Chairman: PP Brian Munro PHF
Guests: Rotary Community Leader of Group 3 Western Region Past District Governor Robert Anderson & Kerry; Leeton Mayor Representative Councillor Tracey Morris; President Michael Boyd and PE Scott Williams, Rotary Club of Leeton Central; Dr. Georgina Pengilley; Jemma Iarossi.
Apologies: Member for Farrer Hon Sussan Ley; Member for Murrumbidgee Hon Helen Dalton & Nayce Dalton; PDG and Mayor George Weston & Carol; Len & Annette Wade; Peter & Erin Draper.
The members and guests assembled from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. There was an interesting mix of both members, their partners and guests.
Chairman Brian Munro welcomed the guests.
In her reply, Cr, Tracey Morris welcomed all to the evening with some nice words about the role of Rotary in our town and the good works that the club performs. She also welcomed visitors to our town,
Chairman Brian proposed the toast to Rotary International. In his response, Rob Anderson (Rotary Community Leader for Community Group 3 – Western Region), noted that the club has been very active and highlighted the Resilience Breakfasts, the Deb Ball and other activities of the Club. He also noted the involvement of the Club in Youth Exchange that it is 80 years since this club chartered the Griffith Club. He also passed on the sincere congratulations from DG Rob Uhl to President Carmel and best wishes to incoming President Jennifer.
A bracket of three numbers was provided by Jemma Iarossi and this was enthusiastically received by all present.
President Carmel then delivered her Report.
“As we close another remarkable Rotary year, I am filled with gratitude and pride reflecting on the journey we’ve shared. Serving as President of our club has been an incredible honour, an experience marked by collaboration, community impact, and personal growth.
It was a year that felt both long and short. It’s often said that time flies when you’re having fun, and yet, looking back, it’s hard to believe how much we’ve achieved in just one year. In many ways, it felt like a long year, full of planning, meetings, events, emails and challenges. But it also felt like a short year, because the moments of laughter, service, and connection passed by so quickly. That paradox is a testament to how deeply engaged we’ve all been in the Rotary spirit.
I want to sincerely thank each of you for your confidence in me. When I was asked to take on the role of President, I wasn’t sure I was ready, but your encouragement and support made all the difference.
This year has challenged me in ways I never expected, and I’ve grown immensely. I’ve discovered that I am more confident in myself than I ever imagined. I’ve learned that I can do things like public speaking, as long as I have a detailed script in hand! These small but powerful realisations have opened doors for me, and I’m grateful to Rotary for creating a space where growth is not only possible but celebrated.
This year, we embraced the Rotary theme “The Magic of Rotary” with enthusiasm and purpose. Together, we undertook meaningful projects, strengthened our fellowship, and made a lasting difference in our community.
From what could possibly be considered a small group, we have managed to have a huge impact with our many community and fundraising events for the year, on average almost two every month. These events have allowed the Club to distribute over $36,000 back to the community.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and passion of not only the Board but all the Club Members. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your involvement, enthusiasm and commitment continues to enrich our club.
One of my goals this year was to truly listen to our members, to hear your ideas, concerns, and hopes for our club. I aimed to give everyone the freedom to try new things, take initiative, and feel ownership of our shared mission. I also tried to make our meetings and events fun and engaging, with a mix of formats, guest speakers, and vocational visits that kept our times together fresh and inspiring.
To every member of this club, thank you. Your heartfelt support, kind words, willingness to step in and help, and your belief in our shared mission has meant the world to me. Whether you led a project, attended a meeting, or simply offered assistance or encouragement, you played a pivotal part in making this year a success. I never felt alone in this role, and that’s because of you.
As I pass the baton to our incoming President Elect Jennifer, I do so with confidence. Let us continue to serve with heart, lead with integrity, and create hope wherever we go.
Thank you for an unforgettable year.
Yours in Rotary Service
Carmel Cristofaro
President
Rotary Club of Leeton
2024–2025”
Rotarian Dan then presented a wonderful, individual box and Rotarian Laurie presented a drive with all 51 bulletins for Edition 85 of the bulletin.
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Brain Teaser
What is unusual about the following words:
Revive, banana, grammar, voodoo, assess, potato, dresser, uneven?
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Paul Harris Fellowship Citation – Brian Munro
President Carmel went off-script to present PP Brian with a second Paul Harris Fellow award. This is the citation:
“Brian Munro exemplifies the spirit of Rotary through his unwavering dedication and service. Over the course of his Rotary journey, Brian has held nearly every Board position, most notably serving as Club Secretary in recent years. He diligently manages behind-the-scenes tasks, including maintaining ClubRunner records and ensuring members are informed of procedures and any updates. He frequently steps in to chair meetings and takes on whatever task is needed, and is always willing to offer assistance.
