Events

CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

Australia Rotary Health is a fantastic arm of Rotary. Our club, together with many others sponsor Indigenous students in the health field each year. The Celebration night recently was a chance to join with Rotarians from other clubs who contribute financially to this program. Together with some amazing Alumni and current students we were inspired by their courage, and persistence to overcome many barriers. Representative fields were Social Work, Medicine, Nursing, and Paramedicine. Each practitioner spoke of their gratitude to  Rotary as the $5000 scholarship goes some way in reducing the financial burden of studying. All spoke of their intention to work towards improving health outcomes for Indigenous people. It was a great night to network with these inspiring people, and to engage with Rotarians from other clubs.
Congratulations to Natalie Keareny, Student Registered Nurse, Nathan Hawke, ( soon to graduate)Paramedic, Kathryn O’Sullivan, ( Alumni)  Social Worker and Sophie Heath, ( Alumi) Medical Practitioner.
 


 

ROTARY CLUB OF PRESTON CHRISTMAS BREAK-UP

We look forward to another great night of feasting and celebrating this time of Advent. A chance also to celebrate our lovely club, and the great people in it who always strive to “make a difference.” Those of us in Rotary know that what we give of ourselves, we receive in bucket loads. We learn so much of our local community and beyond, and it is a chance to contribute meaningfully.
Our Christmas evening of cheer will be  DECEMBER 18TH 6pm for a 6:30 start.
                                                                      Don’t forget your Kriskringle gift!
 

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

The Christmas season is fast approaching, and with it a number of events.
Dec 6th-   Rotary Preston have been invited to “man” the BBQ  at Reservoir Neighbourhood House for their annual Christmas breakup.
Secretary Geoff would be very happy to hear from any club members to assist on this day!
Dec 14th  The monthly fundraising BBQ roles around yet again at Bunnings Preston. It’s sure to be a busy one in the month of Advent.  So hopefully all hands to the wheel for this one!
Dec 18th  Our Club Christmas evening dinner and breakup! Always an enjoyable event, we look forward to another great social event!
 
 

Wednesday Nov 6- LUNCH AT CHURCH OF CHRIST THORNBURY

The team at Church of Christ Thornbury have set up a pretty slick catering arm, inviting community in a welcoming space. Hence our meeting next Wednesday Nov 6 will be lunch  in the church. Their excellent coffee cart is on hand and Barista made coffee will be at our finger tips.
Having heard from Pastor Sue some months back, we are aware they provide a fantastic foodbank outreach. The church has been renovated and refurbished to create an inviting space.
We are looking forward to reconnecting with Sue and the community.
Whilst there, we will pop on over to the Mushroom cultivation area as part of our focus on the Environment.
Thanks to Peter Byrne, Environment & Sustainability Director for his organization here.
 
 

ENDPOLIO PICNIC

We were a small but enthusiastic group as we picnic-ed in the park last Sunday. Despite threatening rain, a few of us from Rotary Preston gathered together and enjoyed each other’s company at Coburg Lake.  Each year our club commits to the #endpolio campaign, and this year was no exception. Foundation Committee Chairperson, Kannan Subramanian happily announced our club donation of $1000 to this vital cause.
Our thanks to our exchange student, Darby Wilkes and her mother Faye for joining us, and to baby Ishita for keeping us all enthralled!
 
 
 

WORLD POLIO DAY OCTOBER 24 2024

Yes, we as a club are marking ENDPOLIO  by contributing funds to this excellent global vaccination program and having a picnic this Sunday at Coburg Lake ( see previous notice)
In 1988 Rotary International and the World Health Organisation launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. By the year 2000- 550 million children world wide had received the oral Polio vaccine.
      Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is NO CURE for Polio! The virus attacks the Nervous System and can lead to paralysis. Sadly in war zones routine vaccinations are disrupted. This is the case in Gaza, where Polio has been detected, and a 10 month old baby has contracted the virus. Rotary International has committed US $500,000 to help with the dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund.
We’d love you to donate to the PolioPlus campaign. Matching contributions are being tripled by the Gates Foundation. Go to my.rotary.org and click on the Polio Plus campaign.
 
