Wednesday was our annual Changeover dinner held at the Murray Bridge RSL Club, with celebrations of different kinds.
Firstly, President Sadie Podger had the heartfelt task of informing those present that one of our own loved members of 18 years - John Meers - passed away over the weekend. We had a minutes silence and saw a pictorial presentation of John's life in Rotary, remembering all that he had achieved.
Rotarians, partners, guests, family and friends gathered to witness outgoing President for 24/25, Sadie Podger hand over the reigns for the 25/26 year to Ann Marie Kichel.
Sadie presented her report, outlining the many and varied catering events, projects and contributions we had performed over the last year. She thanked her Board and years of service awards were given out by DG Dr Rajeev Kamineni -
Bob England - 40 years of Rotary Service
Warren Pratt - 25 years of Rotary Service
Joy Burgess - 20 years of Rotary Service
Simon Podger and Warren & Sharon Pratt (along with Bronwyn Heard who was absent) were acknowledged for their tireless contributions with catering and the Bulletin production
Johanan & Joseph performed the song "Don't worry about a thing" by Bob Marley flawlessly.
After her induction, President AnnMarie Kuchel spoke of her ambitions for the coming 12 months and introduced her Board.
Good food and fellowship was enjoyed by all who attended.
Dear John, you served your Country and Rotary with Honor, made many friendships along the way. You will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace our friend, you are now back in the arms of your beloved Maureen.
Tonight's meeting was a reflection on the Rotary year 2024-25 under President Sadie Podger & President Elect Ann-Marie Kuchel's vision for the coming 2025-26 year.
At the beginning of this Rotary year, Sadie outlined her goals she wanted to achieve during her Presidency, most of which were achieved.
PE Ann-Marie also gave members an insight into what she wanted to implement & achieve, with members being asked to put forward their suggestions and thoughts.
Some of our catering events were -
Aust Day Breakfast
Ski for Life Breakfast
Anzac Day Breakfast
Monthly Cars & Coffee 
International Pedal PrixPlus many more
Social events are always good fun, building fellowship -
Christmas in July
Putt Putt challenge with other clubs
Annual Christmas Dinner in DecemberJust to name a few
Vocational visits to many interesting businesses are always a highlight and not to mention our Friends of Rotary program (businesses that support Rotary without becoming a Member)
**Rotary Club of Mobilong meet each Wednesday at the Murray Bridge RSL @ 6.00pm. Anyone is welcome to attend
Huge congratulations to our Honary member David Heard who has been honoured today with an Order of Australia medal for his service. David is the longest serving St John volunteer in the world. How lucky are we to have him in our Mobilong Rotary Club.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
Mr David Cameron Heard, Murray Bridge SA 5253
For service to the community through emergency service organisations.
St John Ambulance, South Australia
• Corps Superintendent, Murraylands Region, 1973-2005.
• Superintendent, Murray Bridge Ambulance Division, 1962-1973.
• Divisional Officer, Murray Bridge Ambulance Division, 1957-1962.
• Adult Member, since 1948.
• Cadet Member, Colonel Light Gardens Cadet Division, 1944-1948.
• Ultra-Long Service Medal with four gold service bars, 2021.
St John State Council, South Australia
• Country Ambulance Service Representative, 1982-1989.
• Country St John Order Member, 1989-1998, and 1999-2005.
St John Ambulance Historical Society South Australia
• Treasurer, since 2005.
• Member, current.
South Australian Ambulance Service
• Volunteer Ambulance Officer Representative, South Australian Ambulance Board, 1985-1992.
• Ex-officio Member, Volunteer Ambulance Officers Advisory Committee, South Australian Ambulance Board, 1985-1993.
Murray Bridge and District Ambulance Branch Committee
• Chairman, ~4years, c1980s.
• Vice Chairman, ~19years, c1970s-1980s
. Most Venerable Order of St John
• Knight of Grace, 1993.
• Commander, 1982.
• Officer Brother, 1975.
• Serving Brother, 1965.
• Service Medal, 1958, and ten bars and three laurel leaves.
Murray Bridge Rowing Club
• Volunteer, ~30years.
• Member, ~45years.
• Patron, since 2023.
Community
• Honorary Member, Rotary Club of Mobilong, since 2024.
• Member, St John Bushland Park Friends Committee, since 1989.
Awards and Recognition include:
• National Medal and three clasps, 1997.
• Longest Serving Volunteer, St John Ambulance Australia.
Mobilong Rotary is pleased to support Kai Martin in his fundraising efforts for DV Survivors.
Murray Bridge support worker Kai Martin, 26, is getting ready to run an ultra-marathon to raise awareness of domestic violence in the community and raise money for a local support charity.
The plan is to tackle the 325km run non-stop over about 55 to 60 hours and raise about $25,000 for the Murray Bridge Regional Collaboration on Violence Against Women and Children.
