There's no place like Calperum

The Rotary Club of Seaford held its third annual weekend away at Calperum Station across the June long weekend. A group of nearly 30 volunteers including Rotarians and family, plus Rotaractors from the Adelaide City Rotaract Club participated in a number of environmental conservation projects during their stay, but also had plenty of time to relax and breathe in the crisp Calperum air.

Situated north of Renmark, the 2,386 km² former sheep station is now a site for habitat and species conservation, scientific research and education. Many Rotary clubs visit the site annually to participate in efforts to help return the site to its former habitat. Previous activities undertaken by the Rotary Club of Seaford include tree health surveys, the removal and disposal of disused irrigation pipe, gardening projects including mulching, planting and weed removal. Volunteers also undertake general maintenance on the property such as oiling of decks and painting of buildings. Rotarians are fortunate to have the use of "Rotary House" which provides a high level of comfort in the outback setting. 

This year's activities included weeding of a vegetable patch and other garden beds, and the maintenance of watering bladders for recently planted trees. These bladders (right) have a capacity of 25 litres of water, which will keep newly planted trees watered for approximately one month, meaning volunteers need to top them up regularly. The trees are also surrounded by wire mesh guards to help protect against wind, wild goats and kangaroos.

But a visit to Calperum is not all hard work. There's always plenty of time to relax or explore the beautiful scenery. A visit to Calperum Station will usually involve an encounter with the local wildlife including emus and other bird life, kangaroos and goannas. There are many great stories to be told over dinner or by the fire pit after a hard day's work.

In addition to Rotary House, dormitory style accommodation is available for larger groups such as schools. For groups prepared to offer up a little elbow grease, accommodation is free.