Our attendance at the MTG Show has been registered as a World Polio Day awareness event. Members are encouraged to wear their red End Polio Now t-shirts, have information available for the public, and assist with awareness activities. Enthusiastic Volunteers are needed both inside the pizza van and to spruik the message.
Mary has submitted a grant application through Stand Like Stone for funding park benches in the community. She has also applied for an ex government computer and printer for our treasurer. Fingers crossed some of these opportunities bear fruit.
Southern Limestone Coast Council CEO Gary Button has confirmed he is available to attend a club meeting and speak about future opportunities. A suitable date is yet to be finalised.
Ian Hamley from CFA Portland has also agreed to speak about his recent experiences fighting the Canadian wildfires. A date is currently being arranged.
Frank has also reached out to Sharon Brody, Mount Gambier's newest red carpet sensation. Sharon is available to attend and speak at a meeting in late October or early November. All our guest speakers will be locked in and publicised for other clubs to attend.
Members were reminded that Dementia Action Week is currently underway. The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre is hosting an exhibition featuring artwork from Boandik and St Mary's residents.
Toni Theil advised that information regarding the nomination process for the District Governor position in the new district will be distributed shortly. Toni encouraged nominations from within our region.
Neville circulated a roster for the upcoming Bunnings's BBQs on Monday of the long weekend. Neville has arranged the food, Frank is arranging the paperwork. We will be doing two shifts from 8:30 am. Four hours per shift with four volunteers required on each shift. Most of the spots have been filled, but reach out if you can spare some time.
The Mil Lel show list was also circulated for 10 October. Five volunteers are required for the 8:30 am to 2:00 pm shift. The van cannot be removed until 4:00 pm, and towing arrangements still need to be organised as Brian is unavailable.
Neville has commenced interviews for the St Martin Lutheran College Music Awards. He has completed one interview with two more scheduled.
Neville is also working with Tenison Woods College staff who are expected to have their student nominations organised within the next two to three weeks.
Brian advised that there are still drinks and a large esky stored at Dave Muller's shed that need to be collected. The club van also requires checking, including ensuring it is fuelled and ready for upcoming events.
Frank raised the question of the club's donation bucket and whether it could be used at regular events. Brian believes it is currently stored in his shed and will retrieve it.
Ray received a call from Coleen Tilly regarding upcoming Reidy Park events, including Sports Day and the Christmas Carols celebrations. Further details and dates will be provided as arrangements progress.
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
It is the last week for the amazing September Sergeants to steal the show for 2026.
Greg Appleyard
John Whitehead
Judith Whitehead
October Sergeants
Michael Brooksby
Frank Monger
Upcoming projects
5 October - Bunnings BBQ on the Monday of the long weekend.
10 October - Mil Lel Show Pizza Van
12 October - Graeme Fischer, District 9780 End trachoma Chair, Commodore Motel hosted by Lakes
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, 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
20 November Reidy Park Sports Day
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
Defying the Drift
Congratulations to the dedicated committee and the 30 students who participated in this year's three-day residential course in Horsham held last week. A shining example of a successful District project, Defying the Drift once again delivered an outstanding program in 2026.
The program provided students with valuable insights into the diverse career pathways available within agriculture and related industries, helping to inspire the next generation of rural leaders.
With applications to our districts RYLA program in April opening soon, we thought we would highlight a recent article by Dave King in the Rotary GB&I Magazine.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is more than a leadership program. It is often a young person's first introduction to the opportunities, connections, and sense of purpose that Rotary can provide. Through hands-on leadership development, teamwork, and personal growth experiences, RYLA helps participants build confidence while exposing them to Rotary's values of service, friendship, and community engagement.
The story of Joseph Krzyzek and Anastasiia Kolotusha highlights the lasting impact of RYLA. Before attending the program, neither had heard of Rotary. Their experience opened the door to international youth camps, lifelong friendships, and eventually involvement in Rotaract, where they now help inspire other young people to follow a similar path. Their journey demonstrates why investing in programs like RYLA is essential. By engaging young leaders early, Rotary creates a pathway for future members, ensuring the organisation remains vibrant, relevant, and connected to the next generation of community changemakers.
Experience fun and learning opportunities in Port MacDonnell
Sip and Sew Event this Week
Enjoy a relaxing evening of creativity and connection as you create a delightful cloth strawberry under the guidance of the Pine Tree Quilters.
Using a variety of fabrics, cords, ribbons, and beads, participants will learn how to craft a unique keepsake to take home. Whether you're an experienced sewer or picking up a needle for the first time, this friendly workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy a fun social atmosphere.
All materials are provided.
Date: Wednesday 30 September
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: 1 Bay Rd, Mt Gambier (Riddoch Art Gallery)
Do we want to encourage local schools to take part in the Young Change Agents Peacebuilding Design Competition? entries close on 6 November 2026.
The Peacebuilding Design Contest invites students to become creative problem-solvers, using their ideas, innovation, and leadership skills to design initiatives that promote empathy, respect, and connection. It is a chance for young people to see themselves as bridge-builders and changemakers while developing valuable skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and community engagement.
There is no cost to the club, only volunteer hours.
Have you heard of the Chippy for Charity? Established by Kyle Maney, the unique business model sees a percentage of every job completed by Chippy for Charity set aside into a donation fund. Once the fund reaches $1,000, Kyle selects a local charity to receive the contribution. Through this approach, customers know that every project completed is also helping support a worthy community cause.
Kyle said one of the most rewarding aspects of the initiative is connecting with local charities and seeing firsthand the impact they have within the community. His ongoing commitment demonstrates how local businesses can create meaningful change, one job at a time.
Keep Chippy for Charity in mind for your next job, or maybe we could invite him along to speak to the club?
Rotary South Pacific is seeking members who are ready to share their skills and make a greater impact across the region. Volunteer opportunities are available in areas including administration, technology, communications, project development, and public image.
These roles provide an opportunity for Rotarians to contribute their expertise, support clubs and projects, and help strengthen Rotary's reach and effectiveness throughout the South Pacific. Whether your strengths lie in leadership, digital systems, media, or community development, there are meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference.
By volunteering beyond the club level, members can expand their networks, develop new skills, and play a key role in supporting Rotary's mission across the region.
Will you be helping out at the Mount Gambier Show on World Polio Day? Might be time to stock up on some new red threads from the RDU Supplies website. Check in with Ray or Neil so we can pool shipping costs if anyone is interested.
Zone 8 Conference - Melbourne
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
