News

On Wednesday 18^th February 2026 the Rotary Club of Burnside were invited to visit Tumbelin Farm. About 9 of us were able to travel there to see the facilities and hear more about the work they do for young people.

‘Tumbelin Farm is a residential adventure therapy program for young people aged 16-24 with alcohol and drug related problems.
Located in the Adelaide Hills, Tumbelin Farm provides treatment for substance addictions.
They offer effective and holistic treatment to help young people overcome alcohol and drug issues in a therapeutic, community setting’.
The farm has been purchased by Baptist Care and staffed by volunteers, councilors, and a psychotherapist.

Each week there is a structured schedule the residents follow. This involves work on the farm looking after the 25 cattle, turkeys, ducks, and chickens. There is time for one-on-one counselling and groups sessions.
Once a week the residents have an adventure day with Abseiling and various other activities. This encourages the residents to be active and out in nature. The residents all have their own room and participant in home duties. At this stage there is only enough rooms for 4 residents.
We were all impressed how the Farm works for the residents and the time and patience all individuals are given. The aim is to restore their sense of self-worth and build their confidence to enable them to return to society.
They are given advice on how to apply for a job and prepare their resume.
The dedication of the staff was very impressive and the do all the can to help the young people find their way again with confidence and enthusiasm.

The farm itself needs work and there are many projects. The Rotary Club of Burnside wants to be able to obtain funding to help in areas such expanding the vegetable garden and building a glass house.
We look forward to a long and beneficial collaboration with Tumbelin Farm and wish to support their aim to help young people in need.

President Andrew Bradley recently presented Bob Cooper with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Certificate reads as follows:
“For his achievements and contributions to the success of the SA Drought Relief Appeal and ongoing Leadership within the Rotary Club of Burnside”.

Bob has been a tireless advocate for the farmers in the drought affected regions of South Australia. He has spoken on the radio to promote awareness of the dire situation farmers are in with lack of feed for their stock. He is always finding ways and means to spread the message to the public and encourage individuals and organisations to donate to the cause.
Bob is also involved in the organising of a Pioneer Adventure day for farming families at Tailem Town on May 3rd. This is an opportunity for farming families to get together and talk about their issues and a chance to support each other.
We are very proud of Bob and his commitment to the SA Drought Relief and his efforts to promote the need for funding.

On Wednesday 11th February 2026 we had the pleasure of hearing a presentation by John Sheehan and Kevin O’Shaughnessy on Prostate Cancer awareness and stories of survivors. It was a truly heartfelt presentation that made a major impact of the audience.
Both John and Kevin are passionate and committed to providing awareness of Prostate Cancer and the journey ahead. Many men are unaware of the complications following surgery such as incontinence and impotency. These issues can cause patients to become very depressed and socially isolated. John and Kevin wish to advice men of how to deal with these issues and what procedures are available to reduce or correct the issues.
Both Kevin and John over the last 20 years have been to many rural and Urban areas to educate and promote Prostate Cancer Awareness. They are always looking for more ways to reach out to men who have been diagnosed and need support for this very emotional journey.
The Club is able to support John in a small way with funds he receives after working at a Bunnings BBQ. However there is always a need for more funding and awareness.
We were all grateful for John’s own account of his journey with Prostate Cancer and how he has dealt with complications. John was diagnosed at a very young age and found information difficult to find. It is his mission to make sure other men can benefit from his experience. Thank you John and Kevin for an inspiring and emotional presentation.

On Wednesday 28^th January 2026 we had the opportunity to hear a presentation from Andrew DeGaris who is the District End Polio Co-Ordinator.
A great deal of effort and funding is needed to help eradicate Polio in all countries. There are still cases of Polio in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. These two countries present logistic challenges as there a people in remote mountainous areas. This makes it difficult for Health workers to reach children needing the Polio vaccine.
The vaccine is now available in oral form making it easier to transport than the previous injectable vaccine.
The oral vaccine has dramatically reduced the number of children paralysed by Polio, it has been extremely successful.
End Polio Now – The Way Forward:
Rotary International aims to raise US$50 million each year attracting a 2 for 1 input (up to 100 million) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Andrew is passionate about the challenge to eradicate Polio.
The goal is to permanently interrupt all poliovirus transmission in the endemic countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
US$5 billion required over 5 years to address.
The Rotary Club of Burnside donates annually to the End Polio Now programme.
many thanks to Andrew for his inspiring presentation and the passion to continue the work being done despite the on-going funding and access to the  most vulnerable children.
Margie Maloney.

On Wednesday 21st of January, Brian again organised a fascinating Vocational tour. We were able to visit the Migrant Museum in Kintore Ave.Adelaide.
There were many different displays regarding early migration, the White Australia Policy, Stolen Generation and the establishment of the Poor and Destitute Asylum in Adelaide. Many women presented here to deliver their babies as there was no where else to go.
We could have had more time to explore as the stories and displays portrayed many interesting facts of early life in Adelaide. Highly recommend a visit and a tour guide is available.
After the tour we all ambled down to Frome Road for a delicious meal at Amalfi restaurant.
The company was entertaining and great fun.
Thank you to Brian for another wonderful vocational tour.

Tour Down Under Women’s stage 2 – 18th January 2026
Women’s stage 2 started at Pepper Street, Magill, and there we were, Rotary Club of Burnside on the BBQ. After a slow start setting up as the site crews finished preparations, business slowly built up as crowds swelled, until at times we were quite busy.
In the background, teams and riders were introduced to the crowd, star riders were interviewed and tactics discussed while we served the hungry and thirsty crowd.
A planned short hiatus as the race started allowed us to cast an eye on proceedings. After the riders had set off, people came back to us for a little something to get them home. Every time we thought we had finished, the queue seemed to grow and we threw a few more snags on the barbie.
After we restocked, we found we had moved 103 drinks and with takings were totaled up we had gross takings of $948.
We got to witness the start of the Women’s Stage 2 race , well worthwhile turning out for.
A busy but pleasant morning working with friends, thank you to all the team for their assistance. John Rockliff

An exciting chance opens up for young people aged 15-18

Rotary will sponsor a life–changing experience sailing the One and All from Adelaide to Port Lincoln over the Easter weekend. (April 12-16)

Full-on adventure and challenge!

Applications close Jan 27, Selection Interviews on Jan 31 (tbc)
Checkout the Student drop-down at https://youthsailing.com.au
Enquiries: rcburnside@gmail.com

P.S. If you are reading this and over 18, pass it on. This youth leadership opportunity is unique, character building and definitely worth sharing.

Thank you to all the volunteers, not what we had expected. It should have been a recipe for a record day, but I think that we were a bit remote and there didn’t seem to be much evidence of a cost-of-living crisis, by the look of the queues at some of the stalls.
Our total Gross was $1063 (plus $6 donations) and the difference between the 2 EFTPOS Machines was 1 sausage, $412 in one machine, $408 in the other and $243 in cash, how is that for spreading the load!
Once again, thanks for giving us your time in trying conditions towards the end. Des Munro

It was a pleasure to have Jack Batty MP for Bragg speak at our Club Meeting Wednesday 14th January. Jack spoke about his time in International Diplomacy working in London for two years with the Australian High Commissioner. He outlined the role he played and what he gained from the experience. Very much a great deal of meet and greet but leading to the opportunity to develop trusting and long-lasting connections.
Many deals were made through these trusted relationships and mutual respect.
Jack’s presentation was both amusing and insightful and we all came to develop some understanding of diplomatic relationships.