This Father's Day, we celebrate the fathers and father figures who lead by example through kindness, integrity, and service above self. Thank you for the difference you make in your families, our club, and our community. Wishing you a wonderful Father's Day.
It was another good night for the Westies this week, with plenty happening around the club and in the wider community.
A big thank you to everyone who helped with or attended our International Overdose Awareness Day activities on Monday. These events have become an important part of what our club does in the community, and it was great to see members getting behind it again. And, of course, a special mention to Ray for the soup, which went down so well that the boys at work polished off the leftovers the next day!
At Tuesday night's meeting, Sophie Boucher from Substance Misuse Limestone Coast spoke with us about International Drug Overdose Awareness Day and the importance of raising awareness around drug overdose and its impact on individuals, families and the wider community. It was a really worthwhile presentation and a good reminder of why our club continues to support this important event.
We also had Sergeant Deb Edwards from SAPOL run an information session on scams, looking at some of the common ways people can be caught out and, importantly, what we can do to avoid becoming a victim. With scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, there were plenty of useful tips and reminders for all of us.
There was plenty happening behind the scenes as well. We discussed the proposed Rotary District changes and the vote that needed to be submitted, it was agreed we would vote in the affirmative. As well as reviewing the proof for the new benches for which we have applied for a grant to place them in Port MacDonnell.
David also provided an update on the proposed CBD activation and the rejuvenation of the Cave Garden areas, including the possibility of reinstating the roadway between Commercial Street and Bay Road. Members are encouraged to get along and have their say on the proposals.
It was also good to hear that the ladies from the woodworking group have started cleaning out the old men's shed at the former Salvation Army site, with another clean-up planned this Saturday. Hopefully we can get them along to a meeting once they are up and running.
Matthew continues to make good progress with Party in the Park, with funding received and most of the arrangements now locked in. And, of course, Greg has accepted the prestigious role of Santa in the Park – so we know Christmas is officially underway!
There is plenty coming up for the club over the next couple of months, including our Mil Lel and Mount Gambier Show pizza van events
Until next time...
President Neil delivering his speech at the event. Photo by organisers.
Sergeant Deb Edwards, Sophie Boucher after presenting at our Tuesday Meeting. Photo by Frank Monger
Sergeant Deb Edwards, President Neil and Sophie Boucher at the Monday event. Photo from the Border Watch
Redistricting Update
Our vote has been cast, and we voted to support the redistricting proposal.
Meeting 2895 on Tuesday will be at Macs Parlour Room for fellowship and dinner.
September Sergeants
Greg Appleyard
John Whitehead
Judith Whitehead
Upcoming projects
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
16-18 April 2027 - Multi District Conference - Warrnambool Vic
Rotary Around the Globe
Brad Webber is back in the September issue of Rotary magazine with a range of inspiring projects to highlight. Read about Rotary chilli cook-offs in Mexico, clay shooting contests hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Kissimmee and Bartow in the United States, business networking events run by the Rotary E-Club of Ibiza, and even a medical clinic operating in Uganda. This month, we're also spotlighting a long-running student innovation competition hosted by the Rotary Club of Taipei. Could an Adelaide University and Flinders University collaboration be in our future?
For more than 70 years, the Rotary Club of Taipei has encouraged young innovators to develop practical solutions to society's biggest challenges through its annual student competition. In 2026, participants focused on supporting Taiwan's growing aging population, with the winning team from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology designing an affordable enhancement to medical-alert bracelets. Their innovation enables the devices to transmit a wearer's location after a fall, even through thick apartment walls, helping emergency responders locate seniors more quickly. The project highlights Rotary's commitment to fostering innovation, problem-solving and community service among the next generation of leaders.
Take a moment to slow down, connect and check in with those around you at the R U OK? Community Morning Tea at Mount Gambier Library. Facilitated by local R U OK? Ambassador Tracey Wanganeen, the session will explore the four simple steps that can help start a conversation that could change a life. Enjoy morning tea, colouring activities and friendly conversation in a relaxed and welcoming environment. No bookings are required.
Wheels & Wattle Rolls into Maryborough This September
The Rotary Club of Maryborough has officially launched its new-look cycling event, Wheels & Wattle, to be held over the AFL Grand Final long weekend. Starting from the iconic Princes Park, the event features seven courses across two days, including road, gravel and mountain bike rides through the picturesque Central Goldfields region. Designed to encourage visitors to stay and explore the area, the event celebrates local landscapes, blooming wattles and canola fields, while raising funds for Rotary community projects. More information and tickets are available at: https://www.events.humanitix.com/wheels-and-wattle.
As Rotary continues its global mission to End Polio Now, it's worth remembering one of Australia's most remarkable pioneers in polio care. In 1911, Queensland bush nurse Sister Elizabeth Kenny challenged conventional medical thinking when she began treating children affected by polio with hot compresses and gentle movement rather than the rigid splints and braces commonly used at the time.
Despite strong opposition from much of the medical establishment, Kenny persevered, taking her methods from rural Queensland to the international stage. Her innovative approach helped thousands of children regain mobility and laid the foundations for modern physiotherapy years before a polio vaccine became available.
Sister Kenny's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one determined individual can have in improving lives. As Rotary works toward a world free of polio, we honour pioneers like Kenny whose compassion, courage and innovation brought hope to those affected by this devastating disease.
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
