Rotarians converge on Mount Gambier

It was a weekend to remember for the more than 200 Rotarians that converged on Mount Gambier for the Rotary District 9780 Conference.

Conference convenor Ray Herbert said the three day event has not only gone off without a hitch but had showcased Mount Gambier and surrounds with many attendees either arriving early to explore the area or staying for a few days after the March 15-17 conference.

“We are pretty chuffed,” Mr Herbert said. “There were a few things we had to adjust on the run but in essence it was a resounding success.”

From the quality of the speakers, to the surprise performance of Australian tenor Michael Lapina, from the impactful End Polio Now community walk to the $3000 raised from a Wine Wall fundraiser, the weekend achieved all it set out to achieve.

Around 40 attendees toured the city on a bus trip on Friday, City Hall hosted the Friday night welcome dinner, Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre hosted the Saturday speakers and a showcase of 15 Rotary programs and Saturday night’s centrepiece dinner at The Commodore was headlined by five-time Olympian Natalie Cook.

Friday night’s welcome dinner also saw Rotary delving into a new area with the presentation of Environmental Awards to clubs.

“That is a new thrust are for us,” Mr Herbert said.

The End Polio Now campaign Geelong-based ambassador Gary Newton, who is a polio survivor, was on hand to lead the community march.

“It was great to see a sea of red that marched on Mount Gambier,” Mr Herbert said. “Visually it had a significant impact.”

There are currently no cases of polio in the world but that needs to remain the status for a further two years and nine months for eradication to be achieved – just one case and it is back to square one.

Domestic violence, suicide prevention and mental health and pain management were all part of the speaking opportunities across the weekend.

The $3000 raised from the Wine Wall will see $1500 headed to Rotary’s Domestic Violence project and $1500 to Australian Rotary Health.

The weekend was also catered by Metro Bakery and Café with the leftover supplies donated to ac.care.

“Overall I think we showcased Mount Gambier and all it has to offer very well.”