Brian’s passion for Rotary is evident in his commitment to fellowship, service, and fundraising—locally, nationally, and internationally. He has a strong interest in securing grant funding for Rotary projects and has successfully obtained support for several community initiatives, such as the Graham Park shade sails, the gardens at the showground gates, and two series of Stories of Resilience community breakfasts.
A strong advocate for Rotary’s visibility in the community, Brian has played a key role in events like the Rotary Ball, Australia Day breakfasts, Ham Carnival, and Rotary markets. He is always available to engage in Rotary discussions and promote the club’s mission.
Brian has also been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the Club’s Facebook page and website. The traction we have received lately has been outstanding. He actively participates in webinars, ensuring the club stays informed about developments and best practice.
He is a steadfast supporter of fellow members and directors and is always on the lookout for new members to join the Rotary family.
Though retired from veterinary practice, Brian maintains a deep connection to the land and animals—especially sheep, as evidenced by his charming collection of model sheep. He also supports his wife Jan with her Inner Wheel commitments, often attending functions and assisting in an unofficial secretarial capacity.
Outside of Rotary, Brian enjoys spending time with his friends, family and grandsons—relieved they chose AFL over cricket, which he’s not particularly fond of. He is also actively involved in the broader community, having served many years with the Leeton Show Society and now volunteering at the Roxy Theatre.
His hobbies include gardening, swimming, playing bridge, and the occasional game of pool.
Brian Munro truly embodies Rotary’s core values of service, leadership, and the promotion of international understanding, goodwill, and peace. It is with great pride that we honour him with a Paul Harris Fellowship.”
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Induction of 2025/26 President Jennifer Newton
The induction of incoming President Jennifer was performed by PDG Robert Anderson. She was presented with her Presidential badge and the collar of office. She thanked outgoing President Carmen and congratulated her on a very successful year. She introduced the new Rotary Theme “Unite for Good”.
She then introduced the incoming Board:
President: Jennifer Newton
IPP and Vice President: Carmel Cristofaro
President Elect: Geoff Beecher
Secretary: Brian Munro
Treasurer: Len Wade
Public Officer: George Weston
Administration: Greg Brown
Foundation: Matt Rhodes
Youth Services: Peter Draper
Service Projects Laurie Lewin
Graeme Kruger
Membership: Eric Hudson
Protection Officer: Peter Draper
This was a great Changeover. Good food. Good company. Great Chairman. A well organised function.
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Have I used this before?
An Englishman, a Scotsman, an Irishman, a Welshman, a Latvian, a Turk, a German, an Indian, several Americans (including a southerner, a New Englander, and a Californian) an Argentinean, a Dane, an Australian, a Slovakian, an Egyptian, a Japanese, a Moroccan, a Frenchman, a New Zealander, a Spaniard, a Russian, a Guatemalan, a Colombian, a Pakistani, a Malaysian, a Croatian, a Uzbek, a Cypriot, a Pole, a Lithuanian, a Chinese, a Sri Lankan, a Lebanese, a Cayman Islander, a Ugandan, a Vietnamese, a Korean, a Uruguayan, a Czech, an Icelander, a Mexican, a Finn, a Honduran, a Panamanian, an Andorran, an Israeli, a Venezuelan, a Fijian, a Peruvian, an Estonian, a Brazilian, a Portuguese, a Liechtensteiner, a Mongolian, a Hungarian, a Canadian, a Moldovan, a Haitian, a Norfolk Islander, a Macedonian, a Bolivian, a Cook Islander, a Tajikistani, a Samoan, an Armenian, an Aruban, an Albanian, a Greenlander, a Micronesian, a Virgin Islander, a Georgian, a Bahaman, a Belarusian, a Cuban, a Tongan, a Cambodian, a Qatari, an Azerbaijani, a Romanian, a Chilean, a Kyrgyzstani, a Jamaican, a Filipino, a Ukrainian, a Dutchman, a Ecuadorian, a Costa Rican, a Swede, a Bulgarian, a Serb, a Swiss, a Greek, a Belgian, a Singaporean, an Italian, a Norwegian and 47 Africans walk up to a nightclub.
The doorman scrutinizes the group one by one and stops their entrance saying,
"Sorry, you can't come in here without a Thai. "
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Editor’s Note
Thank you to Mary-Anne for many of the photos in this Bulletin (all the good ones).
A: To solve this word puzzle, take the first letter of each word and place it at the end. It will spell the same word backward.
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