So far more than $19,100 has already been raised for victim support, community education and awareness of the cause.
The keen endurance runner is starting on the Lavender Federation Trail in Clare at 3am on Friday 23 May and aims to be back in Murray Bridge for a community BBQ event on Sunday 25 May afternoon the Place of Courage in Sturt Reserve. Kai is due to arrive sometime between 1-3pm that day.
“Domestic Violence is an issue I’ve been aware of since a young age, and I’ve always felt the need to do something big to help my community around it,” Kai Martin said.
While he says he was lucky to grow up in a safe environment, it was not always the case for other family members who have experienced domestic-violence related trauma.
Kai has only started running in the past two years and the longest run he has done was December 2024 when he ran 161km in 22 hours.
Donate to Kai’s Run for the Murray Bridge Regional Collaboration on Violence against Women and Children here or via tins at McCues and the Murray Bridge Library.
Content from 5MU
Thanks to those who volunteered last Thursday for the Centacare Family afternoon
Come and check out some wonderful artwork, you may even be tempted to buy some.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Mobilong & Murray Bridge.
Memorial at the Rock of Courage at Sturt Reserve for a vigil to those who have suffered at the hands of perpetrators of Domestic Vio-lence. Unfortunately, in this state 14 women have died due to domestic Violence. 14 candles were placed on the Rock of Courage and roses were put in the River to remember those who have suffered. Stephen Polaris has the belief the process & the legal system needs to change. Crimes of violence and robbery have an 80% success rate of conviction but Domestic Violence and sexual assault around 8% conviction rate. Question is WHY.
We have some “Movie Stars” amongst us. Last Thursday, Darren & Tracy Piltz and Stewart Heard starred in the movie “The Sundowner”, filmed at Old Tailem Town. They were looking for pre 1934 vehicles, of which Stewart lent his Chev and the Piltz’s truck.
Darren & Tracy will also feature in the film as ‘extra’s’.
Darren & Tracy will also feature in the film as ‘extra’s’.
Congratulations Rotarian Jade. Your enthusiasm towards Cows for Cambodia is next level. True meaning of “Service above Self”
Well deserved 
(Jade 2nd from left)
The Heart and Herd Award is our way of recognizing those special individuals who have not only joined us on either multiple Cows for Cambodia tours but have also demonstrated outstanding dedication to our cause. These recipients have gone above and beyond in their support, showing true heart in their generosity and spirit, and stood strong amongst our herd to create real change in Cambodian communities.
On Saturday evening we honoured 5 of these amazing individuals for their passion, commitment, and the impact they have made.
• Jade Mitchell
• Helen Maynard (not pictured)
• Lee Weaver
• Stephen Wong & Carly
The Rotary Clubs of Murray Bridge and Mobilong working at the Monarto Safari Park Shelter Shed on Monday 17th March. This local project will allow visitors and new hotel patrons to view local animal species in an area set aside adjacent to the nearby hotel and glamping area. The animals will come into sight due to the nearby watering hole. John Scarvelis photos re Bronwyn Heard.
Last night saw our annual Putt Putt and Pizza fund-raising night at Avoca Dell Caravan Park & 18 hole Mini Golf, Murray Bridge S.A between the 3 Rotary Clubs - Mobilong, Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend, with Murray Bridge being victorious.
Approx 60 members, partners and friends participated in raising money for ShelterBox Australia, who provide tents and accessories to accommodate a family of 10 where their home is uninhabitable due to natural disasters or war conflicts.
Above the money raised last night, an extra $2000 was donated between 2 Clubs
A fun night in great weather conditions was enjoyed by all.
"What's it like sitting in a room, talking to yourself ? 
This was one of the questions that Josh Nelson was asked last night when we had a vocation visit to his workplace - Radio 5MU & Power FM
After a meal of fish, chips, salad & cheesecake, Rotarians & 5MU employees, Josh & Tracy Piltz took us on a tour of the premises, explaining the different facets of how a radio station runs. We were showed the rooms used for recording, production, broadcasting and the technical room.
Josh got behind the microphone & showed us how he does his broadcast each day.
We thank Josh, Tracy and 5MU Power FM for giving us a very interesting insight into how a radio station works.
Houses 122 and 123 are currently under construction.
Last December, we began building two homes in memory of Molly, and with one more to complete the trio, Sally, a close friend of Molly's, who helped us in December, returned this month with Sara, who missed the earlier builds, to work on the third house.
While spreading Molly's message of love, Sally connected with three Rotary clubs eager to make a difference. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge, the Rotary Club of Mobilong, and the Rotary Club of Tailem Bend, House 123 will stand proudly beside House 122, which honours Molly.
Every donation we receive for a new home fills us with gratitude, but when we get support from donors that are building in honour of loved ones, it truly inspires us. We are honoured to carry forward these important gifts.
