Home Page | Rotary Club of Mitchell River

Chartered in 1981, the Rotary Club of Mitchell River has tirelessly worked to support its local community whilst maintaining support for the many International Projects under the Rotary Banner. Our Club is relatively small with approximately 20 members, but most certainly carries a ‘community support’ the breadth of which belies its size…. a testimony to the belief of “Service Above Self”.

As is the case with most Clubs in our part of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on our work most severely and when combined with the catastrophic bushfires over the summer it has been a very tough 6 months. We commence this new Rotary year with a sense of resilience and a resolution to meet the challenges and ensure we support our community wherever and whenever possible.

Within the constraints of the present situation it has been pleasing to see the Rotary Junior Community Award continue to function and, in many cases assume the processes of ‘remote learning’ to further enhance the opportunities for the youngsters involved. We are particularly proud of our Rotary Junior Community Award Program that encourages Year 6 Primary School Children to become engaged with their neighbours and the greater community. This program was formulated and initially commenced in Bairnsdale some 25 years ago is now conducted right across Australia and in recent years, internationally.

The Pride of Workmanship Awards are another highlight of the Club’s annual program. Unfortunately, the COVIC-19 situation forced the postponement of this event for this past Rotary year, but it was great to stage the event again in 2021. We (and our community) value the Pride of Workmanship Awards as an opportunity to acknowledge the excellence and quality of service in the workplace.

An important part of our monthly calendar is the Paynesville Farmer's and Maker's Market that showcases the finest produce and crafts of locals. Since assuming responsibility for the market, a number of years ago, the market has undergone a makeover that has seen it become a premier produce market in the area. Once again, the COVID-19 situation has impacted on the market but as the situation has settled the market is back in full swing and provides a great foundation for our work within the community.

Our major fund-raising event in past years, the Dinner Auction, which has annually raised considerable funds for supporting a variety of local groups has been o hold during the Covid pandemic but we hope to see its re-emergence in due course. It is proposed to stage this event when circumstances permit as it underpins our disbursements to local and Rotary projects. Recent recipients include the CFA, Centenary House and the Paynesville Volunteer Coastguard.

We always welcome visitors to our weekly dinner meetings. If you wish to discover more about the satisfaction of being part of a vibrant community group feel free to drop us a line via the 'contact us' option on this website.

We look forward to seeing you.

Although a relatively small Club, RCMR is very active and committed to ‘Doing Good in Our Community’.

Terrie Crow

President 2021-22