Over 24 years ago the Mount Gambier Rotary Club introduced the philosophy of the Friendship Force to Mount Gambier and aroused enough interest among the residents to form a club, the second in South Australia. They convinced people to open their homes and hearts to complete strangers from other parts of the world (people who perhaps did not speak their language or perhaps had other social, economic or cultural differences) and thus encourage knowledge and understanding through friendship.

Official Club Name: The Friendship Force of Mount Gambier.

The fledgling club was charted in 1984 and the first International visitors to be hosted in Mount Gambier arrived in May of that year from Phoenix, Arizona. Although this contingent comprised only 20 ambassadors, it was common in those early days for large numbers to visit. This was evident when 81 folk from Madison, Wisconsin and 57 from Osaka, Japan were amongst the early journey (alias exchanges)s hosted by the club.

Come along and find out what we are all about and make new Friendships within our group. General meetings are held at the Masonic Hall, Helen Street, Mount Gambier, Bi-monthly on the first Monday of the month. We meet at 6.30pm for a pot luck tea preceding the meeting at 7.30pm. All members and prospective new members are most welcome.

In 2009, we celebrated 25 years of Friendship Force in Mt Gambier.

Moira Oxley with her Life Membership certificate.