Happy New Year - May 2026 be peaceful, happy and bring us all success. May this year bring new opportunities for us to Serve Above Self. 

The time since we last met has been a busy one for our Club members: Here’s a brief overview of activities since 

• AC Care were extremely appreciative for the gifts of foods for their Christmas Hampers and toys for distribution when delivered after our Christmas meeting
• Christmas Breakfast (December 16^th)– at the home of John and Bev Scarvelis – celebrating Christmas with a sumptuous breakfast. Thanks to the team who set up, cooked, served and cleaned up. It was also a unique opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of Jim and Simon. Thanks to John and Bev for the hospitality extended to the club when opening your home to the club so close to Christmas.
• New Years Eve at Sturt Reserve was certainly a busy night for all who attended. Running out of sausages, then onions, then bread due to the increased attendance this year, shows the value of the event to the end of year celebrations in Murray Bridge. Thanks to all Rotarians and partners who attended and to Jim for his organisation. Thanks also to the Rural City of Murray Bridge for their sponsorship of some of the food costs
• New Years Day and we started the Year with a BBQ at Bunnings. Those who attended had seen a lot of sausages the night before, but it was an opportunity to debrief and start 2026 as we intend to continue – Service Above Self – thanks to Sam for the organisation of the team and to all Rotarians and partners who helped out on the day – a great way to start the year

We have been invited by the Rotary Club of Adelaide Central to be part of their Pioneer Adventure Day on Sunday May 3^rd at Old Tailem Town (see page 9 of the latest Rotary Classifieds). This invitation has been extended to a range of clubs and on Tuesday 23^rd, Julieanne and I (along with members of Mobilong) attended a meeting at Old Tailem Town to hear of the initial plans. Lots of ideas and even more questions were expressed, shared and discussed. The plans are still in the initial stages, but Bill Marles and Kat Lister (RC Adelaide Central) and Tina and Danny Squires (Old Tailem Town) are keen to build the spirits of the regional farmers, their families and businesses who serve these communities. As the advertising states ‘Pioneer Adventure Day will offer these families a day off the farm (or out of the local town hardware / butcher / baker / supermarket etc) to simply enjoy! To forget the stresses of life for a while. To give the kids back their smiles! With sufficient sponsorships, we will be able to give hundreds of these families, FREE entry to our event in Old Tailem Town; Entertain them; Feed them; offer them a Haircut; and even Health Checks.’ Community Director Jim and his committee will be looking further into this event.

Up-coming events to keep in your plans for January

• Tuesday 6^th January – Committee meetings under the direction of Directors
• Tuesday 14^th January – Birthing Kits Assembly Day 1 – using our regular Tuesday evening – we plan to assemble 1000 kits over the 2 assembly dates
• Saturday 17^th January – Birthing Kits Assembly Day 2 – at White Park on Mulgundawah Rd, from 1.00 to 3.00pm

Looking forward to seeing you all this week 

Roxanne

Want to know about Birthing Kits?

Visit our Birthing Kit page to donate or assist on our Public Assembly day on 17th January 2026.

Location is the White Park Clubrooms, Mulgundawa Rd.

1:00 - 3:00pm

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/12638/Events/birthing-kit-assembly-day

Click this link to see what makes up a kit 
https://vimeo.com/1139771215

PUT US IN YOUR DIARY - FEB 15^TH

What inspired you to join Rotary? 
And how has it changed your life?

These and other questions are answered by our members

Behind every Rotarian is a unique story of purpose, passion, and personal growth. For some, it was the desire to make a tangible difference in their local community. For others, it was the chance to connect with like-minded people and be part of something larger than themselves.

CLICK HERE to read responses from several members of the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge

CALENDAR WINNERS 

16^th, 23^rd & 30^th December

 

Value	No.	Winner	Location	Sold By
$100	377	Catherine Goldsworthy	Ridgehaven	Jenny AW
$50	719	J Smith	Tailem Bend	Meals on Wheels

Value	No.	Winner	Location	Sold By
$100	860	Shannon Foale	Murray Bridge	Rotary
$50	195	Dawn Sims	Murray Bridge	Rotary

Value	No.	Winner	Location	Sold By
$100	112	Diane Walter	Wellington	Rotary
$50	546	George Mecurio	Flinders Park	Rotary

Expression of Interest

Potential Rotary Group Friendship Exchange – India D3000 

In early 2024, members from our District (9510) arranged an inbound and outbound Group Friendship Exchange (GFE) with Rotary members from Southeast India District 3000.

We have been approached again by District 3000 to consider establishing a GFE in 2026 – 27 or 2028.

Before preparing any plans for such an exchange we need to establish who in our district 9510 is interested and would like to be involved. 

We are now seeking expressions of interest from D9510 members for an outbound GFE traveling to India and/or hosting an inbound GFE from India. Club Presidents and Club Secretaries could you please share this notice with all club members.

What’s next

• Establish a list of interested Rotary members.

• Hold a briefing session and determine if a GFE with India D3000 is viable 

Please register your Expression of Interest. 

• This is an exciting opportunity to engage with Rotary colleagues in and from India, please provide your Name,  Email and mobile phone details to Adrian Roach, RC Flagstaff Hill, ajrmakeitso@gmail.com or phone/SMS 0409 330 803 by Sunday 31 January 2026.