The celebration of a New Rotary Year have continued with members of our club attending Changeover Dinners for the following Clubs over the last week:

• District Governor Rajeev Kamineni at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday 11th July - we were privileged to witness our club member Robin LeGallez receive a  PHF for his extensive work within his District role. Our club and our district thanks you for your dedication to this role and to Rotary
• RC Mobilong - new President Anne-Marie Kuchel - at the RSL on Wednesday 11th July
• RC Gawler Light - new President  Bron Anderson - at Tenafeate Creek Wines Sunday 13th July

Each of these events gave our attending members the opportunity to observe a range of Club practices and while dining, taking the opportunity to meet new Rotarians, reinvigorate old friendships and make new contacts from a range of other clubs - a perfect way of increasing our knowledge of Rotary ways to Unite For Good - photos below

 At the Mobilong Changeover, we were informed of the passing of PPand PHF John Meers and we remember fondly all the work and dedication he gave to Mobilong in his years of service. John’s memorial service is scheduled for Friday 25th July 2025 at 10-30am to be held at the Murray Bridge RSL for those who may wish to attend. Vale John

 NAIDOC week concludes today for another year, but the development of community partnerships has just begun in this space. Club members who attended the Walk Across the Bridge on Monday morning, braved the very cold weather but were delighted to see, hear and meet all the local Award winners. Those club members who attended the Gallery on Tuesday morning were not disappointed with an amazing exhibition of artwork “THREE ECHOES Western Desert Art” showcasing the first 30 years of the Western Desert Art movement. The popup market showcasing the works of many current Art and Craft artists did not disappoint either. I managed to pick up some native herbs, dukkah, and a jar of quandong jam that I have been enjoying on toast each morning since.

 Thanks to Jacquie, Sue, Suellen and Sandy who have volunteered to undertake the next training session organised by TAFE to get their Food Safety Supervisors Skill Set - this will ease the pressure on those of us who have this training as we can share the role for future catering activities

 The International Committee is busy planning the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation High Tea to be held on Sunday 17th August. Put the date in your diaries and look to invite 2 (or more) friends to attend with you - it's such a worthy cause - the elimination of fistula injuries through  surgery for so many women in Ethiopia. 

 Sue and her team are also planning to have a Community Birthing Kit Assembly Day early in September. The Zonta Club of the Adelaide Hills is having an assembly day Saturday 26th July in Blackwood and several of us are going along to look at the finer points of organising such an event. Let me know if you would like to join us for the afternoon - the information is in the flier below and I have room for 2 more in my car.

 And remember ….. “A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are for what you have” Have a good week.

 Roxanne

Join with us for HIGH TEA at the Murray Bridge Uniting Church Hall
Narooma Boulevard
17th August - 2-4pm
Bubbles on arrival - Entertainment & hear of the life changing work 
being undertaken in Ethiopia
Please RSVP to murraybridgerotary@gmail.com
$25 per person
Raffle and merchandise made by Ethiopian women for sale
Visit https://www.hamlin.org.au to learn more or visit
https://www.hamlin.org.au/fundraise/murray-bridge-rotary-club to donate

MOBILONG CHANGEOVER

A number of our members attended the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge last Wednesday.  It was an evening of celebration and sadness. Past-President (now) Sadie Podger read a tribute to PP John Meers PHF Sapphire who died suddenly last week. 

Congratulations to President Anne-Marie Kuchel. We hope your year is very successful.

Gawler Changeover

President Roxanne and Immediate Past President Jenny attended the Rotary Club of Gawler Changeover Dinner on Monday night.  It was a wonderful night, with some great speeches, great food, and a lot of noise in the room, because of all the talking and laughter.

Pictured from left to right Immediate Past President Anthony Barilla, President 2025-2026 Kyle Smith, District Governor (Immediate Past) M-L Lees, President Roxanne Rowland, Immediate Past President Jenny Alexander-Walters

Contact President Roxanne for more information re attending

Rotary Social Getaway Proposal

Members are invited to indicate their interest in a weekend getaway at the  Renmark Discovery Park.
CLICK THIS LINK for more information

Proposed dates are for the weekend of 24-26 October 2025. This location has been selected as riverfront sites are fully booked at out at our 2021 venue.

Absolute waterfront cabins and sites make this an idylic location for a relaxing weekend. Local attractions and activities plus the relatively close location make this accessible to all members.

If YOU are interested in a weekend of fun (of course you can come early and leave later), please contact me ASAP to secure a booking.

Email Robin LeGallez robinlegallez@gmail.com 

Photos from our 2021 Getaway

Frank Martino PHF - Citation

In 2001, Frank founded Australian Portable Camps (APC) with a bold mission: to revolutionise remote accommodation through innovative, reliable, and scalable modular building solutions. Launching its first manufacturing facility in Aldinga Beach, South Australia, APC quickly emerged as a trusted provider for some of the country’s most complex infrastructure projects.

In 2004, APC relocated a 250-man camp over 200 kilometres in just one week for the SEAGAS pipeline project, demonstrating unparalleled logistical capability. By 2007, a purpose-built manufacturing facility was opened in Monarto, enabling greater production scale. In 2011, APC introduced Australia’s first double-story modular camp on Barrow Island, setting a new industry benchmark. And in 2022, the company delivered a 1,600-man turnkey camp in under nine months, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the modular construction industry.

While Frank’s business achievements are remarkable, his impact extends far beyond the corporate world. A lifelong humanitarian, Frank has quietly funded numerous charitable projects around the globe. Among his most profound contributions is the construction of two hospitals in Africa, including the installation of a fully sanitary delivery room—a facility that has reduced birth-related deaths by 95% in the region, transforming the lives of countless mothers and infants.

Frank also personally funded the construction of a chapel in Italy and an orphanage in Sri Lanka, creating spaces of care, hope, and spiritual refuge for vulnerable communities. He remains a strong supporter of The Salvation Army, AC Care, and Catherine House, and through his efforts, helped raise a record-breaking $200,000 in a single evening to support families and individuals in crisis across South Australia.

In 2025, Frank and his family launched their charity, The Van of Hope, a grassroots initiative based in Murray Bridge. The van currently serves around 100 hot meals per week to families in need, offering them dignity and nourishment during times of hardship.

Frank continues to lead APC with the same values that founded it: integrity, innovation, and a hands-on approach. From design to commissioning, he remains actively involved in every project, ensuring exceptional quality and service. Guided by the belief that nothing is impossible, Frank Martino is not just building world-class camps—he’s building a legacy of compassion and impact.

'Certificate of Thanks' for the donation made in May 2024, that shows the laundry has been installed in Ampilatwatja,NT, that we hope you can share with your members.

Your generous donation of $1,000 contributed to funding the Ampilatwatja Community Laundry that was completed in August 2024. With a total project cost of $21,000, this new facility is now providing washing facilities to over 600 people who previously had access to either a domestic washing machine in just 10 of the 32 homes, and for the rest of the homes, one washing machine at the school. 

CALENDAR WINNERS 

8^th July

 

Draw Date

Value

Winning No.

Winner

Location

Sold by

8.7.25	$100	415	Vicki Stokes	Riverglades	Mobilong Rotary
	$50	328	John Whimpress	Riverglades	J. Whimpress