The Rotary Club of Corowa welcomed new president Deborah Rowe at its 82nd Changeover Dinner on Wednesday, June 30.
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The dinner was held at the Corowa Golf Club, and a range of speeches were made on the night, while dishes of tasty food circled around tables.
The changeover marks the start of another Rotary year and allowed the club a chance to celebrate the achievements of the previous year.
Despite COVID restrictions, the club managed to hold a number of successful functions, raising money for a variety of causes including the Fred Taylor Scholarship, Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre and the IGA Giving Tree.
Following dinner, outgoing President Norm O’Flaherty spoke of the very challenging year members faced following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The coronavirus pandemic has put a hold on most group activities and caused the cancellation of meetings, functions, fundraising events, club meetings and an all-round dampener on a number of Rotary and associated events,” he said.
“This has caused us to develop and lean new ways to achieve. Our club members learnt about ZOOM meetings and how to communicate online a lot more.
“I believe the Rotary Club of Corowa has come through this very difficult year very well and has kept the flag of Rotary flying at its best and had a great year of fun.
“I firmly believe it is due to the concerted efforts of the boards and members of our club who have all pitched in and made being a member of Corowa an opportunity for service.
“I could comment about the functions we missed, cancelled or postponed but everyone knows about these or alternatively, events like the Federation Dinner that went so well with our great guest speaker, the honourable Brendan Nelson whose oration was so well presented.”
Mr O’Flaherty reflected that although it was a difficult year, he was so proud of how the Rotarians worked together.
“It has been a privilege and I have been proud to have been permitted to be the President of this esteemed club. All members can be similarly proud that we have presented and respected the many ideals of Rotary, and further presented them to our fellow citizens in such a way as to ensure the good name of Rotary has been to the fore in Corowa” he said.
The outgoing president then welcomed incoming President Deborah Rowe to the role.
“I know Deb will continue to build the food name of our club in the Corowa and Federation community,” he said.
“I sincerely wish you all the best and hope you have an even better year than I have had.”
Once Presidency was handed over to Ms Rowe, she announced her board for 2021/2022:
Vice President Norm O’Flaherty, President Elect Stephen Apps, Secretary Margaret Brown, Treasurer Paul Miegel, Membership Robyn Rhodes, Foundation Neil Davis, Federation Festival Gary Poidevin, Public Relations Kerrie Crawford, Service projects Stephen Apps.
Rotary is the oldest and largest service organisation in the world, with some 1.4 million members worldwide and providing service to the local community - with the Corowa branch founded in 1938.
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