We continue our snippets from Hawthorn Rotary's Club History, with some reminiscences from 2007-08 when Ian Macfarlane was our President.
After many years in Apex, I was initially inducted into the RC Waverley 1998 which was a very enjoyable experience.
When Jan and I decided to move to Hawthorn, we were keen to continue our commitment to Rotary, and my nomination to Hawthorn Rotary which fortunately was accepted in March 2002 when Bernie Walsh was Club President.
Several years later after being actively involved in various activities including our involvement with the District Conference at Melbourne University in 2004, I was privileged to be offered the honour of being Club President for the year 2007-8.
Club Year 07-08. Rotary International Theme: Rotary Shares.
Some highlights from the year:
Community Service; Anne Scott’s committee supported the Camcare Shop painting and renovations, including a new carpet and display cabinets and shelving, and mattresses were sent to Community Centres in Zambia.
They also supported the Royal Children’s Hospital, Neurological Science Ward facilities, Second Bite, Boroondara Cares & Shire of Moira program, Kooyong Tennis Tournament, Relay for Life; The Boroondara Paper and Kinda Plus.
Vocational Service: Neil Roberts’ group supported the Epworth Hospital landscape garden project; a visit to Odyssey House and held the Boroondara Business Awards and Ron Carr Awards. The Police Mentoring Program was launched by Bernie Walsh.
International: Henry Drury’s committee established a Sister Club: RC Worthing UK.
Four students were sponsored at the School of St Jude, the Shelter Box Program and the Rotary Volunteer Program inTimor Leste were supported.
Foundation: David Rush’s committee hosted Ambassadorial Scholar Chinatsu Endo, the Group Study Exchange Program, ROMAC and the Centurion Program.
They negotiated a Matching Grant with four four other Rotary clubs and RC Madras Chenna Patna to purchase two emergency rescue vehicles in support of the Banyan Project.
New Generations: John Christoffelsz’ group supported the RI Exchange Student Program, with Camille Steverlynck at Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak.
Also two applicants each to RYLA and Lord Somers Camp; a Student Exchange Program between Hawthorn Secondary College & Campbelltown District High School, Tasmania, a Student Support Program at Hawthorn Secondary College and a Year Art Competition.
Fundraising: Ian Hamilton’s team organised the sale of Christmas cakes, Puddings shortbread & Hams. Raised $4,500
Christmas Dinner raised $6,537.00 and Kooyong Car parking had a record number of cars to park: $23,201 raised, a great effort.
The Rotary Club of Hawthorn ended the year with two significant awards.
At the District Changeover lunch at Leonda on Sunday 29th June, District Governor John Davis presented The District Community Service Trophy to RC Hawthorn.
The District Governor’s Benchmark Award was awarded to RC Hawthorn for recognition of outstanding service in each of the five categories.
We had a busy and rewarding year with sincere appreciation to the dedicated support of all our members, partners and friends. Together we truly demonstrated our International Theme – Rotary Shares.
President Ian’s full Annual Report can be seen at:
https://content.clubrunner.ca/7912/Document/Download?DocumentType=AccountDocuments&DocumentId=17ce6b6e-b359-4307-a63a-6a0d8f62811d (You may need to log into ClubRunner to open this link)