CONGRATULATIONS MEMBERS OF
ROTARY CLUB OF MURRAY BRIDGE
THIS IS YOUR RECOGNITION

It was a busy meeting with 3 certificates given out along with a very informative speaker:

Congratulations Past President Roxanne Rowland receiving a Certificate of Excellence award for 2025-26, as Roxanne noted this is the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge achievement award for our commitment to Service Above Self, thank you to all our members for your dedicated support.

Rtn. Jim Mason PP received a certificate for 40 years of service to the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge, well done and thank you Jim for your continued commitment “Service above Self” in our community.

Andreas Huck Monarto Safari Resort General Manager was presented with a certificate of appreciation for their support providing a voucher toward a night staying at the Safari Resort. The Rotary Club of Murray Bridge values partnerships, through this one offer we were able to raise valuable funds which went to 4 different organisations all related to individuals & families experiencing hardship: “Bags for Blokes, Kai’s Run for DV, Escabags & DVINA”. 

It was great to meet CEO Richard Sheppy from “Fat Farmers Rural Health” and hear his story, Fat Farmers working toward Healthy Rural Communities: Fat Farmers is a light-hearted, attention-grabbing name with a serious purpose — inspiring rural communities to prioritise their health and personal wellbeing. Founded by three farmers near Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, Fat Farmers has grown into a national movement. It became an Incorporated Association in 2021 and, in 2025, integrated with Active Farmers, doubling its group numbers and significantly extending its reach across Australia. Richard spoke passionately about the organisation's purpose: improving health outcomes in rural communities by turning vision into practical action, fostering innovation and championing wellbeing across sectors.

This commitment was clearly demonstrated at our recent Old Tailem Town Event, where the Fat Farmers Health Hub truck provided health checks to hundreds of members of the rural community, supported by the Flinders Health Service community team. The checks were so valuable that it was estimated at least 12 lives may have been saved through the early identification of serious health issues.

Around 600 farmers attended, with some 15 Rotary Clubs actively involved, including Rotary clubs from Adelaide and Murray Bridge. The success of the event has already prompted planning for an even bigger and better event in 2027, with early indications of interest suggesting attendance could reach 2,000.

Local Fat Farmers groups are now operating in Murray Bridge, Karoonda, Meningie and Strathalbyn, providing familiar and supportive environments where rural people can engage with health assessments and lifestyle programs.

Through partnerships with the National Centre for Farmer Health and other research-based organisations, Fat Farmers delivers evidence-based health initiatives directly into rural communities — helping tackle isolation, limited access to healthcare and the unique pressures faced by farmers.

It is a wonderful example of what can happen when community, health services and Rotary work together with a shared purpose: healthier, stronger rural communities.
https://www.fatfarmers.com/about-us

Dates for your diaries: 

Health of the River “District Program”: Monday 14th Sep. – Friday 18th Sep. 
One & All Sailing Challenge “District Program”: Sunday 27th Sep. – Thursday 1st Oct. 5-day voyage: Filled its current limit. Next voyage programmed for January 10th to 14th 2027 (ex Port Adelaide).
Environmental Youth Program: Monday 28th Sep to Thursday 1st Oct. – currently received 13 applicants from 7 schools.
RYLA “District Program” leadership seminar for Youth 19 – 26 years: Saturday 3rd Oct – Friday 9th Oct. – further information please contact Vocational Director Jenny Phillips.
Rotary Getaway: Friday 16th Oct – Sunday 18th Oct. Mt Compass Caravan Park
River Murray Boat Owners: BBQ Sunday 18th Oct 11:30am – 2:00pm. 
Combined Service Clubs Changeover Dinner: Wednesday 21st October 2026 “6:00pm for a 6:30pm start” Register required by 16th October to the Murray Bridge City Lions Club mbcitylions@gmail.com
Bunnings BBQ - “Rotary & Bunnings BBQ Partnership” 
First Responder Mobile App Project”: Wednesday 28^th October
https://www.rotarymgg.org.au/first-responder-mobile-app/
Dressed 4 Success Nov 14, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
Enjoy Fashion - Food - Friends – Fundraising “Tickets including afternoon tea on sale 
Pioneer Adventure Day:  Sunday 2nd May 2027

Meet via Zoom

During Covid, our club met via Zoom to allow all members access to our weekly gatherings.

If Zoom was available on a weekly or as requested method of joining our gatherings, would you use it?

Please advise President Simon if this facility would help you engage with our club.

Vocational Awards Night

Friday 4^th September, Vocational Director Jenny, Julieanne and I had the pleasure of attending the 2026 mteSA Employee Awards as the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge is a Silver Sponsor of the awards.

mteSa is a community-based, not-for-profit group training organisation that specialises in recruitment. Established in 1977, mteSA has remained committed to supporting the growth and development of skills within the South Australian community

mteSA Chair, Matthew Menzel, reminded all present, ‘A trade qualification is not won in a weekend. It takes years of early mornings, steep learning curves, the same skills practised until it becomes second nature. Every finalist has put in the hours and the effort that a craft demands. That is not luck, and it is not talent alone. It is hard work and dedication when things do not come easy. All finalists have already proven the things that matters most’

We were able to hear about, and mix with a number of host-employers across a huge range of trade areas for apprentices and trainees alike. There are some amazing talented apprentices/trainees who work in our region. 67 Apprentices/trainees were nominated for awards across 13 categories. Host employers were also recognised for their long-term involvement in training apprentices/trainees as well as their Work Health and Safety programs

Jenny, Julieanne and I have a strong list of possible applicants for many of the leadership opportunities available through Rotary and we shall be working hard to involve as many as possible in the coming months

Roxanne 

Another Container of Hope Bound for Ukraine 

When communities work together, lives can be changed across the world. 
Last week, Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) at Edinburgh Parks South Australia, supported a project sponsor by SLAVA in dispatching another 40-foot container of much-needed medical equipment and supplies to war-torn Ukraine. 
The shipment included hospital and surgical equipment, along with a range of essential medical items sourced from the RARE warehouse. Our dedicated volunteers also provided loading facilities and logistical support to help ensure this vital aid reaches those who need it most. 
This is the second container sent through the partnership, following a successful shipment in May 2025.
Since 2023, RARE has also helped deliver urgently needed medical supplies to Ukraine on five separate occasions through accompanied luggage carried by travellers. 
Every piece of equipment sent represents hope, care and compassion.
By repurposing surplus medical equipment, RARE is not only reducing waste  but helping hospitals and healthcare workers save lives in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable. 

A huge thank you to the volunteers, supporters and partners who make this work possible. Together, Rotary members are proving that even from South Australia, we can make a meaningful difference around the world. 

If you would like more information about Rotary RARE’s warehouse, please reach out to David 0401 995 996

MURRAY BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR MUSIC RECITAL

MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2026

5.30PM TO 7.00PM

MURRAY BRIDGE PERFORMING ARTS & FUNCTION CENTRE

The seating is cabaret style and two tables of 10 people have been reserved for members of our Club.

At the end of the Performance the 2026 recipient of the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge Music Bursary will be announced and presented.

I can highly recommend this performance.

Please let me, Jenny Alexander-Walters, know if you wish to attend so I can print off a ticket/s for you.

Letters from School of St Jude

West Lakes Rotary - Visiting Murray Bridge

CALENDAR WINNERS LAST WEEK 

This Month's Rotary Theme