  
 

LIFT THE LID ON MENTAL HEALTH FUNDRAISING WALK

The sun surely shined on us on Sunday as we walked in unison for this great cause. Dappled sunlight, a slight breeze, some 30 or 40 of us walked from Coburg lake along the creek, enjoying all that Melbourne Spring offers.
The Rotary Club of Moreland pulled it all together with great efficiency, and President Rosemary Freeman spoke succinctly about Australia Rotary Health and the strides we make in improving mental health, services and education.
“ ARH is one of the largest non government funders of mental health research in Australia and is a community service program in all Rotary districts.Its mission is to create better health and well being for all Australians through improved education and the advancements in knowledge gained from medical research.”
 


 

PICNIC TO  END POLIO

C’mon sunshine! We’re off to picnic at Gaffney’ Lake Coburg Sunday October 27th- as lots of Rotary clubs around District 9790 are doing.
We know that through the efforts of Rotary Foundation Polio Vaccinations have been rolled out globally making enormous strides in preventing Poliio outbreaks.
Sadly with the war in Gaza, for example, Polio is on the rise. 
We welcome all to join us at this family friendly event.
 
OCT 27
COBURG LAKE- parking on Murray Rd, or carpark Murray Rd, Gaffney St.
BYO Food, drink, folding chairs ,and a folding table if you have one.
Donations: $10 or $20 per family to END POLIO.
 

MONTHLY FUNDRAISING BBQ @ PRESTON

As the weather seems to be warming up, there’s sure to be a crowd doing their DIY shopping at Bunnings Preston. Join us for some well cooked snags all served with a smile. All funds raised go to the many great causes we support.

 

POLIO IMMUNISATION ROAD TRIPS

 

CHARITY WALK

 

ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP

 

ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP

 

LIFT THE LID ON MENTAL HEALTH

    In October there is a concerted effort by all Rotary clubs to raise funds for Mental Health research. Many activities are coming up, and we as a club will support the Rotary Club of Altona’s evening ( see flyer below). Some of us will participate in the Rotary Club of Moreland’s Walk for Mental Health ( see below) and
The Rotary club of Preston has for many years hosted a day where we enjoy a light- hearted time each of us wearing crazy hats, and raising $$ for this important issue. So on Oct 9, that’s what we’ll be doing!
 
 

 

FUNDRAISER BBQ AT BUNNINGS NORTHLAND - September 14th 2024:

Vacancies on our roster. Please be in touch if you can help with this vital fundraiser so we can keep supporting many great causes. 

DISTRICT CONFERENCE IN ALBURY 2025:

Start planning now folks! This will be a cracker! 

 

WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH- OCTOBER 2024:

Join the Rotary Club of Moreland, and many other Rotarians who wish to raise funds for mental health.  A day to walk in unity, and enjoy a BBQ lunch afterwards. 

 

A NUMBER OF EVENTS COMING UP

  • Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health October 31st

 

LATEST BBQ

Monthly fundraising BBQ’s are an absolute essential part of our remit as we always seek to support the many different causes that “create hope in the world “ ( to quote last Rotary year’s theme) and…, to continue to be “the Magic of Rotary.”
Grateful thanks to our generous members and friends who manned the BBQ in Melbourne’s cold recently.
 
  

 
 

NAIDOC WEEK 2024

Fantastic to witness the way local community marks and celebrates  NAIDOC Week. Reservoir East Primary School are proud of their First Nations’ families, and each NAIDOC the school is very intentional in the way they pay respect to past, present, and future Indigenous peoples.
       Rotary Preston were delighted to again cook up a BBQ lunch for students and staff. Equally, it was wonderful to walk through the school and witness the program staff had put together. Well done Reservoir East P.S.!! – And thanks to Rotarians, Geoff McIlvenna and Julie Morris who braved the elements and cooked up a storm!
 
  
 
 

Friends of Merri Creek

Join Ann and Bruce McGregor who have been tireless environmental activists in the local area for more than 45 years.
They will speak about how they managed to convince 8 Councils along the creek to form what is now the Merri Creek Management Committee in the 1970s. These Councils cooperated in building a pathway and revitalising the creek and its environs, which transformed it from an industrial drain with weeds and rubbish into a great recreational and environmental asset.
When: Thursday 9 May 7.00 pm
Where: Glenroy Community Hub Library, 50 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy
 
 
 

Jacob’s Well Trivia Night May 31st 2024

The date for this event was postponed and is now scheduled for May 31st
Jacob’s Well is a fantastic organisation whose mission is “ to break the poverty cycle by sinking fresh water wells in villages, establishing health and resource centres and providing life- changing education for children from tribal villages and the slums.”
  • Preston Rotarian Joan Roose invests heart, soul, and many months each year living and volunteering  for Jacob’s Well in rural India in a remote school. Joan gives us first-hand insights into how impoverished many areas in India are in terms of providing education and support for chidren.
  • We hope many can support this fundraiser.

