Bellarine North appoints new Rotary president

BELLARINE North Rotary Club has named its new president at its 48th Annual Changeover Dinner.

The incoming president, 16-year Rotarian and Clifton Springs resident Leila Stecher, will step into the top role at Bellarine North Rotary Club, replacing outgoing president Andrew Jeffrey.

Ms Stecher said she was a little nervous about becoming president, and hosted her first meeting in the role on Monday.

“I originally started Rotary in Yarraville 16 years ago to meet people and have a positive impact on my local community, so this was a natural next step for me, I felt.

‘I’ve also recently taken a break as a volunteer of five years at the Anam Cara House Geelong.

“That was very important to me to give back to people that were and are living with life-limiting illnesses, and I have encouraged a lot of our Rotarians to continue to support the house where they can.”

Bellarine North Rotary Club committee member Caroline Rickard said Ms Stecher had been a welcome member of the club for the past five years.

“Leila came to us when she moved to the Bellarine after being an active member of the Rotary Club of Yarraville, but their loss is our gain.” Ms Rickard said.

“The year ahead will be busy and fun, and Leila has a list of things she is planning achieve and we can’t wait to go on her journey.

“We know we will be continuing this Club with the same fun and supporting of our community here and overseas.”

Bellarine North Rotary Club’s new committee was also unveiled at the changeover dinner, featuring Rotarians Glenn Faulks, Glynis Jones, past president Mr Jeffrey, new president Ms Stecher, Suzanne Harrold, Peter Byrne, Ms Rickard, Sue Riminton, and Ken Withers.

The club encourages any interested residents to attend one of its weekly Monday meetings held at Portarlington Golf Club at 6pm.