Bulletin

A Night of Celebration and New Beginnings
 

Our annual Changeover Dinner was held on Tuesday, 24th June – a wonderful evening to reflect on the past year and look ahead to an exciting new one.

We sincerely thanked our outgoing President, Maurie Oates, for his dedication, energy, and leadership over the past twelve months. His passion and commitment have left a lasting impact on our club.

With great enthusiasm, we welcomed our incoming Co-Presidents for 2025–2026, Peter Liepins and Lyn Crook. We’re looking forward to a fantastic year under their shared leadership.

The Board Members for the 2025–2026 year were then announced. Each board member who was present came to the front of the room to receive their director lapel pin – a symbolic moment that marked the beginning of their service for the year ahead. Our 2025–2026 Board includes:
 

• Immediate Past President – Maurie Oates

• Secretary – Amanda Pugh

• Treasurer – Trish Hickey

• Foundation – John Blane

• International – Trevor McLaren

• Community and “Say No to Domestic and Family Violence” – Lyn Crook

• Youth – Jackie Beckmann and Sue Schram

• Vocational – Peter Liepins

• Membership – Sue Schram

• Website / Social Media / Bulletin Editor – Beth Wilson
   

A special highlight of the night was the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow to Trish Hickey – a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding service and contribution. In his annual report, Maurie spoke warmly of Trish’s dedication and the vital role she plays in the club.
 

Midway through the night, Maurie invited Tanya Stewart, the mother of our exchange student Sara, to join him at the microphone. Instead of a formal speech, Maurie took a more relaxed approach – asking Tanya a few questions about Sara’s exchange experience, giving everyone an insight into her time abroad and the impact of the program.
 

It was a night full of warmth, gratitude, and inspiration – a wonderful way to close one chapter and begin the next.

Meeting Reminders from Tuesday 10th June.
 

Round 16 Update: Heading Down the Home Stretch!

We’ve officially hit the downhill run of the season, and the ladder is starting to take shape!
 

As it stands:
 

1. Patricia H

2. Matt T

3. Deb H
    

Third place is still wide open, but Patricia and Matt have built a solid lead—and it’s looking tougher each week for the pack to catch them. That said, footy can be full of surprises… so never say never!

Eat Up Sandwich Making – 2025 Dates

Volunteers, don’t forget to pop these dates into your calendar!

We’re back in action for Eat Up sandwich making, and we’d love to see you there. It’s a great way to give back, have a chat, and help feed hungry kids.

Upcoming 2025 Dates:
Monday 21 July
Monday 25 August
Monday 6 October
Monday 10 November

📍 Foodshare Shed, Bath Street, Colac
🕡 6:30pm start
 

Whether you’ve joined us before or are keen to give it a go, everyone is welcome!
Please let Lyn know if you’ll be attending – we’d love to have you there.
 

Time to fire up the BBQ and don the aprons again! 🌭

We’ve got some Bunnings BBQs coming up, and we’d love your help to make them a success. It’s always a fun day out, a great fundraiser, and a chance to catch up with fellow volunteers.
 

Please pencil these dates into your calendar:
🗓 Sunday 27 July
🗓 Saturday 30 August
🗓 Sunday 14 September
 

Keep an eye out for a call for volunteers closer to each date – we’d love to have you on the team!
 

What a fantastic day we had raising funds to support our farmers! With the help of our amazing community, we raised $3,773, which went toward our club’s $5,000 donation to this important cause.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the day such a success:
 

• MeatCrew Outlet – for donating your mouth-watering burgers and sausages. Always a hit!

• Monahans Fresh Produce – for your generous donation of onions. The perfect topping for a sausage!

• Bakers Delight – for the fresh burger rolls and bread (and yes, we may have picked up a vanilla scroll or two while there!).

• Lake View Café Colac – for your support and the ever-popular chips… not a single one left for the seagulls!
   

A massive shoutout to our incredible club volunteers, supported by the Rotary Club of Colac, RYLA participants, and many generous friends, partners, and family members.
 

Together, we showed our farmers that we’re behind them, loud and proud—“Hey Mate, We’ve Got Your Back.”
 

Thank you for making it all possible.

Upcoming Get Togethers / Meetings – July

Here’s what’s on for July:

• 1 July – Board Meeting

• 8 July – Dinner Meeting

• 15 July – No Meeting

• 22 July – Dinner Meeting
   

Come along for a shared meal, warm company, and a few good chuckles!

As the cold weather sets in, let’s come together to support those doing it tough this winter.

We’re collecting pre-loved coats and jackets to help keep our homeless community warm. If you have any spare winter wear in good condition, please consider donating it.

Simply pass your donation on to any Rotary Club of Colac West member – your kindness can make a real difference.

Thank you for helping us spread warmth this winter.

MEMBER BIRTHDAYS:

• Doug Tanis – 2 July

PARTNER BIRTHDAYS:

• Una Chivers – 6 July

ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES:

• Bill Chivers – 52 years on 3 July
• Ian Gullan – 26 years on 3 July

 WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES:

• Lorraine and Curly Williamson – 58 years on 1 July

Colac Central Hotel Meeting Roster
📅 Monday 8th & 22nd July

• Chair: Peter Liepins
• Attendance: Amanda Pugh
• Raffle & Welcome: Cheryl McLaren
• Fines Session: John Blane & Lyn Crook
• Set Up & Pack Away: Beth Wilson & Jill Rodger