I hope all have been able to stay safe during this heatwave by prioritising hydration, staying in cool environments, and checking on vulnerable loved ones and pets. 

Our Tuesday guest speaker, Nina D’Alton spoke to us of the Homeless Youth in Murray Bridge and her role in Headspace to provide supporting services. After defining the nature of Youth Homelessness, Nina spoke of housing as an issue, employment opportunities and family and domestic violence. Headspace is currently providing services in living skills, personal development, education and employment. 

Vocational Director, Stephen Walker, has asked members to consider volunteering as a Camp Parent for the 2026 RYLA program at the Nunyara Conference Centre, from 3/1026 to 9/10/26. An email has been sent to all members outlining the Role Description. If you are at all interested, please contact President-Elect Simon or Vocational Director Stephen.

Jim attended the Rotary Shed Inspection with representatives of Rural City of Murray Bridge. The inspection went well and the outcomes include a smoke alarm will be installed and the hot water system will be replaced. Jim was also informed of the problem of ants in both other storage sheds, so please be vigilant when placing items back into our storage and inform Jim of any issues.

On Wednesday, I attended the first RC Adelaide Central gathering for the year. Members spent their time sharing their ideas and plans for the Pioneer Adventure Day (PAD) at Old Tailem Town on Sunday May 3^rd. I have invited PAD coordinator Bill Marles to come and share the broad concept with our members on Tuesday 17^th February. Come along and be inspired for this event and look at opportunities that you might like to add to the program.

Presidents across South Pacific Zone 8 were invited to an on-line Rotary International Action Plan Focus Group discussion. The group was small as there were issues re timing with confusion between AEST and AEDT. The focus questions were around the implementation of the current Rotary Action Plan and discussions on how clubs interpreted and recorded ‘outcomes’ and ‘impact’. Since the group discussion, I have been contacted by Clare Bennett, President of the RC of Wendouree Breakfast in Ballarat to discuss ideas further. We are hoping to catch up in person at the Summit in March in Horsham

This week we have:

• Monday, Australia Day Breakfast Pancakes – thanks Sam and Liz for organising the team and cleaning the BBQ
• Tuesday – we will be entertained and informed by another Rotarian in ‘Who am I?’ Suellen Scutter will share her journey

Have you booked your tickets for:

• Service Clubs Presentation Awards
• Rotary Summit in Horsham?

Roxanne

Epic Day Of Service

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?

Recent Facebook post 

PUT US IN YOUR DIARY - FEB 15^TH

HAVE YOU BOOKED????

CLICK TO BOOK or learn more. Contact Simon or Lyn.
Registration for the summit is only available online and must be done on an individual basis (not available as a 'group' booking).

​An email confirmation is sent to all registrations. Please ensure you retain this for your records as you may require it should any changes need to be made. 

Registration costs

• 2 Day Summit Attendance - Rotarians $200pp, Rotaractors & Youth Exchange Participants $150pp

• Friday night cocktail function: $60pp (not included in summit program above)

• Saturday Foundation Breakfast: $50pp (not included in summit program above)

• Saturday Gala evening: $100pp (not included in summit program above)

​

Tickets are limited. Early booking is encouraged.

​Cancellations and refunds
Refunds, less administrative costs, will be made available up until 30 days prior to the event. No refunds available within 30 days (except for extenuating circumstances per committee decision).

To Book https://www.trybooking.com/DINOT

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

End Trachoma

Australia is the only developed country in the world with Trachoma.

Trachoma is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis. The infection results in scarring under the eyelid causing the lid to turn in, scratching the cornea and long term blindness. 

End Trachoma programme initiated by the Rotary Club of Melbourne in 2016, Sandy Fulcher is the project manager. 

Murray Bridge Rotary Club recently donated $1000 to the programme. This donation enabled the supply of kits containing face washers, toothbrush and paste, shampoo and conditioner, comb, bandaids and deodorant all contained in a hand made bag. 

The aim is to improve facial cleanliness and hygiene. 

9000 kits have been distributed to the NT and WA to Aboriginal communities. Trachoma rates have dropped from 12 percent to 5 percent in Alice Springs. 

Monies have been distributed to Minyeri, 240kms SE of Katherine, Yirrkala, SE Arnhem Land and Bonya NT located off the Plenty Highway. 

CALENDAR WINNERS 

20^th January

 

Value	No.	Winner	Location	Sold By
Zoo Tickets	706	Madi Johncock	Murray Bridge	J Sissman
$50	277	Lorraine Bahr	Murray Bridge	Rotary

 

Please contact Julieanne if any of these dates interest you.

Last year was a great day out!

Inner Wheel Australia Tour of Centre for Cancer Biology

Monday 12^th January 2026

On International Inner Wheel Day (Monday 12^th January) I joined Merilyn Schultz – as a guest of the Inner Wheel Club of the Adelaide Hills - on a tour of the Cord Blood Research Laboratory in the Uni SA Bradley Building on North Terrace Adelaide. Our tour guide was Professor Richard D’Andrea and the morning speakers were Sheree Bailey and researcher Bhumika Tirthani. Our club has supported this research with donations to Inner Wheel in the past.

The National Project for Inner Wheel Australia focuses on supporting Cord Blood Research. This initiative, ongoing for over two decades, aims to fund vital medical research that explores the use of cord blood and placental tissue to treat various conditions and improve lives. The work of Professor Richard D’Andrea et al, at the University of South Australia seeks to improve the success of adoptive immunotherapy for childhood Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. A successful outcome of this project would extend the use of Umbilical Cord Blood for immunotherapy and provide safer treatment options for childhood cancers.

After the visual presentations, we were given a guided tour of the very impressive laboratories in which the research is undertaken.

Lunch followed with great food, interesting and inspiring fellowship with like-minded individuals. 

Thank you Merilyn for inviting me to be your guest

Roxanne, President