In the Chair: Secretary Brian

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The Changeover

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President Jennifer’s Report

This year's Rotary International theme, "Unite for Good," perfectly captured what Rotary is all about—connection, purpose and community. More than a slogan, it reminds us that when people come together in service, we can achieve far more than any of us could alone.

Our Club has a very proud history of service to our community and the wider world; excelling in raising funds for our community. 

Our major fund raising events have been,

 The Belle of the Debs Ball, 

The Ham Carnival

The 2 Stories of Resilience Breakfasts, which completed this series, 

and the Annual Golf Day.

We have catered at 7 very large breakfast or lunch events, and have met many interesting folks in the process. These ‘one-off’ barbecues were conducted for the BioBlitz conference at Fivebough, the Dodge car club, the SunRice Christmas Party, a breakfast in Chelmsford Place for the Council Bluett presentation, a lunch for a CopRice tour and steak sandwiches for the Golf day.

Of course, there have been the monthly Farmers and Makers Markets.

Special thanks go to Dan for the donation of his beautiful boxes, for gifts and fundraising. A thankyou was also forthcoming from the Rotary Club of Maribyrnong for our assistance with the “Share the Dignity” bags.

Our major hands-on endeavour this year, was finalising the installation of a seat along Wamoon Avenue; for the benefit of the community who use that route regularly. This project was the inspiration of our incoming President Geoff; and exemplifies what can be achieved with all the resources of a vibrant Club.

I am proud to announce that this year we have distributed $34,320.00.

Youth service remained an important focus for the club throughout the year. Our activities continued to support, recognise and celebrate young people across the Leeton Shire through school, community, leadership and vocational initiatives.

The club continued its proud support of the junior artist prizes at the Penny Pannitz Annual Art Show, an initiative for which we were a foundation donor. This year, our youngest member, Aaron, represented the club and made an excellent presentation to the award recipients.

We also maintained our annual prize-giving support for local schools and contributed to 2 Leeton Shire Library initiatives, in which a book is provided to every Year 1 student in the shire, and the Teddy Bears Picnic project for the pre-schoolers. These contributions reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to encouraging learning, achievement and participation among young people.

The Rotary Ball remained an important community occasion for our youth, providing local debutantes with the opportunity to mark a significant milestone with their families, friends and the wider community.

The club’s involvement in Light Up Leeton also continued to provide a family-focused contribution to the community, particularly for young children and families who enjoy the festive spirit of the event.

RYDA continued to be a valuable road safety program for young people as they gain independence through driving. The program remains a highly worthwhile joint activity between the Leeton and Leeton Central Rotary clubs, supporting young drivers with practical knowledge and awareness aimed at saving lives.

Through the administration of the Buster Ryan Apprentice Awards, the club again had the opportunity to recognise 2 outstanding young apprentices, Will Nardi and Reese Caburong. Reese has continued her involvement with Rotary by participating in RYLA near Canberra this week.

At the Club level, we have enjoyed hearing from over 20 speakers on varying subjects; and welcomed back 2 past exchange students, to update us on their lives.

We have also had 5 off-site vocational visits to learn about how different businesses and farms operate.

There have been 5 Social nights, in members’ homes or local eateries; and 3 film events.

We were all extremely sad it was to lose our members, Bruer Chiswell; and past members Peter Errey and Ron Bell. They passed away this year, and we miss them very much; especially Bruer.  During the year, 3 members; Matt, Kerry and Anthony moved away, and hopefully will remain in the Rotary community. We miss them too.

We are very sorry to lose our sister Rotary Club of Leeton Central; however, we still have a joint program in progress; and therefore will continue having fellowship as we work together in the future.

I would ask our current Board members and Greg Brown to stand please, so we can give them a round of applause for their concise and insightful considerations. (Applause)

 I would like to express how much I have appreciated your support, during my time in Office.

Before handing over I would like to express my gratitude for all that being a Rotarian has provided for me personally. From overseas travel on projects, personal growth opportunities; and wonderful fellowship and friendships.

I have been honoured to be the President of the Rotary Club of Leeton, and am delighted to hand over to a dedicated Rotarian; Geoff Beecher; for its continuity and ongoing success. 

Thankyou.