I am pleased to report that the recent District Redistricting vote has now been completed. Of the 45 clubs eligible to vote, 42 participated with every club voting in favour of the proposal. This strong endorsement demonstrates a united commitment to the future of Rotary in our region.
World Polio Day will be observed on 24 October 2026 which conincides with the Mount Gambier A&H Show. Our volunteers on the day are encouraged to wear their End Polio Now red T-shirts to help raise awareness of Rotary's ongoing effort to eradicate polio worldwide. We will also have information available for the public, and our activities have been registered on the Rotary International World Polio Day event page.
Frank reminded members that our next Bunnings BBQ is only three weeks away. A volunteer roster will be circulated next week, with members needed to fill two shifts throughout the day. Please consider putting your name down to support this important fundraiser.
David reported significant progress with the Women's Woodworking program at the Salvation Army shed. Considerable administrative work has been completed, and participants have already undertaken three major shed clean-ups. They continue to meet on Thursdays to organise and improve the workspace. Next term, we hope to invite the team to join us for a meal and share their experiences and achievements.
Thank you to Mackenzie, who provided a picture and inspirational quote for all members at the meeting. These were very well received and greatly appreciated.
Ray reminded everyone of the revised invitation to join the Lakes Rotary Club for the Project Trachoma presentation on the 21 September 2026 (Tomorrow/Monday).
Ray also advised that no information had been received regarding a September public lecture from Adelaide University. At point of collating the newsletter, no information had been shared on the University's Facebook page either.
Neil spoke about Cameron, the Tenison Woods College student who recently presented his AI project to the club. Following investigation of the hardware requirements, the cost was found to be beyond the club's capacity to support. The consensus was to encourage Cameron to apply for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) next year, with the clubs support, where he can access additional opportunities and mentoring.
Thank you to all members for their ongoing commitment, enthusiasm, and service to our community. Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference through Rotary.
Until next time...
Next Week
Meeting 2897 on Tuesday will be at Macs Parlour Room for fellowship and dinner.
Reminder that Graeme Fischer is being hosted by the Lakes Club on Monday at the Commodore.
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
5 October - Bunnings BBQ on the Monday of the long weekend.
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
On 21 September, Rotary joins the global community in observing the International Day of Peace.
Coonawarra Cabernet
Celebrate Coonawarra Cabernet in a fun and interactive way at Zema Estate. Pick up a complimentary Cabernet Bingo card and put your senses to the test as you explore the aromas, flavours and textures that make Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon one of Australia’s most celebrated wine styles.
As you taste, tick off descriptors ranging from blackcurrant and cherry to spice, oak and silky tannins. Discuss your discoveries with our Cellar Door team and fellow wine lovers as you learn more about the unique characteristics and ageing potential of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Complete a row and call “BINGO!” to win a small prize, with all completed cards going into the draw to win a special Cabernet-themed gift pack.
Perfect for seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious beginners alike, this complimentary experience brings together wine, learning and a little friendly competition.
Visitors to the Westie Pizza Van at the Mount Gambier A&H Show will be invited to learn more about World Polio Day and Rotary's long-standing commitment to the global fight against polio.
The initiative aims to educate show attendees about how close the world is to eliminating polio and why ongoing efforts are essential to ensure future generations remain polio-free.
If you are helping out at the event, don't forget your red shirt!
Since launching the PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary and our partners have made incredible progress toward eradicating polio. We’ve celebrated vaccination milestones, cheered as regions of the world were certified polio-free, and contained wild poliovirus to just two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
To mark Dementia Action Week (21-27 September), the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre will host a special exhibition in the South Link Gallery featuring artwork created by Boandik and St Mary's residents.
The exhibition showcases the results of a three-year partnership aimed at making the Riddoch a more dementia-friendly gallery through inclusive tours and hands-on art workshops. The program has fostered creativity, social connection and self-expression, while helping participants engage with the wider community.
Historic mount gambier images and commentary have been developed into short movies, VR experiences and photo packs as part of the Immersive Storytelling initiative. All items can be borrowed from the Mount Gambier Library.
Members are encouraged to visit this inspiring exhibition and celebrate the positive impact of art in supporting people living with dementia.
Did you know Rotary offers a range of special interest fellowships, including the International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians? The 2027 tournament will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Belmont from 18 to 23 April 2027.
The event will be held at the renowned 13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads, home of the Victorian Men’s and Women’s Open. The week will feature four days of golf, social functions, a Welcome BBQ, Rotary Make-Up Dinner, Presentation Dinner, and organised tours for non-golfing partners and guests.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship with Rotarians from across Australia while experiencing one of the country's premier golf courses.
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
Saturdays – 10.00am to 2.00pm
