Meeting 2888 was not only a great meeting at Macs but also the first board meeting for 2026-27. Our Board Members contribute greatly not only to planning events and speakers, but also driving engagement across clubs, businesses and local networks. If I didn't say it enough at our change over, the Board are the heart that keeps the club alive and relevant.
David is looking for two volunteers to assist on Sunday 9 August to cook and serve Egg and Bacon Rolls at the Four Reasons Why Walk. -
Mackenzie, filling in for Mum, Mary, handed out a few questionnaires to those present. This is part of our August Membership Month campaign so thank you for everyone who took the time to fill one out. I will have a few copies with me Monday, or we can email one out if you would still like to be involved. Just reach out.
Ray then spoke regarding some upcoming events and projects. We have Cameron Lonnie from TWC coming to speak with us on 11 August, he is looking for some funds to complete his STEM project Jarvis and is coming to tell us all about it.
We have the International Drug Overdose awareness event, at the end of August. This years event will be held outside the library, the club will again support the event with our insurance, new PA System and Ray is going to whip up some more of his soup, which was a real highlight last year.
Further to this poterntial program ideas were raised including visiting the Forestry Centre for Excellence and getting Services SA along to speak to us about what they do.
Look forwardsto seeing you all on Monday at the Uni for good lecture and a great egg sandwich!
Until next time...
Gnomes Against Polio
Did you know every Easter the picturesque Campbell Rhododendron Gardens in the Blue Mountains, NSW host the Australian Gnome Convention?
If you go down to the garden today,
You're sure of a magical sight,
For Gnomes great and small have gathered there,
to raise money for our polio plight!
David Clark, of the E Club of Australian Rotary Nomads loans out his private collection of over 2,500 gnomes to raise awareness and funds for Polio eradication.
If you want to know more, check out the RDU article in the link below.
Meeting 2889 on Tuesday will be at Adelaide University on Monday 27 July 2026 for the Public Lecture: Rethinking Pain.
July Sergeant
Neil Davies
Upcoming projects
27 July (Monday) Rethinking Pain - Adelaide University
9 August - Four Reasons Why Walk - Cooking Egg and Bacon Rolls 2 Volunteers required
10 August (Monday) - Graeme Cox - District 9780 Youth Protection Officer, Commodore Motel hosted by Lakes
11 August - Guest Speaker Cameron Lonnie, on his STEM project, Jarvis.
21 September (Monday) - Graeme Fischer - District 9780 End Trachoma Chair, Commodore Motel hosted by Lakes
30 October-1 November 2026 - Zone 8 Conference - Melbourne
Rethinking Pain Public Lecture
THIS WEEKS MEETING
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.
You know about Yinka, but do you know about Precy? Every bit as impressive as her Husband and Rotary International President, Precy Babalola is shining the spotlight on Creating Lasting Impact by making sustainable change.
Whatever project we are doing, it’s not something that will just be swept up with time. We should make sure that it will last.
Hailing from the River State, Nigeria, Precy champions the importance of sustainable aid not only as it applies to the aid we give others but also on the self-improvement and autonomy of Rotarians themselves.
Join Tracy Crisp, writer, performer, comedian and funeral celebrant, as she unveils her memoir Pearls; weaving together experiences of family, creativity, grief, ageing and the ties that bind mother and daughter, resulting in a messy tapestry of human experiences.
Mount Gambier Library is hosting Tracy as part of their Firstival Campaign. A statewide library engagement strategy to encourage people to connect with their local library.
It might look like just a simple sticker or poster, but when someone scans that QR code, it can be the doorway to trusted mental health and support services—offering private, immediate help that can truly change, or even save, a life.
Recently the Clubs of the East Rotary Community Group in Melbourne have launched QR codes to help people connect with trusted mental health support. The connected website includes phone numbers hyperlinked to allow one tap dialing for services, as well as resources and information.
The data tells the story. Since its launch in February 2026, the QR code has been used more than 950 times. Behind every scan is a human moment: a teenager seeking reassurance, a parent feeling overwhelmed, a worker in crisis, a neighbour quietly trying to cope. It is great to be able to see Rotary in Action.
Every year, the Rotary International Board of Directors makes minor changes to the list of zones based on decisions to merge or create new districts or grant district requests to change zones. In addition, the Board conducts a comprehensive review at least every eight years to comply with Rotary International's Bylaws that districts and clubs be divided into 34 zones of approximately equal Rotarian numbers. This is done to ensure that Rotary’s Board of Directors accurately reflects our diverse and global membership.
Use the link below to see all the maps, lists and details of the updated zones.
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
