Rotary Castlemaine celebrated 90 years of serving our community at a gala dinner at BoomTown Winery & Bistro on Saturday 21 June.
Along with the anniversary, we recognised four community members and inducted them as Paul Harris Fellows. The evening concluded with our annual Changeover ceremony where outgoing President Terry Murphy passed on the leadership baton to incoming President Trevor Bray, assisted by District Governor-Elect Peter Shepheard.
The evening commenced with fellowship and a grazing table. There was plenty of lively conversation and acquaintances to renew with visiting Rotarians and Paul Harris Fellows.
MC Rotarian Maggie Goodes commenced proceedings introducing President Terry Murphy. Terry welcomed everyone to the celebration, noting in particular Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Councillor Rosie Annear, Rotary Club of Bendigo President Noel Hobley, District Governor-Elect (DGE) Peter Shepheard, Rotary Community Group North Central Victoria Leader Alison Bacon and incoming President Trevor Bray.
DGE Peter Shepheard presented a congratulatory letter from Rotary International President Stephanie A Urchick and proposed a Toast to Rotary Castlemaine's 90 years of serving the community.
After a short 90th Anniversary video, four new Paul Harris Fellows were inducted. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is named after the founder of Rotary, a Chicago lawyer who started our organisation with three business associates in 1905. A Paul Harris Fellow recognition is Rotary’s and The Rotary Foundation's way of expressing appreciation for substantial contributions to our community that demonstrate a shared purpose with the objectives of Rotary. In each case, US$1,000 is deposited to The Rotary Foundation in the name of the Paul Harris Fellow.
Our new Paul Harris Fellows are:
- Brian Heydon, a solicitor who has been instrumental in many community groups in our district for over 30 years;
- Robyn Lewis, a former teacher who has been a tireless leader in the community for decades;
- Jeremy Forbes, co-founder of Hope Assistance Local Tradies (HALT) and Board member of Castlemaine safe Space; and
- Kerry Anderson, businesswoman, mentor, leader, Rotarian and past Rotary Castlemaine President.
After dinner, outgoing President Terry Murphy reflected on his year as President before inviting DGE Peter Shepheard to induct incoming Rotary Castlemaine President Trevor Bray.
All agreed it was a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting Rotary evening.
Letter of congratulations from RI President Stephanie A Urchick (click letter to view)
DGE Peter Shepheard presented congratulations from RI President Stephanie A Urchick