News

Community Wellness Hub 20th August 2026

Our special Guest Speaker Elizabeth Olsson returning to the Hub for the third time. Her Topic was the bombing of Darwin on the 19^{th of} February 1942.
On this day 188 Japanese aircraft in two separate raids bombed Darwin, ships in the harbour and the town’s two airfields. This was an attempt to prevent the Allies from using them as bases to contest the invasion of Timor and Java. This was the largest single attack on Australian soil by a foreign Power.
Darwin was unprepared for such an attack and the Japanese inflicted heavy losses upon Allied forces with almost no real damage to themselves. Darwin residents were quick to flee the area before and after the attack.
There were also more attacks in other areas near Darwin in the months to follow. Broome in Western Australia was attacked on 3^rd March 1942. Other places in Western Australia were Wyndham, Derby, Port Hedland and Exmouth Gulf.
Elizabeth’s presentation was a reminder on how little the general population knew about the attacks at the time. Her photos of the event were very confronting and the damage to Darwin was substantial.
Thank you to Elizabeth for her insights and graphic descriptions of this horrific event. We look forward to Elizabeth returning in 2027 for more insights into her knowledge of Military history.

Club meeting 12th August 2026

The Rotary Club of Burnside would like to welcome Adrian and Karen as new members to the club.
We look forward to a long happy association and all delighted to have you both on board.
President John Rockliff inducting our new members.

Community Wellness Hub Thursday 16th July 2026

It was a beautiful sunny day which encouraged people to get out and about.
We had good numbers attending so there was much chatter and catching up with friends.
Matt and Evan Raey came along as the presenters from the City of Burnside.

 They spoke about the Commonwealth Home assist programme and Aged Care. They also spoke about the many activities and services available at the City of Burnside. Transport is available to go to Doctors’ appointments, however there are only three cars so that can be difficult, and the service starts at 0900.

There is a need to be assessed by Aged Care to access these services.
There are many activities and groups to get involved in.

• Boxing, Music and Art program, exercise puzzles, games, singing group, knitting, chess, and Bingo. There is really something for everyone. Evan engages in the Men’s shed that includes a lady’s day each Thursday. Items made are usually donated to different charities. They also make many Bird boxes. The Men’s breakfast is extremely popular and has been going on for 10 years. It was interesting hearing about all the activities and social groups available at the City of Burnside. Thank you to Evan and Matt.

There were photographers from the City of Burnside to help promote the Community Wellness Hub and get the word out. Thank you to Brooke for arranging.
As usual Leanne was there to take the Chair Exercise class.
Everyone enjoyed the lunch.
Thank you to all the volunteers, Des, Ken, JC, Susan, Lisa, Petra, and Trish.

Next month’s presenter is Elizabeth Olsson talking about the bombing of Darwin during World War 2. Elizabeth has presented at the Hub twice before and is always a fascinating speaker. Margie Maloney

