News

A sincere thank you to Mark Carter of Homes for Hope for his presentation on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. It sparked engaging and meaningful discussion, including reflection on the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge and the stark contrast to the values we seek to uphold. It was also a timely reminder that something as simple as building a modest home can achieve far more than providing shelter alone — it contributes to stability, dignity, and opportunity.
President Dr. Andrew Bradley.

A sincere thank you to guest speaker, Benno, assisted by Melanie from Baptist Care, for their presentation on Tumbelin Farm. Their initiative is inspiring and thought-provoking. “Tumbelin,” a Ngarrindjeri word meaning “Awaken and Live,” speaks to the heart of the program’s purpose. The farm represents more than rehabilitation alone. Addressing substance dependency is only one part of the journey. Important also is restoring a sense of value, dignity, and purpose in those who may feel they have lost it. However difficult the path may be, there is something deeply important in recognising the inherent worth in ourselves — and in one another. With that recognition comes agency: strength drawn not only from within, but also from community. Yet with that freedom comes responsibility — to apply discipline, to learn from experience and from those who have come before us, and to consider what we, in turn, contribute and leave behind. Coming to terms to terms with this understanding, leads to the aptly named “Awaken and Live” — Tumbelin.
Submitted by Dr Andrew Bradley President

Director Brian Higgins is awarded with a Paul Harris Fellow (with two sapphires), recognising his continued and consistent support of the Rotary Foundation.

Neighbourhood Watch Annual BBQ Sunday 29^th March 2026

Always a pleasure to be invited to participate in the Annual Neighbourhood Watch BBQ. Perfect day for an outing in Warrego Reserve. Residents slowly filled up the park, and we enjoyed handing out Sausages provided by Neighbourhood Watch. Great opportunity to bring residents together to meet new friends and enjoy a chat on local events.
Jack Batty MP arrived and it was an opportunity to congratulate Jack on his re-election. Always one to attend local events and meet with everyone. He could not stay long as another event was waiting for his appearance.
Mayor Anne Monceaux was also in attendance. Mayor Anne will always attend local events, and it is a pleasure to meet up with her, she does enjoy a Burnside Rotary sausage.
We all enjoyed the day as it is relaxed and fun meeting everyone. JC does an amazing job on the BBQ, so very organised. Thank you to Arth Tiwari, Coordinator for inviting the Rotary Club of Burnside to participate in the Annual BBQ event.

Community Wellness Hub Thursday 19^th March 2026
Beautiful day to have such an event. However, we are still low on numbers which is disappointing.
Guest speaker was Neville Williams from the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Neville spoke about the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service which was started by John Flynn. He was aware of patients in outback areas needing transport to city hospitals. Victorian pilot Lieutenant John Clifford Peel heard Flynn’s public speeches sent Flynn a letter explaining how he had seen a missionary doctor visiting isolated patients using a plane. In 1928 Flynn formed the AIM Aerial Medical Service, a one-year experiment based in Cloncurry, Queensland. This experiment later became the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The rest they say is history.
The RFDS is now a common practice in the outback. Providing emergency evacuations and providing community medical clinics to people in isolated areas of Australia. Neville presentation was truly inspiring and fascinating.

No Chair exercises this week.
Many thanks to all the volunteers. Special thank you to Annette and her sister Heather for filling in as many volunteers were away.
Thank you to Des, Chris Gascoine and Kevin Williams for setting up and Kevin putting together the IT equipment.   Margie Maloney

Mel spoke about her horrific experience of Sky Diving when her chute did not deploy correctly. Mel landed at great force onto the ground sustaining massive injuries. She was in a critical condition and is lucky to have survived. Her injuries included multiple facial fractures, spinal and Pelvic fractures to name some of the fractures.
Recovery was slow but to meet Mel you quickly see that she is very determined and a strong personality, but it was still a long road.

Mel has no recollection of the incident and remembers waking up in hospital. She has pushed ahead with rehab which at times was slow and painful.
To this today Mel still suffers from constant pain some days better than others. But she continues to work and enjoy life as best as she can.
She still gets a nagging urge to Sky dive again, but her husband has soon removed that idea.
Mel’s experience was horrific and life changing. The Club was inspired by her determination to recover and try to pursue a normal life. However, dealing with constant pain would be difficult to deal with.
Thank you Mel for sharing your inspiring story.

 I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Adam Burford for his presentation at last week’s meeting, where he shared his remarkable journey behind his charity, Tanzeed, which is building a school in Tanzania. What began as a modest effort with some concrete blocks in a remote community has, over the past decade, grown into multiple classrooms, accommodation for teachers, toilet facilities, and — with our latest support — a new order of desks and chairs. In my opinion, these developments are life-changing in such conditions. They empower children of these communities through education, and education is not merely literacy — it builds agency — it gives opportunity. That is worthwhile lasting impact.

It was also a pleasure to welcome PDG Euan Miller from the Rotary Club of Norwood. The Rotary Club of Norwood supported Adam through a successful Global Grant application, enabling him to undertake further study in the UK — an opportunity that ultimately contributed to the establishment and growth of Tanzeed. It is encouraging to see Rotary’s global reach has translated into such a tangible, generational impact. Truly remarkable work!
Author Dr Andrew Bradley President.

It was the first event for the year, and we were all pleased to be back. We had 13 people attend which was a great start.

Emily Lines was the guest speaker her topic ‘Navigating the Aged Care System.’ Emily spoke about the many changes to the Home Care package since November 2025.
It is a complicated system especially knowing where to start and then knowing what provider to contact for services.
Emily explained to different fees for the different services and what services are available.
Emily is very aware of the problems associated with Aged Care. She has set up for own company -‘Simplified Age Care Solutions’

Emily is a registered nurse with 20 years’ experience working within nursing and providing services to older people in South Australia.
As a registered health professional Emily understands aging and the care system. She can simplify the process and ensure you or your loved ones gets the right care.
It was a pleasure to have Emily speak at the Hub and try to simplify Aged Care. Reassuring to know that people like Emily are available to help people navigate the Aged Care System. If you would like more information or to discuss how Emily might be able to assist, please get in touch:
email hello@simplifiedacs.com.au
web simplifiedacs.com.au
Chair exercise instructor Leanne was back again giving everyone a good workout, always a pleasure to see Leanne.
Lunch was served and enjoyed by all.
Thank you to all the volunteers, K. Cross. Munro J. Rockliff, H. Cain, S. Girke, Trish.

Next Month’s Community Wellness Hub is on Thursday 19^th March 2026 and the guest speaker will be talking about the Flying Doctors Service.
Margie Maloney.