Russell Ford to lead Drouin Rotary
Despite the constraints of COVID-19 Drouin Rotarians have provided 1550 hours of service, which is an average of over 30 hours per member from July last year to June this year, according to past president Tim Wills.
Mr Wills reported the figures in his annual report.
A virtual changeover dinner was held last month where Russell Ford was installed as president for the coming year.
Mr Wills described the voluntary contribution of members as “fantastic.”
“Well, to say this year has been unique would be an understatement. The last thing we could have imagined back at changeover last year was that the event would not be repeated 12 months later or that we would not be sharing our Tuesday evenings at the Hong Kong Inn. But, on virtually all measures I believe we have had another great year,” he said.
Members have stayed connected with Zoom meetings as well as a special chat app and weekly editions of the bulletin.
Mr Wills paid special recognition the board and several members including service director Bill Petschack, Jane Playdon, Roger Playdon, John Tricarico and Kevin Roberts and Rob Stewart, Anita Coonan and Max Scott.
“It is also most pleasing to see how our service has diversified significantly and that some new activities will take place.
“We have been washed out and socially isolated out of our key fundraising this year, but I believe our gifting efforts were targeted and most beneficial for the organisations, individuals and causes we did support. “Our contributions were significantly enhanced by the partnerships we formed with all the Rotary clubs of our West Gippsland cluster and with the Lions Clubs in Baw Baw, particularly Drouin and Warragul Lions. “Excellent partnerships were formed, and they helped significantly in our securing four District Grants from Rotary Foundation, totalling $9550.
“We supported those we wanted to support and for whom we identified the opportunity and need through recommendations by the Board, members, and partners. And much of that support is ongoing and/or will have long term benefit for the organisation/individual and the community they serve.
Mr Wills thanked board members for their work and support.
Special projects chairman Merv Deppeler said investigations were undertaken into the possibility of a combined Rotary, Lions and Shire long term project to update and upgrade the Drouin Pony Club site at Settlement Rd for community use but it was not seen as a viable project.
He said the successful completion of many hands-on projects had been a highlight of the year.
New generations chairperson Anita Coonan said COVID-19 cut short the active Rotary year, but the club was able to sponsor and support students from Drouin Secondary College, Drouin Primary School and an exchange student who lives in Drouin and attends Marist-Sion College.
The club selected Ariene Start of Drouin to undertake the overseas student exchange program to Japan.
Ariene left Australia in January and elected to stay there even though the impact of COVID-19 has been very distressing and many planned tourist trips had to be cancelled.
During the year the club presented Paul Harris Fellowship recognition to Max Scott for his years as treasurer and his ever-present but low key service to the community; Peter Williams for his significant contributions to fundraising efforts; and, Ian Brooker for his contribution to the ideals of service, particularly through Centurion contributions to Rotary Foundation.
A number of milestone anniversaries were also celebrated: five years Russell Ford and Gary Scanlon; 10 years Anita Coonan and William Wong; 15 years Mark Howes; 20 years Ray Howe; 25 years Ian Brooks, Don Kelly and John Kinrade; 30 years Colin Gardner and Graeme Watts; 35 years Clarrie Debnam and Max Hine; and, 40 years Bill Burrows.
The club has distributed $32,687 to various organisations and charities.
$7290 was donated to Rotary International Foundation, $4000 to the Drouin drop in centre, Centenary House fencing project $5250, Drouin Primary School breakfast club $1000, Drouin CFA $1800, Hover lift and shelves for Drouin Ambulance $8455 and $729 to Rotary International Polio Plus.
The club’s incoming board led by Mr Ford comprises David Veal, Tim Wills, Gary Scanlon, Bill Petschack, Kevin Roberts, Ian Symons, Sharryn Marshall, Jane Playdon and Gary Surman.
Members thanked Mr Wills for his leadership and another successful year through very difficult times.