The chief and the president

New Colac Rotary president Glenn Paranthoiene-Small and husband Rob Small, who is Colac Otway Shire Council’s chief executive officer

http://www.colacherald.com.au/2012/08/the-chief-and-the-president/
By Scott Barnes, August 10th 2012 | Category: News



A COLAC service club’s new president is adjusting the balance of her family life to fit the leadership role.

Glenn Paranthoiene-Small, the new president of Colac Rotary Club, was used to playing the supportive spouse as the wife of Colac Otway Shire Council chief Rob Small.

But she said the tables had turned because of her new role and that Mr Small had become the Rotary Club’s “first bloke”.

“For once I’m the boss,” Mrs Paranthoiene-Small said.

Mr Small said he was glad to return the favour by supporting his wife in her new position after she had supported him for years.

He said her enthusiasm and passion for helping others was “inspirational”.

Mrs Paranthoiene-Small said Mr Small had been a “wonderful” help to her in the new role.

“I couldn’t do it without him,” she said.

Mrs Paranthoiene-Small said she wanted to make Rotary more relaxed and attract younger members.

“I guess one of the big things I want to achieve is to bring the fun back into Rotary,” she said.

Mrs Paranthoiene-Small said she would focus on engaging Colac and district young people in her time as president to help them lead “fulfilling” lives.

“That’s where we want to put any fundraising that we do,” she said.

Mr Small said his wife would help keep young people in Colac district.

“It is vital for communities to support youth development through youth leadership and education programs,” he said.

Colac Rotary supported a youth expo last month and planned to support an upcoming careers expo.

Mrs Paranthoiene-Small said more than 10 years as a Rotarian had prepared her for the challenges of the presidency.

She also works full-time as an executive assistant at Colac Area Health, a busy job which she said meant her life had become “very” full.

Mrs Paranthoiene-Small said she planned to continue to deepen ties with West Colac Rotary Club during her presidency, which she said would benefit the community.

“It stops confusion in the community,” she said.

Mrs Paranthoiene-Small also planned to develop Rotary’s Old Beechy Rail Trail Run into an annual fundraiser.