At our recent Changeover Dinner, outgoing President Kerry Anderson provided an overview on the Club's achievements for the past year before Incoming President Terry Murphy was inducted into the role for our 90th year by District Rotary District 9800 Governor Michael Lapina.
Pictured, L–R: District Governor Michael Lapina, President Terry Murphy, Immediate Past President Kerry Anderson, District Governor-Elect Peter Shepheard
President Kerry paid tribute to the board and membership for their magnificent work that is truly astounding when all the activities from all the individual director reports are taken into account.
"During the year we distributed $77,933.51 to 43 different organisations and community groups, and loaned our stage, marquee and barbecue trailer out more times than we could count," she said. "We could not have done this without our members and the wider community who volunteer alongside us."
A strong theme for the year has been one of community partnerships and collaboration.
"Auspicing the Reading for Dads & Mum's Program and Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge, partnering with the Mt Alexander Community Enterprise, bringing the Wheelchair for Kids fundraiser to three primary schools, and conducting a needs analysis on laundry and shower facilities for the homeless in conjunction with Castlemaine Community House, Dhelkaya Health and Mount Alexander Shire Council has enabled us to work more closely alongside our local community and better understand their needs.
"A definite highlight for the Club's administration after 89 years of its equipment being stored in various locations, is the purchase of a container thanks to the hard work of Treasurer Gary McClure."
In closing President Kerry thanked each of the Directors, and in particular Robert Cordy (Foundation), Vin Cappy (Vocational), Grant Thomas (Past President), and Lyndal McClure (Youth), who are stepping down from the Board after significant periods of service.
"Along with fellow Rotarians, I look forward to another fantastic year ahead with President Terry Murphy."
In this year of The Magic of Rotary, it was pointed out that it is up to US to create the Magic. Terry introduced his Board who are pictured below and spoke about his key themes which include:-
- Communication
- Sustainability, building on and enhancing Environment, one of Rotary's seven areas of focus.
- Fun!!
