Before we change the world, we must allow Rotary to change us"
Hopefully you received the update email from Rotary International last week. It included messages on growing our membership, ending polio, building peace along with a message from new President Yinka Babalola.
My friends, Rotary has the power to transform lives, including our own. As you plan your projects, welcome new members, and serve your community, I ask you to thoughtfully consider the impact you are making and how it will last.
Together, we can Create Lasting Impact that endures across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Thank you for all that you do, and for all that we will accomplish together.
Yours in Rotary,
Yinka H. Babalola
2026-27 President
Rotary International
July saw the start of our campaign to bring the Ballard of the Blue Lake Bunyip back to the local community.
At our Change Over dinner we were pleased to present Both Mayor Boston and Mayor Martin with a copy, along with Sandi Elliot and our visiting Rotarian Presidents and District Governor.
We also commenced a campaign on Facebook to sell copies to the wider public for only $10 a copy. We are also rolling out two new options to generate bulk giving.
Buy 4 copies, get 1 free. To encourage sharing but also allow libraries, groups and schools to receive a further discount.
Donate $10 to the program and a copy of the book will be provided free of charge to the community.
For any enquiries or to buy/donate a book, reach out to President Neil or Mary.
Continuing with Local Mythical Icons... Did you know the City Council is hosting a first birthday for the infamous Caste in Blue? Locally nick named the Blue Blob?
Date: Thursday 16 July 2026
Time: 11:30 am
Venue: 1 Bay Road, Mount Gambier
Cost: FREE and there is CAKE!
Zone 8 Conference - Melbourne
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
