Social distancing has limited the ability of community clubs and organisations to raise funds and prepare for the future but Rotary clubs remain active, especially in distributing grants.

The Rotary Club of Encounter Bay usually runs the Goolwa Wharf markets and Lakala market in Port Elliot and members are looking forward to getting back to business when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

In the meantime the club has continued its community grants program, last week giving out more than $10,000 to community groups across the south coast.

Radio Alexandrina received assistance to provide a facility for presenters to pre-programme their shows remotely to allow more flexibility in programming.

Alexandrina Wildlife Support needed help to keep rescued wildlife fed during the COVID 19 crisis as their Op Shop - and main source of funding – has been closed. 

A grant to replace its dance program boards will save people’s backs at the Victor Harbor Social Dancing Association.

They will now use a projector to show the dance program on the wall, rather than painted plywood boards in a wooden frame displaying more than 100 dance styles.

Port Elliot Tennis Club will upgrade its toilets and Victor Harbor Hockey Club will improve disabled access and the clubroom verandah.

A marquee will now shelter volunteer researchers of the Encounter Bay Family History Group from the elements when they offer free family history help sessions at outdoor venues.

Riding For The Disabled received a grant to help to purchase materials to upgrade the horse arena.

The Southern Fleurieu Historical Museum will construct a purpose-built museum administration office.

A grant to the Southern Fleurieu Health Advisory Council will purchase a trolley to be used by the medical emergency team for managing medical treatment of acutely deteriorating patients across the South Coast District Hospital site.

It was lucky the weather was fine on the very busy day that saw the Rotary Club of Encounter Bay use car parks and pavements for suitably socially distant distribution of the grant cheques.