Together, we are transforming sorrow into strength, creating spaces alive with laughter and warmth, and celebrating cherished memories. With every home we build, we reaffirm our commitment to making a lasting difference in the world, one heart print at a time.
Last December, we began building two homes in memory of Molly, and with one more to complete the trio, Sally, a close friend of Molly's, who helped us in December, returned this month with Sara, who missed the earlier builds, to work on the third house.
While spreading Molly's message of love, Sally connected with three Rotary clubs eager to make a difference. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge, the Rotary Club of Mobilong, and the Rotary Club of Tailem Bend, House 123 will stand proudly beside House 122, which honours Molly.
Every donation we receive for a new home fills us with gratitude, but when we get support from donors that are building in honour of loved ones, it truly inspires us. We are honoured to carry forward these important gifts.
Together, we are transforming sorrow into strength, creating spaces alive with laughter and warmth, and celebrating cherished memories. With every home we build, we reaffirm our commitment to making a lasting difference in the world, one heart print at a time.
Looks like great weather for our CARS AND COFFEE NOVEMBER MEET with VW's old and new as priority parking. See Miss Annabelle The Kombi raising money for breast cancer so please bring some coin if you want to donate.
Murray Bridge CFS will have 3 fire trucks yes lights and sirens will be blazing.
Will be a fire truck pumping water from the river. Have a go at using a fire hose.
Going to be a great morning.
What a great day for a great cause. Miss Annabelle’s Kombi Tour held their Scavenger Hunt today, starting in Mt Barker & making its way through the Adelaide Hills for approx 55 kms. Looking for signs, animals, photo proof, stopping for lunch at a local bakery & answering odd questions, approx 70 people took part before ending back in Mt Barker for presentations & afternoon tea.
To our surprise, the winning team was us - Bronwyn & Andrew Heard and Sharon Pratt - with the most correct answers 
Bronwyn, Andrew, Sharon, Tracy & Darren along with Tracy's brother Kenton participated with Christine and Sadie popping in on their way to another event.
Thanks Shiralee for a great afternoon 
Held 20 – 22 September 2024, the sixth and final round of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series will be held on Sturt Reserve, overlooking the picturesque Murray River. More than 170 aerodynamically designed trikes powered around the challenging course, seeking to conquer the 24-hour endurance race. Teams of all ages and from all over Australia participated, with local school teams Murray Bridge High School and Unity College represented and Murray Bridge North School a chance to qualify. Mobilong Rotary Club helped to feed the Competitors, Families, Officials and Spectators.
**That's a wrap folks**
THANKYOU to ZoosSA for reaching out and offering their support towards our promotion of Monarto Safari Park
Our inaugural BRIDGE BRICKS EXPO was a huge success.
Many thanks to Bronwyn Heard and everyone that helped in the lead up to and over the weekend in any way to make this weekend such a success.
We had many positive comments over the 2 days and a lot of interest from people wishing to exhibit next year.
Thank you to all the people who put in an exhibit this year to make it a success.
To the public that came and had a look for a gold coin donation, and to those who purchased donuts and sausages, we say Thank You
A special Thank You to the Monarto Safari Park who inspired the theme for this event and gave us a 360 Lions Experience and a Family Pass as raffle prizes, it is much appreciated.
Raffle winners were -
1st prize Blue A74 K. Allen
2nd prize Blue A48 Aikins
We look forward to making next year's event bigger and better. If you would like to exhibit or find out more, please get in touch with us.
Once again, thank you all.
45 out 75 Rams Sold
Highest price $6000, average price $1702
Mobilong Rotary feeding the organizers and prospective buyers.
Mobilong Rotary Inc was proud to be a part of this community project.
Council is excited to share and unveil the completed "country life' mural at the Memory Support Wing at Lerwin. 
This exciting project was coordinated and financed by the Combines Services Clubs of Murray Bridges (CSC)
· Inner Wheel of Mobilong
· Kiwanis Club of Murray Bridge
· Lions Club of Murray Bridge
· Lions Club of Murray Bridge City
· Rotary Club of Murray Bridge
· Rotary Club of Mobilong
· Soroptomists Club of Murray Bridge
In partnership with the Murray Bridge High School, the mural has been three years in the making and now illuminates the courtyard of our Memory Support Wing, providing a bright and stimulating environment for our residents.The mural, designed and painted by Year 10 art students under the guidance of art teacher Kylie Brunato, aims to evoke reflection and reminiscence of times gone by.
Lerwin Nursing Home together with Council is extremely grateful for the support provided by the Combined Services Clubs, the Murray Bridge High School and the sponsorship from Crowies Paints and Bridge Building Supplies for their support with paint and materials.
We would like to thank and acknowledge Hylton Moritz, who has coordinated the project.
