Seventy five people braved the cold weather to attend the Rotary Club of Boorowa changeover dinner at the Boorowa Recreation Club last Saturday night.
Past District Governor Fred Loneragan from Wagga Wagga and Assistant Governor Con Bunnick from Cowra attended to represent Rotary International and District Governor Neal Fogarty.
Also attending were federal member for Hume Alby Schultz MP and Gloria Schultz, Mayor Wendy Tuckerman and her husband Michael, as well as representatives from Boorowa Apex, Lions and Probus Clubs.
There were visiting Rotarians from six clubs including Cowra, Young, Grenfell, Murrumburrah-Harden, South Wagga Wagga and Tuggeranong.
Retiring President Phil Armitage said it was a successful night of great fellowship.
A wonderfully flavoursome meal was prepared and served by Kim and Gaye Leslie and their helpers.
Past President Cliff Workman formally welcomed the visitors and Alby Schultz responded on their behalf.
Two new Rotarians were inducted on the evening, including St Patrick’s Church priest Fr Martin Maunsell, who has transferred from a North Sydney Rotary club, and Jim Stewart, a previous member of the Rotary Club of Tenterfield.
They were both welcomed into the club by acclamation.
Mr Armitage spoke to the audience in glowing terms of the achievements of the past year and then presented donations to local organisations.
The following organisations benefited from Rotary generosity:
Boorowa Cadet Support Unit $200
Boorowa Education Foundation $500
Boorowa Hospital Auxiliary $500
Boorowa Meals on Wheels $500
Boorowa Pre School $500
Burrowa House $1,000
Can Assist $500
These donations totalled $3,700, bringing the Rotary Club of Boorowa’s total donations over the last year to just over $16,100 for local, national and international organisations.
“They’re all very valuable donations and a lot of them support the youth of Boorowa,” Mr Armitage said.
A new scholarship, valued at $1,000, was announced for a Boorowa Central School year 11 student to progress to year 12.
The details are yet to be finalised but they are likely to embody the principles and objectives of Rotary International.
Most of the funds distributed locally came from the fundraising efforts of members who collected old motor vehicle batteries for recycling and from the Friday night meat raffle at the Courthouse Hotel.
“That’s what Rotary is all about … service to the community, service nationally and internationally,” Mr Armitage said.
Rotary continues to collect batteries so call a Rotarian to arrange a pick-up at any time.
Mr Armitage inducted the new president Stephen Meere, who announced his new board and went on to speak about the new Rotary International President, Kalyan Bannerjee, and his theme for 2011-2012, “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity”.
The Rotary Club of Boorowa thanks Kenny and Sue Hodge for letting the club do the meat raffle.
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