In November a Medic Alert fund raising was held at the Waikerie District Hospital Day Care Centre. Mr. Allen Yelland from Medic Alert was Guest Speaker. A total of $234.00 was raised. In February there was a visit from the Rotary Club of Blackwood with Rotariannes. They were shown grape harvesting and a tour of the Waikerie Co Op and Penfolds Wines and a visit to Peter Kroehn’s Farm. On the 20th February a sandwich meeting was held at the Morgan Whyalla pumping station for a tour of the pumping station and filtration plant.

On the 20th March the guest speakers were Inspector Bob Howie and Senior Sergeant Kym Boxall who spoke about Drug Stop and Community Crime awareness. On two weekends in May a working bee to extend a room at the Greenwood Park camp site at Barmera, thanks to Brian Kleemann with his specialised skills. Barbecue meeting at the Day Care Centre to raise funds for activities in the centre. Mrs Jane Simms, the coordinator of the centre was guest speaker and showed Rotariannes many wood crafts created by the aged and disabled. The Rotary Club became a "Life Member" of Trees for Life and donated $500.00 to produce 5000 trees.

 

We were successful in gaining the services of two Rotarians for the F.A.I.M. trip to the Solomon Islands to work on the Helen Goldie Project. The two Rotarians being Reg Urlwin and Brian Kleemann. The club supported them by paying half of the expenses $1,280.00. IPAC projects for this year being $500.00 which will fund an average size eye camp in Bangladesh. $500.00 to assist the Rotary Club of Sawankaloke with scholarships to needy children in Thailand. $35.00 which was a donation towards the District 952 Rotarian project to provide Rota Homes for families affected by Cyclones in the Lautoka area.

 

We were pleased to finalise the arrangements commenced by the previous vocational committee for the Careers Night which was held at the Waikerie High School. "How I See My Profession in 10 Years" This was an enlightening evening as our club members Julian Lugg (Education) and Bob Sedunary (Telecom) shared their hopes and frustrations for the future. Over a period of eight nights, members of the committee spoke on the Four Way Test and the objects of the Rotary Club, this was rounded off by an evening discussing the merits or otherwise of these two groups of ideals. Andrew Hollamby was awarded our $50.00 prize for the student showing most promise in the trade related area in 1990. His related area was photography. Our thanks to Rotarian Ross Thompson for his support for our visit to Jubilee Almonds in November for a barbeque and an inspection of his industry. What's new in my Vocation enable us to hear from Keith Adams (Hospital), Bob Fowler (growing of flowers for the market), Ray Levi (Water Supply) David Morley (Automobile Engineering) of the changes and challenges they now face. On May 1st five students sponsored by the Kidman Park Rotary Club came to Waikerie on the Sunday evening and stayed until Thursday evening. They were hosted by five families and enjoyed the diversity of their program. Five Waikerie High School students sponsored by our club, will do a return visit to Kidman Park Rotary Park Rotary Club.

 

The outgoing student will be David Nutchey who is going to Indonesia. Incoming student from Brazil is Juliano Mascari. Rotary Youth Leadership Award was again supported with Tammy Radloff and Carmel Ryan. Two Year 12 students, David Nutchey and Hung Chiem took part in the Science Summer School in Canberra. The Summer Science School for year 10 students was  held over 3 days in Adelaide and attending was: Jeremy Annear. Winter School in Electronics for young women was held through T.A.F.E. Two Year 10 students, Karen Parsons & Rebecca Moore, from Waikerie High School have been selected to attend and the Rotary Club is assisting the students with the fees for the course.

 

 

Donations were made to the following organisations:

Anti Cancer Foundation	$67.00
Royal Flying Doctor Service	$300.00
Warrawee Lodge	$500.00
Riversgate	$700.00

             

        

                          

                                         

The Club was active with KESAB in the cleaning up of the Waikerie bypass, removing a large amount of rubbish. One project we had in mind was to erect a shade over the portion of the Waders Pool at the swimming pool complex.

 

A number of IPAC projects were carried out:

Village for Girls & Boys in Kenya	$450.00
Treatment of prevention of Blindness Bangladesh	$500.00
Prevention of Blindness in Zimbabwe	$300.00
Crippled Children's Society in Fiji	$500.00
Scholarships for need children in Thailand	$500.00
Support for The Rotary Foundation for the      proceeds tin & Sergeants Fines	$214.87

Mark Boehm was selected as a Group Study Exchange team member to Finland.

 

In recognition of the Multi-Cultural nature of Australian Society and the need to promote International Understanding it was decided to introduce the concept of Ethnic evenings. During these evenings people of ethnic background, talked about their countries of origin and the difference between their country and Australia.

 

Karl Klitte from Sweden and Bernadette McDonnel from Ireland addressed the Club during the Year. Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Three youths attended a five day camp at Longwood in the Adelaide Hills, Megan Nayda, Tania Kalisch and James Schober. The Opportunity Shop had another good year with the takings being $20,000.00.