 
 

ROTARY CLUB OF PRESTON CHANGE-OVER DINNER 26TH JUNE 2024

Rotary “Change-over” Night is rapidly approaching where we farewell our fabulous 2023-2024 President Kannan Subramanian, and welcome 2024-2025 President -Elect Wayne O’Neill. ( who will no doubt be terrific!)
 
 
 
Changeover Night is always a great opportunity to reflect on all we have achieved in the busy Rotary year. We share stories, an evening of great food and wine, and enjoy the fact that after 60 years our club is making a difference in many peoples lives.
     We look forward to Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick whose chosen theme, “The Magic of Rotary” will no doubt keep on inspiring Rotarians around the world.
 
Dinner: Melbourne Polytechnic Preston Conference Centre
              Building U, 67 Cramer St Preston
              6:30 for 7:00PM
              RSVP:  Tuesday 18th JUNE
 
  
 
 

ANZAC DAY GUNFIRE BREAKFAST : ALL NATIONS PARK NORTHCOTE APRIL 25TH.

  • Yes, -this annual event that Rotary Preston takes part in by way of offering hospitality ,- that is, egg & bacon rolls for the public, is on again.
  • A great morning, and the breakfast seems to  be very much appreciated by the locals.
Set up- @4am, Service @6am, then serve breakfast. Packup at 0800, & we adjourn to Delganis for a strong coffee!!
A great morning!!
 
 
 

UNLOCKING HEARTS & MINDS

An open invitation to attend the Florey Institute 30th April  @ the Ian Potter Auditorium 5:30-6:30pm
Discover the breakthrough in research into brain and kidney complications, heart failure and surgery, as shared by Associate Professor Yugeesh Lankadeva and a distinguished panel of speakers.
Hear directly from these specialists and gain valuable insights into developments in this vital area of heart health.
Registrations are free but essential. https://bit.ly/HeartsMindsFlorey
THE FLOREY 30 Royal Parade Parkville.
Light refreshments provided.
 
 
 

CHILDREN’S FIRST SPARKLING LUNCH

 A wonderful fundraiser for the excellent Children First Foundation.
An opportunity to hear first hand of the incredible work the Foundation actions.
Key note Speaker  is Dr Ruth Mitchell. Nobel Prize winner and Chairperson of Children First Foundation. She  will be speaking on “Global Health.”
Dee Dee Dunleavy, media personality, and Children First Ambassador will be M.C.
A 2 course lunch with drinks package is included in the ticket price.
 
 
 

VOCATIONAL AWARDS 2024  “ PRIDE OF WORKMANSHIP AWARDS”

Rotary Preston each year is  committed to supporting and awarding a   first year apprentice  at Preston’s Melbourne Polytechnic campus for diligence and excellence in their training.
At our recent club meeting Annabelle Barrow, an apprentice Painter & Decorator was the 2024 recipient of the ‘Pride of Workmanship’ award.
 
 
 
 

Upcoming Events

   

 

Reservoir Neighbourhood House Foodbank delivery

This very important community outreach by our club very much valued by the community.
It is sobering to see the increased  volume of people lining up in desperate need of food and groceries.
 
 

Fundraiser BBQ at Northlands Bunnings Sat April 13th

- a key fundraiser we do each month. All funds raised go to supporting the many areas of need both locally and internationally. Please contact Club Secretary Geoff to be involved.
 

MAY 3rd 2024 - CHILDREN FIRST FOUNDATION SPARKLING LUNCH

A very pleasant way to support CFF and the excellent work they do with bringing children from developing countries for major surgery.
The event will be at the Kooyong Tennis Club
$152/head for a scrumptious lunch
Dress Code: Smart Lunch attire
Rotary Preston has invested many hours, lots of heart, blood, sweat and tears in CFF and it’s wonderful to get a table together and help the coffers for this excellent organization.
 
 

TUESDAY 12th MARCH - FOODBANK DELIVERY TO RESERVOIR NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

Our next Foodbank Delivery to Reservoir Neighbourhood House will be Tuesday 12th March.
This amazing service is providing well over 100 families with much needed fresh fruit, veges and groceries, and as we unload the truck we are seeing how important this outreach is to the local community.
    We encourage Rotarians to join us in this event which occurs fortnightly. Lunch follows and it’s a time for catching up and connecting with one another.
 
