The Rotary Club of Wollongong celebrated its 91st year of service to the community last week. Every year, throughout the Rotary World, from the Rotary International President to the President of the local Rotary Club, the leadership team changes, with the local Clubs calling this their "Club Changeover".
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Guests included the District Governor Di North; Past District Governor, Sue Hayward; Assistant Governors Julie Collareda and Leigh Robinson; Federal Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird, who is a long-standing supporter of the Club; the Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, who is Shadow Minister for Natural Resources; Deputy Mayor David Brown, representatives of the Local Police Command, PCYC; representatives of the business community, family, friends of Rotary, the Acting Curator and staff of the Botanic Garden and Rotarians.
Special features this year included a summary of the highlights and achievements by the club by outgoing President Dot Hennessy, and an opportunity to recognise and make a donation of $US1000 to the Rotary Foundation, Rotary's charity. There were also three special presentations for Paul Harris Fellows (PHF) - recognition named after the founder of Rotary International.
Rotarians commit to "Service Above Self" through their Rotary service. To recognise Rotarians, members of the community and organisations, is an opportunity for clubs to identify those who also demonstrate these same qualities. Members of the club are invited to put forward their nominations for this honour.
This year, the first was a sapphire pin, presented to Judy Hammond, daughter of Past President Brian Reid, who joined the club in 1970, was President in 1982-83, and was awarded his first PHF in 1988. Brian, who passed away in April 2019, was the longest serving member, just a few months short of 40 years of very, active and dedicated service. The presentation was made to his family, in his memory, by the Past District Governor, Sue Hayward on behalf of the Rotary District and the club.
The Curator and Staff of Wollongong Botanic Garden, were also recognised with a unique recognition, presented to an organisation rather than an individual. In 1954-55 the Rotary Club of Wollongong, with the support of the community through fund-raising and in-kind support, built Mt Keira Summit Park. The club has enjoyed a continuous relationship, with summer working bees; partnering for special events in the botanic garden, the Easter Saturday Family Fun Day, botanic garden open days and other opportunities.
The final presentation was to the manager of Destination Wollongong, Mark Sleigh. Mark has worked tirelessly to promote tourism in this City, hosting high-profile events, whilst highlighting the city as a unique tourist attraction. Mark and his Board have established a Memorandum of Understanding with the club becoming a Community Partner to support wherever possible.
The 92nd President, Julian O'Brien was inducted and presented with the traditional Rotary Collar, Badge and Charter. Julian outlined his goals for the coming Rotary year and introduced his new board. All are looking forward to serving up a fun and action-packed year of projects.
For further information about the Rotary Club of Wollongong or its projects, contact Dot Hennessy on 0412 120 314 or email dothennessy@gmail.com
