How did you spend the heat wave days of last week? – hope it was in cool conditions and that you are enjoying the cooler weather we are experiencing now

Let us all acknowledge the work of the First Responders throughout Australia – whether it be in the Bushfire areas of Victoria, NSW or closer to home in the last week, also those working in Qld and NSW in the cyclone and flood areas. Out thoughts and prayers are with them for safe working conditions, and that they are able to support each other in the duties they are performing. Rotary will have opportunities to donate and help those in affected areas through RAWCS projects. We will keep members informed of opportunities as they arise.

On the local scene, the New Year seems to have settled a little and activities are more routine. As many of you will be undertaking, I too am looking after grandchildren during school holidays while parents return to work. These are amazing opportunities for relationship building and sharing opportunities for activities that we don’t normally get to experience. My grandchildren have helped with collecting, sorting and delivering a range of recyclables to trialling the assembly of Birthing Kits to ensure we have all the requirements for the activities in the next week. I have found young people are only too willing to get involved in Service Above Self – where the discussions can improve their knowledge and help shape their view of the world in which they are growing up. Let’s also hope we have each of the Birthing Kit Assembly activities all ready to go with all the needs for each activity.

Here’s a brief summary of some of our activities:

• Club Directors were busy last week with Committee meetings – planning the next round of activities for club members to be involved in. There is so much that we can be involved in, and we can certainly do with extra volunteers for many of these activities. Please think of invitinf a friend o attend to help out with any of our club activities
• Club Membership has also met, and while they have changed the date of the Rotary Awareness Night/Showcase activities, it will give all members the opportunity to invite more community members to attend – whom are you inviting to the event? We eagerly await the formal invitation to be able to spread the word
• Community Committee have accepted the opportunity to be involved in the Pioneer Adventure Day on Sunday May 3^rd at Old Tailem Town and assist with the preparation and service on lunch food using the BBQ trailer. (see the details below)
  • There is room for other club members to be involved in planning activities throughout the day, so if you would like to be involved in the planning of these activities, please see Julieanne or myself to be involved – you know what they say ‘Many hands make light work’ and this is an amazing opportunity for inter-club activities as there will be many Rotary Clubs invited to assist
• Our club has been invited to attend Lunch on the Lawns at Government House this year – an activity many of us thoroughly enjoyed last year. If you are interested – see the details below – please let Julieanne know and we can plan another social outing – Thanks Julieanne for your willingness to organise

Up-coming events to keep in your plans for January

• Tuesday 13^th January – Birthing Kits Assembly Day 1 – using our regular Tuesday evening – we plan to assemble 1000 kits over the 2 assembly dates – Please consider bringing your partner or invite a friend – remember to let Jaquie know by Monday noon to ensure meals are available
• Saturday 17^th January – Birthing Kits Assembly Day 2 – at White Park Community Centre on Mulgundawah Rd, from 1.00 to 3.00pm – there are still spots available for members/community to attend on the day
• Tuesday 20^th January – Youth Homeless Project – Headspace speaker Nina D’Alton

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

Visit https://www.l2p.org.au/news-and-events/ for more information

Please contact Julieanne if any of these dates interest you.

Last year was a great day out!

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 

6^th January

 

Value	No.	Winner	Location	Sold By
Zoo Tickets	460	Debra Hynes	Murray Bridge	Kiwanis
$50	286	Lorraine Baker	Murray Bridge	Lorraine Baker

 

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.