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
Thanks to everyone who attended the dinner gathering last Tuesday (Feb 3rd ) and to Rotarian Robin LeGallez for presenting the Rotary International Idea of An Epic Day of Service – originally presented by Pat McGuckin in a webinar. It certainly is an amazing proposal to have Rotary Clubs across the World ‘Unite for Good’ on the one day, providing Service to all local communities. The ideas submitted by members on the night have been considered by Club Service who met at the end of the meeting and will be considered further at Director’s meetings this Tuesday, before being taken to Board in the coming week. For us, this is an initial project which could grow in the years ahead, if the club decides on a project that can be repeated year after year. Keep forwarding your ideas to members of Club Service, Simon or myself.
Have you seen the Mosaic Artwork on the Stobie Poles in Murray Bridge? Our Club has supported the artwork of Eileen Newbery, Justin Richards and Leanne Pearson.
Activities – Please consider attending and supporting your club
Tuesday - Directors will meet with their committee members to continue planning activities and service ideas
Swap Meet is on Sunday 15th February – have you let John Whimpress know of your Service times?
Pioneer Adventure Day – Tuesday 17th February - Guest Speaker Bill Marles, Rotary Club of Adelaide Central and Tina Squires, Old Tailem Town
Rotary Awareness Night – Tuesday 24th February - showcasing our projects to family and friends and the wider community
Bunnings BBQ – Friday 27th February – book your spot and help support this trial day
Reminders:
Have you booked your tickets for:
SCASA Community Service Awards Ceremony – Sunday February 22nd atAuchendarroch House, Mt Barker
International Women’s Day Breakfast – Wednesday March 4th at the Arkaba Hotel Check with Julieanne for transport arrangements
The Multi-District Summit – March 27th - 29th in Horsham – Past RI President Jennifer Jones is the latest speaker to be announced
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?
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.
CALENDAR WINNERS
3rd February
Value
No.
Winner
Location
Sold By
Zoo Tickets
239
Hugh Barker
Murray Bridge
M Blight
$50
578
Trevor Zerk
Lameroo
Lameroo Lions
Kayla's Wedding
On Friday 6th February, Peter and I were privileged to attend the wedding of Kayla McDiarmid (RANZSE student 2011, sponsored by our Club), to Liam Terry at Inman Valley. The wedding venue was a secluded little gully on Kayla's grandparents' property. She arrived with her bridesmaids on a tractor!!
As mentioned, Kayla was sponsored by our Club for the short term exchange program to New Zealand in 2011. Gary Frazer and I first interviewed Kayla in 2010 and were so impressed with her even at the age of 14. She had a highly successful match with Victoria Birch from Auckland. On returning to Murray Bridge she determined that she would become a tour operator! In Year 11, Kayla undertook a traineeship with local travel company Easy Travel and Cruise. She became Murray Bridge High School Captain in Year 12. On completing Year 12 and finishing her traineeship, Kayla took up working for Easy Travel and Cruise in Murray Bridge. At the age of 19, Kayla was asked by her employer to run a new travel agency for them in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast and she did. During that time, she met Liam from England, who was on a working holiday to Australia. The rest is history. Kayla has lived and worked in England for two years, became a tour guide for Busabout Tours, travelled Europe extensively, India and Sri Lanka. Kayla and Liam arrived in Queenstown, New Zealand just as Covid hit and ended up staying for 4 years. Two years ago as they prepared to move back to Liam, who had received his Permanent Resident status for Australia, Liam proposed to Kayla.
Guests from England, USA, New Zealand, Thailand, Queensland, and New South Wales attended the wedding celebrations.
Kayla now works for Live the Dream Travel at Strathalbyn and still travels taking groups to various locations overseas, Liam has set up his own carpentry business (Inman Valley Carpentry) and has just hired his first apprentice.
It was an honour to be invited to attend this wonderful celebration.
Jenny Phillips
Multi District Summit
Jennifer Jones - Past RI President
This is BIG. Like international Rotary spotlight BIG.
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
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.
Like international Rotary spotlight BIG.
