It is one of the first thoughts that springs to mind when considering the $100,000 plus raised by Berrima District Rotary Club over the Australia Day long weekend.

That is $100,000 raised in just three days and it is a phenomenal achievement.

But this great result is not so surprising considering the hard work and commitment to an inspired mix of fundraising activities led by club president Allen Cupitt and the many dedicated rotarians and supported by about 180 volunteers.

Their efforts, first and foremost, deserve high praise.

Then there is the fundraising initiatives themselves - tours through an historic gaol rarely open to the public, opera in that same historic building and a bush dance boosted with the setting of a Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously playing a lagerphone. The official record set was 122 people.

The attractions complemented the official Australia Day celebrations and provided a promise of something different and entertaining for people of all ages and interests.

Pulling together so many wonderful attractions in one area over such a short period of time, resources such as the gaol which has rarely been open to the public, was a stroke of genius from the organisers.

Perhaps the icing on the cake for this successful weekend of activities is the charities that will in-turn benefit from the funds raised by Berrima District Rotary Club. The club has been a long-time supporter of many local charities including Highlands Community Centres.

Beneficiaries of the club's latest fundraising success will be determined soon. In the meantime each and every person involved in the Australia Day long weekend activities should give themselves a well-deserved pat on the back.

Here's hoping they will be keen to run similar activities in the future.