 

TUES 27th FEB - FOODBANK DELIVERY TO RESERVOIR NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

Join us for our next Foodbank delivery to Reservoir Neighbourhood House as we unload our precious cargo of fresh fruit & veg, and groceries for an ever- growing number of locals in desperate need of help. Our Rotary team enjoy lunch together under the trees in the RNH garden.
 


SUNDAY MARCH  3RD - CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA !!!

Thanks to President Heather Harris ( Rotary Club Pascoe Vale) for registering and promoting this important environmental action.

Join us as we help CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA!
De Chene Reserve 193 Urquhart St Coburg
 
Participants will need to sign up by registering at
 
 
 

Watch this space for the official OPENING of the VASS Food Forrest !!! Coming Soon!!

 
 

 

Fundraising BBQ- Bunnings 14th October

This all- day event rolls around each month, and is a much needed revenue raiser for all the excellent causes our club supports.

We are a NOT- For- PROFIT community organization, so it’s vital we keep this going!!

 

ROTARY YOUTH DRIVER AWARENESS (RYDA)

Each year the Rotary Club of Preston commits to supporting this excellent program offered to secondary school students throughout the Northern suburbs in Years 9 & 10.
The program runs over the course of a day and involves powerful lectures and videos around safety issues when driving a vehicle. Highlighting issues such as mobile phone use being a major distraction and cause of a high incidence of accidents, and sadly, fatalities. Speed, ignoring traffic signals- “running the amber light”- alcohol and drug use and its effects whilst driving, - so much is covered throughout the day.
   Feedback from students and teachers  is encouraging, as it highlights how necessary it is to get the message across to young adults when they are at highest risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents.
   Our club sends a team of ‘volunteers’ to assist teachers in marshalling students from one information hub  to another as the presentations and videos are efficiently coordinated.
Always compelling is to hear from a “survivor” of road trauma, and hopefully, this reinforces the importance of driver awareness and safety.
Another great initiative heartily supported and endorsed by ROTARY!
 
 

Sat, 10th of September 2023, Keeping Australia Beautiful!

PLANTING ALONG MERRI CREEK- all are invited to help improve Biodiversity along our beloved Merri Creek. Rotarians are encouraged to help Darebin Council & Friends of Merri Creek to plant indigenous shrubs between 10am- 12 midday September 10th.
Planting is the western end of Warrk- Warrk bridge, Beavers Rd Northcote.
 
 

 

Shipping container

We unpacked, then packed again- the shipping container going to India – more specifically to the Rejoice School  that Rotarian Joan Roose is closely connected with. This rural school in Orisha will be receiving playground equipment all the way from Preston and Thornbury Melbourne, along with boxes AND BOXES of books, hand- knitted jumpers, office shelving, computers, bicycles…. you name it. A miracle we got it all in- and a terrific team effort from Preston Rotarians, along with friends and supporters of Joan’s mission.  Great work Rotary, and our thanks to Joan and friends. Fantastic to be part of such a worthwhile cause.

 

   

 

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES!

It was fantastic for our club to recently celebrate two wonderful Rotarians, and members of the Rotary Club of Preston
Peter Peyton – 50 years a Rotarian, and Wayne O’Neill 30 years. Both have contributed so richly in their humanitarian outreach. Much loved members of our club, and over a terrific lunch catered by Darebin RSL.- it was a day to be remembered.  Go to   Stories for more detail on Peter & Wayne)
 
    

 

 

CHILDREN FIRST FOUNDATION GALA BALL

An absolute humdinger! We had a BALL! Superb venue, great food, the band was excellent. Most of all, a great success in raising $$$ for the CFF.  A number of Rotarians from Preston were present, and it was delightful to get on the dance floor too! Even better was to see some of the young children who had received complex and life- saving surgery having a jive too. Not to be missed next year- same again please!!
 
    

 

Celebrating the Rotary Anniversaries of two fantastic Rotarians.

Celebrating the Rotary Anniversaries of two fantastic Rotarians.
Wayne O’Neill is to be congratulated for his 30 years of Rotary membership, and his great work in assisting our club in its major fund- raising venture.
Peter Peyton will have been a Rotarian and member of the Rotary Club of Preston for 50 YEARS!!!!! True!! Peter is a dearly loved member, and always, always supportive of whatever we are doing.
On May 3rd, we will be hosting a special lunch to celebrate these fine fellows. District Governor, David McPherson will be in attendance.
 
