Dave McKissock, Janette Malcom and Tasha Clay.
Rotary Regional Community Leader Dave McKissock, Janette Malcom, Chair of The Grace Street Project and Tasha Clay, PlaceMakers - Southern Scooter Challenge Co Organiser at the Grace Street meet recently to discuss the collaboration with all nine Rotary clubs across Southland committing to Unite for Good to benefit The Grace Street Project.
Following the launch of the Grace Street public fundraising campaign in July, a concept to collaborate was presented at a combined Rotary Club chairs meeting earlier this year. Representatives from Gore, Winton, Riverton, Te Anau, and all five Invercargill Rotary clubs have agreed to throw their collective weight behind the March 2026 fundraising event, which will see up to 250 riders journey from Invercargill to Te Anau on 50cc scooters.
The collaborative effort will focus on supporting the Scooter event fundraising with a raffle and auction to benefit The Grace Street Project.
The 9 Southern Clubs working together on the same fundraising project is pretty special. " This community-wide initiative is what the network of Rotary was built for," said Dave Mckissock, Immediate Past District Governor, Regional Community Leader said.
"When the opportunity to support the partnership between PlaceMakers and The Grace Street Project was presented we knew that this was a project with impact, something all of Southland's Rotary clubs could work together to support together."
"All nine clubs involved opens the opportunity to maximise Rotary’s community connections across Southland," McKissock said. "From the 5 Invercargill Clubs, to Gore, Winton, and Riverton through to Te Anau, each club can bring something reflective of their Club to this collaboration."
The Grace Street Project's work and mission of supporting community wellbeing aligns strongly with Rotary’s underpinning principle of Service above Self. This collaboration by community for community aligns with the overarching Rotary International theme of Unite for Good.
Janette Malcom, Chair of The Grace Street Project, said the team was deeply moved by the support of Placemakers and all the Southland Rotary Clubs. “We’re so grateful,” she said, “to have so many groups stand with us. The Grace Street Project is built on the strength of our community, and this support is not only humbling, it is at the very heart of why this matters.” Malcolm said that $3.8M had been raised so far and that phase 1 of the build had started. However, she said, “we still need to raise the remaining $2.1M for phase 2, to enable completion of the Hub in October 2026”
The 2026 PlaceMakers Southern Scooter Challenge will be the ninth iconic Southern event, with the new Invercargill to Te Anau route a fresh adventure while maintaining the event's core focus on community fundraising and support.
Tasha Clay, PlaceMakers - Southern Scooter Challenge Co Organiser said “Registrations remain open for the Southern Challenge, with capacity for up to 250 riders. We’re excited to share that 180 riders have already registered, and momentum is building fast. Fundraising is also tracking strongly — our last challenge raised an incredible $95,000 in support of Hospice Southland.
How you can help:
Lisa-Maree Fleck is the lead contact person from our Club for this collaboration, if you would like to confirm your support and / or involvement now, can assist with a raffle prize or auction item - please connect with Lisa-Maree on cellphone 027 2304 611 or via email lmfkjs@xtra.co.nz
The Club's Community Partnership commitment includes:
- Raffle & Auction Contributions
Each Club is asked to contribute a major prize and help promote ticket sales. - Pre-Event Registration (20 March, 3–6pm)
Set-up at x2 gazebos, registration tables, and assist with handout of info packs, scooter stickers. - Start Line Support (21 March, Teretonga)
Assist if required at event start. - Donation Collection
Rotary volunteers to assist with bucket collections before, during and after the event. - Finish Line Support (Te Anau)
Te Anau Club to lead setup of Finish Line and co-ordinate scooter parking. - Prizegiving & Finish Event Support
Assist as required with raffle/auction logistics, speeches, and crowd engagement. - Support Vehicle
One trailer-equipped vehicle to assist with breakdowns and scooter transfers. - Promotion Across Rotary Channels
Share the event and fundraising goals via Club bulletins, social media, and websites. - Rotarians to join the Ride
Members are encouraged to join the ride to raise funds and showcase Rotary spirit.
For more Event Info - go to: Southern Scooter Challenge
- No entry fee, each rider must raise $200 minimum
- Scooters must be road legal and riders licensed
- Pre-registration required via Southern Scooter Challenge website
- Tag teams welcome (one scooter, multiple riders)