2017 Changeover
Our annual changeover, Tuesday June 27, was a very enjoyable evening. Background music was excellent, food was excellent, venue was excellent and the company was top quality. All in all, it was a great night.
District Governor Elect, Bob Ryan, was very complimentary of our club in his response to the Toast to Rotary International. He commented that we were living up to the theme of ‘Rotary Serving Humanity’ and that our giving to the community was outstanding. He commented generally on membership and that it was not the size of the membership that counted but the quality of those members and their willingness to make a difference that counted.
Bob also spoke briefly on Rotary’s International Polio project and the progress made, acknowledging the contributions made by the Bill Gates Foundation.
Outgoing President, Larry, gave a review of the past year. He commented on the wide variety of weekly meetings, big involvement in community activity, youth projects and continued success with fund raising events. He acknowledged and thanked the Inverell Shire Council for their generous support and assistance from staff, and particularly from Anthony Alliston. He commented that Anthony and Alistair Williams were planning well ahead for our May St Park project.
Larry spoke of the planning and teamwork required for our club to run as successfully as it is. He noted that this was always done with great spirit, enthusiasm and fellowship. Larry thanked the club members, their partners and his board of directors for a wonderful year. Mrs President, Coral, was also thanked for her support and style.
After the presentation of Paul Harris Fellowships President Larry presented the Club Charter to incoming President Wayne Fowke. Wayne then introduced his new Board.
President Larry was congratulated by numerous speakers during the night for his leadership during his time as president.
Click to view 2017 Program and review of the Rotary Year
Larry hands over the Club Charter to incoming president Wayne Fowke.
Past member, Andy Cowperthwaite, was awarded a posthumous Paul Harris Fellowship to honour his memory and to express gratitude for the contribution he made to his community and to Rotary.
Besides his generous support of community events through provision of equipment and voluntary hours Andy was very involved in many Rotary projects. Whenever technology was involved he would put his hand up. He worked for and supported local projects and events such as the River Run, the Copeton Swim, and the Duck Race. He helped to make Tim Newberry’s IGT dream a reality.
Andy’s parents, Wendy and Dougal were present to accept the award.
Julie Clendinning was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship. Julie has made a consistent and valuable contribution to the Inverell Community and to Rotary at Club and District level. This contribution has always been made cheerfully, unselfishly, enthusiastically and in the true spirit of Service Above Self.
Julie became New Generations Director shortly after joining the club and through her work at Inverell High involved students in NYSF, Honeywell Engineering, Driver Education, Public Speaking, MUNA and RANZE. She then took on the position of President and is now the Youth Director.
Julie’s boundless enthusiasm for Rotary has not only seen her serve on numerous community committees, but also led her into major responsibilities at District 9650 level. She is currently the Chair of Rotary Australia New Zealand Exchange (RANZE), a key member of the District NYSF Committee and a member of the Public Speaking committee.