A Rivetting governor for Rotary district

THE large Victorian and South Australian Rotary District 9780, of which Ballarat clubs are based, has a brand-new governor in a local Rotarian.

For the 2022 to 2023 year, Alfredton Rotary Club’s Kathy Rivett is leading the district, which stretches from Geelong to Swan Hill in the east, over to Millicent and Bordertown in the west.

“My role is a bit like a coach. I support the clubs to be their best, and to make a difference in the world as a part of our vibrant organisation,” she said.

“This year, I’ll go to visit each of the 54 clubs in the district, take them through this year’s theme, Imagine Rotary, and help them with anything that needs doing.

“Together, we’ll look at how we can make that a reality through various district-wide initiatives, like the RAWCS project to fund housing pods for flood victims in Lismore, and youth and medical programs behind the scenes.”

Mrs Rivett was nominated and then selected to be district governor years ago, and has been in training since 2020.

She’s already visited a few clubs and is enjoying the chance to champion and encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“I’m excited to be moving the clubs into 21st century, and helping them look ahead to the future, to imagine what they can achieve. It’s an honour,” she said.

“I’m proud to represent Alfredton Rotary. We have three people in district positions, so for Ballarat’s newest Rotary Club, that’s a huge thing.

“I’m also proud of the difference we’ve made in our community, here and overseas.”

As one of the first two women to ever join the Wendouree Rotary Club 22 years ago, she became their president in 2007.

She is a co-founder of the Alfredton Rotary Satellite Club, which was the first of its kind to charter in 2013, and is a Paul Harris Fellow.