Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton – 75th Anniversary Newsletter
Celebrating 75 Years of Service and Fellowship – October 1, 2025
A Milestone Celebration Breakfast
The Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton marked its 75th anniversary with a joyous breakfast meeting on October 1, 2025, filled with fellowship, reflection, and exciting plans. President Hugh welcomed special guests, including past presidents Geoff Crothers and Greg Cooper, Julie Urquhart, Kelly Bennett (Host-Mum), and exchange student Esther (Brasil). Esther is enjoying “holiday mode” before heading to Perth for an orientation camp with Rotary and then Outward-Bound Camp with the Grammar School.
Warm Welcome and Festive Atmosphere
The morning kicked off with light-hearted banter as Hugh greeted visitors and checked the tech—though the camera had a mind of its own! A toast to the King set the tone, followed by introductions of guests. Bob Urquhart introduced Julie, his significant other and Greg Coper, while Barry welcomed Geoff Crothers, a past president and neighbour. Geoff’s unique name badge sparked smiles, and the group warmly greeted Kelly and Esther, who shared her relaxing weekend in windy Kalbarri, spent reading in bed.
Breakfast was (self) served and Hugh ensured everyone was captured on camera for the milestone occasion. The group enjoyed a delicious meal, a celebratory cake, and plenty of camaraderie, with laughter and stories filling the air.
Reflections on 75 Years of Impact
The meeting featured heartfelt reflections from long-serving members:
- Geoff Crothers, past president and with longest connection to Rotary, shared memories of of his time in the Club. He fondly recalled Friday evening meetings, lifelong friendships, and the club’s support for community projects like the swimming pool. His father, a founding member, inspired the naming of the wishing well.
- Greg Cooper, past president, praised the Rotary Youth Exchange program, sharing how his daughter reconnected with exchange students in the US and Belgium. He emphasized the program’s global impact, describing it as more significant than the United Nations, and urged the club to prioritize it despite modern challenges.
- Bob Urquhart, club historian, highlighted Rotary’s global contributions, from Polio Plus to the Sydney Memorial in Geraldton. He stressed adaptability, encouraging members to engage younger generations (25–50) facing career and family pressures, and to leverage Rotary’s grant-matching systems for impactful projects. Bob also shared the book 60 Years of Rotary for members to borrow.
Special Presentations and Achievements
President Hugh showcased a recording of the Four Way Test Public Speaking Competition, with young (Year 6) Rafael Salman’s humorous and insightful speech on mathematics earning high praise. Despite minor sound issues, the club plans to add closed captions for future clarity.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Russell and Shirley McKinnon for their support of the competition, with Russell recognized for his media outreach. Donations in the names of Geoff Crothers and Greg Cooper were made to Rotary International’s polio eradication program, each funding approximately 50 vaccinations for children.The Rotary Shirley McKinnon Practical Leadership Course, recently completed over four weeks, was a success, focusing on visioning, time management, and persuasion.
Plans are in place to run it again next year and honor Shirley’s contributions.
Community Engagement and Upcoming Events
The club’s commitment to community shines through its upcoming activities:
- Landor Races: Rotary will manage the bar, raising $20,000 annually, with past funds supporting the RFDS and the Edith Cowan statue via the Geraldton Volunteer Tourist Guide Association. Members like Barry, Kim, Di, Dave, Jim, and Suki, along with friends of Rotary, are gearing up for the event.
- Radio Auction: Duties are being assigned, and volunteers have signed up for for proofreading and social media.
- 75th Anniversary Celebration: A special evening is planned, aiming to reunite past members and friends. Barry noted Batavia Brewing’s donation to the radio auction, and the club plans to organize a group for one of their biweekly quiz nights.
- New Members’ Evening: Discussions are underway to welcome potential members and share Rotary’s story.
Club Promotion and Future Focus
President Hugh called for better marketing to younger generations, emphasizing Rotary’s achievements like the Sydney Memorial, Bicycles for Humanity and African school, support for RFDS initiatives for example. Members were encouraged to use resources like the club’s documented history to inspire new projects and counter misconceptions about Rotary’s relevance.
Fun, Fines, and Festivities
The meeting wrapped up with a lively fine session led by Sgt-at-Arms Bob Urquhart, collecting for birthdays, anniversaries, and club milestones. A raffle and group photos captured the celebratory spirit, with special thanks to all attendees, guest speakers, and contributors. The 75th anniversary cake was a sweet highlight, shared by all, including long-serving members like Geoff Crothers and Greg Cooper.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we celebrate 75 years of service, the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton remains committed to community, fellowship, and global impact. We invite you to learn more about our projects, join us for future events, or borrow 60 Years of Rotary to explore our history. Here’s to many more years of “Service Above Self”!
L to R: Terry Stewart, Russell McKinnon, Barry Dring, Kevin Green, Don Rolston, Geoff Crothers, Kelly Bennett, Julie Urquhart, Greg Cooper, Esther Barbosa Rosa (Brasil), President Hugh Lavery, Robert Mosel, Ian Taylor, Bob Urquhart