 

PERSON BEHIND THE BADGE- Dr Carla Finocciaro

    What perfect timing that as we celebrated International Womens Day on 8th March, our
“Person Behind the Badge” was Rotary Preston Member, Carla Finocciaro.
Carla has been a member of our club for over 20 year, and is a Past- President.
She shared some of her life story which was very moving. Born in Sicily, Carla married at aged 20, and studied to be a teacher. With 2 young children, Carla and her husband felt called to leave Italy and venture overseas and begin a new life. Darwin, 1970 was their new home, only to experience the terror of Cyclone Tracy, on Christmas Eve, 1974. In graphic and moving detail Carla described how her family huddled together as their house was dangerously close to collapsing like a house of cards. For many of us who were not in Darwin at that time, it’s difficult to imagine how frightening to be in the eye of such a devastating cyclone was. The noise is something Carla will never forget.
Soon afterwards, Carla and her children, like many women and children, were evacuated to Southern states. Carla’s family settled in Melbourne, another baby was born, and Carla went on to gain her Phd in Education,and for many years taught in the Tertiary sector.
We were privileged to hear some of Carla’s life story, and she is a delightful member of our club. Thanks Carla!!
 

 

Aboriginal Advancement League in Watt St Thornbury is a seriously beautiful place.

Meeting up with Deputy CEO Leigh Saunders, we are exploring the possibility of visiting International Rotarians being hosted by the AAL for an evening of Indigenous hospitality, and culture during the May Rotary International Convention.

Watch this space!

 

Jacob’s Well Foundation in India.

More playground equipment being harvested and recycled to countries in need.
Teams from Rotary Preston, Kensington- Flemington, & Glenferrie were active again this week, harvesting playground equip from Penders Park Thornbury.
Together with the gear harvested from Wood Street Preston recently, these will be sent to the Jacob’s Well Foundation in India.
Terrific effort by all!

 
 

Christmas  ’22 High- Jinks!

Well, we didn’t have our planned Christmas picnic, but we enjoyed much laughter & great food at the Darebin RSL. We channeled our inner child and sat on Santa’s knee, thanks to the good- will of Santa, aka Peter Sambell. Always happy to oblige is our Peter!

      

Sunday 11th Dec- Christmas BBQ/Picnic at Children First Foundation Retreat in Kilmore. Please contact Secretary Geoff for further info.

  • Saturday 10th Dec- our penultimate fundraising BBQ @ Bunnings Northland
     
  • Thursday 1st Dec 10am- 12 midday at the Darebin RSL. The Pinchappoo Packathon! A team of us will be making up these fantastic toiletry packs for the charity ‘Pinchapoo’, as they have donated thousands to flood relief victims. Rotary Preston are proud to assist such a great cause.


     
  • Celebration of Indigenous Health Scholarship students
    6th December: Australia Rotary Health is hosting a celebration of Indigenous Health Scholarship students. Students will outline their area of study over a lovely meal. Australia Rotary Health is a vehicle by which Rotarians can provide practical support & help to encourage more Indigenous Australians to study at Tertiary level. 

     
  • OCTOBER 12TH 2022. LIFT THE LID ON MENTAL ILLNESS FUNDRAISER
    Join us as we raise money to support Mental Health services


     
  • SAT OCT 8TH 2022. BBQ @ Northland Bunnings
    Our regular monthly fundraiser to support the many programs we assist.
    See you there!
     
  • KOORIE BASKETBALL ACADEMY TREATY CUP
    The recently opened Narandjeri Sports Stadium in Thornbury was a hive of activity recently as the Koorie Basketball Academy hosted the first Treaty Cup Carnival.
    The curtain- raiser was a team of young children playing a fast- turn over game, with the children each giving one another to get a fair share of the ball. It was exciting to watch, and some of the children were especially fast.

    Head Coach of the Koorie Basketball Academy, Ricky Baldwin, spoke at our club a few months ago, and highlighted the importance of mentoring & inspiring young Indigenous youth to take pride in their identity. Ricky not only aims to develop sporting skills, and the
    love of basketball into children’s lives, but he weaves cultural awareness into every interaction.