Thanks to Warren who organised and transported the container to DIK on Friday.
Thanks to Paul and his small army of helpers who ventured to DIK on Saturday to start to load this container with medical equipment and other goods, in readiness for its journey to Tongo and Tuvalu.
Thanks to Paul and his small army of helpers who ventured to DIK on Saturday to start to load this container with medical equipment and other goods, in readiness for its journey to Tongo and Tuvalu.
Towitta Christmas in July #3 (2024)
Mobilong Rotary Christmas in July, our Clubs third event @ Towitta. This event held for Club Members, Family & Friends.
A Great time had by all who attended, a highlight is the Christmas Dinner on Saturday night.
Great fellowship. Many thanks to the dedicated crew that made this happen.
Last Saturday night (13/7/24) we celebrated our 2024-25 Changeover dinner at the Murray Bridge Greyhound Racing Club.
Rotarians, partners, guests, family & friends saw outgoing President Sally Willoughby induct Sadie Podger as President for the 2024/25 year, under the Rotary theme of "The Magic of Rotary".
Table & room decorations depicted this theme.
IPP Sally Willoughby presented Jillian Reddin, Barry Stacey & Simon Gliessert with PHF Sapphire pins for their long standing commitment to Rotary.
Cecily Graetz, Brian Rainey & David Heard were presented with Honorary Membership.
President Sadie Podger presented IPP Sally Willoughby with a PHF.
Music was performed by Rotarians & family members with lyrics to popular songs honouring Rotarians in a fun way.
The past 12 months was reflected upon & Pres Sadie Podger highlighted her wish list for the coming year.
A great night combining formalities & fellowship was had.
The Rotary Club of Mobilong was proud to be asked by the Rural City of Murray Bridge to cook the community lunch for NAIDOC Week today. It was a privilege to be a part of the celebrations today
YOUTH ART PRIZE 2024
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Calling all young creatives aged 12-25
This exhibition is a platform to amplify the important voices of young creatives in expressing their views about personal and collective experiences.
Total Prize Pool valued at over $4,500!
FREE TO ENTER
ENTRIES CLOSE TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2024
For more information and a copy of an entry form please click the link below.
Call for Entries: Youth Art Prize 2024 — Murray Bridge Regional Gallery (murraybridgegallery.com.au)
Please follow & support our friend and Rotarian Shiralee (& Jason) as they embark on this life changing journey
Our Why We would like to take a moment to share the heartfelt reason behind our upcoming journey with Miss Annabelle the Kombi later this year.
My journey with Metastatic Breast Cancer began in May last year, altering our lives in ways we never imagined.
Amidst the hustle of everyday life, a persistent numbness and pain in my right forearm led to a life-altering diagnosis. The MRI revealed 12 lesions on my cervical spine, and further testing uncovered the cancer's presence with additional tumours in my spine, breast, liver, shoulder, sternum, and hip - a shattering revelation.
Navigating through a whirlwind of tests and treatments during a 19-day hospital stay, the diagnosis of Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer emerged, sparking a rollercoaster journey of ups and downs.
Despite the challenges - days feeling like I've been hit by a bus balanced by precious moments with family, frequent medical appointments, and various treatments, I have remained positive. I have also been fortunate enough to connect with a McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse, Annie, in my local area who has provided me with unwavering support.
Unable to work or volunteer due to my diagnosis, my passion for helping others and a long-held dream of owning a VW Kombi merged into a purposeful endeavour. Enter Miss Annabelle, a 1974 VW T2 Transporter Kombi, soon to be transformed into a beacon of hope, painted pink.
Together with my loved ones, we're embarking on a journey from Mt Barker, SA to Sydney, NSW, traversing townships across SA, VIC, ACT & NSW. Our mission: to make a difference, spread awareness, and offer support to those on a similar journey.
The McGrath Foundation holds a special place in my heart, and by rallying behind it, we're extending a beacon of hope to those facing similar battles. Each kilometre we travel and the funds we raise is a testament to our unwavering commitment to make a meaningful difference.
Please join us on this heartfelt journey of solidarity, as we turn kilometres into tangible contributions toward brighter tomorrows for all touched by breast cancer.
Feel free to spread the word about Miss Annabelle the Kombi on your socials! Let's Pink it Up Together!
Mobilong Rotary Inc is happy to have had some connection to seeing this project move ahead.
The Year 10 Visual Art and Design students from Mrs. Brunato's and Mr. Perriman's class worked hard to complete a 5-panel mural for the Lerwin Nursing Home in Murray Bridge. This project was generously offered to us by the Murray Bridge Lions Club and Combined Services Club.
The students successfully finished the mural last week, and it turned out wonderfully. We hope the residents and families of our local nursing home enjoy viewing this mural for many years to come.
Service Above Self
Murray Bridge East, SA 5253
Australia