Thank you Rotarians, Partners & Visitors who came along to our Rotary meeting last Tuesday evening. Our guest speaker was appreciated & provided a better understanding toward Rotary Youth Exchange along with changes to the program moving forward.
Chairperson Rtn. Jenny Phillips PP, Program Officer completed a great introduction for our speaker PDG Paul Thomas AM. PP. PHF. District Youth Exchange Chairman and member of the Rotary Club of Northern Yorke Peninsula.
Paul spoke to us about the life changing experience he had as a youth exchange participant, he was accompanied by his wife and the young son of a past Rotary exchange student from Japan who is now a practicing GP in Adelaide.
Rotary Youth Exchange went through a boom period in 70's and 80's where up to 40 students a year were posted overseas on long term (12mths) and short term (3-6mths) exchange with the balancing number of students inbound to Australia.
2026 only saw 2 students from Districts 9210 and 2027 have 5 students approved.
The Visa and Education Department requires both the outgoing and incoming students to attend school and then complete their year 12 back in the country of origin. The ideal years are 9,10, and 11 and students must be over 15 and less than 18yrs at departure. Students are expected always adhere to the laws of the host country as well as the rules of the program. There are strict rules regarding driving, drinking, dating and drug use that if broken could result in early return at the parents’ expense.
The sponsoring Rotary club will provide a monthly $ allowance, host students at meetings and meet basic schooling costs in uniforms, books, travel to school and hire of laptops etc.
Cost to student/parents as well as the program costs will include excursions/safaris, fees for extra subjects and activities and additional spending money.
Rotary exchange hosting families is open to all families in and outside of Rotary who would like to contribute to a life changing experience to a young person from overseas. Ideal hosting period is 3-4 months of a 12-month exchange. Legal requirements are Working with Children clearance and any other State/Country required clearance.
Students become ambassadors, improve their confidence, gain independence and make lifelong friendships. Make friends with the world.
Lyn & I attended the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) presentation evening on Thursday 8th October. This was a special evening as our Rotary Club of Murray Bridge sponsored the RYLA jackets for the 2026 graduation as carried in our Board minutes 21st of April 2026. The attending young adults aged between 19 to 26 years presented their overview from the week at RYLA. A variation of cultures was evident amongst the awardees who enjoyed the challenges along with lifelong friendships they developed. It was also good to see some regional attendees to this year’s program with two sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mobilong, and one sponsored through the Rotary Club of Tailem Bend. Present were Presidents Bronwyn, Ann- Marie and Youth Director Seun. RYLA District 9510 is a 7-day residential leadership development seminar sponsored by Rotary Clubs across South Australia and parts of the Northern Territory, New South Wales, and Victoria. The target audience are young adults who show leadership potential in their workplace, community, studies, or sports. The program is an intensive week-long camp featuring guest speakers, workshops, team-building challenges, problem-solving activities, sports, and reflection. Focusing to develop skills in Public speaking, conflict resolution, ethics, goal setting, creative thinking, and self-confidence.
Dates for your diaries:
River Murray Boat Owners: BBQ Sunday 18th Oct 11:30am – 2:00pm. register to assist.
Combined Service Clubs Changeover Dinner: Wednesday 21st October 2026 “6:00pm for a 6:30pm start” RSVP required by Friday 9th October to the Murray Bridge City Lions Club mbcitylions@gmail.com
Bunnings BBQ Wednesday 28th October - “Rotary & Bunnings BBQ Partnership” First Responder Mobile App Project
Saturday 7th Nov., Rotary Club of West Lakes is visiting the Murray Bridge area and member of local Rotary clubs are invited to join West Lakes members for a Saturday evening meal. Contact Andrew De Garis 0408 803 421
Dressed 4 Success Nov 14, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
The Rotary Club of Murray Bridge is hosting a special event raising funds to provide First Aid Training in Primary Schools in our area. Join us at the White Park Community Clubrooms on the corner of Mulgundawah Rd and Gladstone St Murray Bridge. “Enjoy Fashion - Food - Friends – Fundraising “please book online” https://murraybridgerotary.org.au/events/dressed-4-success/
Sunday 15th Nov., Bunnings BBQ
Mt Compass Caravan Park
