Rotary Club of Yarrawonga Mulwala 2022/23 board: Membership – Jenni Murch, Vocational – Belinda Pendergast, Treasurer - Robin Harwood, Secretary – Bernie Bott, Past President - Joe Cilia, International – Ian Febey, President Cate Febey, President Elect - Ron Kennett and Market and Events – Gary Tribe.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
The Annual Rotary Club of Yarrawonga Mulwala Changeover took place recently with Joe Cilia handing over the presidential reins to Cate Febey.
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The Changeover dinner occurred on Monday, June 27 where Ms Febey's new board was also installed.
Mr Cilia gave his last presidential speech where he thanked the members for their support, participation and contribution, especially the board members while welcoming Ms Febey to the presidential role.
“I could not wish for a more loyal hardworking membership. And this goes to prove that you are only as good as your team,” Mr Cilia said.
“During twelve months we worked hard together as a team and as I observed members commenting time and time again how much they look forward to the Rotary meeting on Monday night.
2021/22 President Joe Cilia presents the Fred Haebich award to Stuart Nixon.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“We made the decision to change to our meeting venue. Experience tells us that making such changes usually results in a drop in attendance, our club just thrived. The fellowship has been and still is fantastic and again I thank you for making this happen.
“In spite of lockdowns and other distractions we had a very busy and active year.
“Our market did not generate the same level of funds as previous years for obvious reasons. We like to think that this has been a small hiccup and we are taking steps to keep improving our market to bring it back to the pre covid levels.
“However, this did not prevent us from serving our community at this same level as previous years.
“And speaking of community we spent time and money towards the improvement of Chinaman’s Island where Moira Shire invited us to supply a water fountain, which we did. On top of that we assisted in maintaining the rotunda and help fund a bench nearby.
“We erected and provided a bollards fence at the Yarrawonga Cemetery.
“We provided scholarships and gave grants to local schools towards their annual awards and student school uniforms.
“In the health area we contributed towards Helping Hands and Friends in Common. We run the Medical Records Booklets programs and are in the process to procure the Bowel Test Kits for distribution in Yarrawonga / Mulwala.
“We are still contributing towards the Floods and Bush Fire appeals.
“Internationally we made donations towards the Mercy Ships, Tonga Appeal and Rotary Against Malaria. This is a Rotary International project to eradicate malaria.
“We recently were granted a planning permit have a mural painted at the Rotary Park, in Belmore Street. This is our gift to Yarrawonga to commemoration of our 75 years since being chartered.
Past District Governor Bernie Bott with outgoing president Joe Cilia with a Paul Harris Fellow, Sapphire award.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“Last month we took part in the Lions garage sale, and we also assisted the local Mason Lodge in running a BBQ stall on the foreshore.
“On a sad note, during the last twelve months we bid farewell to Roy Jester, a well-respected and loved member of Rotary club of Northwick Park, London who together with his late wife Margaret made Yarrawonga their home from September to March over many years.
“On the other hand, I had the pleasure to welcome two new members into our club Pamela Rudd and Ian Wells who are settling in our club extremely well.
“Once again, my sincere thanks to the board and members for your support.
“Also, I wish to thank all our visitors and wives for joining us on this important day in our Club’s calendar.”
Ms Febey then gave her first speech as President and thanked Mr Cilia for his work as well as introducing her new board.
“On behalf of the members, I would like to thank you Joe for making our club meetings knowledgeable and enjoyable. And the ongoing amount of Rotary work that you have managed to do outside of our meetings. Joe’s work for Rotary needs to be commended in the best possible way,” Ms Febey said.
“I would also like to introduce our New Board for 2022 – 2023.
“Past President Joe Cilia, President Elect Ron Kennett, Treasurer Robin Harwood, Secretary Bernie Bott, Directors - Foundation – Bernie Bott, Youth and Vocational – Belinda Pendergast and International – Ian Febey.
“I’d also like to introduce our new board members Membership – Jenni Murch, Market and Events – Gary Tribe and PR - John Taylor.
“Our Rotary theme this year is ‘Imagine Rotary’. Incoming RI President, Jennifer Jones, imagines a Rotary where members act to make their dreams become reality and they make the most of their club experiences. She urges members to engage more with each other and use these connections to build partnerships that change the world.
“This year our Rotary Club will continue to support our local communities, youth programs to include Portsea camp, exchange program and international projects.
“I now ask all committee directors and fellow Rotarians to work together and help us to achieve the international theme of Rotary - Imagine Rotary.”
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