Changing of the guard

“I believe we can be proud of our achievements this year,” Belinda said.

She had overseen the club’s $30,000 donation to the Community Heart Appeal and 13 engraved pavers, which helped fund a portable ventilator, electronic pneumatic tourniquet system, and to support construction of the newly built theatre at Yarrawonga Health.

The club over the past 12 months ran successful fundraisers, hosted a variety of events and grew their presence on social media.

Dave Barrat will succeed Belinda Pendergast, 14 years after his first stint as club president.

Mr Barrat has been with the Rotary Club since 2003 and served as president for the first time in 2011.

He said he’s excited to become president again, and his main focus will be to get the market back to its best.

“The market is the main revenue raiser, which hasn't hit the heights since Covid,” he said.

“It's a challenge for us right now, but it is something we will look to manage and get back to its full fruition.

“It is a priority, as it's our major source of income.

“Any ideas or things we can do to make it grow back to a more acceptable level is certainly on our agenda at Rotary meetings.”

Mr Barrat also said he wanted to ask club members what they were thinking, moving forward next year.

“We want projects that members are happy to participate in, and are happy to work on,” he said.

“I want the club members to feel wanted and have a sense of belonging.

“The Rotary Club is open to getting involved with other people and groups, depending on what the projects we plan involve.”

For the past year, Danish exchange student, Aron Jurak lived in Yarrawonga as part of the club’s student exchange program.

Aron’s final day was last Thursday when he returned home. (Story page 4)

Mr Barrat said the program was important in developing young adults who wished to find independence.

“The program is designed to give these kids an opportunity to get ahead in life and create overseas experiences,” he said.