General News
24 July, 2024
Members embrace the magic
The Rotary Club of Horsham East is preparing to embrace this year's international motto, The Magic of Rotary, as members prepare for another year's activities.
During the past financial year the club donated almost $28,000 to designated causes.
Former president Wendy Lang handed over the gold chain to incoming president Terry Harris at a changeover dinner in Horsham's Glen Logan restaurant attended by Rotarians, partners and visiting dignitaries.
Ms Lang said the year's achievements included placing a digital community sign on the highway through Horsham, placing Peace Poles on two sites, a Karen-celebration night, youth exchange international program, eye-care program in Cambodia, a successful art fair in Horsham Town Hall and participation in a "say no to domestic violence" campaign.
Other member-led programs included an International Women's Day celebration, Christmas-present wrapping in Horsham Plaza, Wimmera schools science and engineering challenge and help with Relay for Life and many other causes.
Two members, Tom Gallagher and Terry Harris, achieved 100 per cent attendance during the year. Mr Gallagher was also honoured with a citation for his work for Rotary.
Trevor Bysouth, when moving a toast to Rotary International, outlined that the organisation had 1.2 million Rotarians in 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries.
"One of Rotary's greatest achievements is the eradication of polio worldwide in all but a couple of small pockets," he said.
In the 1980s Rotary International had set a goal to vaccinate every person worldwide against the disease. Where possible this has been achieved.
Mr Bysouth also outlined his club's contribution to a shelter box project.
"After the Polio Plus campaign this is the next best thing Rotary's ever carried out," he said.
Shelter boxes are stockpiled across the world and handed out after disasters. Each contains a large tent, water, cooking utensils, blankets and many other essentials. Each costs $US1000.
Board members for 2024-25 are president Mr Harris, president-elect Rick Hopper, secretary Robyn Lardner, treasurer Brian Thomas, club service Wendy Lang, youth/new generation Scotney Hayter, international/vocational Gary Green, environmental services Michael Clarke.