Members share memories as Rotary club turns 99

THE Rotary Club of Bendigo has just notched up a significant milestone, celebrating its ninety-ninth anniversary with a history-based meeting on 30 July.

Organised by president Michael Pearson, the meeting was designed to outline what the club and Rotary mean to members.

Past presidents of the club, which was officially chartered on 30 July 1925, featured as guest speakers and relived highlights from their respective years in the role.

Members and guests were also introduced to this year’s Rotary Youth Exchange participant Maria Ruiz, who has recently arrived from Spain for a year of exchange in Bendigo. The club has been involved in the exchange program since 1962.

Rotary District 9800 Governor Michael Lapina was a special guest on the night, speaking of his vision for Rotary and entertaining participants by singing opera.

Meanwhile, Glen Reilly spoke about his year as club president in 2016-17, reflecting on his family’s long history of involvement in Rotary.

Mr Reilly’s father Kevin was a longtime club member and served as its president in 1995-96.

Past president Tom Dobeli (2021-22) recalled his many trips to Samoa to take part in community projects, while Val Broad who was president in 2017-18 shared her experiences establishing and supporting the club’s annual Carols by Candlelight project, which has been staged by the club since 1970.

The Annual Easter Art Show has been a major fundraiser for the club since 1968 and the current committee chair, Brian Figg (president in 2012-13) spoke of various highlights of the role.

The event raised $35,000 for community projects this year.

Larrie Winzar is one of the first female members of the club and is one of the few to have held the position of president twice, in 2000-01 and again in 2015-16. She was unable to attend but a prepared report which was read by past president Noel Hobley (2008-09).

Ms Winzar initiated the Star Thrower Project in Bendigo to support women’s wellbeing, and continues to be involved since moving to Point Lonsdale. The program was recently recognised by Rotary District 9800 with a community service award.

Immediate past president Daniela Ionescu presented a Royce Abbey Award to past president Wayne Smith (2011-12) for his commitment to the club and the community, and past district governor Grant Hocking recognised John Krakowiak for his support of the Rotary Foundation.