    One young girl opened the day by singing the Australian National Anthem in Wurrundjeri language. Powerful indeed. The stadium resounded with the haunting music of the Didgeridoo. All in all, a wonderful day.

      



     
  • Rotary goes to CERES COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL PARK
    1. Our meeting next Wednesday 28 th September will take the form of a walking tour of this wonderful local community hub. CERES is a farm, housing a nursery, bookstore, bakery, Organice grocery, wood merchant, & education centre.
    AND it has a commercial garden, urban farm, & social enterprise hub

    Rotary Prestons’ Environmental & Sustainability Committee are encouraging members to join us in what will be a fascinating exploration of how at a local level we can respond to the ecological & climate crisis we face.

    We will be meeting at 1pm at the Visitors Centre. BYO lunch, or have lunch in the café beforehand, and for those who are not time- poor, after the tour, stay for a coffee, brouse through the bookshop, or simply enjoy this unique environment.

    Cost: $10/head.
    Address: Corner Stewart & Roberts St Brunswick East

      

      

     
  • Koorie Basketball Academy are hosting a special Treaty Cup game this Sunday 18 TH AT NARRANDJERI basketball stadium, 12-5pm 281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury. Ricky Baldwin, Head Coach of KBA is excited about the line- up for the day. Some of the Aboriginal State team players, coaches,  young Koorie kids will be there. Smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country, Free BBQ & lots more will be happening. Rotarians from Preston will be there, along with our good friends Radio 3KND. Promises to be a great day. All are welcome.
 
  • International Entertainment Australia’s Circus Quirkus 2022 – is a contemporary take on your favourite, traditional circuses of ages past. Performances were held recently at the Thornbury Theatre, and enthusiastically supported. This is a major event sponsored by Rotary Preston each year, specially geared to families with special needs children.
    Performers included Acrobats, Clowns Jugglers, & Artistes- highly, highly skilled peformers- “delivering funny, hugely engaging and sometimes death-defying acts of unbelievable skill”! Volunteers from Rotary Preston are on deck with each performance to assist any families with access to the theatre.
 
  • Not to be missed!
    Film night at Thornbury Picture House: “Greenfinger”.
    This promises to be a great film- “heartwarming” & “funny”- & based on a true story.
    Monday 8th August  6pm.
    + Bamboo Socks for sale: Med & Large: $10/pair
    All to aid the Global Gardens for Peace project: Yooralla’s Ventilator Accomodation Support Service.
    Ticket & Socks purchased only at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/932863
 
  • Fundraising BBQ at Bunnings Northland this Sat 23rd July. A great opportunity for us to raise
    much needed funds for all the excellent projects we support.



     
  • NAIDOC Week:
    https://www.naidoc.org.au

    So many events to choose from in this year’s NAIDOC week. Rotarian, Ruth McCall attended the Flag- raising at the Aborigines Advancement League in Thornbury. It was a lovely event followed by great hospitality.
  
 
  • “Oh what a night!”
    Our Changeover night in which our Club members, friends & guests came together to mark a wonderful 2021-2022 Rotary Year under the direction of President Chris Shields, and the great work of our club- to hand the baton over to Incoming President Ruth McCall. We enjoyed a time of celebration and reflection; honouring some precious lives lost over the year, whilst also acknowledging the amazing work our club has undertaken in such a challenging time. As our now Immediate Past President Chris noted, “ our club is undertaking great change and modernizing to be more relevant to our community today and for the future. Adopting our Diversity Statement & First Nations People Statement are great steps forward….”

      

    In part of her speech newly inducted President Ruth McCall reflected in part on the 2022-2023 Rotary Logo & theme: Imagine, quoting Rotary International President Jennifer Jones- “Imagine a world that deserves our best, where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.” Ruth concluded her speech by saying,” Our theme is future- focused. We need to be open and dynamically respond to life around us if we are to continue to thrive…. We are all volunteers who give so much of our time, and I think we are rewarded three-fold!

      
     
  • Angie Davidson : Awardee Paul Harris Fellow Award
    The excellent Angie Davidson- well known to Rotary Preston as CEO of the Reservoir Neighbourhood House was honoured at our Change-over night with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Angie has exemplified outstanding service to the community by her innovative leadership and compassion for community. Angie, who is well supported by an equally compassionate & hard working team at RNH shows time and time again diverse ways of meeting community needs. We are proud to present Angie with this recognition, for our association with all the team at the Reservoir Neighbourhood House.