The Rotary Club of Gunnedah hosted its annual changeover at the Courthouse Hotel last week.
The 2025/26 board was introduced with Peter McArthur handing the president role to Rodger Lucus.
Mr Lucus thanked the previous president for his work during the two years and the club members for having confidence in him to take on the position again.
There were highs and lows for the club during the past 12 months.
Tom Lyle celebrated 50 years with Rotary in November while it was also acknowledged the passing of member Colin Mac Ferguson in July.
Mr Ferguson, also known as Sandy, was a Gunnedah Rotarian from August 2006 until his passing last year.
“Sandy was a true gentleman and we thank him for his time and contributions to Rotary,” Mr McArthur wrote in his president’s report.
It was made known at the meeting membership numbers were down, with young people lacking.
“We might not be a club that is growing in numbers, but we still have our friendship and comradery and we are doing our best,” he said.
Two awards were presented – the President’s Award went to Steve Benham while the Dark Horse Award went to Rod Browne.
Paul Harris Fellow recognitions went to Peter McArthur, Mike Silver and Steve Benham.
In total, the club donated just under $16,000 to the local community and had a busy year of fundraising.
Among those receiving funding were schools, charity organisations, the Gunnedah Eisteddfod, the Rural Museum, Historical Society, Yallambee Homes and more.
Listed as fundraising efforts were raffles for firewood, Christmas and AgQuip along with barbecues at Gunnible for a picnic and pick day, Donnelly Fields for Australia Day, the Gunnedah Saleyards and Kurrembede Open Day.
Beyond raffles and barbecues, the club hosted the Gunnedah Gallop, installed five picnic tables along route of the Gunnedah Shire Council Shared Pathway Project, later installed plaques on tables, attended the End Polio movie fundraiser, was a sponsor of Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce’s Next Gen and members were on the View Street entrance for the Gunnedah Show.
