Community
11 July, 2024
Fourth term for Don
ROTARIANS celebrated a 35-year member taking on a fourth term as president, the selfless dedication of community members and more than $13,150 given back at last week’s changeover dinner.
The evening began with outgoing president Wayne Reicha reflecting on an eventful year, with the club celebrating its 75th anniversary and attending important meetings regarding the closure of May Noonan Aged Care Centre and the subsequent efforts to bring aged care back to the town.
“Once again our club has had a wonderful and successful year,” he said.
“We’ve achieved many valuable projects, here and abroad.
“We may be small in size and numbers, but our club has done so much with supporting our communities.
“I would like to give a big thanks and congratulate each and every one of my fellow Rotarians, their partners and friends of Rotary for their continuous services, dedication and sincere support towards the club.”
Throughout the year the club made $13,150 in donations, following along with the Rotary motto of ‘Service above self’.
Donations were made to local organisations such as Western District Food Share ($4000), Terang Cemetery Trust ($1100), Terang Athletic Club ($500) and $150 donations to Terang College, Mercy Regional College and Hampden Specialist School.
The club also made donations to causes further afield, including a $1000 donation to Rochester Rotary to support their flood relief efforts and $500 for No Roads Foundation, which supports medical training in Papua New Guinea.
Despite the positive news flowing from the evening, the club also announced the decision to end the Annual Rotary Bowls Day after 62 years.
“It was too taxing for many of our members and getting harder and harder each year to organise and cater for,” Mr Reicha said.
“After 62 wonderful years it has come to an end, and looking back how wonderful this event has been for our clubs and thanks to all past and present Rotarians who ran the great fundraiser for so many years.”
Rotarians Geoff Elford and Wendy Driscoll were presented with special awards for their dedicated support of the Annual Rotary Bowls Day over the years.
As part of the changeover dinner, Rotary members gave out annual awards dedicated to those in the community making a positive difference through their careers, athletic achievements or dedication as volunteers.
This year’s recipients were:
Young Achiever Award – George Beasley;
Business Service Award – Sam Henderson, Star Printing; and
Community Achiever Award – Rhys Primrose.
The evening was highlighted by the changeover in presidency, with 35-year Rotarian Don Treloar taking the position for a fourth time.
Mr Treloar thanked those in attendance, in addition to Mr Reicha as outgoing president.
He quoted Rotary International president Stephanie Urchick, echoing the importance of her message to embrace the magic of Rotary.
“Performing acts of kindness can ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, and promote social connection more effectively than any other known approach,” Mr Treloar said.
“We find joy in helping others, but we also face a tough balancing act – we must change ourselves, but stay true to who we are.”
In addition to Mr Treloar being named president, Rotary leadership includes Kerry Hicks (secretary), Barry Wickham (treasurer), Wayne Reicha (club service and community service director), Pam Bell (vocational service and international service director), Bob McIntosh (youth director), Margaret Wickham (social director), Graham Twaddle (programs), Geoff Elford (trots gates) and Wendy Driscoll (attendance).
