Thank you to Ray for not only running the meeting in Greg and my absence but also organising our esteemed guests. It was an honour to welcome Presented by PP Graeme Fischer and PDG Pat.
Members heard an informative presentation on the wide range of health initiatives supported by Rotary locally, nationally and internationally. The presentation highlighted Rotary's focus on disease prevention and treatment through major programs such as the global fight to eradicate polio, Rotarians Against Malaria, and the successful campaign to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem in Australia. Graeme was keen to highlight the success of the End Trachoma project he has been part of. Particular note is the achievement of the World Health Organisation declaring in May 2025 that Australia had eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.
The speakers also showcased the impact of other Rotary-supported health organisations, including Interplast, ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Assistance for Children), Australian Rotary Health, and Rotary Australia Recycling Equipment (RARE), which provide medical assistance, health research funding, scholarships, and vital equipment to communities in need.
Until next time...
Next Week
Meeting 2901 on Tuesday will be at Macs Parlour Room for fellowship and dinner.
October Sergeants
Michael Brooksby
Frank Monger
Upcoming projects
23-24 October - Mount Gambier Show Pizza Van
25 October 2026 - M.A.G.I.C Casterton Rotary Event
28 October is National First Responders Day Bunnings SA/NT and RI fundraiser
30 October-1 November 2026 - Zone 8 Conference - Melbourne
31 October - 141 Xmas function, Pizza Van
20 November Reidy Park Sports Day
21 November - Mount Gambier Christmas Parade
25 November - Nominations for 2028/29 DG close
29 November - Blue Lake Fun Run
1 December AGM – Nomination for next year’s office bearers.
9 December Reidy Park Christmas Carols
16-18 April 2027 - Multi District Conference - Warrnambool Vic
TBC - Graeme Cox, District 9780 Youth Protection Officer, Commodore Motel hosted by Lakes
THIS SUNDAY!
Visit us at the Show
This Saturday, be sure to visit the Westies Pizza Van for a slice with a message! In recognition of World Polio Day on 24 October, Rotary members will be sharing information about the global effort to eradicate polio, along with a few fun selfie props. Stop by, enjoy a pizza, learn more about Rotary's End Polio Now campaign, and help raise awareness of the fight to make polio history.
Enchanting Kirtan is a community-focused evening of live music, mantra meditation, candlelight and gentle movement designed to promote wellbeing, relaxation and connection. Open to people of all ages and experience levels, the event combines guided singing, peaceful reflection and joyful participation in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages mindfulness, community spirit and personal renewal.
Events such as these highlight the importance of fostering mental wellbeing, social connection and inclusive community experiences that bring people together.
Need an opportunity to dress up? or maybe you want to support the local businesses who are finalists? Whatever your motivation, tickets are on sale now from the Chamber of Commerce website.
Cabernet Gin - 3 Ways
Coonawarra is renowned for its love of Cabernet and at Parker Estate they've taken this humble, beloved wine variety and transformed it into a gin!
Have you tried it yet?!
As part of the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations 2026, Parker Estate is giving you the opportunity to try their Small Batch Cabernet Gin – 3 ways…
It's your chance to discover the flavours of Cabernet in the spirit form.
What does it take to achieve something the world thought was impossible? Trust
Progress begins with trust, and trust is built by showing up, listening, and finding common ground.
When the WHO African Region was certified wild polio-free, we showed that the impossible is possible when we come together for a common goal. This #WorldPolioDay, our progress proves that when we show up, good things happen. Together, we can and will #EndPolio.
Addressing domestic and family violence aligns strongly with Rotary’s commitment to strengthening communities, promoting peace, and supporting the wellbeing, dignity and safety of all people.
As Sydney’s Sculpture by the Sea celebrates its 30th anniversary, one of the most talked-about installations is Sweethearts, a display of more than 50 concrete hearts representing women killed in Australia through domestic violence this year. Created by first-time exhibitors Philippa Lysaght and Omi McCurdie, the artwork aims to spark reflection and conversation about violence against women while reaching the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected at the iconic coastal exhibition.
"It should make you feel sick when you see that you recognise it"
The annual outdoor sculpture event, which began in Bondi three decades ago, now attracts around 400,000 visitors and features works from artists across Australia and overseas, continuing its mission of bringing free public art to the community. The exhibition closes on 2 November 2026.
Wild polio remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and variant polio outbreaks threaten the progress we have made against the disease. We must also keep all other countries polio-free until we're certain it won't resurface.
1. Polio mainly affects children under age 5.
2. There is no cure, but polio is preventable with a vaccine.
3. Only two countries remain endemic.
4. We’ve reduced cases by 99.9% since 1988.
5. Until we end polio forever, every child is at risk.
The Limestone Coast is gaining national recognition as a food and wine destination, with Mayura Wagyu Steakhouse and Elementary Dining by Kirby Shearing both featured in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide selection for South Australia. Their recognition highlights the region’s exceptional local produce, culinary talent and world-class dining experiences.
Wonder if we could swing a Rotary Industry Visit and dinner?
Spring Show this weekend, don't forget to stop by the Pizza Van!
Zone 8 Conference - Melbourne
Some ideas start with a conversation. Others start by hearing what someone on the other side of the region is already making possible This October, Rotary and Rotaract members from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific will come together in Melbourne for the Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026.
Under the theme People. Planet. Peace.
But the value isn’t only in what happens on stage. It’s in the conversations between sessions, the ideas you take back to your club, the people you learn from and the possibility of turning a new connection into something bigger.
Save the Date! The Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier's Blue Lake Fun Run returns on Sunday, 29 November 2026. This much-loved community event showcases some of the region's most spectacular scenery, taking participants past iconic landmarks including the Cave Gardens, Blue Lake, and the stunning Lakes precinct. Whether you're a serious runner, casual walker, or simply looking for a great family day out, this is one event not to miss. Keep an eye out for registration details and start planning for an epic day of fitness, fun, and community spirit!