Rotary Club of Burnside Changeover Sunday 12th July 2026

The Changeover lunch is a significant event for the Rotary Club of Burnside, as it is for all other Rotary Clubs. It is the handing over of the reins from the sitting President to the new President. For our Club, after two years in the chair, Andrew Bradley has passed the Chain of Office over to John Rockliff and now can sit back and enjoy his time in the Club. Andrew has worked very hard during his Presidency, promoting the Rotary Club of Burnside, and setting up the History committee, his vision being to record the past 50 years of the history of the club. With an enthusiastic and capable committee, with David Johnston as Chair, this is almost completed. Many hours were spent going through old minutes, Bulletins and speaking to past members. We all look forward to the completed task.
Bob Cooper PP, Past District Governor delivered the Toast to Rotary International and then Past District Governor Jeff Neal responded on behalf of Rotary. The Club was delighted to have many guests, members, partners, friends of Rotary, Past Presidents, past District Governors, and Special guests. The venue is always delightful with a wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. We have always been well looked after, (with special thanks to James).
Before Andrew passed on the baton to John it was his privilege to present awards to club members.
 A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to the History Committee for all their research and to Kevin Williams for his expert computer skills.
A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Ana Kuusk for her enthusiastic uptake of the Youth Programmes where she has embraced her role and already made an impact.
Des Munro was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow with his 3 Sapphire for his tireless work both in front of house and behind the scenes. His passion for Rotary is always very evident, and he is truly the heart of the club.
Chris Gascoine was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow – First Sapphire for his dedication to the Bulletin, having taken over the editorship from David Dewar after David suffered a major stroke. John Rockliff was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow – First Sapphire for his role as Secretary (no easy task at any time), as well as his role in helping organise events as they are requested.
Margie Maloney was awarded Rotarian of the Year for her work with the Community Wellness Hub and the Club’s website, the latter with expert assistance and support from Kevin Williams. Andrew Bradley was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by John Rockliff in John’s first action as President. This was to acknowledge Andrew’s energy and vision for the last two years, something not easy to do while also having a full time job.
Special thanks to Mayor Anne Monceaux for attending as Anne has been a great supporter of the Rotary Club of Burnside. We enjoying seeing Anne at many functions, particularly the annual Senior Citizens Lunch. Thanks also to Jack Batty MP and his wife Charlotte and little Archie. Jack has also been an amazing supporter of the Rotary Club of Burnside and we value his support. Other special guests were David Dewar, accompanied by his daughter Julienne, and Murray Rawinski’s daughter Amanda accompanied by her husband Todd. Murray was a much-loved club member, and his loss is still felt. It was a wonderful lunch where we all got to appreciate Andrew’s efforts over the last two years, and to hear what John Rockliff hopes to achieve in the next twelve months. We all look to a bright future for 2026-27 with continual Community involvement and Rotary fellowship.

Playground to be re-homed

This week our Club took part in a playground “harvest” i.e. disassembling a playground for reuse in a community of need, via Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE). John Caddy, Des Munro and John Rockcliff joined together with Peter, Matthew and Greg (from Lower Light?) all under the organising hand of Past Dist. Governor Meg Lees, to disassemble a junior school playground at St Peter’s Boys College.

To prepare, equipment was carefully marked so they could be reassembled in another community at a future stage. All the bolted joints were also sprayed with penetrating oil to ease later disassembly.

Then the team set about, to unbolt and remove all the elements. About 3 hours of solid effort saw everything loaded for dispatch to the RARE depot. 

Later this year there will be a working bee at the RARE depot to load repurposed equipment into containers for shipment to recipients – keep an eye out for announcements in the District “Rotary Classifieds”.

We’re also expecting a Burnside Council playground to be offered for repurposing sometime later this year. When that happens, do consider volunteering – it’s not a highly technical task, the skills are easily picked-up, with tools provided, and it’s a fun day working with friends for a worthwhile cause.
Contributor John Rockliff.

Community Wellness Hub Thursday 18th June 2026

There were concerns that the weather would keep people away. It was a nice surprise to have such lovely weather instead.
There was a good crowd of about 16-18 with new people attending. There were 3 from Kensington Probus that Andrew had encouraged to come, thank you Andrew.
We had two wonderful presenters, Charmmy and Pei Ying talking about Diabetic health and diet. They presented so well and it made the topic seem relatable and easy to understand. I think we all gain valuable information on diets not just for Type two Diabetics but for everyone.

We have been informed that next month the Engagement Team from the City of Burnside will attend to take photos and interview both volunteers and guests.
Thank you to Leanne for taking the Chair exercises.
Thank you, all the volunteers who make the day possible, K. Cross, D. Munro, JC, Susan Girke, Trish and Susan’s friend Liza.
Next month’s guest speaker is Robyn Stewart from the Country Women’s Association.
Contributor:Margie Maloney

Vocational Tour Wednesday 17th June 2026

This would have to be one of the most interesting Tours we have had. It was truly fascinating. Out guide James Bateman was a wealth of knowledge on all the different wars. He provided extra information on various topics, and I think we could have spent more time listening to James.
The displays are so well setup providing an insight to the living conditions in the trenches and models of the soldiers and nurses in combat.
The Cheer Up Club that provided music and friendships in Adelaide was very valuable to servicemen and women and the local populations. On display was the original piano with many signatures of guest artists. A remarkable piece of history.
After the tour we had a delicious meal at the Goodwood hotel Bistro. A great way to finish of an interesting tour. Special thanks to Brian Higgins who organised it all but left for the UK the day before.

Margie Maloney