Mark Holden shares passion in Blue Lake city

HOLDEN POPS IN: Seventies pop star Mark Holden (third from right) met with Rotary branch representatives Phil Golding (Millicent), Greg Appleyard (Mount Gambier West), Kathryn Weddell-Lucas (Mount Gambier), Darren Brown (Casterton) and Rodney Summers (Mount Gambier Lakes) during a recent visit to Mount Gambier.

HOLDEN POPS IN: Seventies pop star Mark Holden (third from right) met with Rotary branch representatives Phil Golding (Millicent), Greg Appleyard (Mount Gambier West), Kathryn Weddell-Lucas (Mount Gambier), Darren Brown (Casterton) and Rodney Summers (Mount Gambier Lakes) during a recent visit to Mount Gambier.

SEVENTIES pop star Mark Holden shared his passion to help young children in developing countries access medical treatment in a combined meeting of the region’s Rotary clubs in Mount Gambier last week.

In the Blue Lake city to promote his planned Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre appearance last week – which was cancelled – Mr Holden entertained members of the city’s Mount Gambier, West and Lakes branches, along with Casterton and Millicent members, with a personal recount of his life.

The event, which attracted around 100 people to Casadio Park, also gave Mr Holden a platform to promote the Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children program (ROMAC), with $2158 raised on the night.

Formed in 1988, ROMAC has helped 510 children travel to Australia to access medical and surgical expertise not available in their home countries.

The medical program helps restore dignity and transform the lives of young children, with some procedures costing in excess of $30,000 despite a huge volunteer effort by surgeons and hospitals.

Organisers donated $10 from each ticket sold on the night, while a raffle, lucky table numbers, an auction and CD sales boosted the overall donation.

Mr Holden wrapped up the night with renditions of his hit songs and signed memorabilia for guests.