Established in Mount Gambier, South Australia, the Mount Gambier Community RSL is a non-profit organisation and bowling club that aims to serve and improve the local community. With a strong commitment to service above self, the club offers various programmes and initiatives to support those in need and foster a sense of community.
One of the main events organised by the club is the Rotary Community Book Fair, held annually in the City Hall. This massive book fair is made possible through the collective efforts of the club members, as they coordinate with local businesses for sponsorship, secure a venue thanks to the generosity of the Mount Gambier City Council, and devote many Sundays to the sorting, categorising, pricing, and packing of thousands of donated second-hand books. The proceeds from the 2018 book fair were generously donated to the Rotary Club of Longreach Drought Fund, to assist communities in Central and Western Queensland in dealing with the effects of the ongoing debilitating drought.
Furthermore, the Mount Gambier Community RSL supports the “Books in Homes” programme, which aims to provide packs of high-quality new books to primary school children, particularly in more disadvantaged areas. Recognising the importance of instilling a love for reading at an early age, the club sponsors the programme for students with special needs at the Gordon Education Centre, the only facility of its kind in the Limestone Coast region. Last year, the book packs were presented at the Mount Gambier Public Library, an important partner in the project.
Through its various initiatives, the Mount Gambier Community RSL strives to make a positive impact on the local community, promoting literacy, supporting drought-affected communities, and fostering a sense of belonging. By joining this club, individuals have the opportunity to engage in meaningful service work while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. Whether it's participating in bowling tournaments, attending social events, or volunteering for community projects, members of the Mount Gambier Community RSL contribute to the betterment of Mount Gambier and its residents.