Our club's changeover function was the perfect opportunity to recognise our members achievements and to honour a couple of very special members whose commitment to the club, and to Rotary, has been outstanding. We were joined by representatives from many of our local Rotary clubs, along with representatives from the Eaglehawk Probus Club, Bendigo Inner Wheel, Past District Governor, Grant Hocking and Melissa along with Cr. Andrea Metcalf, Mayor, City of Greater Bendigo.
All members contribute, it is important to recognise this along with the integral role played by partners and families. Individually we can do good in the world but when we come together as a group our effectiveness and impact is worth so much more.
Thank you for the support, assistance and friendship during the year of being President, it is greatly appreciated. But I do admit that I am now looking forward to moving away from the microphone and spending more time enjoying the social aspect of our club.
So, officially the Presidential reins have now been passed on to our newly inducted Co-President's Geoff Gallagher and Mick Costello. I wish you both well for the year ahead and know that you will have a lot of fun - what could possibly go wrong?
A Paul Harris Fellow is a recognition that was introduced in 1957 in honour of Paul Harris who founded Rotary in 1905 and for our club to recognise a Paul Harris Fellow we make a contribution of US$1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, this donation enables the Foundation to carry out programs that may improve conditions in the world such as increased food production, literacy, polio immunisation, goodwill and understanding.
This year our club recognised PP Eric Smith as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Eric joined the club in April 2021. In his short time as a member he has joined the board, taken on the Presidency, supported the club through the year of us being ‘The Home of the District Governor’, was a part of the committee that delivered the District Conference in 2024 and has willingly rolled up the sleeves on club BBQ’s, directed parking at the Great Stupa, participated in District Learning & Development, attended two District Conferences and represented our club on the recently formed Rotary Community Group.
The Eagle Award, an award donated by the Sutcliffe family and recognises a non-board member of the club who has contributed throughout the year in a way that is deemed to be worthy of recognition.
The recipient of the Sutcliffe Family Eagle Award for 2024/2025 is Carmel Fitzpatrick. Carmel has only been a member since August 2023 but upon joining she immediately became involved and established connections within the club. In her first year of membership, she volunteered at the Rotary Book Shop with Rita each Wednesday and also works shifts for the EFNC Gate duty.
Carmel is often found on duty at the many Rotary BBQs and for the last 12 months has taken control of the club meeting attendance and liaised with the caterers for the bookings of meals – no mean feat – as at times this can be a very challenging job. Carmel recently participated in the Prep Pack Program distribution to the local Primary Schools, an experience which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Carmel, the club thank you for how you have embraced being a Rotarian, your contributions over the short period of your membership have been amazing and you are truly worthy of being recognised as the recipient of the Sutcliffe family award.
PP John Jones was surprised with a presentation to him recognising his 20 years of membership in our club.
A recognition long overdue as he joined us in 2003. John leads by example for our members, his commitment to the 'Service Above Self' has seen him undertake several roles within the club as well as taking a keen interest and working within both the International and Youth areas.
Paul Harris recognition - PHF pin with 3 Rubies was presented to Rita O'Brien.
Rita's outstanding contributions through providing the premises for the Rotary Book Shop is marvelled throughout the club. Rita donates the premises, meeting all of the outgoings for the property, this means that every single dollar raised through the sale of the books comes to rotary as fundraising. This is a remarkable financial contribution. The club financials show that this amount is in excess of $13,000 for this year alone. The total raised over the years since this was begun is quite staggering.
Paul Harris recognition - PHF pin with 2 Sapphires was presented to Lynne Cooper.
Lynne came to our club in February 2021. New to our club but not to Rotary and has continued her valuable work within the youth portfolio and the local rotary community continues to thrive in all aspects of the youth programs as a direct result of her commitment to the former Goldfields Cluster – now the Rotary Community Group Combined Clubs Committee. Our club’s commitment to the youth programs this past year was in excess of $13,000 – this is indicative of our awareness of the need to support the youth in our community. Lynne has formed close bonds with many of the students that have participated in the programs under her leadership and often reports back to the club on their progress many years after their specific involvement.
Saturday 23rd August will be witness to a major Rotary event in Bendigo. The Rotary Club of Bendigo celebrate 100 years since they were chartered and the celebrations on this day will be in the form of a Gala Dinner. Our club are proud of our connection with the Bendigo Rotary club, not only is this a celebration for the Bendigo Club but it is in fact a celebration for all rotary clubs in the Bendigo as this is a significant milestone for us as well. 100 years of Rotary in Bendigo - that is quite an achievement and one to be celebrated.
So, let's put a table together of our club members to go along to support the Rotary Club of Bendigo but to also celebrate the fact that Rotary has had a presence in our town for 100 years.
So let Alison know if you are keen to join the club table and we can arrange the details.
