Rotary Club of Goulburn holds annual changeover dinner

It was the inaugural changeover dinner following the three former Rotary Clubs' merger in Goulburn last September. Members and guests gathered in the Goulburn Workers Club's main function centre.

MC Bruce Hammond introduced official guests, District Governor Leo Farrelly OAM, Area Governor Phil Byrne and Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk.

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Following dinner, retiring president Dick Kearins spoke of the very challenging year members faced following the clubs' merger. Three 'separate teams' of Rotarians in a short time melded into one. The new club realised that many projects and activities had resulted from the merge.

The Parkside Markets on the second Saturday of each month have become a flagship event for the club with increased support from the Goulburn community, who represent the majority of stallholders and the crowds.

The first market permitted under Covid restrictions, which included social distancing, was in October and had more than 50 stallholders, which was seen as a first for the club. It has continued to grow with close to maximum capacity of stallholders. The markets are a wonderful event for Rotary, an excellent community fixture and a good money earner for the club's charities while promoting Rotary.

In January, the club assisted the Australia Day celebrations with the breakfast barbecue. Other activities that had been able to resume, with restrictions, included the Speedway canteen, from March the North Goulburn School Breakfast Club, PCYC Fit for Life breakfast barbecue, logbook runs for learner drivers, the Senior's Run prior to their compulsory driving test, U Turn The Wheel for local High Schools, various community barbecues and the Bulldogs Football gates.

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In May, the club held the 31st Annual Rotary Swap Meet under a strict COVID-19 plan. Visitors came from across the eastern states other service organisations helped deliver the event.

To strengthen the bond within the club, a 'Meet the Member' session was instigated during which a member, given prior notice, would speak briefly about themselves. Some great stories were told, showing that members had truly led amazing lives and experienced remarkable events, many while being a Rotarian.

Goulburn Base Hospital redevelopment project lead, Kerry Hort, spoke at the Monday, May 31 meeting the guest speaker. After giving an insightful update, Kerry was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of her significant contribution to health. Kerry was joined by husband, Brian, and was quite surprised to receive this important recognition from the club.

President Dick thanked all members for their support during this challenging year. In particular, he thanked the board members he deemed to have been his greatest support as the club progressed through the year developing a governance and a fiscal program.

This year the club donated $58,234 to various local charities and Rotary projects overseas. The members, assisted by the Friends of Rotary, achieved 2090 community service hours.

In closing he wished the club every success under the leadership of our next president, Geoff Thrower.

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President Dick awarded honorary memberships to Barry Thompson, Terry McLoughlin and Mick Shea. He also presented the achievement award and Bob McMahon Perpetual Trophy to Sarah Ruberto for her hard work.

District Governor Leo Farrelly OAM inducted president Geoff Thrower for 2021-2022.

President Geoff inducted the board of directors 2021-2022:

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