 

 

The club welcomed home Mark Boehm who had been part of the Group Study Exchange Team to visit Finland - a successful and enjoyable experience.

Bill Pollitt continues to make radio contact with Rotarians worldwide and carried greetings to all from the Waikerie Rotary Club.

This year saw several combined meetings with our partners to discuss aspects of detailed planning for the proposed new Opportunity Shop.

Community service program included construction of a shade cover over the toddler's pool in the Waikerie Swimming Pool grounds.

Food Fair project funds were directed towards the provision of landing lights at the airfield. $5,000.00 was presented to Mayor Jan Centofanti.

30th Anniversary Celebrations were a great success; cake, photos, guests. John Gregory & Bob Fowler were recognised as Paul Harris Fellows.

The Jock Barratt memorial gliding instruction for selected Waikerie High School Students was established. Women in Rotary: the Club meeting of 9th June 1993 voted to welcome women into the Rotary Club of Waikerie. Interclub visits: a bus with 50 members and partners of the Rotary Club of Woodville South enjoyed the hospitality of our club including afternoon tea at the Laythers’ home in Sunlands.

Outgoing exchange student Rachel Kuchel conveyed her thanks to the Club for making her year in Germany possible.

 

 

A highlight of the year was the hosting of the Group Study Exchange team from Italy. Their stay with us was for five days and included two days R & R on a house boat. The club and our visitors enjoyed the Riverland.

New Opportunity Shop still at the planning stage. Land title is delayed and must be resolved to enable loan finance.

Food Fair continues to be a great social and financial function, $4,500.00 raised this year. Money will be applied to the Cliff Top Walk project. The walk continues from the lookout tower along the cliff top for approximately 2 kms. A grant application has been made through Council.

Support for the youth of our area included Nicholas McDonald attending the National Science Summer School, Canberra and Anthony Bishop the B.H.P. National Engineering Summer School at Newcastle. Rotary Youth Leadership Award for the year was Kelly Walker. Mock job interviews for students from the High School continued to be of considerable value to those taking part and have become a feature of the Vocational Service Committee.

Ian Oliver was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow on the occasion of the visit of District Governor, John Thomas. Catering at the Waikerie Air Show led by Bernard Margrie raised $1,300.00 which was an excellent result.

Outgoing exchange student Rebecca Moore is enjoying her time away and will soon visit East Germany.

 

 

The year of the hundredth anniversary of the Waikerie Settlement. Lou Gagliardi, director of Community Service and due to his enthusiasm the major section of the Cliff Top Walk was completed. Two sections of steps were built first near the ferry and with a second set from the 120 ft spillway to near the motel. Financial assistance for the project has been sought but it did not qualify. However, our Member for Chaffey, Kent Andrew, sought a grant for the look-out and the Club was successful. Most of the work was carried out by Council Staff. The Club was responsible for the retaining fence and tree planting.

The Club was involved in the conducting of the Sports section of the Crusta Cup on the last day of 1994. Our thanks is extended to Neil White, sports master at the High School for his advice and direction. Good fun & family entertainment.

 

The outgoing student is Anthony Bishop for 1995. The outgoing student for 1996 is Amber Inwood. Charlott Stage is due to arrive shortly from Denmark.

 

 

The main project for this year was the New Op Shop costing the Club $130,000.00. It was opened by District Governor Allen Lawrie, on the 18^th October 1996. Thanks must go to Bob Fowler, and Albert Noll for their untiring efforts. To date $18,000.00 (a weekly average of approximately $461.00 for 39 weeks) Once again the annual Food Fair was a success with net takings of $5,420.00.

 

The international Committee decided this year to help the Berri Club by donating $1,000.00 towards their project in Papua New Guinea called the Chevasing Project.

 

The incoming student for 1996/97 is Jean Baptiste Ducrotois from Belgium. Stephen West participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award program.

 

 

Clean up Australia Project, Rotarians cleaned along the Sturt Highway including the bypass. Financial Assistance given to the Kindergarten for purchase of Educational play equipment $314.00 donated. Target youth Peer Education on Drugs and Alcohol was supported by Rotary by an amount of $3,620.00. Australian Rotary Health Donation $536.00.

 

The Club donated a further $500.00 to the Chevasing Project in Papua New Guinea.

 

Secondary School mock Job Interviews were held.

A dinner at the Cadell Training centre enjoying fellowship with the members. The centre organised the cooking demonstrations which was enjoyed by all. The Riverland Citizen of the Year was promoted by the Club. The Opportunity Shop report indicated a good year, with good sales and the building now being debt free.

 

Once again this committee has had a busy year with students coming and going. Charlotte Stage from Denmark left for home. The ever shy Jean Batiste Ducrotois arrived from Belgium. Amber Inwood arrived home from her year in Finland. Donna Leaker is our next out going student; she is going to Colorado in the U.S.A. Three students attended the Siemens Summer School in Adelaide.

