Narooma Rotary celebrated very successful year at its changeover last Thursday.
Michael O’Connor started the year as President but stepped down in February partly to focus on preparation for walking the 1,000km Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia to raise funds for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and for a school in the Kenyan village of Rangi.
Immediate Past President Bob Antill again took over the President’s role at the Board’s request.
‘Since then I have had the privilege to lead a wonderful and dedicated group of people,’ he said.
The Club’s achievements included launching two very successful community events over the last 12 months – the Renewable Energy Expo in November and the Busking Festival in May. Both events will be held again in 2016-2017.
The Renewable Energy Expo received the prestigious Rotary District 9710 Community Service Award in Canberra the previous weekend.
Bob Antill paid tribute to Michael O’Connor’s initiative. He raised $6,000 towards the worldwide polio eradication campaign and $6,000 for the Rangi school, a cause dear to Michael. His substantial contributions were recognised by the Club by making him a Paul Harris Fellow.
In 2016-2017, Narooma Rotary gave over $54,000 to local, national and international causes, funds raised from Narooma Markets and other initiatives.
Special mention was made of 12 defibrillators for the Eurobodalla Shire, purchased with the proceeds from the Moruya Races last December organised by Narooma, Batemans Bay and Moruya Rotary Clubs in conjunction with Moruya Jockey Club. The four for the south of the Shire have been installed at Narooma Visitors’ Information Centre, Bates Store at Central Tilba in association with the Tilba Halls committee, Home Timber and Hardware and Mitre 10.
Several donations were made on the night, including to the five local Rural Fire Service brigades and Narooma Surf Life Saving Club.
New President Bob Aston outlined the Club’s plans for 2016-2017 under Rotary International’s new theme for the year ‘Making a Difference’.
He paid tribute to outgoing President Bob Antill and his wife Merinda for their wonderful service to the Club over many years.
Guests at the Changeover included the Rotary District Governor’s representative Past District Governor Phil Armstrong and his wife Kim, Cr Lindsay Brown and his wife Lynn, Cr Phil Constable and his wife Mandy, and representatives from Moruya Rotary Club, Narooma Lions Quota and CWA and other local volunteer organisations.
Above: Rotary Changeover 2017
Narooma Rotary’s new board consists of Laurelle Pacey, left, Ang Ulrichsen, Frank Eden, Assistant Governor and outgoing President Bob Antill, Lynne Hastings, President Bob Aston, Lynda Ord, Rod Walker, John Doyle, Sandra Doyle and Chris O’Brien.
