Meeting 2861 was a great way to start 2026 with lots of business and a presentation from Brian.
Frank asked if we had received any requests for support for the Victorian fires, but we have not.
Neville gave an update on preparations for the Borderline Speedway Event on 30-31 January. The organisers have asked if we would serve pizza on the Thursday night too for their Show and Shine event at Vansittart Park. We have committed if they can get approvals and the event organised in time. There will only be Lions, Rotary and the Coffee Van so a great opportunity. Greg has arranged overnight van storage at Carey Jennings from Thursday to Friday after the Vansittart event if required.
We still need volunteers for the event, so if you can assist, please let Neville know. Thank you to Lisa and Greg who have already volunteered.
Ray provided information on a request from Amelia Jordon to be supported in the One and All Youth Challenge. Amelia will present next week to the club. Her mum will also be in attendance.
Until next time...
Next Week
Meeting 2862 will be on Tuesday 13 January 2026 at Macs Hotel. We have a special guest speaker, Amelia Jordan, who is seeking a contribution towards the One and All Youth Adventure Voyage in April. Amelia is a Year 11 Student, CFS Cadet and City of Mount Gambier Youth Activation member. Please make Amelia and her Mum, Linda, welcome on Tuesday.
January Sergeants:
David Cameron
Ray Herbert
Upcoming Events
Possible Show and Shine Catering 29 January 2026.
Australian Sprint Car Catering 30-31 January 2026.
Australia Day 26 January 2026.
Brian Shanahan
Brian provided an evening of entertainment and thought provoking discussion with his member presentation.
He started life in Peterborough and at the young age of 15 was tapped on the shoulder by the local railway to join the office. a few years later, as a bit of lark, he applied for a job in Penola as Senior Clerk, and was surprised to find out via the newsletter that he had in fact got the job!
Penola was a great place to learn and meet people, but Brian was also involved in the local Footy Team. Initially under an alias, so he could still play the finals back home, but later as player, assistant coach, committee member and so much more. Sadly, the dream to make the big fields never eventuated but he did get to play with some greats.
After playing with trains for a few more years, Brian decided to head back towards Peterborough for the quieter life as a dry-cleaner. He reminisces fondly of having his hand up many a women's skirt with no complaints yet.
When Jan and Brian decided to get assistance to start a family they sold off the dry-cleaning business in record time and travelled down the road that eventually led to the adoption of their son, and daughter who opened their lives up to travel and joy not yet experienced.
Thank you for the wonderful presentation and sharing your journey so far with us.
Each Week we will be taking a Deep Dive into our Committee Leadership Opportunities. This week we will look at Committee Members.
As a club committee member you help make your club a successful, thriving, and fun place. Whether you have been appointed as a committee chair or serve as a committee member, you can help your club improve your communities and develop leaders.
Duties:
Oversees committee functions
Supervises and coordinates the committee’s portfolio
Reports activities to club board
You will also be provided with specific training and resourcing opportunities to assist in your leadership journey!
If you are interested in becoming a Committee Member, please reach out to Neil for more information.
Rotary International President-elect Olayinka H. Babalola called on members to Create Lasting Impact by making their clubs more welcoming, carrying out impactful projects, and allowing their Rotary experiences to transform them personally.
President-elect Olayinka H. Babalola became a Rotaractor in 1984 as president as his university group. In 1994 he became a Rotarian and has since participated in many projects, campaigns and committees. He is particularly proud of once raising $80,000 with a text message.
For 2026-27 He will be our new Rotary International President with the Presidential Message: Create Lasting Impact
In June 2025 The World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection released its global report revealing that 1 in 6 people worldwide is affected by loneliness, leading to significant impacts on health and well-being.
The WHO report outlines how social connection can protect health across the lifespan. It can reduce inflammation, lower the risk of serious health problems, foster mental health, and prevent early death. It can also strengthen the social fabric, contributing to making communities healthier, safer and more prosperous.
Since February 1905, Rotary has been a place for fellowship and community. “Everywhere there were people but nowhere a familiar face,” is attributed to Paul Harris the founder of Rotary. The first meeting in Chicago was of likeminded businessmen looking to overcome the loneliness and social alienation they experienced in the city.
What they created was a global network where people come together, not just for business, but to form lasting, genuine connections.
