Gunnedah Rotary celebrates year of giving back to community

THE Rotary Club of Gunnedah has celebrated a year of giving back to the community at its annual changeover dinner.

Outgoing president Rodger Lucas reflected on the achievements of the year including raising funds towards East Coast flood support as well as annual donations to community and Rotary organisations.

The club has made contributions to schools throughout the shire, the Salvation Army, the Red Shield Appeal, St Vincent de Paul, Riding for the Disabled, Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, Gunnedah Eisteddfod, Gunnedah Shire Band, Gunnedah Rural Museum, Gunnedah Historical Society, Yallambee Homes, Gunnedah Can Assist and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

BELOW LEFT: Geoff Swain, pictured with Rodger Lucas, received the club’s Dark Horse Award. BELOW RIGHT: Outgoing president Rodger Lucas presented Mike Silver with the President’s Award. Photos: Supplied

Mr Lucas also acknowledged the passing of Rotarians Tom Lyle and Max Corbett.

Mr Lyle had been a member for more than 50 years and held many positions in the club.

Mr Corbett also enjoyed long involvement with Rotary and contributed to the club in many ways.

Paul Harris Fellows awarded at the changeover dinner were Mike Silver, Juliana McArthur, Sarah O’Keefe and Steve Benham.

The recent passing of Roger Carter was also acknowledged as well as former member Bob Leister.

Club service was acknowledged through the presentation of various awards.

Mike Silver, Juliana McArthur, Sarah O’Keefe and Steve Benham received Rotary’s highest honour and were announced as Paul Harris Fellows.

Mrs McArthur was awarded for services to the club, community and business.

Outgoing president Rodger Lucas, left, presented the collar of office to incoming president Rod Browne.

Mr Silver and Mrs O’Keefe received sapphire pins in recognition of their club contribution while Mr Benham received additional sapphire pins from the Rotary Foundation.

The President’s Award was presented to Mike Silver, the Dark Horse Award to Geoff Swain and Rotarian of the Year to Sarah O’Keefe.This year, the Rotarian of the Year has been renamed in honour of Mr Corbett.

Mr Lucas acknowledged his board including vice-president Rod Browne, secretary Sarah O’Keefe, treasurer Steve Benham, club administration director Mike Silver, membership director Peter McArthur, public relations director Juliana McArthur, service projects director Geoff Swain and Rotary Foundation director Murray O’Keefe.

Rotarian of the Year Sarah O’Keefe, centre, is congratulated by Rodger and June Lucas.

“Our club is light on for numbers, but the members we have are very loyal, selling raffle tickets on very cold days, with funds raised having gone towards East Coast floods or towards our annual distributions at the year’s end,” Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas also acknowledged the efforts of outgoing secretary Sarah O’Keefe and praised her exemplary service.

Mr Lucas handed the collar of office over to incoming president Rod Browne later in the evening.

Murray O’Keefe, Juliana McArthur, Mike Silver, Rod Browne, Steve Benham and Rodger Lucas.

The new board consists of Mr Browne, secretary Mike Silver, treasurer Steve Benham, public relations director Juliana McArthur, service projects director Rodger Lucas and Rotary Foundation director Murray O’Keefe.

Current activities include the Rotary Youth Public Speaking Competition and the visit of the Rotary Men’s Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) to Gunnedah in the second week of August.