 

Bill Layther was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.

 

 

Nine new Members were inducted during the year.

Ian Oliver was chosen as the District Governor for 1999/2000. The Rotary Op Shop takings being in the vicinity of $27,000.00. In July 1997 under the direction of our Webmaster Bill Pollitt The Rotary Club now has a home Page on the Internet World Wide Web in conjunction with Rotary International and District 9520. This year two more of our Members were recognised as Paul Harris Fellows, David Morley and Len Heppner. This year donations were made to the:

Australian Rotary Health	$1,000.00
Waikerie Amateur Swimming Club	$50.00
Rotary Club of Darwin (Katherine Flood Appeal)	$1,000.00

Thanks to Bill Pollitt our Web Master for ongoing involvement in the International Communications area.

 

Cliff Top Walk maintenance and improvements, which include rubbish removal and general cleaning of the area and tree planting, were carried out. The availability of Government Grants and Council assistance in the heating of the town pool, the Maize Island rehabilitation project in conjunction with Natural Heritage Trust and the Land Care Council.

 

 

Waikerie Rotary Christmas Tree for Santa's Cave which is 4.5 metres and is a replica of an Australian Mountain Pine. This tree was purchased by Rotary at a cost of $3,600.00. The Maize Island Project is a project that has been on-going for several months and is supported by the Local Action Planning Group with the Eastwood Rotary Club of Adelaide and has received $22,000.00 Funding. The heating of the swimming pool project is still under way. Community Service funded Steve Hill to a drug forum in Adelaide, attended by delegates from all over Australia.

The Rotary Year started with the news that part of Papua New Guinea had been devastated by a tsunami. Thanks to the few Rotarians who on a freezing morning a collection was organised and thanks to the Waikerie Community a sum of $768.00 was raised. At the end of the year the Club helped Rotarians Greg Noble, Brian Kleemann, Richard Hall, Joe Schober along with Waikerians David Schulz, Aub Leibig & Trevor Wuttke to assist in a working bee in Papua New Guinea helping the local community to have the basic necessities of life.

 

This year we continued the T.R.A.C. Retail Training Scheme. The Student Interviews this year were for all Year 11 and some year 10 Students. Approximately 50 in all. This required considerable organizing and a big effort for interviewers, thirteen in all.

 

The Club was unanimous in granting Honorary Membership to Bob Miller. Dr Bob was delighted to accept this distinction for the meritorious service to Rotary and the Community. We are reminded that Honorary Membership is a high distinction a Club may bestow on a Member. All would agree that Bob has met all criteria for such an honour.

Our historian Dave Kirby and our evergreen Webmaster Bill Pollitt do a great job.

 

 

The launching of a Revegetation Strategy for the S.A. Murray Darling at Maize Island by the Hon Dorothy Kotz M.P. and the presentation of National Heritage Trust Funding. This year the Club hosted the District 9520 changeover where Ian Oliver was inducted as Governor. Thanks to Steve Hill for his job as District Governor's Secretary and David Morley as Conference Chairman.

 

Has again supported the Operation Flinders and Youth Exchange.

 

In May a night of fellowship was held at North Shore, money raised from that night was donated to the Mozambique Flood Relief Appeal. $380.00 was sent.

 

More working bees were organised with the Eastwood Rotary Club to establish the Maize Island Wetland Project to construct camping areas and replant native trees -Thanks to John Gregory. $2,000.00 has been allocated to the Waikerie Hospital for the aged care unit to purchase a lifter.

District Conference 2000 "Mildura it's Magic"

The club hosted a very successful District Conference with the outstanding and dedicated support of 21 Waikerie Rotarians and 14 Partners. The event was held at the Gol Gol Midway Centre (near Mildura) from the 18th to 21st May 2000.

The Conference was organized and conducted with the outstanding support of our Joint Hosts, the Rotary Club of Mildura.

Most of the planning was organized by a small group, consisting of David Morley (Waikerie Conference Chairman), Steve Hill (Conference Secretary), Bruce Bawden (Mildura Conference Chairman), Assistant Governor, Group 1, Arthur Robinson and District Governor, Ian Oliver.

Registrations for the Conference totalled 783 Rotarians and Guests.

The committee was rewarded with the excellence of Keynote Speakers at the Plenary sessions, the hilarious Concert with acts from 16 participating clubs at "Ollie's One Night Stand", which raised $5000.00 for The Rotary Foundation and an enjoyable banquet, seating over 780 people.

Our club members and partners were overjoyed with the satisfaction of being part of an outstanding event and of our Club's achievements.

Governor Ian presented Steve Hill with a Paul Harris Recognition badge not only for his work at the Conference but also his outstanding work as District Secretary throughout the year.

Chairman David Morley and Chairman Bruce Bawden were presented with a Silver Friend of Australian Rotary Health badge for their excellent work.