It was the annual changeover dinner, where Rotarian Bill Purcell was inducted as the 58th president of Tatura Rotary for 2019/20.
The club was founded on August 25, 1962, with Trevor La Peyre as its first president.
Interestingly, it was his son Jan La Peyre who inducted Bill Purcell into Rotary 36 years ago.
More than 50 people attended this years changeover, some from as far away as Bacchus Marsh.
The induction ceremony was conducted by the Rotary District Governor for District 9790, Brian Peters.
Guests included the past District Governor Bernie Bott from Yarrawonga, and Laurie Fagan, Assistant Governor of Group 5 in district 9790, with representatives from Mooroopna and Shepparton South Rotary clubs.
Brian O’Meara represented the Probus club of Tatura.
Local singer Amanda Sibio provided the entertainment during the evening.
A sumptuous three-course meal was supplied by Maxine Bartlett of ‘‘Food to the Max’’ catering service and unlike the previous week, when the huge storm hit Tatura and caused havoc, Rotary’s night went off without a hitch.
Past president Rod Schubert gave a report on the club’s year, with the art show once again being the highlight and thanked everyone for their support.
The annual art show, held during the Queen’s Birthday weekend is regarded as one of the premier art shows in country Victoria and involves the whole community.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Purcell emphasised the need for Tatura Rotary to embrace change, to enable the club to attract new members, and continue to be involved in the amazing worldwide projects that epitomise Rotary.
There was a video presentation by Rotary member Mary Connelly-Gale, who was in Perth on the night and could not be at the changeover, about the ‘‘Days for Girls’’ project.
Ms Connelly-Gale is the Australian co-coordinator for ‘‘Days for Girls’’.
There were three key speakers who outlined the major projects of the club for the coming year.
Each address was complemented with a short video display.
Elizabeth Mace spoke on membership, Rhonda Rose spoke on Rotary health and mental illness and Simon Pogue spoke on family violence, a subject that the Rotary Club of Tatura has played a leading role in raising awareness with its White Ribbon flags that are displayed in the centre of town around White Ribbon Day on November 25 each year.
A project, that the Rotary club was awarded a special citation from Rotary District 9790.
The White Ribbon flags featured prominently, along with a display of memorabilia from those early years.
Mr Purcell’s vision for next year will see an increase in the social aspects of the club with an emphasis on stronger co-operation between the other Rotary clubs within our district.
— Bill Purcell
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