The Rotary Club of Murray Bridge gathers at the Bridgeport Hotel 2 Bridge St, Murray Bridge on Tuesday evenings. Fellowship from 6.00pm with Dinner starting at 6.15pm. Apologies or guests to be notified to Jacquie Best by 12pm Monday. 0409 377 343
The weeks keep flying by and here we are in March already – Rotary’s Month of Water Sanitation & Hygiene - a month-long focus on implementing projects that provide sustainable clean water, improve hygiene, and build sanitation infrastructure in developing communities. It highlights Rotary’s commitment to reducing waterborne diseases, improving education, and supporting long-term health
Last Tuesday we held our Rotary Awareness Night and Showcase with a focus on featuring our Club projects for the wider community to check out what Volunteering with Rotary is all about. Thanks to Past President Jenny Alexander-Walters and President-Elect Simon on their efficient organisation of this event. Not only were we able to feature Rotary projects, we were also able to share in the Awards received at the Service Clubs Association of SA Community Service Awards for 2025 and Simon used the event to present Certificates of Appreciation to the Sponsors of the Calperum Youth Environmental Camp (see Simon’s Report below) Thanks to our Club Photographer – John Scarvelis – for the photos of the event and also for his reports on Facebook, showcasing the event even further
Now it is up to each member to follow-up with the attendees and also those friends who were apologies – to keep them in the loop about what Rotary Volunteering looks like and invite them to participate in activities, share in our gatherings and promote Rotary to the fullest.
Thanks to Rotarian Sally Willoughby who accepted a speaking invitation re Domestic Violence from Heidi Unferdorben to speak at the Rotary Community Group no 1 function on Tuesday 24th February – it is such an important message to spread far and wide.
On Friday, Sam put together a team to undertake a Bunnings BBQ on a Friday – as a trial event for our Club to look at in the future. Thanks to all who attended and took part – knowing that was a trial for our club. Chat with Sam if you would like more details on the event.
Please note we have our next Bunnings BBQ on Saturday 7th March and there are still vacancies on the sign-up sheet(contact Sue if you are unable to access the event sheet through Club Runner) and Jim has a team for the Ski For Life event at Sturt Reserve on Friday 5th March
The rest of my week has been busy with activities with the Pioneer Adventure Day at Old Tailem Town – from sourcing a couple more food vendors, accepting sponsorships from local organisations, to accepting more fresh foods and processing them for the Pantry Packs we are looking to provide to every family affected by the drought who attends on the day. This week my thanks go to:
Kevin Prosser for providing the cocktail tomatoes each week
Kevin’s friend (who wants to remain anonymous at this stage) for all her work in providing the plum roll-ups – all ready for packing
Jenny Phillips and her teams at the Yarn Group at the Library for their Beanies
Jacquie for the figs – together, we spent an hour picking figs Friday afternoon so they would not be spoiled when the rains came – processed Friday night – packed on Sunday
Rotary members who have donated Socks (from the Drakes promotion); Brick kits (from the Woolworths promotion) and toothpastes and toothbrushes (we are still short of these in the Care Packs)
A reminder: Our gathering this week is on WEDNESDASY 4th March (no gathering on Tuesday at the Bridgeport) - the Social Event with the Rotary Clubs of Mobilong and Tailem Bend for our annual sporting competition. This year we are at the RSL Bowling Club to play Lawn Bowls and raise funds for Shelter Box. See you all there.
Sir Cliff Renouf reminds us: “Rotary takes ordinary men and women and gives them extraordinary opportunities to do more with their lives than they ever dreamed possible” – Sir Clem Renouf – RI President 1978-79 (member of the Rotary Club of Nambour, Queensland for 70 years)
Roxanne
Rotary Awareness Showcase
I would like to thank everyone who were able to attend our Rotary Awareness Evening on Tuesday 24th Feb at the RSL. The Committees along with their Directors, your project showcase was fantastic.
We really did a great job at displaying what we do, and achieve with our dedication toward making a difference through Rotary. Speaking with the attending guests, they found the displays astounding for what we achieve working as a team. Bunnings comment - “we want to know what extra we can do for the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge”. Callington Primary - we are working with them towards a Peace Pole, having the display has assisted with the purpose of the pole. Program Sponsors - felt very welcome & proud to be part of our support, quite keen to see the extra projects we provide to the communities local and beyond. Invited Guests - excited to see what we had on display with the various areas we support, this has sparked some interest with them and with a follow up we may achieve extra volunteers. Attendance in total of 42 = 27 Rotarians, 1 Rotarian partner & 14 non-Rotarian guests. Our Guests attending: (2) - Principal & Admin Officer from Callington Primary. (4) - Business Owner/ Managers “Program Sponsors” (2) - Bunnings representatives (6) - Invited Guests
Thank you for your support. Simon Sickerdick
Multi District Summit - Book Now!
Jennifer Jones - Past RI President From Canada to country Victoria, we are beyond excited to announce that Past Rotary International President Jennifer Jones is heading to Horsham for the Multi-District Summit — bringing together Districts 9800, 9510 and 9780 from 27–29 March 2026
Representing the current Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, Jennifer will deliver a headline address early in the opening session, setting the tone, the vision and the energy for the entire Summit.
Her presence marks a truly special moment — a global Rotary leader opening a regional Australian Rotary Summit that’s ready to think big, lead boldly and make an impact.
This is a rare opportunity, right here in regional Victoria.
Horsham isn’t just hosting a Summit — it’s hosting the world.Make the call, and book your seat. Now
To register or find out more about the summit, please go to https://rotaryimpactsummit.org/ Proudly sponsored by Beyond Bank
Reminder
Bunnings BBQ 7th March
Please complete the signup page if you are able to assist
Picture the incredible power of every club in our zone coming together, each taking on a project that ignites their passion, all on the same day! Imagine the energy as we unite, side by side, to make a difference and reveal Rotary’s true impact within our communities.
In 2025, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community partners from five continents, eight countries, 20 states, 57 districts and 539 clubs joined forces in 613 projects, with 6,557 volunteers serving together. Nine of those clubs were ours – just think how much greater our impact will be if we step up even further in 2026. The possibilities are limitless, and the ripple effect of our service can inspire real, lasting change!
This is your moment. Let’s come together, dream bigger and make 16 May 2026 an Epic Day of Service that echoes across the world. Be a part of something bold. Be a part of something EPIC!
Why Not Murray Bridge?
Service Enhances club members’ engagement by providing new ways to volunteer. Membership Attract new members by inviting community members to volunteer, join the fun and learn what we’re all about. Public Image Expand our reach by showcasing Rotary in an EPIC way, giving the public and your community a first-hand look at what we do best – service! Fundraising A simple and hassle-free fundraising opportunity for each participating club to help expand funding for your year-round projects.
Sturt Reserve
Picture the incredible power of every club in our zone coming together, each taking on a project that ignites their passion, all on the same day! Imagine the energy as we unite, side by side, to make a difference and reveal Rotary’s true impact within our communities.